يواجه منتخب مصر تحت 17 عامًا، نظيره إنجلترا، في إطار منافسات دور المجموعات من بطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا.
وكان منتخب مصر قد تعادل في الجولة الماضية مع فنزويلا، في المباراة التي جمعت بين الفريقين ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية من دور المجموعات من بطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا.
يذكر أن منتخب مصر تحت 17 عامًا، يقع في المجموعة الخامسة رفقة منتخبات فنزويلا وهايتي وإنجلترا.
طالع.. المنتخبات المتأهلة إلى دور الـ32 من كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا (محدث باستمرار)
ويحتل منتخب مصر المركز الأول في صدارة المجموعة، بالتساوي مع منتخب فنزويلا، وكل منهما يملك في جعبته 4 نقاط.
وسيواجه منتخب مصر نظيره إنجلترا، في تمام الساعة السادسة إلا ربع مساء اليوم الإثنين بتوقيت القاهرة، على ملعب إسباير زون بالدوحة في الجولة الثالثة والأخيرة من دور المجموعات من بطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا.
واستقر أحمد الكاس المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر تحت 17 عامًا، على التشكيل الذي سيخوض به مباراة إنجلترا في دور المجموعات من بطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا. تشكيل منتخب مصر المتوقع اليوم أمام إنجلترا في كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا
حراسة المرمى: عمر عبد العزيز.
خط الدفاع: نور أشرف وحمزة الدجوي وأدهم فريد ومهند الشامي.
خط الوسط: عمر كمال وباسل مدحت وأنس رشدي.
خط الهجوم: بلال عطية وعبد العزيز الزغبي وحمزة عبد الكريم.
Newly promoted Leeds United continued their excellent form, avoiding defeat for the second time in as many games in the Premier League. They backed up last week’s 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers with a 2-2 draw against high-flying Bournemouth.
It was a disappointing start for the Whites, who went a goal down in the 26th minute thanks to Antoine Semenyo. The Ghanian winger scored a fantastic low free kick to give the away side the lead at Elland Road.
Leeds, however, responded perfectly. Firstly, Joe Rodon found the back of the net, heading home a cross from Sean Longstaff 11 minutes after conceding. The Newcastle United academy star got himself on the scoresheet the other side of half-time. He met a loose ball on the half-volley and fired it home just inside the penalty area, to put Leeds ahead.
Just when it seemed like Daniel Farke’s side would hold on for all three points, 19-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi equalised for the Cherries in stoppage time. He also scored a sweetly-struck volley, getting on the end of a flick on in the penalty box after his side won a deep free kick.
Being so close to victory and ending up with just one point no doubt stung Leeds, but it was still a strong performance with some good showings. Longstaff was a real standout.
Why Sean Longstaff was the star man against Bournemouth
There was, in many ways, a lot of pressure on Longtsaff’s shoulders. He moved to Elland Road from St James’ Park with plenty of Premier League experience, and Saturday afternoon’s performance in front of the Leeds faithful feels like a real statement showing.
It was a fantastic performance from the midfielder. Partnered with Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach, he had the chance to get forwards and look to affect the game in advanced areas. With his goal and assist, it is fair to say he did just that. His strike, a fantastic volley, was one of great skill and technique.
What really stood out about the 27-year-old’s performance at Elland Road was the sheer number of chances he created. Longstaff played seven key passes and created one big chance. Off the ball, he was superb, winning 10 from 13 duels.
The Yorkshire Post journalist Leon Wobschall was full of praise for the new Leeds man. He gave Longstaff a 9/10 for his efforts, describing his afternoon’s work as a “stellar all-round midfield performance.”
However, Longstaff was not the only standout player, with another of Daniel Farke’s players performing particularly well.
The Leeds star who is completely undroppable
It was so close to being the perfect day for Leeds. The Whites were ruthless in attack, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin a good focal point, and also defended resiliently. One of those defensive players made a huge impression.
Keeping Semenyo and his fellow attacker quiet from open play was never going to be easy. However, Leeds right-back Jayden Bogle dealt with the Cherries’ creative players in impressive fashion and should now be considered completely undroppable.
The defender was up and down the right flank, creating one chance. But it was defensively that he really stood out. Bogle won five out of six tackles and seven out of nine ground duels, locking down that right-hand side.
Touches
46
Pass accuracy
79%
Ground duels won
7/9
Tackles won
5/6
Clearances
3
Interceptions
2
Key passes
1
Wobschall was certainly left impressed with the 25-year-old’s day at the office. He gave him a 7/10 for the work he put in, and said Bogle “should have been happy with his afternoon”, given how well he defended.
After a performance like that, it is hard to see how Farke drops Bogle from the starting lineup. He certainly made a significant impact in their point against a strong Bournemouth side, and has surely made himself undroppable.
It was an encouraging performance from Bogle. To keep an attacker as deadly as Semenyo quite like he did is no mean feat. He has surely made that right-back spot his own after a showing as strong as that.
Leeds struck gold on "indispensable" star who's now worth more than Stach
Luis Suárez, enfim, falou. O atacante uruguaio concedeu uma esperada entrevista coletiva neste sábado e falou sobre o seu futuro. O uruguaio vai mesmo deixar o Grêmio ao fim do ano, mas diz não saber se vai continuar com a carreira, apesar das especulações de que ele vai acertar com o Inter Miami, dos Estados Unidos, onde joga o amigo Messi.
Segundo Suárez, a decisão de encurtar o contrato com o Grêmio, que ia até o fim de 2024, foi motivada por causa dos seus problemas físicos, que hoje limitam o rendimento do atacante com fortes dores.
– Tenho que ser sincero comigo mesmo, com meu corpo, e com o clube. No próximo ano não vou poder render ao Grêmio o que esperam de mim, pela carga e intensidade que tem o futebol brasileiro. Terá muitas viagens se o clube jogar a Libertadores, que é o objetivo do clube. E por isso é uma decisão que se conversou com o clube. O clube entendeu e agradeço por isso – disse Luisito.
Perguntado sobre o Inter Miami, Suárez desconversou, mas disse que não sabe se seguirá atuando após deixar o Imortal. Ao que tudo indica, o futuro está em aberto. O clube norte-americano fez uma proposta ao Grêmio, mas Suárez diz que não foi procurado.
– Não sei se vou seguir a minha carreira após o Grêmio. O Inter Miami entrou em contato com o Grêmio, e o clube respondeu que eu tenho contrato e não teria possibilidade (de saída neste momento). Para mim, não chegou nada – disse.
Números
Desde a sua chegada, Suárez disputou 32 jogos, anotou 16 gols e faturou o título do campeonato gaúcho.
Tottenham Hotspur are already set to feel the effects of their exciting new start under Thomas Frank, with Spanish giants Real Madrid setting their sights on another of the manager’s key players alongside their well documented interest in Cristian Romero.
Simons fit for Tottenham debut vs West Ham
The international break is over and so could be the wait for Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani to make their Spurs debuts. With a London derby against West Ham United set to take place tonight, both are in contention to take Frank’s frontline to a whole new level.
Simons is one that will particularly excite Spurs fans and rightly so. The Dutchman looked almost certain to head to Chelsea before the Lilywhites hijacked their rivals’ move to welcome an incredibly impressive talent. With 11 goals and eight assists in all competitions for RB Leipzig last season, fans in North London can expect quite the impact from their new star.
Whilst there was plenty of good news to enjoy during the summer transfer window, there are still some concerns on the horizon. Romero’s future is one of them. The Argentine is still attracting interest from Real Madrid despite recently signing a new contract and could yet be joined by another one of Frank’s key men in the near future.
Real Madrid now targeting Micky Van de Ven
According to Football Insider, Real Madrid are now targeting Micky van de Ven in what could be a major blow for Tottenham. The centre-back, who has returned to full fitness this season, has got off to an impressive start under Frank and has attracted interest from one of Europe’s biggest clubs as a result.
Tottenham ready to double star's wages as Chelsea eye surprise move for him
Their London rivals are apparently keen.
ByEmilio Galantini Sep 12, 2025
Reports have indicated that a move is unlikely at this stage, but Van de Ven is on Madrid’s list. The Spanish club have seemingly commenced their search for central defenders with the contracts of Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba set to expire next summer. As such, names such as Ibrahima Konate have emerged as top options as well as Romero and now reportedly Van de Ven.
Alas, the quick Dutchman is not someone that Spurs will be keen to lose anytime soon. Former manager Harry Redknapp was one of many to hand Van de Ven plenty of praise last season, telling reporters: “He looks a great signing. What amazed me is during the Euros this year, he couldn’t get into the Dutch team.”
Arsenal now face being hijacked by Tottenham after their long-winded attempts to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, but the Gunners view one high-profile forward as a viable alternative.
A move for Eze has been on the cards at Arsenal for some time, with reports from as far back as early last month claiming that the 27-year-old is keen to join Mikel Arteta’s side following “positive” talks with his representatives (Ben Jacobs).
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzereacts
Since then, it’s been repeatedly stated that talks with Eze’s camp have continued (Fabrizio Romano), but Arsenal have stalled on making a formal bid to Palace for the England international despite some rumours of significant progress.
Eze has a £68 million release clause in his contract (excluding bonuses), which is now believed to expire this Friday despite previous reports it ran out on August 1, though it was apparently never sporting director Andrea Berta’s intention to activate it – as the Italian believes he can strike a deal for around £55 million (talkSPORT).
However, Arsenal’s hesitancy now appears to be having dire consequences.
North London rivals are now in talks over a deal for Eze, as they look to back Thomas Frank with the signings of both Palace’s star number 10 and Man City winger Savinho, so Berta may need to act quickly if he’s to avoid being beaten to the punch.
A major worry for Arsenal is that Eze is believed to be keen on a move to Tottenham, and right now, it appears Frank’s side are the ones who’ve moved ahead in the race for his signature.
In a more encouraging update, Berta and Arteta do have other options in mind if they fail in their pursuit of the ex-QPR sensation.
Arsenal view Real Madrid star Rodrygo as "strong" Eberechi Eze alternative
According to CaughtOffside, one of them is £207,000-per-week Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo
The Brazil international’s future at the Bernabeu, as it has done for most of the summer, remains uncertain, and Man City are actually considering a deal for Rodrygo to replace the potentially Tottenham-bound Savinho.
This transfer domino of wingers will be intriguing to keep an eye on this week, but Arsenal are apparently not out of the race for Real’s winger just yet.
CaughtOffside state that Arsenal view Rodrygo as a “strong fallback option” in case their deal for Eze fails.
Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly in action with Real Madrid'sRodrygo
Interestingly enough, Spurs actually held talks with Rodrygo’s representatives too, before seemingly moving on to Eze and Savinho.
The South American is a player of obvious quality, fresh off the back of a campaign where he bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions – the exact same number of goal contributions as Eze.
However, City’s fresh presence in the race for Rodrygo poses another significant threat to Arsenal, so again, Berta is forced into making a quick decision – whether to rival Tottenham for Eze, or rival Pep Guardiola’s side for the 24-year-old.
Before they can even make a move for Rodrygo, Arsenal will have to sell a left-winger, most likely Leandro Trossard, who’s entered the final 11 months of his contract.
Real Madrid opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win over Marseille, but controversy overshadowed the result. Dani Carvajal was shown a red card for headbutting goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, while Kylian Mbappe struck twice from the spot to secure victory. Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi branded the late penalty "shameful" as he criticised the officials' decisions.
Carvajal sees red after clash with Rulli
With the game tied at 1-1 following a goal from Tim Weah and a Kylian Mbappe penalty, the turning point came in the second half when Los Blancos' captain Carvajal headbutted Marseille goalkeeper Rulli following a heated exchange in the Marseille box. VAR reviewed the incident and the referee soon issued a straight red card to the full-back.
Despite the numerical advantage, Marseille were unable to capitalise and a Madrid attack ended with the ball hitting the arm of Facundo Medina as he slid in the box. The referee pointed to the spot and Kylian Mbappe stepped up to convert in the 81st minute to make it 2-1.
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De Zerbi fumes at 'shameful penalty'
De Zerbi was left furious by the decision to give the handball, even referencing Madrid's weekend controversy that saw Dean Huijsen sent off in La Liga.
He said: "It’s a shameful penalty. It’s not there. I would have said that too if it had been whistled for us. For me, it's not a penalty, never. Not at the Bernabeu, nor at the Velodrome, nor at Real Sociedad, nowhere. And I have no ulterior motive, I don't want to cause controversy. I'm just saying that there was no penalty. Period."
He also reflected on Carvajal's red card, saying: "In this kind of situation, head-to-head, I wouldn't give a red card. It's not violent. But it's the rule. For Real, for us, for everyone."
Mbappe decisive despite Madrid setbacks
Despite losing Carvajal, who had replaced the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold just five minutes in, French hero Kylian Mbappe once again proved decisive. The forward netted twice from the penalty spot, in the 28th and 81st minutes, to seal victory for Madrid. His composure highlighted his importance in Madrid’s quest for the Champions League, with the French star still chasing the one major title.
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The road ahead for Real Madrid and Marseille
Madrid’s win leaves them with three points, though Carvajal’s absence could create selection headaches. Xabi Alonso may turn to Fede Valverde at right-back if Alexander-Arnold remains sidelined by the time they return to European action against Kairat Almaty on September 30. Marseille, left frustrated, will need a response in their next Champions League clash against Ajax to stay competitive.
Hitting the winning run in a Test match that takes you to a half-century on debut. Walking off alongside England’s all-time leading run-scorer, Joe Root. Sunday was just another of a series of bucket-list moments for Jacob Bethell.Since September, the 21-year-old has enjoyed life in England’s priority lane, ticking off T20I and ODI caps against Australia and West Indies, registering three white-ball half-centuries against the latter. This first against the red was right out of his limited-overs playbook, taking just 37 deliveries, as the tourists chased 104 inside 13 overs to beat New Zealand by eight wickets in Christchurch. They take a 1-0 lead to Wellington.”[It was] a hell of a lot of fun yeah,” Bethell said. “And to walk off with Rooty [who made 23 off 15] at the end there was pretty special.”To come out in the second innings and have a chance to walk off with an England win was at the forefront of my mind and luckily I was able to do that.”Related
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The second-innings speed run was in keeping with how England attack smaller targets. Barring a thick inside edge to get him off the mark, the other eight boundaries were real statements shots. Especially a pull for six on to the grass banks of the Hagley Oval off fellow debutant Nathan Smith.Smith did not take kindly to Bethell’s onslaught, having copped four boundaries off the left-hander in his first over, and went to bouncers. Bethell, however, is no stranger to short-pitched bowling. He was reared on it as a kid born in Barbados and later raised the UK – a scholarship to Rugby School brought him over aged 12 – as a regular target of the intimidatory tactics of bigger kids.”I was very small growing up so I didn’t really get a lot in my half up until I was about 16 or 17 when I got a bit bigger,” he said. “I never had as much power on it but I could still play it well. And now it’s just a decision on whether to hit it on the ground or hit it for six.”Such confidence, delivered with a mixed Bajan and Brummie accent that has a distinctly Welsh feel – which almost makes sense as the crow flies – is why England had no qualms placing him at No. 3. Even his first innings was met with something of a shrug.Conditions were tough, New Zealand’s seamers up and at them. Bethell backed himself, but managed just 10 from 34 balls – only getting off the mark with his 13th, still on one after 26 – before Smith snicked him off. Root’s dismissal then had England reeling on 45 for 3 at lunch on day two.”That’s part of the game, isn’t it?” Bethell said, like he’d been here before. “I saw it [as] if I got through to lunch, it looked like a different pitch after lunch. It does help when you’ve got Harry Brook batting, he makes it look quite easy.”I think it could have been a different story, I battled hard and unluckily didn’t make it through to lunch but another day you get through and go on to make a big one.”Ben Stokes singled out those 34 deliveries after the match rather than the half-century, clearly buoyed by the way someone so young owned his space during those first 49 minutes as a Test batter. “If he sticks to having that attitude, that swagger about him, I’m pretty sure he’s going to be alright,” Stokes said.Bethell’s selection for the tour outright was a huge show of faith, picked as the spare batter despite a first class average of 25.44 from 30 innings – none of which had come higher than No. 5. Not that he was worried.”Pretty much every time I’ve played against better people, I’ve played better,” he said. “Step up to the Hundred, played better. Straight into internationals, played better. I didn’t really have a doubt in my mind that coming into Test cricket that I’d have done well.”The strut, the talk, the arrogance, reinforced by what was only his sixth first-class fifty, could see Bethell retain this new spot for the series. It would require Ollie Pope to keep the gloves and stay at No. 6, meaning Durham wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson, who arrived on Saturday as Jordan Cox’s injury replacement, waiting his turn.England still regard Pope as their No. 3, and the man himself spoke forcefully that he still wants to make the position his own after his innings-saving 77 on day two. It is clear Pope wants that spot back for series against India and Australia next year.Bethell, however, is hopeful he gets a chance to show he can thrive up top, something he wants to do at Warwickshire but has not yet been able to make a solid case for.”I like batting up the order so, yeah, I was really happy that opportunity arose,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to bat in the top four so three is perfect.Bethell his eight fours and a six in his maiden Test fifty•AFP/Getty Images
“I think my game is fit to play any style. On Sunday we saw a bit more of an attacking style. I can also absorb a bit of pressure, so I’m sure at times in my career there will be times to do that as well.”As a multi-format batter already, inevitably there will come a time when Bethell is pulled a few different ways. It may already be happening.Following the conclusion of this Test series, he will head to Australia to fulfill his overseas commitments with Melbourne Renegades. And just last week, he was one of 12 English players picked up in the IPL mega auction, earning a maiden gig with Royal Challengers Bengaluru for a tidy sum of £245,000. It will also see him miss the first seven rounds of Warwickshire’s County Championship campaign.He will join England team-mates Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone at RCB. No surprises, though, for guessing who he is most looking forward to rubbing shoulders with.”It’s a bit of a given, isn’t it?” Bethell said, with a wry smile. “Virat! He’s a great of the game so… King Kohli.”Like all young players at the premier franchise competition, he wants to be a sponge. “Any kind of overseas player that’s gone over there has come back with a wealth of experience.”But this first taste of the longest format has him craving more. With an Ashes tour on the horizon – England’s successful 2010-11 tour was his formative series – this format, and this team, are where he wants to truly establish himself.”It’s everything I’ve dreamed of to be honest,” Bethell said of Test cricket. “Since I was a little kid I’ve always dreamed of playing Test cricket, I remember watching the Ashes, and just any England Tests on TV and wanting to be a part of it.”And then since Baz [Brendon McCullum] took over with Stokesy, I’ve always watched it on TV and gone ‘how fun that does that look’ and it lived up to expectation. It was so fun.”
Liverpool are less than one week away from returning to action. On Sunday, Arne Slot’s side will commence the 2025/26 campaign against Crystal Palace at Wembley for the Community Shield.
The season’s curtain-raiser counts for very little, but it does provide a chance for Liverpool to set the tone for the term, and for the fans to see some of the new signings in a competitive showing for the first time.
Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s record signing at £100m (which will rise to a British-record £116m with add-ons), is sure to have a few eyes on him, while Hugo Ekitike may well start up top with Luis Diaz sold to Bayern Munich and Darwin Nunez anticipated to sign for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
But it’s not only the Redman that fans will be eager to see in action. Indeed, one subplot on the afternoon will be the performance of Marc Guehi, with the Premier League champions having a vested interest in the central defender.
Why Liverpool want Marc Guehi
Last month, Liverpool allowed Jarell Quansah to leave for Bayer Leverkusen in a £35m deal. The 21-year-old was one of the club’s own, but he never found his footing in Slot’s system, and leaving was for the good of his career.
However, his departure has heightened the need to bring a refined talent like Guehi in.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match
The 24-year-old has become a regular for the Three Lions over the past year, and Liverpool have made it clear to Palace that they want to get a deal done this summer, with Guehi having entered the final year of his contract.
However, Newcastle United are also keen, with it having been reported that they are eager to snap him up after failed bids in 2024. Palace are holding out for £50m, a figure that the Anfield side are unwilling to pay.
However, news has broken that the Magpies are setting their sights on AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw, which might have something to say on their pursuit of Guehi.
Guehi would be the dream for Slot’s side, but there’s no certainty that he will join Liverpool or even leave Selhurst Park this summer. If sporting director Richard Hughes fails to get this one over the line, an alternative option has at least been lined up.
Liverpool lining up Marc Guehi alternative
As per GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool are monitoring Brentford centre-back Nathan Collins as Hughes continues to quest for more defensive depth ahead of the new season.
Brentford'sNathanCollinsapplauds
However, the Bees won’t want to engage in talks with suitors as they prepare for life without Thomas Frank at the helm. Brentford signed Collins, now 24, from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a £23m fee in 2023.
Though Brentford want to keep their star defender, we’ve seen how Liverpool making their interest known can entice players, and this is certainly one to keep an eye on, should Guehi remain away from Anfield this summer.
Why Liverpool want to sign Nathan Collins
Republic of Ireland skipper Collins has made 77 appearances across all competitions for Brentford since joining them two years ago, scoring four goals and providing six assists.
Last season in the Premier League, he was the only outfield player in the division to have played every single minute of the term.
Nathan Collins in action for Ireland.
Considered by those within Brentford circles to have gone under the radar at the Gtech Community Stadium, Collins is a “high-quality centre-back”, as has been said by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with an even distribution of tough-tackling impetus and steady creative passing.
Hailed by journalist Sam Tabuteau for being a “future leader”, Collins would bring the perfect blend of defensive ability on the field and an influential presence on the training ground to ensure that Liverpool maintain their levels across all four fronts last term.
And with this in mind, he might even serve as Slot’s dream alternative to Guehi, who has been described as “England’s best centre-back” by one online analyst.
Matches (starts)
34 (34)
38 (38)
Goals
3
2
Assists
2
3
Touches*
64.9
65.7
Pass completion
84%
86%
Big chances
5
3
Key passes*
0.5
0.3
Ball recoveries*
4.3
4.3
Dribbles*
0.4
0.3
Tackles + interceptions*
2.6
2.0
Clearances*
4.6
5.8
Duels (won)*
4.9 (59%)
5.1 (61%)
Errors made
2
3
Curiously, Guehi and Collins ranked up rather similarly in the Premier League last season, both proactive and hardy players with plenty of energy and a knack for organising teammates besides.
As per FBref, Collins ranked among the top 4% of centre-backs in the Premier League last year for assists, the top 3% for blocks, and the top 11% for aerial duels won per 90. This array of ball-playing and steely defensive qualities has actually seen Guehi listed as the Brentford man’s most statistically similar player.
With all this in mind, it’s clear that Hughes and the Anfield data analysts are targeting a specific defensive profile, and that Collins could be an astute alternative, should Palace remain firm on their £50m valuation.
He has, after all, proven himself capable against Liverpool’s frontline at their rip-roaring best, once winning 100% of his duels at Anfield while playing for Wolves.
It’s this kind of big-game mentality and willingness to step up in the face of adversity which differentiates Collins from the lion’s share of Premier League defenders; and which, indeed, led Frank to field him for every single minute of the recent campaign.
It’s a mindset Guehi wears on his sleeve, so commanding in the way he plays, but he’s not the only talented defender in the division, and Liverpool could hit the jackpot by signing Collins instead.
Liverpool clearly want to sign Guehi above all other targets on the shortlist, but if they fail to secure their quarry, Collins has exactly what Liverpool and Slot are looking for.
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Liverpool are hoping to sign a new centre-forward in the transfer market this month.
Warwickshire strike early but captain’s innings keeps rivals at bay
ECB Reporters Network09-Sep-2024Club captain Brett D’Oliveira struck his fourth successive half-century since returning from injury to inspire another Worcestershire recovery on the opening day of the Vitality County Championship derby with Warwickshire at Visit Worcestershire New Road.D’Oliveira had come to the wicket just over a week ago with Worcestershire 10 for 4 on the opening morning versus Essex at Chelmsford and his 68 helped his side rally to 266 all out on their way to a 43-run success. That followed his 97 during the home win over Kent and for good measure he hit another 51 in the second innings against Essex.Here, his side were struggling at 67 for 4 in testing conditions when he walked out to the middle and was again the cornerstone of a fightback with the top score of 76.D’Oliveira received excellent support from Adam Hose, fit again Matthew Waite and Logan van Beek in partnerships of 49, 76 and 43.He had missed the entire Metro Bank One-Day Cup campaign whilst having extensive rehab to a shoulder problem which has troubled him for the past year. But the treatment seems to have paid handsome dividends for the 32-year-old who has been in prime form since the Championship programme recommenced.Waite also made his mark with a fluent half-century on his return to action after nearly two months on the sidelines with a side strain.Oliver Hannon-Dalby, the leading wicket-taker in Division One, added three more scalps to take his tally for the season to 46 and again bowled impressively.Worcestershire gave a Championship debut to young Academy pace bowler Jack Home who last week signed a three-year contract after taking 16 wickets in five games in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.Warwickshire made one change from the side which had defeated Kent with spinner Danny Briggs replacing Jacob Bethell.Warwickshire skipper Alex Davies put the home side into bat on a wicket where the bounce was variable, particularly when bowling from the New Road End, and Hannon-Dalby made the first breakthrough when Jake Libby pushed forward to a delivery which nipped away and was caught behind.Kashif Ali, who had scored two centuries in the corresponding game at Edgbaston, provided keeper Michael Burgess with another catch off former Worcestershire allrounder Ed BarnardGareth Roderick had his middle stump knocked back by Michael Rae and then Ethan Brookes, promoted to No. 4, was lbw to Hannon-Dalby on his return to the attack with a delivery which swung back in. Hose and D’Oliveira battled through to lunch at 77 for 4 from 30 overs.D’Oliveira pulled Rushworth for four to bring up the 100 in 39.3 overs. The fifth wicket pair extended their partnership to 49 but Hose, having battled for nearly two hours for 33, drove at Barnard and was pouched at second slipWaite was full of positive intent from the start and collected four boundaries at Barnard’s expense in two overs.He was the dominate figure in a half-century partnership with D’Oliveira and completed his own fifty from 71 balls with nine fours.The afternoon session produced 111 runs from 34 overs for the loss of one wicket. But Waite added only one more run before he was lbw to Rae after he switched ends to end a stand of 76.D’Oliveira reached another excellent half century from 115 balls when he late cut Briggs for his seventh boundary. He found another staunch ally in van Beek in adding 43 for the seventh wicket but on 76 was finally caught low down at first slip by Yates off Will Rhodes.The second new ball accounted for van Beek with a third scalp for Hannon-Dalby thanks to Yates again showing a safe pair of hands, this time at second slip.But Home, who hit Barnard for the first six of the game backward of square, and Tom Taylor earned Worcestershire a precious batting point before the close during an unbroken stand of 52.
Both teams have seen enough of each other in recent times to treat the contest as a serious game of cricket, and not much more
Sidharth Monga08-Jun-20244:48
Rohit: Only openers’ batting position is fixed
The 2011 ODI World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan in Mohali was such a significant occasion that the then India coach Gary Kirsten and the rest of the staff left the meeting room to give the players a moment to themselves.”After the show [a presentation by the team analyst] is over, Gary says the support staff is mostly non-Indian,” R Ashwin writes in the book . “They value this team, and it’s a big game for them too, but they can’t even begin to imagine how big playing Pakistan in a World Cup is for us players. He says they’re all leaving now, so we can be alone and conduct the rest of the meeting ourselves.”That was about two hours before the match, which was to be played in the presence of the highest political leaders of both countries, many celebrities, and packed stands. Sachin Tendulkar gave a rousing speech, about how he had been thinking for the last two-three years of facing Pakistan in the semi-final or the final and winning the trophy. Everybody left the meeting with goosebumps.Related
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India versus Pakistan, but different
2011, though, was a different world. These matches used to happen rarely and organically. Now, there’s a World Cup every year and groups are planned so India and Pakistan play in the league stage. The occasion remains significant, but the edge is taken off a little.Results in ‘big matches’ have become a millstone around the current Indian team’s neck, though they don’t necessarily play poorly in such fixtures. On the eve of the match against Pakistan, Rohit Sharma was asked whether anything was different about games where expectations and stakes are higher. Small markers such as how their brains work in the lead-up, how well they sleep, how they feel during warm-ups. Not much, said Rohit.”Nothing has changed from last seven months because we played them [Pakistan] in the Asia Cup, the ODI World Cup, and now the T20 World Cup,” Rohit said. “Earlier it was a different ball game because we used to play them every maybe once in four years, or two years, now it’s a different ball game. We literally played seven months back in Asia Cup and the World Cup and here we are again now.”So, for me, I think nothing changes. I want to approach this as another international game where I get myself collected and make those decisions on the field. I am sure everyone will have their own way of dealing with games like these, but I have my process. Being a captain, I have to make decisions on the field. So, I think what’s more important for me is to just think about what I need to do right now, or this particular over – not to even think of how much do we need to get after 20 overs, or how much we need to bowl them out for. I think it’s about that one over, how we want to finish that over, staying in the present, and literally just nailing down maybe over by over, and think about what you need to do in that particular over, and that is where the skill of captain comes into play.”I’m sure other captains think differently. Everyone has their own way but this is how I like to think about that one particular over. Because this is literally a place where you can’t think too far ahead. Game changes every over here. So, you need to think about that particular over and how you can win that one over and then move on to the next over. I know there’s a lot of thinking that needs to go in this kind of thought process, but I’m okay with that.”Gary Kirsten has been on both sides of the India-Pakistan rivalry•ICC via Getty Images
Rohit was not part of the semi-final 13 years ago but he has won a World Cup final before and a few games against Pakistan too. India’s coach in 2011 is Pakistan’s coach in 2024. A bowler who took a five-for that day in Mohali is now a selector, and Wahab Riaz couldn’t keep himself from bowling in the nets on Saturday.Not only has he been India’s coach in the past, Kirsten has also worked with players such as Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill as director of cricket at Gujarat Titans in the IPL. When asked if his experience brings valuable intel, Kirsten said Pakistan’s players didn’t need it.”That’s a good question and the way I’d answer that is I think these players have seen enough of each other and how they play,” he said. “In the end we want to make sure that we get our game right. Look at the conditions and what is required on the conditions because I think that’s going to be a big day tomorrow.”Kirsten said the vibe also felt different. “I think it is a little bit different because it’s not in India or Pakistan,” Kirsten said. “I went for a ride early this morning, which I like doing most mornings, and I certainly rode around the stadium a little bit and I kind of felt that there’s going to be a good vibe there tomorrow. So that’s going to be exciting for us all to have that many people that have come out to support the two teams.”If Rohit is going to approach it as any other international match, Kirsten’s advice is to embrace the occasion. “Well, not to hide from the fact that it’s a big game, but to treat cricket like cricket should be treated,” he said. “Every game you need to play well, you need to hit the ball in the right areas, you need to score enough runs, you need to take your catches and field well. I don’t think it’s ever changed the game. It changes a little bit because of the formats, but that’s certainly what we’re going to go out and try to do tomorrow. If we play a really good game of cricket with our abilities, we have a good chance of winning the game.”