da dobrowin： Tottenham Hotspur have endured an inconsistent season, and their managerial situation has now become a point of contention with the campaign drawing to a close.
Ange Postecoglou speculation runs rife at Tottenham Hotspur
da 888casino： Who would be a manager? Ange Postecoglou has recently become the latest Premier League boss to come under scrutiny due to his side’s inconsistent campaign, which has left their potential destiny hinging on the outcome of Spurs’ Europa League exploits.
Incredibly, Tottenham could secure Champions League qualification if they can navigate their way to trophy glory in Bilbao. However, the Lilywhites must overcome Eintracht Frankfurt, followed by one of Bodo/Glimt or Lazio, before potential final opponents emerge from the other side of the draw.
Domestically, their form contradicts the likelihood of that sequence of events unfolding. In the Premier League, Spurs have taken 34 points from 87 available and crashed out of both cup competitions, leaving Postecoglou’s future in North London hanging in the balance amid rumours that Daniel Levy is starting to do his due diligence on a potential succession plan.
Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola have emerged as frontrunners for the role. Noise is part and parcel of every manager’s duties, but it has created an unwanted sideshow for the Australian as he looks to deliver the first piece of silverware since 2008 in N17.
Ange Postecoglou’s record in charge of Tottenham Hotspur – all competitions
Wins
42
Draws
12
Losses
33
Points per game (Premier League)
1.49
Injuries have also hampered his mission to take Tottenham forward, and on that basis, there is an argument for giving the former Celtic manager more time to implement his masterplan.
Nevertheless, Levy and ENIC may have seen enough as a high-profile manager has entered the frame to step into the Spurs hot seat.
Mauricio Pochettino could make exciting Tottenham return
According to reports in Spain, the Tottenham board is seriously considering a reunion with Mauricio Pochettino, with Postecoglou’s future in North London becoming increasingly uncertain.
The outlet states the prospect of the Argentinian returning appeals to all parties, and he could be the new face of the Spurs project due to his strong rapport with supporters and at board level.
Tottenham now racing Arsenal for striker Aaron Lennon called "frightening"
Spurs have set their sights on a forward, and they may be able to beat their north London rivals to his signature.
ByDominic Lund Mar 20, 2025
Recently, Pochettino revealed he would be keen to come back to North London one day, stating: “Look, when I left the club I always remember one interview I said I would like one day to come back to Tottenham and that is of course.
“I am in the USA, I am not going to no, I’m not going to talk about that, but what I said then still after six years or five years, I still feel in my heart that, yes, I would like one day to come back.”
Pointing out his current engagement as head coach of the United States national team, it remains to be seen whether he would be open to swapping Stateside life for another crack at Premier League football following his latest club spell in charge at Chelsea. Earning recognition for his sterling work, Pochettino was previously labelled one of the ‘top managers in England” by Pep Guardiola.
While the prospect of leading the Stars and Stripes out as one of the host nations in next year’s World Cup is enticing, could the thought of a sensational rescue mission at the side where he shot to global prominence as a manager carry a little bit more weight? Only time will tell.
Phillips, Santner and Patel had earlier shared eight wickets between them as New Zealand bowled Bangladesh out cheaply
Mohammad Isam06-Dec-2023Spin took 13 out of the 15 wickets that fell on the first day of the Dhaka Test. New Zealand sunk to 46 for five in response to Bangladesh’s 172 all out, and finished the day on 55 for five as Mehidy Hasan Miraz took three wickets and Taijul Islam two. The Bangladesh spinners gave back what their batters suffered at the hand of the New Zealand spinners.Play was called off at 4:16pm, at least 14 minutes before the scheduled end, as bad light took effect on a murky day in Dhaka. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Philips remained unbeaten on 12 and 5 respectively after the visitors ended up losing half their side in 49 minutes.Mehidy removed Devon Conway when the left-hander left an arm ball from the offspinner. Taijul removed Tom Latham in the next over, caught behind to a delivery that kept low, caught well by wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan. Taijul struck in his next over too, when Henry Nicholls was caught at mid-on by Shoriful Islam.Related
Sodhi backs New Zealand's 'experienced heads' to bounce back from Sylhet Test loss
Hathurusinghe on Shanto's captaincy: 'He was commanding respect, demanding the standard'
Why Mushfiqur Rahim was out for obstructing the field and not handling the ball
Mehidy then had two in three balls in the 12th over when Shahadat Hossain took a good catch at short-leg, to remove Kane Williamson. One ball later, Tom Blundell was trapped dead in front of the stumps.New Zealand’s spin trio had earlier led the way as Bangladesh folded for 172. Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel took eight wickets between them while Tim Southee took the other one that went to the bowlers. Mushfiqur Rahim, meanwhile, was given out obstructing the field, a dismissal that came at a critical moment for the visitors.Mushfiqur and Shahadat Hossain had only started to resurrect Bangladesh with a 57-run stand after they had fallen to 47 for four, before the 88-Test veteran had a brain-fade moment. Otherwise though, Bangladesh’s batters got out to soft shots as the visitors pounced on the mistakes.Mushfiqur Rahim had steadied Bangladesh before he was out obstructing the field•BCB
Bangladesh lost four wickets each in the day’s first two sessions. The root of the rot was in the sixth over when Bangladesh opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy tried too many things in the day’s first over of spin. Patel started off with deliveries that spun and kept low, to which Joy tried everything including a wild slog.The wicket followed soon after, when Santner had Zakir Hasan top-edging an attempted hoick towards long-on. It took a top-edge, and Williamson took the easy catch at mid-on for eight. Within four balls, Patel had Mahmudul caught at short leg, catching the inside edge with a poke. Mahmadul made 14.Mominul Haque fell caught behind attempting a near-impossible cut shot against Patel. The ball had spun back at him, stayed a tad low, as Mominul, for the second time in this Test series, was caught behind off the inside edge. Glenn Philips had got him in Sylhet, while Patel had him in the first innings in Dhaka.It was clear that batting wasn’t going to be easy on this pitch, so Najmul Hossain Shanto attempted to hit his way out of trouble. It lasted just 14 balls when his third attempt to reverse-sweep ended up in him being pinned lbw by Santner.Mushfiqur and Shahadat batted out the 13 overs before lunch with a little more ease, as Bangladesh went to lunch at 80 for four. Both batters used a bit more commonsense in their approach, which they were also expected to do after lunch.Forty-seven minutes after the break, Mushfiqur did the unthinkable. After he defended a Kyle Jamieson delivery in the 41st over, for reasons best known to him, Mushfiqur tried to pat away the ball that was already a fair distance from his stumps. New Zealand appealed immediately, and the TV umpire obliged with the obstructing the field decision.Mushfiqur made 35 off 83 balls with three fours and a slog-swept six. Shahadat followed him back to the pavilion in another 20 minutes, Phillips having him caught down the leg-side for 31. He struck two fours in his 102-ball stay.Phillips then removed Nurul for seven runs, with the bat turning in his hand as he attempted to hit out at the offspinner. Santner had Mehidy caught at slip for 20, in the over before tea. Phillips added his third when he had Taijul lbw for six, with the batter not attempting a shot.Southee, who didn’t concede a run in his first five overs, took the final wicket in his sixth over, when he had Shoriful Islam caught behind for 10. TV umpire Ahsan Raza decided that Tom Blundell took the catch cleanly after the on-field umpires couldn’t ascertain the legality of the catch.The 15 wickets that fell on Wednesday is the most on the first day of a Test in Bangladesh, while the 13 taken by spinners is the joint-highest along with the India-Australia Indore Test earlier this year.
da dobrowin： O Ceará tenta fazer uma espécie de ‘gestão’ da pena a ser cumprida diante dos lamentáveis episódios de violência em 2022, na partida contra o Cuiabá, pelo Brasileirão. Por conta do ocorrido na Arena Castelão, o clube ainda tem quatro dos seis jogos a serem feitos sem presença de público, tanto sendo mandante como sem a respectiva carga de ingressos como visitante.
Na avaliação do Alvinegro, a ideia seria com que esses compromissos sejam cumpridos na Copa do Nordeste e não na Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro. Algo que demonstra, dentro da avaliação da diretoria, um impacto negativo menor do que a ausência do torcedor no início do torneio onde consta o principal objetivo na temporada: o retorno à elite do futebol nacional.
RelacionadasFutebol InternacionalManchester City planeja renovar contrato de campeão mundialFutebol Internacional18/01/2023Futebol InternacionalVillarreal x Real Madrid: onde assistir, horário e escalações do jogo pela Copa do ReiFutebol Internacional18/01/2023Futebol InternacionalOs 10 elencos mais valiosos do mundoFutebol Internacional18/01/2023
da mrbet： >Confira as movimentações do mercado da bola no LANCE!
Por sua vez, a Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) parece convencida de que os quatro compromissos restantes na punição (os dois primeiros foram cumpridos contra Fluminense e Juventude, ainda no ano passado) precisam ocorrer na segunda divisão do Brasileirão de 2023.
Diante deste cenário, o Departamento Jurídico do Ceará tem se reunido para decidir se o clube apresentará recurso junto ao Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) visando reverter a atual postura da CBF.
A tendência é que a estratégia acabe sendo revelada nós próximos dias já que, no fim de semana, a equipe de Gustavo Morínigo tem o primeiro embate da fase de grupos do Nordestão. Na capital cearense, o Vozão atua como visitante frente ao Ferroviário, no próximo domingo (22), às 18h (de Brasília), no Estádio Presidente Vargas.
The BBL season has been shortened but there will still be a squeeze on many of the leading names
Alex Malcolm01-Sep-2023
Alex Hales and Rashid Khan will likely be retained, but Will Jacks is among the exciting England players with limited availability•Getty Images
Adelaide StrikersCurrent list: Wes Agar, James Bazley, Cameron Boyce, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Travis Head, Henry Hunt, Thomas Kelly, Chris Lynn, Ben Manenti, D’Arcy Short, Matt Short, Henry ThorntonLast playing XI: Matt Short, Travis Head (capt), Alex Carey (wk), Adam Hose, Colin de Grandhomme, Ryan Gibson, Harry Nielsen, Cameron Boyce, Wes Agar, Harry Conway, Peter SiddleLast season’s overseas/retention options: Rashid Khan, Colin de Grandhomme, Adam HoseDraft picks: 2, 10, 23, and 26What might they want? Strikers are almost certain to take long-time favourite Rashid Khan with pick 2 to the point where they inquired with other clubs about a possible pick trade, knowing they would use the retention on him. Beyond that, there are some clear needs for Strikers. Quality top and middle-order batting is their main target given Travis Head and Alex Carey are set to be unavailable for almost the whole season. A middle-order player who can bowl seam up would be ideal although given they will get overs out of both Matt Short and D’Arcy Short it is not critical.Their domestic attack is reasonably well-balanced and has been set up to try and withstand Rashid not being available for the back end of the tournament due to his SA20 commitments. He looks set to only be available for the first seven games. But they will want more availability in their other picks and then to find a replacement for Rashid post-draft. Adam Hose and Colin de Grandhomme are both available again and showed glimpses at times last year, but they ultimately did not provide the run-scoring output needed to help Strikers reach finals. There may be others in the gold, silver or bronze band with full availability who could be of value.Brisbane HeatCurrent list: Usman Khawaja, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Brown, Max Bryant, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Will Prestwidge, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell SwepsonLast playing XI: Josh Brown, Sam Heazlett, Nathan McSweeney, Jimmy Peirson (capt), Sam Hain, Max Bryant, James Bazley, Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Matthew KuhnemannLast season’s overseas/retention options: Sam Hain, Colin Munro, Sam Billings, Ross Whiteley, Tom BantonDraft picks: 7, 15, 18, and 31What might they want? Like Strikers, last year’s finalists have a very clear need for top and middle-order batters given they have a very strong home-grown attack that took them all the way to the final. They are set to be without Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne all season due to Test duty. At pick 7 they may need to use the retention options available to them if they want Sam Billings or Colin Munro. But both are only available for six to nine games which may not suit Heat. They would prefer longer availability in a platinum pick and the only player to fit that criteria who is not a retention player is Tom Kohler-Cadmore.Tom Banton is a non-platinum option who can be retained after playing for them previously but he is headed to the SA20 which reduces his availability to just six to nine games. They will likely target two batters with a preference for those who can handle the bounce and pace of the Gabba. Further down in the third or fourth round they may look for a power-hitting allrounder. They had Ross Whiteley last year and he is available for the whole season plus finals. They have lost local James Bazley to Strikers. An allrounder would deepen the batting and give them the option of playing their two local spinners.Harry Brook could still get interest despite his other commitments•Getty Images
Hobart HurricanesCurrent list: Iain Carlisle, Tim David, Paddy Dooley, Nathan Ellis, Peter Hatzoglou, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Wade, Mac WrightLast playing XI: Caleb Jewell, Zak Crawley, Mac Wright, Ben McDermott, Tim David, Matthew Wade (capt/wk), Faheem Ashraf, Joel Paris, Nathan Ellis, Wil Parker, Riley Meredith Last season’s overseas/retention options: Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Zak Crawley, Jimmy Neesham, Asif Ali, Sandeep LamichhaneDraft picks: 3, 11, 22, and 27What might they want? One high-quality middle-order bat and a pace bowling allrounder are the two desires for Hurricanes to complement the local talent they have. Harry Brook and Will Jacks have both played for Hurricanes previously but do not qualify as retention options. However, either would make the batting look incredibly destructive but they are both only available for six to nine games with two England tours bookending the BBL and both look set to be part of at least one or both. Hurricanes’ need for an allrounder could see them test out Sydney Sixers’ mettle given Tom Curran and Chris Jordan could be available at pick 3. Sixers can’t retain both so Hurricanes could pinch one of them, but they too are only available for six to nine games.In the later rounds, Netherlands allrounder Bas de Leede might be a smokey given he impressed Hurricanes head of strategy Ricky Ponting in last year’s World Cup but he also has limited availability. Shadab Khan, who is a retention option, would also fit nicely but he is also only available for six to nine matches. There is less of a need for an overseas spinner this year for Hurricanes after they signed two local spinners, Paddy Dooley and Peter Hatzoglou. There should still be other good all-round or batting options available with Hurricanes’ second pick at No.11. Hurricanes look set to sign three overseas as they currently only have 12 on their local list so they could add some fast-bowling depth in the late rounds depending on how their first two picks go.Melbourne RenegadesCurrent list: Nic Maddinson, Aaron Finch, Jake Fraser-McGurk, MacKenzie Harvey, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Jon Wells, Will Sutherland, Adam ZampaLast playing XI Shaun Marsh, Martin Guptill, Sam Harper (wk), Aaron Finch (capt), Matt Critchley, Will Sutherland, Jon Wells, Tom Rogers, Corey Rocchiccioli, David Moody, Fawad AhmedLast season’s overseas/retention options: Matt Critchley, Martin Guptill, Akeal Hosein, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad NabiDraft picks: 4, 12, 21, and 28What might they want? Aside from some youth to balance out one of the oldest lists in BBL history, Renegades are definitely shopping for a world-class batter who could possibly keep as well. At pick 4, Quinton de Kock looks incredibly enticing if he hasn’t already been taken. South Africa does have a T20I and ODI series against India at home in mid-December but de Kock’s national commitments for bilateral series remain fluid. If he were not to play in those games, Renegades could get eight BBL games out of him before the SA20 given how the fixtures fall for Renegades which might be a better result than other platinum picks in his availability bracket. But picking him would be a gamble. Coach David Saker’s England ties could see any of the star England batters targeted but they may have as little or less availability than de Kock early in the tournament due to a white-ball tour of the Caribbean. Jacks could be one of those, particularly with his offspin ability, but again availability will be a question.The signing of Adam Zampa means a spinner is not as crucial as previous years for them but a spin bowling allrounder and or a second spinner would also be a good fit. Mohammad Nabi is available to be retained and Renegades could still hold their retention pick until later in the draft. There should be some other options as not many teams have that specific need given the general nature of the BBL pitches. Renegades play on unique surfaces at Docklands and Geelong where a second or third spin option can be very valuable.Short-term impact? Haris Rauf has strong links with Melbourne Stars•Getty Images
Melbourne Stars Current list: Scott Boland, Joe Burns, Hilton Cartwright, Brody Couch, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell, Joel Paris, Tom Rogers, Mark Steketee, Marcus Stoinis, Beau WebsterLast playing XI Joe Clarke (wk), Tom Rogers, Campbell Kellaway, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Beau Webster, Nick Larkin, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Luke Wood, Liam Hatcher, Adam Zampa (capt)Last season’s overseas/retention options: Trent Boult (not in the draft), Joe Clarke, Luke Wood, Haris RaufDraft picks: 1, 9, 24, and 25What might they want? Stars almost have too many needs to make a really clear-cut decision with pick 1. They would want the best player available in the draft but they do not have a spinner currently on their list after Zampa’s departure and they have often played two international spinners at the MCG. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Shadab might not be retained by other clubs and could be worth pick 1 but both have only nominated for six to nine games. Equally, there are likely to be some good spinners available in later rounds. New Stars recruit Sam Harper nominated his former Melbourne Renegades team-mate Akeal Hosein as a great option for the MCG but he too is only available for up to nine games.They would also love a world-class fast bowler and/or an opener to complement the powerful middle order. Haris Rauf and Joe Clarke are both retention options, but it is doubtful Stars would use the first pick on either player. Rauf’s availability would be a worry even though he is a Stars favourite and a proven performer. A powerful left-hander like de Kock could well be something Stars look at, but they don’t need him to keep necessarily with the addition of Harper.Perth ScorchersCurrent list: Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kelly, Mitch Marsh, Hamish McKenzie, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Sam WhitemanLast playing XI Stephen Eskinazi, Cameron Bancroft, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (wk), Ashton Turner (capt), Nick Hobson, Cooper Connolly, Andrew Tye, Matthew Kelly, David Payne, Jason BehrendorffLast season’s overseas/retention options: Stephen Eskinazi, Faf du Plessis, David Payne, Adam Lyth, Tymal Mills, Laurie EvansDraft picks: 8, 16, 17, and 32What might they want? The hat-trick-seeking defending champions will likely stick to their winning game plan and pass in the platinum round as they did last year which probably rules out the retention of Faf du Plessis. They may only need two overseas to complement their all-conquering local list and will pick for specific needs and full availability although they did pick three in the end last year. Another powerful, smart middle-order player might be a target in the gold or silver band. Laurie Evans was very popular in Perth and important for Scorchers in their 2021-22 title. Even after missing last year, he can be retained. He is available for all home and away games but not finals due to the ILT20. If they don’t take Evans they will want a batter who can handle the extra pace and bounce of Perth Stadium. Stephen Eskinazi and Adam Lyth are both fully available for the season and finals and are also retention pick options.Scorchers have historically recruited an overseas fast bowler despite their strong local contingent, in order to help manage workloads in a tournament of tight turnarounds and heavy travel. Tymal Mills is a retention option but he is now in the platinum band after they got him in the bronze band last year with pick 30, even though he didn’t play in the end. Mills is the only platinum pick to make himself fully available for the whole season plus finals but at the same time, he still has ambitions of playing for England on the Caribbean T20I tour in December. Scorchers would love someone with extra pace to cover Jhye Richardson and Lance Morris if either have injury issues or international duties. But David Payne was very good last year and is fully available.James Vince will likely be on Sydney Sixers’ radar again•Getty Images
Sydney SixersCurrent list: Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Todd Murphy, Steve O’Keefe, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Jordan SilkLast playing XI Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe (wk), Daniel Hughes, Moises Henriques (capt), Jordan Silk, Hayden Kerr, Dan Christian, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Steve O’Keefe, Izharulhaq NaveedLast season’s overseas/retention options: James Vince, Izharulhaq Naveed, Naveen-ul-Haq, Chris Jordan, Tom Curran, Carlos BrathwaiteDraft picks: 6, 14, 19, and 30What might they want? Sixers face a tricky dilemma with their retention pick given three players who have been Sixers’ favourites in James Vince, Jordan and Tom Curran are all platinum picks and the two bowling allrounders could well be sought after by Hurricanes. Sixers don’t necessarily need another bowling allrounder. Even though Dan Christian has retired, Sean Abbott’s development as a batter in the last 12 months means he could move higher in the order. They probably need a top-order batter like Vince more than Curran or Jordan given Steve Smith will likely not be available at all this summer due to Test duty. Vince is also available for all 10 home and away games, unlike the two allrounders.They may target another fast bowler with some extra pace or unique skill to complement their locals. Izharulhaq Naveed bowled very well for them last season and is fully available again, including for finals. Carlos Brathwaite has also nominated for the draft having missed the last two seasons of the BBL. He played a key role in Sixers’ last title in 2020-21 as a power surge bowling specialist and could be someone who they could trust again with a later pick but he is only available for six to nine games.Sydney ThunderCurrent list: Cameron Bancroft, Ollie Davies, Matt Gilkes, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, David WarnerLast playing XI Matthew Gilkes (wk), David Warner, Jason Sangha, Ollie Davies, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Ben Cutting, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Gurinder Sandhu, Usman QadirLast season’s overseas/retention options: Rilee Rossouw, Alex Hales, Usman Qadir, Fazalhaq FarooqiDraft picks: 5, 13, 20, and 29What might they want? It will be a shock if Alex Hales isn’t Thunder’s first choice or isn’t retained by them if he is picked by Stars, Renegades or Hurricanes ahead of pick 5. He has full availability up until finals when he heads to the ILT20 and has no international commitments. He is the perfect fit for Thunder given David Warner might not be available until late in the tournament if he gets the Test match farewell he is hoping for.Thunder could add a second batter as their domestic all-round and bowling stocks look quite strong and well-balanced, particularly with Tanveer Sangha back fully fit. Liam Hatcher has been added as a pace bowler in place of Brendan Doggett. But another high-class or experienced overseas quick would also be a useful addition for Thunder. Someone with added pace or an ability to swing the new ball in the powerplay in the Sydney summer humidity would probably be preferable.
Unlike the other teams, who have their league matches spread across most of the ten venues for the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, Pakistan will play their nine league matches in only five cities, according to the schedule released by the ICC and BCCI in Mumbai on Tuesday.Pakistan begin their campaign by playing the two qualifiers from the tournament in Zimbabwe in Hyderabad on October 6 and 12, before travelling to Ahmedabad to take on India on October 15. They then travel to Bengaluru to play Australia on October 20, and onward to Chennai, where they play Afghanistan on October 23 and South Africa on October 27.The PCB had requested the ICC to swap venues for their fixtures against Afghanistan and Australia (they wanted to play Afghanistan in Bengaluru and Australia in Chennai) a request that has not been granted.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Pakistan then head east to Kolkata for their fixture against Bangladesh on October 31 and back to Bengaluru for their match against New Zealand on November 4. Their final league match, which will take place on the last day of the league phase, is against England in Kolkata on November 12. If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals, they will play the game in Kolkata.They will gear up for the 2023 tournament in India with warm-up games against New Zealand and Australia on September 29 and October 3 in Hyderabad.Related
PCB writes to Pakistan government for travel clearance for ODI World Cup
England to begin World Cup title defence against New Zealand on October 5
Australia to open World Cup campaign against India on October 8
2023 ODI World Cup schedule finally out; India vs Pakistan in Ahmedabad on October 15
Pakistan wants venues swapped for World Cup matches
The World Cup schedule was finally released at an event in Mumbai just 100 days before the start of the tournament on October 5. In comparison, the fixtures for the 2019 World Cup in England and the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand were released more than 12 months in advance.The tournament will be played across ten venues in India, with the semi-finals in Mumbai and Kolkata on November 15 and 16, and the final in Ahmedabad on November 19. The knockout games all have a reserve day provisioned. The format will be the same as it was in 2019, with ten teams playing each other once in the league phase and the top four qualifying for the semi-finals.India qualified for the event as hosts, while Afghanistan, Australia, England, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa made it by finishing in the top eight of the 2020-2023 World Cup Super League. The remaining two qualifiers will be identified at the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, which is being played by Sri Lanka, West Indies, Ireland, Nepal, Netherlands, Oman, Scotland, UAE, USA and Zimbabwe.
But will Pakistan travel to India at all?
Despite the World Cup schedule being announced, there is still no official confirmation from Pakistan that they will travel to India. Due to strained political relations between the two countries, Pakistan have not toured India since the 2016 men’s T20 World Cup. The latest word on the matter was that Pakistan’s ministry of foreign affairs was evaluating the team’s participation in the World Cup and would convey its view to the PCB in due course.”The PCB requires the Government of Pakistan’s clearance for any tour to India, including the match venues. We are liaising with our government for guidance, and as soon as we hear something from them, we will update the Event Authority (ICC),” PCB communications director Sami Ul Hasan said. “This position is consistent to what we had told the ICC a couple of weeks ago when they shared with us the draft schedule and sought our feedback.”It is understood that with the term of the ruling government in Pakistan ending in August, the decision on whether the team will travel to India will be deferred until the next government takes charge. This being an election year, the government will not make a formal announcement at this stage, though tentative permission has been given. The final decision will be taken closer to the departure date, like it was when India hosted the 2016 World Cup.Back then, Nawaz Sharif’s government gave the team last-hour clearance to travel after sending a delegation to India for security reconnaissance. The PCB had threatened to pull out of the T20 World Cup in India unless they had assurance from the Indian government regarding the security of the Pakistan team, which eventually resulted in the India-Pakistan match moving from Dharamsala to Kolkata.
Ansu Fati, who was once hailed as Lionel Messi's Barcelona successor, has been visited by police after complaints over noisy parties at his apartment.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Parties at Fati's penthouse spark complaintsPolice reportedly called multiple timesLa Masia graduate's future at Barca uncertainFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Fati is under scrutiny after his neighbours reported him to the police for hosting late-night parties at his penthouse on General Mitre Street in the Sarria district. The Barca forward is said to have hosted large crowds of revellers, with loud music being played deep into the night – and some gatherings starting as late as 3am. Despite multiple calls to the police, no formal action against Fati has been taken, as per reports.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The 22-year-old forward, who was once seen as the heir to Messi's throne at Barcelona, has struggled with regular injuries and inconsistent form. Moreover, his off-field behaviour, including these reported parties, is beginning to affect his reputation.
Head coach Hansi Flick is also said to be disappointed with Fati's attitude, both on and off the pitch, casting doubts over his future at the Camp Nou. The Spaniard has only managed 298 minutes across 11 matches in all competitions this season, including recent appearances against Mallorca and Valladolid.
WHAT NEIGHBOURS SAID
According to , one of the neighbours said: "We have recorded images of them coming and going. We're desperate, we can't rest like this." Another resident expressed his concern, saying: "With his nighttime attitude, Ansu is not only bothering us but also letting the club down."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ANSU FATI?
As the summer transfer window approaches, Fati's future at the club looks increasingly uncertain. With his off-field issues and limited on-field impact, it has been reported that Barcelona might look to offload him permanently following a largely unsuccessful loan at Premier League side Brighton last season.
da dobrowin： Following a slow start to the transfer window, in which they appeared to be doing very little, Arsenal have burst into life this week.
da dobrowin： Mikel Arteta’s side might still be some way away from signing their marquee striker, but based on reports from the last few days, they appear incredibly close to securing the services of Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga – and the deal for Martin Zubimendi looks as assured as ever.
Interestingly, several links to the incredibly talented Eberechi Eze have also been emerging in recent days, who would be an exceptionally exciting addition to the Gunners’ squad.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
Yet, if more recent stories are to be believed, Andrea Berta and Co may be looking at another English talent, someone who’d be an even better signing than the Crystal Palace star.
Arsenal chase England stars
While there was plenty that went wrong for them this season, Arsenal’s biggest issue was their lack of cutting edge, and at times, creativity.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
So, with that clearly in mind, the club have been linked with a host of brilliant attack minded players inrecent weeks, a number of whom also happen to be England internationals, like Anthony Gordon and Eze.
The former reportedly has a price tag of around £80m, and while he didn’t have his best campaign to date this year, he was still reasonablly effective, racking up 16 goal involvements in 42 games – including three against the Gunners.
Anthony Gordon
Eze, on the other hand, has a release clause in his current deal worth around £68m, and would therefore be little easier to bring to the Emirates.
However, as talented and exciting a player the 26-year-old is, it looks like the North Londoners could now be looking at yet another Three Lions star as an alternative, if not an outright upgrade.
At least that’s according to a recent report from the Express, which claims that Arsenal are very much interested in Morgan Rogers.
In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that after making initial contact over a month ago, the Gunners remain in talks with the 22-year-old’s camp over a potential deal.
However, given his importance to the Claret and Blue, the report claims it will take an offer of around £70m from the North Londoners, if they want to get their man.
It would be a costly and potentially complicated transfer to get over the line then, but given Rogers’ immense ability and potential, it’s one Arsenal shoud be pursuing, especially as he’d be a serious upgrade on Eze.
How Rogers compares to Eze
So, with their price tag being nearly the same, why should Arsenal be looking to sign Rogers over Eze this summer?
Morgan Rogers
Well, the first reason why relates to their output in the Premier League this season, as the Villa dynamo was able to score eight goals and provide 11 assists in 37 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.94 games.
In contrast, the former QPR gem scored eight goals and provided eight assists in 34 appearances, which comes out as a still good, but less impressive, average of 2.12 goal involvements per game.
The second reason for picking the Halesowen-born gem is that his advantage over the Palace ace extends to their underlying numbers as well.
For example, he performs significantly better in most relevant metrics, such as progressive passes and carries, as well as goal-creating actions, which helps demonstrate his creative potential, whether off the wing or in midfield.
Rogers vs Eze
Statistics
Rogers
Eze
Non-Penalty G+As
0.52
0.52
Progressive Passes
3.55
3.37
Progressive Passes Received
5.43
5.31
Progressive Carries
3.29
2.40
Passing Accuracy
73.2%
74.2%
Passes into the Penalty Area
1.62
1.35
Passes into the Final Third
2.11
1.70
Shot-Creating Actions
3.04
4.69
Goal-Creating Actions
0.46
0.35
Successful Take-Ons
1.91
2.33
Carries into the Final Third
1.97
1.67
Carries into the Penalty Area
0.95
0.76
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
Finally, the former Manchester City prospect is four years younger than the 26-year-old Eagles star and already has experience playing in the Champions League and fighting for places near the top of the Premier League, so the transition to title challenger should be easier for him.
Ultimately, both players would be incredible signings for Arsenal this summer, but thanks to his better output, underlying numbers, experience and the fact he’s far younger, Arsenal should be looking to sign Rogers over Eze.
Better than Sesko & Gyokeres: Arsenal have "looked at" signing £82m star
The incredible goalscorer would be an unreal addition to Arsenal’s squad.
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.
Desperation stakes for Joe Root as West Indies swarm towards famous series win
Alan Gardner27-Mar-2022Farewell then, the Red-Ball Reset. We hardly knew you. There may be successors, of course, a reboot of the franchise in a couple of months’ time, once the ECB have found themselves a new coaching team and management structure worthy of the Inspiring Generations tagline. But with the Grenada Test all over bar the shouting and the continuation of England’s barren record in the Caribbean, we have surely heard the last of that phrase for a while.Right from the moment this England touring party was announced, with their two all-time leading Test wicket-takers conspicuously absent, there was a suspicion that this was a mission doomed to fail. England have been beaten often enough in the Caribbean over the past 50 years while fielding their best personnel to know that chucking together a group of semi-regulars and sort-of-new faces to accompany Joe Root and Ben Stokes was unlikely to work.Even so, and allowing for the fact that the best-laid plans gang aft a-gley (and these probably weren’t the best-laid plans, let’s be honest…), this was a sucker punch for those following back home amid balmy spring weather and the first stirrings of the cricket season to come. After draws on the front foot in Antigua and Barbados, the last thing most were expecting when flicking on BT Sport in the evening was the sight of England being monstered by the mediums of Kyle Mayers.Eight down at the close and leading by just 10 runs, the jig was almost up. And barring the gallows-humour take that, in Saqib Mahmood, they still had their best batter to come, there was precious little to cling to for the put-upon fan of England’s Test side.Related
Ollie Robinson ruled out once more as England hand reprieve to Chris Woakes
Mark Wood out of West Indies tour, IPL 2022 with elbow injury
England face humiliation after Mayers' five-for, Da Silva hundred
Da Silva lives the emotion as maiden century sets WI on course
Afterwards, Marcus Trescothick, the England batting coach, tried to suggest that the team’s calamitous tumble towards likely defeat and a series loss on the decisive day of action should not provide the final word for the tour.”We’ve had one bad day today and over the course of the series this is the first bad day we’ve had,” he said. “Day one in Antigua we had a challenging day, but fought back really well. Barbados we were really strong and controlled most of the game and today it’s gone wrong.”It’s easy over the course of what we’ve had over the winter to throw it back and throw the baby out with the bath water. It’s all gone wrong, yes, we’ve had a really bad day and we’re really disappointed. We believe as coaching staff and players in that dressing room that we’ve made strides as a team over the course of the Test matches we’ve had. We’ll lick our wounds and try to come back from it but it’s been a really tough day and we’ve put the series in jeopardy.”Root and his men had at least resumed on the third morning still in touch, having been 114 for 9 at one stage during their first innings, and with the potential for setting West Indies a testing target on a pitch that has offered variable bounce throughout. All they needed to do was limit the damage, take two tail-end wickets and start making amends with the bat. But at the first whiff of grapeshot, they scattered.It was a day littered with instructive vignettes. Several came during an extended morning session during which England’s attack once again struggled to finish off the opposition – as at Lord’s and The Oval against India last summer, say, or at various points during the Ashes. Kemar Roach was dislodged inside the first five overs by Mahmood, one of the few actual bright spots on tour, and the same bowler could have had Jayden Seales lbw shortly after, without addition to the score, only for England to have run out of reviews.Mahmood kicked the ground in frustration, with Hawk-Eye confirming Gregory Brathwaite’s error. But Root had spent his allocation the previous day, all three of them speculative: an appeal for a leg-side catch off Jermaine Blackwood and failed lbw shouts against Josh Da Silva and Alzarri Joseph.West Indies were 41 runs in front at the time, but would more than double that advantage through a magnificently resourceful and nuggety maiden Test hundred from Da Silva. For a period the innings almost went into reverse, as England bowled maiden after maiden while unsuccessfully trying to create another chance against Seales. But Da Silva kept chipping away and then went on the attack to bring up his hundred with success thumps down the ground off Craig Overton. Root once again powerless as the game ebbed further away.Although Da Silva was given out caught behind to his very next ball, a punt of a review saw all the players have to retake their places, just when England thought the misery was finally over. Their frustrations were evident as Overton, fielding in his followthrough, hurled the ball back at Da Silva. Root dismissed Seales himself, but the jeopardy of England’s position, 93 runs in arrears, was palpable.Joshua Da Silva celebrates the dismissal of Jonny Bairstow•Getty ImagesCue another grisly top-order collapse, with Zak Crawley and Root particularly culpable for their dismissals. Root wore a hollow look as he trudged off after falling to Mayers for the second time in the match, and that had developed into a thousand-yard stare watching on from the balcony as Stokes tickled behind while attempting to leave, England 39 for 4 and deep in the mire. While there are few other options as captain, Root knows he doesn’t have to do this any more if he doesn’t want to.Another revealing moment was to come. Alex Lees and Jonny Bairstow lashed together a partnership from the flotsam and jetsam of the innings, eking out 41 runs from almost 25 overs and seemingly giving England a chance to transfer some of the pressure back. But with Da Silva returning some of the commentary about slow scoring he had received from Bairstow earlier in the day, West Indies were gifted another opening late on. As if to prove right Da Silva’s sledge that “He has more shots than me”, Bairstow tried to pull a Joseph short ball from round the wicket in the following over, only for an under-edge to nestle in his antagonist’s gloves.”We didn’t stand up in the pressure moments when it was going down to the wire,” Trescothick said. “We haven’t stood up and performed as we have in the rest of the series, whereas they’ve had a couple of guys really step up and make a difference. Mayers bowled brilliantly and got something out of the pitch, Da Silva batted well for a hundred, his first one. We need to try and put in those performances when these times come around.”It is not long since this tour began with well-intentioned but facile observations from the likes of Root and the interim coach, Paul Collingwood, about the “good, in-depth conversations” players were having, the “feel-good factor” and “opportunities for the group”. When Ollie Robinson limped out of the warm-up game, Collingwood said he would not be panicking; when Mark Wood hurt his elbow in Antigua, there was no SOS to James Anderson or Stuart Broad.But barring a miracle of a magnitude beyond the last-wicket stand between Leach and Mahmood on day one, England are set to extend their abysmal recent record to one win in 17 Tests, across five series without success. Once again it is clear how deep their red-ball problems run – and there isn’t a button marked ‘reset’ that can fix them.
England wicketkeeper follows his captain’s lead to play significant innings
Vithushan Ehantharajah26-Aug-2022A first hundred as captain for Ben Stokes on the day his documentary comes out? Who writes his press releases?Dean Elgar said he wouldn’t be watching Ben Stokes: Phoenix From the Ashes on Friday evening, though did suggest if Stokes sent him a screener link ahead of time he might dip in. But after watching his opposite number position himself as the focal point for three hours and 38 minutes in front of a sold-out Emirates Old Trafford, why would he subject himself to an hour and 44 more? For those that are keen, this 12th career century was a welcome spoiler. It all works out in the end.It will do for England, too, at least in this Test. Stokes arrived to the crease after the dismissal of Jonny Bairstow, wings clipped on 49 when he was close to take-off. England trailed by just 17 with six wickets in hand. Off the back of just how badly they crumbled in the Lord’s Test – they lost all 20 wickets inside 83 overs – there were no guarantees. By the time Stokes departed, 103 from 163, the hosts were 169 ahead.Related
South Africa's survival guide goes out the window as Ben Stokes shows what it takes to seize the day
Ben Stokes' madcap methods enter acid test amidst mixed results with the bat
Stuart Broad steals back the limelight, just when it seems he's being shunted out of it
Spin strategy allows game to drift as South Africa lose their grip
Ben Stokes, Ben Foakes hundreds allow England to declare on 264-run lead
There were glorious straight drives on the charge alongside back- and front-foot defences. Hot steps down the pitch off both spinners – two of his three sixes among nine boundaries – sprinkled around the cold of 107 dot balls. He collapsed to the floor when his knee gave way just after midday, with just 16 to his name, and then went on to scamper ones and twos. The half-century took 101 deliveries, the second-half just 57.It was, in every dissectible way, an innings of necessary contradictions. The day before this second Test got underway, when queried about whether England’s best hopes of squaring the series 1-1 was for Stokes to chill his beans, he spoke of perhaps mellowing some time down the line, when he felt an ethos of expression and selflessness had been coopted by his fellow batters in their own unique ways. Perhaps the biggest example of practising what he preached, of putting the team at the forefront of everything he does, came when he turned to look for two from his 158th ball after Kagiso Rabada had shinned a straight drive into square leg. The single completed had already taken him to three figures.There is an underlying flaw to this “follow the leader” shtick Stokes and Brendon McCullum have installed, especially when it comes to the batting. Batters are creatures of habit, and generally set in their ways once they reach their mid-to-late 20s, which is most of this team beyond the established trio of Stokes, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow. And while the rest are finding their own ways of being more demonstrative, one man has been quietly struggling to work out who he is meant to be in this England side and, by extension, what exactly about this new persona he needs to express.But the influence of the “leader” was abundantly clear for the man playing a version of himself. Ben Foakes, Essex-honed, Surrey refined, veritable No. 5, came in at No. 7 and shared a match-turning partnership of 173 with Stokes. Then when the skipper was sent on his way, Foakes took it upon himself to be the leading man among the tailenders and pocketed 113 unbeaten runs. Finally, 29 innings from a century on debut back in November 2018 against Sri Lanka, he had another. No question this one was far more nourishing for the soul.With all due respect to Foakes, it is unlikely he’ll ever command the big screen in the way his partner for 324 deliveries in the guts of this day has. But beyond the movie star looks, there’s a far more relatable, everyday uncertainty about what Foakes has been contending with this summer.Ben Foakes celebrates his first Test hundred on home soil•Getty ImagesIn an environment where no one is under pressure, Foakes has perhaps been under the most. Alex Lees and Zak Crawley have been fairly well-insulated, with plenty of dressing room encouragement to drown out the outside noise. Much of Foakes’ uncertainty has been internal.The summer started clear enough: backed as the No. 1 keeper for the first time in his career and given scope to fashion the No. 7 spot as his own. He was there at the end of the Lord’s victory against New Zealand with an unbeaten 32, then again at Trent Bridge with 12 not out to go with 56 in the first innings.Just as things were looking rosier, a bout of Covid-19 resulted in him being pulled out midway through the third Test against New Zealand at Headingley, though not before registering a maiden Test duck. His symptoms were bad enough to mean he was unable to take his spot in the XI against India at Edgbaston. He didn’t stick around, immediately down south on the train the night before the Test started. If the Covid hadn’t made him feel terrible enough, he’d have every right to feel a bit sick at the prospect of Sam Billings taking his spot given Billings is a more natural fit at No. 7 and far more familiar to McCullum thanks to the franchise circuit.That sense will have been exacerbated after a poor showing at Lord’s, undone twice by Anrich Nortje for 6 and then duck number two. Especially as he found himself privately wondering if he would ever crack being a good fit in this group. Not so much through personality, but purpose. Despite his high-calibre keeping, he was a little anxious at the fact England would not have a wicketkeeping coach for this series. McCullum put him at ease, praising his work so far and politely reminding him he did a bit of keeping in his day.When he goes to bed on Friday night, Foakes will feel more settled. Far more at ease that not only does he have a score of note, but the manner in which it was achieved dovetailed perfectly with Stokes and, more pertinently, the situation (which included seeing off 25 deliveries from Nortje). And maybe he’ll even be comforted by the fact he played as himself.In a line-up where he is the breaker between the heavyweight bashers and the chancers, he needs to be the sensible one. The bass player maintaining a consistent chord. The volunteer passing around the collection tray while Stokes is at the front preaching the word of Bazball. Tim Canterbury frowning into the fourth wall when things are a little off, knowing he’ll have to tell Gareth not to take Bertie.While Stokes charged spin, Foakes got on top of the bounce and smothered into the leg side. For every three full-blooded carves from the skipper, there was one caress by the self-diagnosed pretender. Foakes’ statistical breakdown here – the fifty off 116 deliveries, the century some ninety later – was at odds with Stokes’. However, he did press the accelerator a little harder when the latter had departed. His 45 from the 95 accrued with Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson and Jack Leach came off 53 deliveries, leading to a declaration on 415 for 9 to give England nine overs of South Africa’s openers at the end of day two.That final portion of that knock will have been the most heartening for the management group. Foakes admitted in an interview with ESPNcricinfo earlier this summer that his limited experience working with the tail meant a need to learn by doing. Well, he has learned pretty quickly.After South Africa’s openers survived the mini-session, Stokes forcibly pushed a bashful Foakes out ahead to lead the team off. And with that, all other metaphors were deemed obsolete.