Earlier in the match, Haris Rauf went off the field with what was later confirmed to be a low-grade side strain

Danyal Rasool08-Feb-2025New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra is unlikely to feature in the ODI against South Africa on Monday, after sustaining a blow while fielding during Saturday’s tri-series ODI against Pakistan.Fielding at deep square leg in the 37th over, Ravindra steadied himself to take a catch as Khushdil Shah slog-swept Michael Bracewell towards the on side. But Ravindra seemed to lose the ball, struck flat and low, mid-flight, and took no evasive action as it struck him square on the forehead. He was seen staring at the ground, apparently in a daze, as blood streamed down his face while medical staff rushed onto the field.New Zealand Cricket [NZC] has since released a statement saying that Ravindra is “otherwise well” and will continue to be monitored.Related

• Lockie Ferguson in doubt for Champions Trophy and Pakistan tri-series

• Phillips 72-ball hundred flips the script as New Zealand beat Pakistan

“Rachin Ravindra sustained a laceration to the forehead after being struck by the ball in yesterday’s ODI tri-series win over Pakistan in Lahore,” the release said. “Ravindra passed the initial head injury assessment and the laceration, which required stitches, was addressed and treated at the ground. He is otherwise well and will continue to be monitored under HIA (Head Injury Assessment) protocols. He is unlikely to feature in tomorrow’s match against South Africa.”A stunned silence took hold of the ground after Ravindra went down. A stretcher was brought on as well, though it was ultimately not required. The Pakistan team doctor, nearest to the incident, also rushed on to provide first-aid assistance. After lying down on the ground while receiving a few minutes of treatment, Ravindra got up with the assistance of medical staff, and walked off the field, holding a towel to his head, to warm applause from what had just recently been a packed Gaddafi Stadium.New Zealand, riding on Glenn Phillips’ maiden ODI ton, won the opening game of the tri-series comfortably by 78 runs. Ravindra had earlier opened the batting and scored a brisk 25 off 19 balls to get his side up and running and sent down three overs.Haris Rauf walked off the field with a side strain•Associated Press

Earlier in the match, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf went off the field two balls into his seventh over, and the PCB later revealed he had complained of “sharp pain in the left side of the chest and abdomen muscles”, which was later confirmed to be a “low-grade side strain”. Rauf, it was confimed, would not come out to bat during Pakistan’s chase.These developments come just 11 days before the start of the Champions Trophy, which begins when these two sides meet in Karachi on February 19. New Zealand’s next game is on Monday, when they take on South Africa in the second match of this tri-series, while Pakistan are scheduled to meet South Africa on Wednesday.As the Champions Trophy looms, New Zealand could also be without the fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who suffered a hamstring injury while playing in the ILT20 in the UAE. As yet, the team is awaiting reports of a scan on Ferguson’s injury.GMT 0925 The news report was updated following NZC’s statement on Ravindra’s injury.

حرص وائل جمعة وهيثم فاروق نجمي الكرة المصرية على زبارة معسكر المنتخب الوطني تحت 17 سنة، والمشارك في كأس العالم في قطر.

وتنطلق منافسات بطولة كأس العالم للناشئين بداية من الثالث من نوفمبر المقبل وتستمر حتى السابع والعشرين من نفس الشهر.

طالع | منتخب مصر تحت 17 عامًا يواصل استعداداته قبل انطلاق كأس العالم

منتخب مصر يخوض الدور الأول للبطولة في المجموعة الخامسة ويبدأ مشواره أمام منتخب تاهيتي في الرابع من نوفمبر ثم يواجه فنزويلا وإنجلترا في الجولتين الثانية والثالثة في السابع والعاشر من الشهر ذاته.

وقال وائل جمعة في فيديو نشره حساب اتحاد الكرة على “فيس بوك”: “ربنا يكرمكوا أنتم مستقبل للكرة المصرية، إن شاء البطولة تصبح بدايتكم بدعم الجهاز الفني”.

بينما قال هيثم فاروق: “سعيد بالتزامكم وأخلاقكم العالية وتركيزكم بالمهمة المحددة، وإن شاء الله موفقين، والبطولة ستكون نقلة وتتأهلوا إلى أدوار متقدمة”.

da betcris： Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin announced his departure from the club last week upon the expiration of his contract.

da brdice： “After nine remarkable years at this club, I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision – together with my family – to begin a new chapter in my career,” said the Englishman on social media, confirming the news.

The previous few seasons haven’t quite gone to plan, as he scored just 11 goals since the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

David Moyes now faces the challenge of bringing in another attacker who can replace the former Sheffield United man. Might a move be close for someone linked recently?

Everton ramping up talks to sign La Liga centre-forward

While Calvert-Lewin was reduced to a bit part figure at Goodison Park last season, he still needs replacing, and Beto still needs some competition up top.

Well, the Toffees may well have found their man already.

Indeed, according to TEAMtalk, Everton are currently in talks to sign Villarreal striker Thierno Barry and are ramping up their efforts to bring him to the Premier League now knowing that Calvert-Lewin is departing.

The La Liga side are desperate to keep their prized asset, and unless a club matches his €40m (£34m) release clause, the Frenchman won’t be going anywhere.

“We want the player, and if he were to leave, it would have to be, if not for the release clause, something very close to it. If not, he won’t leave.” commented Villarreal Sporting Director Fernando Roig Nogueroles.

With Calvert-Lewin’s £120k-per-week wage now off the bill, Moyes will have some flexibility regarding potential incomings.

Not only would Barry be an excellent signing, but the youngster would also be an upgrade on the former Toffees frontman.

Why Everton must sign Thierno Barry

Calvert-Lewin has really struggled for form over the previous two seasons. Last term, he managed to score just three times in the Premier League, recording two assists.

In comparison, Barry netted 19 times while assisting four times across all competitions, instantly suggesting he would be a big upgrade on the Englishman.

Furthermore, Barry also registered more shots on goal per game (2.1 vs 1.9) than Calvert-Lewin, along with scoring more frequently (a goal every 211 minutes vs every 543 minutes), created more big chances (seven vs one) and finished the season with a better goal conversion percentage (15% vs 6%) in their respective leagues.

By coming out on top across all of these metrics, Barry could give Everton some much-needed firepower next season under Moyes.

He was hailed by U23 scout Antonio Mango in May this year, who spoke glowingly of his 6 foot frame, noting that his “strong physique makes him menacing in the box.”

Thierno Barry’s 24/25 La Liga stats

Apps

35

Starts

25

Goals

11

xG

12.41

Total shots per game

2.1

Big chances missed

15

Chance conversion

15%

Assists

4

Big chances created

7

His hulking frame means Barry is excellent in the air. Indeed, when compared to his peers across Europe’s top five leagues, he ranks in the top 14% for aerials won (3.84) per 90.

This ability in the air will be music to Moyes’ ears, who can ask his wingers to deliver crosses into the box on a regular basis.

For a fee of just £34m, the Merseyside outfit can sign a player with proven ability in a top-five European league.

Not only that, Barry would be an instant upgrade to Calvert-Lewin.

Related Everton considering shock move to sign £40k-p/w ace likened to Messi

The Toffees could cause a shock…

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Jun 29, 2025

Fast & Furious actor Vin Diesel has delivered an inspirational “no limit” message to Karim Benzema and Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad.

• Benzema and Co taking in friendly games
• A-list visitors to the dressing room
• Preparing to face Ronaldo again in 2025-26

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Hollywood superstar was granted access to the Al-Ittihad dressing room as they take in pre-season friendly dates during a training camp in Portugal. Diesel was joined by film director and legendary New York Knicks fan Spike Lee.

Advertisement

• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Diesel is best known for playing the character Dominic Toretto in the Fast & Furious franchise. He is a leader of friends and family in those movies, with motivational speeches often being delivered.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT DIESEL SAID

  He gave another when crossing paths with Benzema and Co. Diesel said, with an interpreter on hand: “Each one of you should take it upon yourself to take the team as high as you can. You never have a moment off. No matter what time of day it is, you always have to be planning how to elevate your profile, your fame, because you are really talented. There is no limit for you. You are stars. The whole world is going to know your name.”

  Diesel signed off by saying, as he turned to embrace Real Madrid legend and former France international Benzema: “I mean that guys, especially you brother.”

MatériaMais Notícias

da blaze casino： O Vasco anunciou oficialmente nesta terça-feira (9) a Nike como nova fornecedora de material esportivo do clube. A relação entre o cruz-maltino e a empresa já se construía há algum tempo e passa a valer a partir de 2026, encerrando a parceria entre o clube e a Kappa, patrocinadora que estampa os uniformes vascaínos desde 2020. O contrato é válido até 2032, de acordo com o portal “ge”.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasVascoRayan abre o jogo sobre renovação com o Vasco para 2026: ‘Ainda não foi assinado’Vasco09/12/2025Fora de CampoCazé aponta favorito para Vasco x Fluminense na Copa do BrasilFora de Campo09/12/2025Fora de CampoComo camisas do Vasco foram parar em um campo de refugiados no MalawiFora de Campo09/12/2025

da heads bet： ➡️ Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Vasco

O acordo entre Nike e Vasco contempla a linha completa de produtos para as equipes profissionais masculina e feminina, categorias de base e comissão técnica, o que inclui os uniformes de jogo, treino, viagem e peças casuais. O fornecimento do material acontece através da Fisia, empresa responsável por distribuir a Nike no Brasil, assim como foi feito no contrato com o Atlético Mineiro, outro clube que anunciou a empresa para 2026.

A estreia dos uniformes acontecerá no começo da próxima temporada com o time profissional, em jogo do Campeonato Carioca. Entretanto, antes disso, a base do Vasco usará camisas temporárias em jogos da Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, campeonato de base que começa na nos primeiros dias de janeiro. Essas peças serão exclusivas para uso em campo e não estarão disponíveis para comercialização. A estratégia também será utilizada pelo Galo em seu começo de parceria com a Nike.

continua após a publicidade

Na campanha de anúncio nas redes sociais, o atacante Rayan, destaque do Vasco em 2025, foi o escolhido para estrelar o vídeo. A oficialização veio através da campanha “Nossa Coragem Nos Faz Gigantes”, que, segundo o clube, destaca a união de duas marcas pioneiras. O vídeo mostra lances do jogador cruz-maltino, que narra um texto sobre o pioneirismo do clube.

– A gente não chegou aqui seguindo as coordenadas, mas seguindo nossa exigência, usando a coragem como farol, abrindo uma nova rota por se recusar a aceitar o caminho – destaca a narração. No anúncio do acordo, o presidente do Vasco, Pedrinho, detalhou a estratégia por traz da parceria entre o clube e a empresa norte-americana.

continua após a publicidade

– Para o Vasco, esta parceria com a Nike, marca líder mundial em artigos esportivos, representa muito mais do que um acordo de fornecimento esportivo. É um movimento estratégico que reforça nosso compromisso com excelência, inovação e com a construção de um futuro à altura da grandeza do clube. A Nike reconhece a força da nossa história, acredita no projeto que estamos desenvolvendo e se une a nós pelo que carregamos de mais valioso: a coragem que molda o nosso caminho – afirma Pedrinho.

Vasco e Nike mantém negociações há mais de um ano

O Lance! noticiou as negociações entre Vasco e Nike desde o fim de 2024, destacando que a parceria deveria ser fechada ainda em 2025 e válida a partir da próxima temporada. Segundo as apurações, já havia um interesse da marca norte-americana de patrocinar o Vasco desde o período de comando da 777 Partners na SAF vascaína. A entrada da empresa da “vírgula” era esperada pelo fato do time carioca não ter renovado com a Kappa, em contrato que vai até 31 de dezembro deste ano.

Campanha destaca ‘coragem e pioneirismo’ do Vasco

O slogan da campanha “Nossa Coragem Nos Faz Gigantes” destaca a essência das duas instituições, reforçada pelo texto de divulgação do clube, que cita movimentos históricos do cruz-maltino ao longo das décadas, como os Camisas Negras e a Resposta Histórica.

– A peça traz uma narrativa envolvente que traduz a essência dessa união: duas instituições que não reagem ao que vem de fora, reagem ao que carregam dentro de si. É essa força interna, indomável e histórica, que guia seus passos rumo ao desconhecido, onde a direção importa mais do que o destino – descreve o texto de anúncio.

A campanha de lançamento teve parceria com o estúdio criativo AKQA. No audiovisual publicado nas redes sociais, refletores iluminam a fachada de São Januário e um feixe de luz simulam a marca registrada do Vasco, que é a faixa branca na diagonal, assim como as camisas da equipe.

Nike fora do Rio de Janeiro desde 2009

Em 2009, a Nike parou de vestir a camisa de um clube carioca quando deixou o Flamengo. A Olympikus assumiu o posto na época. Desde então, a empresa norte-americana nunca mais forneceu material esportivo para uma equipe do Rio de Janeiro.

Tudo sobre

Futebol NacionalLance! BizNikeVasco

The visitors secured a huge victory in the opening Test against Sri Lanka but there are some key achievements Lyon still wants to tick off

AAP03-Feb-20252:48

Steven Smith: ‘A near-flawless performance’

Nathan Lyon has warned Australia could still be years away from Test greatness, despite continuing their blistering summer with a record-breaking rout of Sri Lanka.Australia claimed their biggest ever win on the subcontinent, thrashing Sri Lanka by an innings and 242 runs in the Galle series opener, only weeks after sealing their first series defeat of India in a decade.Related

• Kuhnemann, Lyon consign Sri Lanka to their biggest defeat

• Length, more than pace, key to Australia spinners' success, says Smith

• McDonald credits Kuhnemann recovery, Dubai training camp for Galle rout

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph confirmed Australia’s spot in a second consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final, with the ICC’s top-ranked side winning more Test matches in the past cycle than any other team.Elder statesman Lyon saw signs of greatness in the win in Galle, where Australian appeared in control from a first over that featured three fours off Travis Head’s bat. But Lyon does not feel the current crop of Australian players can yet lay claim to being a truly great side.”We want to become a great Australian team. We’re on that journey, we’re not there yet. That’s our end goal,” he said. “Part of that journey is making sure that when we close the window, we nail it shut. It’s all about being ruthless and doing our best thing for long periods of time.”The win in Galle ensured Australia would continue to hold every bilateral trophy for which they are eligible, alongside the ODI World Cup and the WTC trophy.But Lyon was quick to point out that Australia had drawn and not won the past two Ashes series played in England, last winning outright on the road in 2001. Australia have also not won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India since Ricky Ponting’s side took out the four-match series 2-1 in 2004.Nathan Lyon took seven wickets in the first Test•AFP/Getty Images

“There’s a few things [Australia needs to achieve],” said 37-year-old Lyon. “This is only me and my thoughts as well. We’ve got some great players within that change-room, there’s no point hiding behind that. “Australia will have to wait until 2027 for chances at away series wins in India and England. The country’s greatest ever offspinner, Lyon said he “100 percent” hoped to play on that next trip to spin-friendly India as a 39-year-old.Sri Lanka may be the last time before then that Lyon has the chance to bowl in tandem with fellow offspinners Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann.The trio took 17 of Australia’s 20 wickets in Galle, but the team does not have a subcontinent Test tour planned between the ongoing two-match series and India in 2027.”We’re going okay, but I still feel like we’ve got a lot of improvement to do. That’s about being ruthless,” Lyon said of the offspinning trio. “We’re three totally different bowlers with three totally different mindsets as well. I feel like I’m learning off Todd and Matt, and I feel like they’re pushing me to try and get better as well. Hopefully I’m passing on a little bit of knowledge here and there.”Lyon is mostly free of a left hip injury he suffered in the summer, though he is still in pain if he falls on the area.”But I didn’t have to land on it today, so all good,” said Lyon, who took match figures of 7 for 135 in Galle. “Apparently I ripped the deep tissue off the fascia [hip muscle], whatever that means. Apparently there was a bit of excess blood or something in there. Not ideal, but all good now.”

Heat, who beat Sixers in last season’s final, moved up to fifth with their point

AAP03-Jan-2025

Rain was the only winner as the BBL game in Coffs Harbour between top-of-the-table Sydney Sixers and defending champions Brisbane Heat was washed out without any play.The game was abandoned just over an hour after it was scheduled to start.The point apiece for the no result put Sixers three points ahead of second-placed Perth Scorchers, who were scheduled to play Sydney Thunder later on Friday.Heat, who beat Sixers in last season’s final but lost to them in Brisbane last week, moved up to fifth with their point.Rain had fallen over the north coast venue for several hours.At one stage, it appeared to have almost ceased, but it intensified and forced the abandonment of the game to the disappointment of the several thousand fans who arrived at the ground.Michael Neser had been scheduled to make his comeback from an hamstring injury suffered almost two months ago while playing for Australia A. Heat had also named wicketkeeper Tom Alsop in their squad, with the England Lions representative poised to make his season debut.Heat, who had lost three games straight before Friday’s washout, will next play Thunder in Brisbane on Monday. Sixers, who suffered their first loss in their last start after winning their first four, face Melbourne Stars at the MCG next Thursday.

The intent machine Mohammad Haris and the extraordinary Rashid Khan also find a place in the XI

Danyal Rasool and Umar Farooq19-Mar-2023Mohammad Rizwan (wk) Rizwan will go down as a PSL legend, and it’s because of seasons like these. Not only did he retain his incredible consistency – he was the highest run-getter of the tournament – he also demonstrated he can continue to add layers to his batting. Often criticised for his strike rate, it was up to 142.85 this year from under 127 the previous year. His magnum opus was an unbeaten 64-ball 110 against Karachi Kings. He flew from 50 to 100 in 18 balls, and was the only player to score a hundred this PSL at a ground other than Rawalpindi. He was, expectedly, flawless behind the stumps, all while leading Multan Sultans to their third straight final, and ending up agonisingly close to another title.Saim Ayub Not quite the find of the PSL, since he’d already been lighting up the domestic circuit, but the effortless step up was still a sight to behold. Having struggled with Quetta Gladiators as a teenager in 2021, Ayub’s reinvention as an aggressive top-order ball-striker was instrumental to Peshawar Zalmi’s successful season. A 37-ball 53 was a statement of intent, but he hit the heights during the Rawalpindi leg, taking full advantage of the shorter boundaries and flat pitches. Three successive fifties ignited Zalmi’s campaign, propelling them through to the play-offs and earning him a maiden call-up to Pakistan’s T20I side.Mohammad Haris This isn’t Pollard’s finest T20 season by any means, but then again, he sets high standards. Deployed mainly as a lower-order bludgeon, the West Indian produced several useful cameos. They might not have grabbed headlines, but they won games. An unbeaten 6-ball 15 and another undefeated 21-ball 32 gave Sultans crucial wins early on, while a 25-ball 52 in Rawalpindi helped them chase down 243 with relative ease. He saved his best for the first Eliminator, though, his 34-ball 57 coming in a remarkable counterattack that blew the Lahore Qalandars away. It included smashing Shaheen Afridi for 20, his most expensive PSL over, and he even chipped in with three wickets through the campaign.ESPNcricinfo LtdAzam Khan What he lacked in consistency he made up for in pure, exhilarating power hitting. Playing with an Islamabad United side that’s best set up to maximise his ability, the free license he had in the middle order was used to devastating effect. It was all evident in two blistering innings: his 42-ball 97 against Gladiators was probably the innings of the tournament, pulverising an attack that comprised Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain at the death. He followed it up shortly after with an unbeaten 72 in 41 balls that helped chase down 201 against Kings, earning himself a call-up to the national T20 side.Imad WasimKings’ captain endured seven losses out of ten matches after taking over from Babar Azam. Though Kings finished fifth, Imad’s all-round performance helped him earn a recall to the Pakistan side for the T20I series against Afghanistan.Rashid KhanRashid’s economy rate of under seven stood out in a campaign where he also ended as the third-highest wicket-taker. Only Zalmi took him for 40-plus runs this season. He played a crucial role with Qalandars winning seven out of ten group games.Shaheen Shah Afridi (capt)Shaheen lifted the PSL trophy for the second time in succession, thus establishing his credentials as leader. He also scored a lot of valuable runs, with 133 at a strike rate of 168. to stun the opponent. That included a half-century against Zalmi, before smashing 44 not out from only 15 balls in the final. As for his bowling, he was the tournament’s fourth-highest wicket-taker, with one five-for and two four-wicket hauls.ESPNcricinfo LtdZaman KhanA last-over specialist, seems to have a knack for defending a handful of runs. He bowled the 20th over in both the opening match and the final, defending 14 and 12 runs respectively. In only his second season, he showed temperament and control to become a part of Qalandars’ core. He and Rashid bowled the joint-second-most dot balls – 106. He did not pick up a player-of-the-match award, but there’s no denying the impact he had. He was rewarded with a maiden call-up for Pakistan, in the T20I side for the Afghanistan series.IhsanullahPakistan unearthed another bowling talent this season. Ihsanullah was picked by Sultans last season, but was injured after one game; this season he has come back as the finished product. The 20-year-old bowled some furious spells, clocking 150kph and announced himself in his second game with figures of 4-1-12-5 against Gladiators. He tested almost every batter he came up against this season and was top of the bowling charts all through before his team-mate Abbas Afridi pipped him at the end, pushing him down to second. He registered his trademark “archer” celebration, and was also rewarded with a national call-up for the Afghanistan series.Abbas Afridi

The need for a new striker at Manchester United is there for all to see, with their lack of ability within the final third hugely evident throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

Ruben Amorim’s side only managed to find the back of the net on 44 occasions in their 38 Premier League outings, an average of just 1.15 goals per match.

Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes ended the season as the joint-top scorers, both registering eight goals, with no player in the squad registering double figures, highlighting the need for added reinforcements.

Two centre-forward options, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, only managed seven league goals between them, with the former hugely touted with a move to Inter Milan this summer.

Given such form, it’s a surprise to no one to see the hierarchy prioritising a move for a player in such a department, with countless players already on their radar.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Over the last couple of weeks, numerous names have been mentioned to fill the striker void at Old Trafford, but no deals have yet been agreed to bolster Amorim’s side.

The likes of Hugo Ekitiké, Moise Kean and Aleksandar Mitrovic have all been mentioned as potential summer signings for the Red Devils, but it appears that attention has been turned elsewhere.

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is the latest on their radar this summer, with the Napoli talisman expected to leave the Serie A outfit, according to United In Focus.

Their report claims that talks have already been held for the 26-year-old star over a move to Old Trafford, undoubtedly providing a superb option for the club after scoring 37 times on loan at Galatasaray in 2024/25.

It also states that after rejecting a move to Saudi Arabia, his priority is a switch to the Premier League, potentially seeing the Red Devils move to the front of the queue for his signature.

Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres has been a player firmly on United’s radar over the last couple of months, unsurprisingly so given his previous stint under Amorim.

The Swede netted 54 goals in his 52 appearances across all competitions this campaign, undoubtedly being one of the hottest prospects in Europe, with Arsenal also in the race for his services.

It was reported earlier this week that the hierarchy have made contact with the 27-year-old’s representatives over a switch to the Premier League, with a £55m transfer fee mooted.

There’s no doubt that such a goalscoring record would improve the situation at the manager’s disposal, but he’s never showcased his talents in Europe’s top five leagues, posing a potential risk given his price tag.

Osimhen has managed to thrive in such a department, scoring 65 league goals in his five seasons as a first-team regular with Napoli – helping them claim the Scudetto back in 2022/23. He’s truly one of the great forwards, with European football expert Zach Lowy notably suggesting he is already “one of the best strikers of this century.”

When comparing their stats from the ongoing campaign, the Nigerian has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, further backing up why he’d be a better addition.

He may have registered fewer goals to date, but has notched a higher goal per shot on target rate, highlighting his clinical edge within the final third.

He’s also won more aerials and completed more take-ons, handing Amorim an all-round option that could take United to the next level throughout 2025/26.

Whilst either of the pair would hand the club the talisman they’ve been craving in recent months, it’s pivotal that, with such big money being spent, the right man arrives in the coming months.

From the stats produced and their previous experience in Europe, it’s evident that the Nigerian would be the better choice, pushing them in the right direction to try and return to their former glory.

Amorim's answer to Cherki: Man Utd to make huge bid for "phenomenal" star

Manchester United could be about to land a star who could be their Rayan Cherki.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 10, 2025

Seamer earns praise from both captains after player-of-the-match performance

George Dobell28-Aug-2021A “real find” was Virat Kohli’s description; “phenomenal” was Joe Root’s word: whichever way you look at it, England have a man for the long haul in Ollie Robinson.Robinson was named player of the match as England completed an innings-and-76-run victory in the third LV= Insurance Test at Leeds. He claimed 7 for 81 in the match, including 5 for 65 in the second innings. With James Anderson and Stuart Broad coming towards the end and Jofra Archer facing an uncertain future, in Test cricket at least, Robinson’s emergence gives England great reassurance for the future.Robinson took 4 for 25 in eight metronomic overs on the fourth and final morning. Running in from the Kirkstall Lane End, he quickly settled on a consistent length which threatens the stumps and both edges of the bat. Yes, he had a new ball with which to work. But the pitch was flat and the sun was hot. These were not easy wickets picked up on an English seamer.It was interesting to hear Robinson credit the influence of Anderson after the second five-wicket haul of a career which is only four Tests old. For almost as impressive as the statistics with Robinson is his apparent ability to pick up new tricks. Here, in the lead-up to the game, he noticed Anderson was gripping the ball slightly differently to other bowlers. Reasoning that there was nobody better to learn from, he quickly picked Anderson’s brains.”I noticed Jimmy held his wobble grip slightly different to how I and a few others held it,” Robinson said. “I spoke to him when we got to Headingley after the break and just tried to practice it in the nets. It went quite nicely. I tried it in the game and it worked quite well. It’s something I need to practise a bit more, but learning off Jimmy is invaluable at this stage of my career and luckily it came off today.”Related

• Ollie Robinson: 'Getting stuck into the opposition is a role I've taken upon myself'

• England march to 1-1 with Ollie Robinson five-for

• James Anderson puts things right after learning lessons of Lord's

• Six specialist batters to guard against collapses? 'I don't believe in that balance,' says Virat Kohli

• 'This is the situation we love best' – Virat Kohli eager to prove doubters wrong

This ability to pick-up skills from other bowlers is nothing new from Robinson. He grew up idolising Glenn McGrath and then played Grade cricket in Australia with Josh Hazlewood. Their influence can be seen both in his wonderfully smooth, repeatable action and his ability to thump out an excellent, consistent, probing length. Earlier in the series, he produced a knuckle ball – changing his grip even as he gathered to deliver – which also demonstrated his wide range of skills.He says his stock ball is the one delivered with a wobble seam which he hopes will hold up and leave the right-hander. And it was just such a delivery which accounted for Kohli, whose habit of flirting a little outside off stump was punished when Robinson persuaded one to bounce and at least straighten.But equally dangerous is the one which darts back into the batters. And while Robinson’s bounce – even from a pretty full length, Hawkeye tends to show the ball bouncing over the stumps – and the sometimes prodigious nature of his inswing might render leg-before dismissals a little more rare than you would expect (Mohammed Shami was, at one stage, reprieved by DRS when it looked for all the world as if he had been trapped in front), the fact that he can move the ball in both directions creates confusion. That’s why Cheteshwar Pujara left one which would have hit his off stump and Kohli fiddled with one he could have left. The fact that it’s all delivered with the nagging accuracy of toothache just wears at the batters’ concentration. It’s a terrific package.It was interesting that Kohli, while offering praise afterwards, also added a caveat. “He understand his skills really well,” Kohli told the BBC. “He swings the ball both ways and he’s very consistent; especially in these conditions. He is a real find for them.”No doubt there will be days, in Asia in particular, when that “these conditions” line proves true. But Robinson might enjoy South Africa, Australia and, depending on the surfaces, the Caribbean, too. He has played a fair amount of Grade cricket already and, while he is unlikely to gain the same amount of swing from a Kookaburra ball, he may well enjoy the extra bounce off the pitch. He’ll still hit the seam; he’ll still bowl an impeccable length. These are skills that should render him a useful addition to the attack in most conditions.Virat Kohli leaves the field after being dismissed by Ollie Robinson•Getty Images”My strength is consistency,” Robinson said. “It’s something I look at with the analyst and the bowling coach, Jon Lewis, every day after I bowl. I see how I’ve bowled and check my lines and lengths. If I can be as consistent as possible, not go for runs and build the pressure, then hopefully I’ll get wickets with that.”My stock ball is just to wobble the seam and try to get it to hold away from the right-hander. I’m learning a few things at the moment that I won’t reveal, but I’m trying to improve myself all the time, really. Learning from Jimmy, speaking to Jon Lewis – trying to improve myself all the time to become the best I can be really.”The one doubt England had about Robinson was his ability to back up performances. But he has managed to bowl more overs than anyone else this series and generally retained both his consistency and pace.”It’s been phenomenal to watch him perform as he has,” Root, his grateful captain, said. “He’s had big influences on all the Tests he’s played. We’ve known how skilful he is. It was a question of whether he’d be able to back it up in his third spell with the ball a little older. And he’s shown huge skill in being able to do that time and time again with big workloads under his belt. He’s shown what he is capable of doing and long may that continue.”Robinson said: “I was confident I could perform at this level. Over the last three or four years in county cricket, I’ve been up there with leading wicket-takers and getting good players or overseas players out often. So I knew that if I stepped up to Test cricket I could do the same and luckily I have been able to.”It feels like a very special day. It’s one of the great days in my cricket career: to get my first Test win and to take the vital wickets is really special. The noise when we got Kohli out was deafening. It was just an unbelievable experience and feeling to get that wicket.”So, yes. I’m very happy. I’ve had to wait a while for my chance, but hopefully I’ve taken it now and it will keep me in the team for years to come.”There seems every chance of that.Craig Overton celebrates a wicket•Getty ImagesCraig Overton had a decent game, too. With bat, ball and in the slips, he looked a sound addition. He may well struggle to retain his place if and when Archer, Broad and Woakes return. But his consistency and his obvious relish for the challenge render him a decent option at this level. He may well have moved ahead of Sam Curran in the pecking order now.In the short-term, England remain hopeful that Woakes and Mark Wood may be available for the fourth Test, which starts on Thursday at The Kia Oval. Both have bowled in the last day or so – Woakes in The Blast and Wood in training – and will be monitored to see how they recover. The extra day off won’t have done anyone involved in this game any harm, either.But Jos Buttler looks less likely to feature. Root would neither confirm or deny, but Buttler may be absent on paternity leave for either or both of the next two Tests. With his enthusiasm to tour Australia in current circumstances also doubtful – quite understandably, it should be added – there is a possibility (just a possibility) he could have played his last Test. Jonny Bairstow is likely to replace him with the gloves at The Oval, if required, with Ollie Pope set to come into the middle-order. Dan Lawrence has been released to play County Championship cricket from Monday.Such issues can wait until next week. For now, we can relish the prospect of an increasingly intriguing series which will remain ‘live’ right to the end. Every ball counts, you know.