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With five spinners in their squad, and three likely to start in their XI, slower surfaces could make them extremely hard to beat

Nagraj Gollapudi17-Feb-2025India will play all their Champions Trophy 2025 games in Dubai. The pitches there were used in the ILT20, which ended on February 9, only 11 days before India’s tournament opener. Does that mean that the surfaces will be predominantly slow? And will they wear out as the tournament progresses?Matthew Sandery, the head curator at the Dubai International Stadium, is non-committal about the latter question. But he is confident his team has had enough time since the completion of the ILT20 to prepare the “best surfaces” at the venue where India will play their group matches and – in case they qualify – the knockouts too.”The wickets that we will use for the Champions Trophy will have a minimum of two weeks of recovery from their last game of ILT20,” Sandery tells ESPNcricinfo. “We will aim to provide the best surfaces possible for Dubai and its conditions. I am confident that the pitches will be suitable for ODI requirements as expected around the world.”Related

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India are unlikely to mind if the pitches are on the slower side. They go in as favourites despite the absence of their premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who misses out due to back issues.Their squad includes five spinners, three of whom are fingerspinning allrouners – Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar – who provide batting depth, and two are X-factor wristspinners in Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy. This enviable collection of bowlers can create pressure on most surfaces, but they’re likely to be even harder to negotiate on slow pitches. Going by their recent line-ups, it’s likely that India will begin the tournament with a three-seamer-three-spinner combination.During the ILT20, a total of 15 matches, including the final, were played in Dubai, of which 14 were day-night games. Conditions at the ground offered a fair balance, giving batters and both kinds of bowlers something to work with. Fast bowlers averaged 25.06 at the venue while going at an economy rate of 8.08, while spinners managed corresponding figures of 29.16 and 7.46.1:12

Champions Trophy: Harshit or Arshdeep in India’s XI? Manjrekar takes his pick

Dubai, though, has not hosted ODIs involving the Full Member teams since June 2019. This makes it hard to read into recent 50-overs numbers from the venue. For what it’s worth, if you consider ODIs from 2018, Australia and Pakistan have scored the only two 300-plus totals in 35 matches at the venue, and both came in the same match. Since 2018, the average first-innings total in Dubai in ODIs has been 213, while the average winning total has been 252. Teams batting first have won 14 and lost 19 times, with one tie and one no result also in the mix.Sandery does not foresee dew being a major factor, especially with the difference between day- and night-time temperatures in Dubai expected to be low. “Dew is a funny thing; we have played a very competitive ILT20 Season 3 in the UAE over the last month, and I think it didn’t come into play much at all.”The Champions Trophy is the first marquee men’s event being played in Dubai since the 2021 T20 World Cup, where India failed to make the semi-finals. They have been training since Sunday at the ICC Academy and will kick off their campaign on February 20, against Bangladesh.

The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago White Sox completed a player-for-player swap in a trade on Friday, as the Brewers acquired outfielder Andrew Vaughn in exchange for pitcher Aaron Civale, who was sent to Chicago. And MLB Network analyst Mark DeRosa believes there is a clear victor and loser among the two players involved in the trade.

"…Number one, if I'm Andrew Vaughn, it's Christmas morning for me," DeRosa said.

DeRosa went on to explain that the underachieving Vaughn, a former third overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft, could possibly reach his full potential getting a fresh start in a different organization. Further helping that potential cause is the fact that Vaughn will now be contributing to a winning team in Milwaukee (37–33) after spending the first five seasons with the White Sox, who set a modern-day record with 121 losses this past season.

"If I'm Andrew Vaughn, I can't get to the airport quick enough," DeRosa quipped.

Civale, on the other hand, was not so lucky. Two days ago, the Brewers made it known that they would like for Civale, who has only ever started in his big league career, to shift to the bullpen. Civale did not want to do so, and, through his agent Jack Toffey, expressed his desire to remain a starter, even if it meant no longer pitching for the Brewers. DeRosa believes the Brewers sent a "message" to the free agent-to-be, trading him to the White Sox, where it may be difficult to acquit himself well for his upcoming free agency.

Former big leaguer Chris Young astutely noted that Civale will certainly get more opportunities to start on Chicago. However, if judging the trade simply by the team success both players are bound to experience in the remainder of the 2025 season, it's difficult to call anyone but Vaughn the winner.

In an interview with Time Magazine published at the end of July, Erling Haaland claimed that Norway would only have a 0.5 percent chance of winning the 2026 World Cup. He added: “If we would qualify for the World Cup, it would be like another big nation winning it. It would be the biggest party ever. Scenes in Oslo would be incredible.” That party is now underway, with Norway having booked their spot at the tournament for the first time in 28 years after thumping 4-1 wins over Estonia and Italy during the November international break.

The latter of those victories, recorded at a packed-out San Siro, was particularly impressive. Italy deservedly led at the interval through a clever finish from Francesco Pio Esposito, but Norway exploded into life in the second half and put on an attacking football clinic to blow the hosts away, with Antonio Nusa and Jorgen Strand Larsen scoring either side of a Haaland brace.

It must be noted that Italy are no longer the force of old, but steady improvements have been made under new boss Gennaro Gattuso, and five members of their Euro 2020-winning squad –  Gianluigi Donnarumma, Nicolo Barella, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Bastoni and Manuel Locatelli – started the match. Norway are just the second team to ever beat Italy in a competitive away game by three goals or more; Sweden were the last to achieve that feat way back in 1983.

They also exacted revenge over Italy for their round of 16 defeat at the 1998 World Cup finals. Statement results don't come much bigger, and you'd have to imagine that Haaland is now revising his expectations for next summer. 

The Manchester City talisman is leading a golden generation of talent that should fear no one. All the evidence from a stunning qualification campaign points to one undeniable truth: Norway are serious dark horses for World Cup glory, and not just because they can call upon the best striker in the business…

GettyProper firepower

Haaland's presence is main factor, though. Norway won all eight of their games in Group I, scoring 37 goals, and Haaland bagged 16 of them, equalling Robert Lewandowski's single qualifying campaign record. 

The irrepressible City terminator has already notched 32 goals for club and country this season, and his double against Italy brought him up to 55 in just 48 appearances at international level, 22 more than any other Norway player in history. Haaland has found the net in nine consecutive games for his country, and in eight of his last nine Premier League outings for City. Norwegian journalist Lars Sivertsen has described Haaland as the nation's "greatest ever player", ahead of icons like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, John Arne Riise, and Tore Andre Flo, which feels totally justified.

Amazingly, at the age of 25, Haaland has not even entered his prime yet. No other team at the World Cup will boast such a deadly weapon: a quick, strong, deceptively skilful and frighteningly ruthless centre-forward who doesn't seem to feel pressure.

But he will also benefit from a stellar supporting cast. Atletico Madrid's Alexander Sorloth has been the perfect foil for Haaland as an imposing target man, while Wolves marksman Strand Larsen has emerged as the ideal impact substitute. As Italy learned to their peril, Norway have enough firepower to go toe-to-toe with any opponent.

AdvertisementGettyOdegaard to return

Remarkably, Norway managed to seal their spot at the World Cup without their prized playmaker and captain, Martin Odegaard. The Arsenal midfielder missed his country's final three qualifiers due to a knee injury, and Solbakken has confirmed he is still "some distance" from a return to the pitch.

But time is on Odegaard's side, and Norway need him to unlock their full potential. In tighter games, he is the one who can sprinkle the magic required to open things up, as he did when setting up three goals in Norway's 4-2 win away in Israel in March.

Odegaard produced seven assists overall, more than any other player in European qualifying. Like Haaland, he is a world-class operator built for the big stage. The 26-year-old also demonstrated his commitment and leadership credentials by flying out for the latest Norway camp and joining their celebrations instead of focusing only on his recovery at Arsenal's training base.

"He was there before, during and after," Solbakken said after the win over Estonia. "There is always an aura with Martin." Norway team-mate Morten Thorsby added: "Martin is our captain. He gives us security and strength. We wanted him with us. Even though he couldn’t help us on the pitch, he did off the pitch."

Odegaard leads by example in everything he does, and Norway fans will be praying that the former Real Madrid starlet returns to full fitness sooner rather than later, because he is the key to a deep World Cup run.

AFPExciting young guns

With an average age of just 25.8 years, Norway possess one of the most exciting young squads in the international game. Haaland and Odegaard have shared most of the plaudits in recent years, but there is every chance that, by the time the World Cup kicks off, the spotlight will extend to fit in two hugely talented up-and-comers: Nusa and Oscar Bobb.

Nusa, who has been catching the eye in the Bundesliga with his exploits on the left wing for RB Leipzig, has racked up 16 goal involvements in 20 games for Norway since making his debut in 2023. There is still scope for the 20-year-old to improve his decision-making, but he gives defenders nightmares with his explosive turn of pace and magnetic footwork, which have also been vital to Norway's emergence as an effective counter-attacking side.

On the opposite flank, Bobb has not been quite as influential, but he offers something different. The Manchester City ace does most of his best work when coming inside, and is happier to link the play rather than be a difference-maker in the final third. Bobb, 22, is more of a technician than Nusa; he excels at finding space between the lines and picking out incisive passes. 

Nusa gives Norway an X-factor, while Bobb has the footballing IQ to help draw opponents out of position. They could be an effective combination in North America, while former Nordsjælland wonderkid Andreas Schjelderup is another option in advanced areas. Struggles for form at Benfica and off-field controversy have halted the 21-year-old's career trajectory over the last year or so, but he is also a gifted footballer who is versatile enough to play on the wing or as an attacking midfielder.

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AFPBrilliant Berge

Norway's rise can at least partly be attributed to the vast Premier League experience in their dressing room. In addition to Haaland, Odegaard, Strand Larsen and Bobb, Solbakken has also utilised the qualities of Sander Berge (Fulham), Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford) and David Moller Wolfe (Wolves) to take Norway to the next level.

With so many players used to the intensity of life in Europe's most demanding league, Solbakken has genuine strength in depth. There is an unsung hero in that group who deserves far more credit, though.

Berge was arguably Norway's most consistent performer in qualifying. The Fulham midfielder's ability to break up play initially gave them the platform for success, and after Odegaard was ruled out, he also became the man to drive the team forward.

"He's taken a huge step forward at Fulham. We've been able to tailor-make a role for him in the national team that really suits his strengths," Solbakken has told .

Berge has been Norway's chief disruptor and architect in the No.8 slot, setting the tone for the rest of the squad with his work rate. When Berge is playing alongside Odegaard and Bodo/Glimt's Patrick Berg, Norway have the perfect blend of physicality and creativity in the middle of the park. The former Sheffield United and Burnley star is now living up to the promise he showed in his younger years, and Norway are a much braver side in attack and defence because of him.

Are Newcastle United finally clicking into gear this season?

It appears that way, with Eddie Howe’s Magpies now three wins from their last three matches in all competitions, which included an excellent 2-0 EFL Cup win being picked up over Thomas Frank’s challenging Tottenham Hotspur last time out at St James’ Park.

Still, the Toon only have three wins next to their name in the Premier League from their opening nine clashes, meaning more positive results need to be picked up in the bread and butter of the top-flight soon, with away trips to West Ham United and Brentford now on their agenda.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men will, no doubt, be fearful of Newcastle’s attack as they loiter near the bottom of the tough division, with Nick Woltemade helping himself to yet another goal against Spurs to add to his ever-increasing Magpies back catalogue.

Woltemade's unbelievable Newcastle start

Woltemade would ensure his new side would progress through to the quarter finals of the EFL Cup when he headed this effort past a hapless Antonín Kinský.

He hasn’t just reserved his goals this season for when he comes up against stand-in goalkeepers, however, with Woltemade also boasting a mightily impressive four strikes back in league action, which has even led to opposition managers such as the Brighton and Hove Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler hailing him as “special” in what he can uniquely offer the Tyneside giants.

Indeed, it isn’t just a lethal edge that the 6-foot-6 marksman can provide, whether that be when he’s racing through on goal, or being positioned intelligently to head home a cross, with Woltemade also often in the correct spaces to progress his side’s efforts going forward with a killer pass.

He was at the heart of Harvey Barnes’ goal against Benfica in the Champions League, for example, as his ingenious flick then led to the number 11 firing home, after Anthony Gordon had played it into his path.

To put it simply, acquiring the ex-Stuttgart striker for £69m – although looking rather steep at the time – has now gone down as a “first class” signing, as his manager has recently stated.

Howe and Co. could well look to this coming January in trying to win more attacking firepower in a similar vein to their new star-man, as one move is reportedly eyed up…

Newcastle's search for another striker

After all, although William Osula has looked dangerous off the bench for Newcastle in recent matches, there is a lack of depth in the striker spot at St James’ Park – with Yoane Wissa still sidelined.

This might spark the Magpies into attempting to seal Alexander Sorloth’s signature in January, as Ross Wilson plots what his first bit of business at his new club will be as the fresh sporting director.

Newcastle could do far worse than landing Sorloth if rumours are to be believed, with Spanish outlet Marca – via Sport Witness – that eyes are very firmly on the Norwegian’s exploits at Atletico Madrid between now and the transfer window swinging open, with scouts from Newcastle previously watching the 29-year-old in action back in September.

The similarities between Woltemade and the Scandinavian are immediately obvious, with Sorloth coming in at a gigantic 6-foot-4 frame himself.

On top of that, despite some wobbles this season under Diego Simeone, he has been a reliable source of goals for most of his stay in Spain to date, leading to the fiery Simeone lauding him as a “phenomenal” finisher.

25/26

9 (3)

2 + 0

24/25

35 (15)

20 + 2

23/24

34 (30)

28 + 6

22/23

34 (28)

12 + 3

21/22

33 (20)

4 + 0

Looking at the table above, it’s clear that Sorloth possesses the same split-second instinct Woltemade possesses when finishing off chances, with this season seeing him bag three goals, despite only averaging 40 minutes of action in La Liga per game.

In total, the 66-time Norway international now has 61 Spanish top-flight strikes next to his name, which far outweighs his German counterpart’s Bundesliga tally of 14 goals.

Away from clearly being potent, Simeone has also noted that Sorloth is “important in every moment and context of the game you can imagine”, with an eye for an assist and carving out an opening also clear, with Howe very much ready to use him as a focal point like Woltemade, knowing he’s a similar team player.

It’s unlikely that he would usurp Woltemade from the get-go, but as another second-in-command option for a potential £27m fee, it feels like a no-brainer to chase after.

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One Newcastle United player is now “keen” to stay at St James’ Park and signing a new contract, according to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown.

Newcastle line up more new deals after Pope extension

Nick Pope recently triggered a contract extension to stay on Tyneside until 2027, revealing in the pre-Benfica press conference this week it was a clause inserted into his original deal in 2023.

Bruno Guimaraes has also been a fantastic servant for the Magpies, adding so much quality and heart to the midfield ever since he joined the club.

Sorting the Brazilian’s future has to be a key area of focus for Newcastle, and a recent update claimed that they have offered him a new five-year deal, in order to ward off interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Bruno isn’t the only player whose future will be looked at, though, with experienced heads Kieran Trippier and Jamaal Lascelles out of contract at the end of this season.

Now, a key update has emerged regarding a player who is at the opposite end of his career, with Eddie Howe likely to be buoyed by the news.

Newcastle ace "keen" to sign contract extension

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League executive Mick Brown spoke on the chances of Tino Livramento signing a new deal at Newcastle, saying he is “keen” to stay put.

“Livramento has earned all the plaudits he gets. He’s worked very hard to become part of that Newcastle team despite the injuries he’s had, he plays wherever he’s needed and has always done a very good job. He’s done the same for England as well and has improved his reputation considerably.

“A lot of that progress has been made since he joined Newcastle, where he clearly has the trust and a good relationship with the manager. Of course, when a player is performing at that sort of level consistently, it’s going to attract interest from other clubs who might want to bring him in.

“But from what I hear, Livramento is happy at Newcastle, and I’d expect if there was a new contract on the table for him, he would be keen to stay. It’s something that would be the best outcome for all parties if they could get him tied down. Not only do Newcastle get to keep a fantastic player, but he can continue and build on the progress he has made there, playing regularly at the top level.”

Livramento is currently 19th on the Newcastle wage list at just £50,000-a-week, but has to be seen as a big part of the club’s future, with the England international proving to be a great option in both full-back positions.

The 22-year-old should only grow as a footballer as the years pass, potentially even becoming a regular starter for the Three Lions, and Theo Walcott once even claimed that he possessed an “aura”.

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If Bruno’s new contract takes precedence for Newcastle, Livramento isn’t too far behind, as they look to avoid him moving elsewhere, which would be a huge blow at this point in his career.

Do not pinch yourself, Sunderland fans, your beloved team does actually sit in a mind-blowing fourth position in the early Premier League standings right now.

Ever since Regis Le Bris’ transformative appointment last summer, the Black Cats have found themselves slowly but surely rising to absurd new heights, with a dramatic promotion via the playoffs, now being met with an incredible five victories from their opening nine top-flight contests.

The Wearside underdogs even got the better of Chelsea last time out in the Premier League to secure that amazing top-four position, as a last-gasp Chemsidine Talbi effort left Robert Sanchez rooted to his spot.

The Black Cats’ away end was anything but stationary, though, as flailing arms galore were seen at Stamford Bridge, as the hardened travelling masses try to grow used to their side competing with the big boys, and even beating them.

It’s been quite a breakneck journey for Le Bris and Co. since the ex-Lorient boss was handed the Stadium of Light reins back in the summer of 2024, with the Black Cats very much putting the transfer market to good use in signing some fantastic gems over the last year or so.

Sunderland's best signings since Le Bris joined

There would have been plenty of apprehension in the air when Le Bris was first announced as Sunderland boss, as the then-Championship underachievers gambled on a managerial option that had never taken charge of an EFL game before.

Thankfully, their left-field thinking paid off, with Wilson Isidor undoubtedly sticking out as one of the Frenchman’s finest bits of business since moving to England.

Already, Isidor has shown he can cut it in the Premier League with four top-flight strikes next to his name, with the sweetest effort of them all arguably being this instinctive effort that got the ball rolling for Le Bris’ men in West London.

With 13 Championship goals also under his belt, which ensured the glory of promotion was achieved, he is certainly a firm fan’s favourite now, after also being seen as an out-there purchase when initially joining the ranks on loan from Zenit St. Petersburg.

Isidor’s fellow compatriot in Enzo Le Fee is also in this conversation, with Le Bris flexing his Ligue 1 connections to bring in the ex-Roma midfielder in January, proving to be a crucial moment in their hunt for promotion.

Without Le Fee’s added star quality, the Black Cats might well have come up short in their goal to finally return to the Premier League, with two assists picked up from their three cagey playoff matches, resulting in the number 28 being seen as an ice-cold customer on Wearside in tense moments.

Le Fee entering the building on loan and then staying put permanently arguably paved the way for Sunderland to be very ambitious this summer, with faces such as Omar Alderete leaving the glamour of La Liga behind for a chance at Premier League success with Sunderland, a wild thought when the Black Cats were once marooned in the second tier.

Of all the standout purchases this summer, Granit Xhaka is surely the one that sticks out the most, with the Swiss international a regular once upon a time at Arsenal, before becoming a Bundesliga-winning warrior with Bayer Leverkusen.

It almost felt too good to be true; therefore, when the 33-year-old battler ditched Germany for Sunderland this summer, with there surely being a catch along the way.

Yet, Xhaka has proven to be a fine wine on his return to England, with the £13m summer buy currently ranking fifth in the division for big chances created (four), despite being in the supposed twilight years of his career.

Chipping in with three assists, too, it must still be hard for Sunderland fans to come to terms with the spectacular talents their side can now convince to move to Wearside, with Le Bris commenting after the Chelsea win that his brand-new captain is “setting the standards” for everyone around him.

While Xhaka is rightly stealing the headlines for being a masterstroke of a signing, there is another figure who has slipped under the radar, who could be deemed as an even better signing that Le Bris has pulled off, away from the number 34’s wild return to England.

Sunderland's best signing under Le Bris

If Xhaka were to have an off-day, the Frenchman thankfully has fellow midfield talent Noah Sadiki to call upon, with the summer signing from Belgium yet another face who has been “incredible” this season, as he was recently labelled by journalist James Copley.

In the heart of defence, though, Sunderland are arguably not blessed with the same levels of depth, with an ageing Luke O’Nien perhaps not cut out for the pressures of the Premier League, in reserve.

Thankfully, ever since his £9.5m arrival to the building during the action-packed summer transfer window, Nordi Mukiele has been a trustworthy component of Le Bris’ side in this spot on the pitch, with the assured number 20 already being referred to as a “colossus” by journalist Andy Sixsmith, off the back of him looking near faultless since entering the Black Cats ranks.

While Xhaka has also looked equally imperious and confident, he already knew all the rhymes and rhythms of the unforgiving division, having been put through the wringer at Arsenal.

Mukiele’s PL stats

Stat – per 90 mins*

Mukiele

Games played

7

Goals scored

1

Assists

0

Touches*

65.1

Accurate passes*

32.6 (81%)

Tackles*

3.0

Ball recoveries*

3.7

Clearances*

7.4

Total duels won*

7.3

Clean sheets

3

Stats by Sofascore

Mukiele, on the other hand, only knew Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga before his switch, but has since stepped up to already be seen as an undroppable part of Sunderland’s unfolding success story, as can be seen by looking at his phenomenal Premier League numbers to date.

Amazingly, despite the ex-Gunners midfielder also holding a fierce reputation for being a “monster”, as he was once labelled by Arsenal-based writer Connor Humm while still at the Emirates, Mukiele has managed to win more duels on average this season with a commanding 7.3 duels conjured up, next to Xhaka’s slightly lesser 6.2.

To further back up the argument that Mukiele is Le Bris’ best bit of business since leaving Lorient behind for Wearside, the 27-year-old has also been vital so far this season with his ability to be adaptable and versatile for his team’s cause, with a goal even coming his way against Wolverhampton Wanderers in mid-October, when drafted out to a right-back spot to fix some injury concerns.

Landing such a committed character for just £9.5m, which is also cheaper than the modest amount forked out to win Xhaka, surely means he is a frontrunner to be seen as Le Bris’ smartest move since becoming Sunderland manager, with Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley even stating last month that he “can’t believe” the Premier League newcomers managed to pick him up.

The concern, too, with their captain is that he is 33 years of age, with more seasons on the agenda where he’s running himself into the ground – past this campaign – perhaps a tall order.

Whereas, Mukiele has time on his side, with a hope that his full-blooded efforts just continue on, as Sunderland strive to remain near the top of the Premier League tree for as long as possible, courtesy of their never-say-die number 20.

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For all that there was tension as England hunted down 371 to win the first Test against India earlier this week, most of it had dissipated by the time Jamie Smith planted his front foot to Ravindra Jadeja, and blazed England past the finish line with a volley of four, six, six in the first over of the fifth day’s final hour.It was, as Smith explained this week, a pre-meditated assault. He had chatted with his batting partner Joe Root at the drinks break, and decided that, with India already armed with the new ball and with Jasprit Bumrah always lurking around the corner, it was time to seal the deal before India had a chance to get even the slightest sniff of a fightback.”The runs at that point were not too many, so I wasn’t expecting him to come on and bowl, but you’re just never quite sure, especially in cricket,” Smith said at a Rothesay media event in London. “You don’t know what will happen. I always back our tail but there could be a couple of decent balls and suddenly you’re eight-down and the pressure’s back on you again. It was nice to just get it done and move on.”Related

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That burst of aggression might not have been a remarkable option, had it not been for what had happened in England’s first innings. Back on the third afternoon, and with Smith similarly placed on 40 not out, he had again swung across the line – this time to Prasidh Krishna – and holed out to deep square leg to expose England’s lower-middle order to the second new ball.The two moments offer a microcosm of England’s no-consequences attitude. For all that the team was hailed for playing “Bazball with brains”, as Michael Vaughan put it on Test Match Special, the fundamentals of their mindset appear not to have altered massively. So long as there is method to the chosen madness, it appears anything still goes in the McCullum-Stokes regime.”It’s great,” Smith said. “Having that belief from other people is something that definitely took my game to the next level. When you’re out there batting, it is you and your partner at the other end, so it’s quite individual, but to have that backing and trust that other people are doing the same thing, you don’t feel you’re alone when you’re doing what you feel is right in that moment.”When you are caught on the boundary trying to hit the ball for six, you feel you’re not going to get a slap on the wrist. [The attitude is] ‘mate, that was a good option, the wind was howling that way’.Jamie Smith speaking at a Rothesay media event in London•Getty Images

“I knew there was a new ball coming and it looks as though I’d exposed Chris Woakes [at No.8] but, at that point, if I’d hit another couple of sixes in that over, you’re taking all the momentum into the new ball. The second new ball can bring wickets but it can increase the scoring rate as well. There’s always a little bit of calculated thinking behind it.”A lack of overthinking, however, remains one of England’s core principles. Speaking at the end of the first Test, while Stokes was enjoying the last laugh after criticism of his decision to bowl first, he reiterated that he and McCullum are a “simple-minded pair”, and that the team’s task, when everything else is stripped back, remains “scoring more runs than your opposition”.And so, when confronted with a second-innings scoreline of 302 for 5, with an awkward 69 runs still needed, this lack of complication was very much to Smith’s liking as he walked out to join Root.”It was simple in that you knew you had to chase the runs and we weren’t going to block out for the draw,” he said. “We were always going to be positive and try to get the runs. It was a rapid outfield and as good a batting conditions as you could have on day five. It wasn’t misbehaving too much as the Test went on, so you always felt as though you could keep it simple, you didn’t have to do things too out the box to get the runs which is very helpful.”It was certainly seemed to be India who cracked first as the final day wore on, thanks principally to Ben Duckett’s and Zak Crawley’s opening stand of 188, but also through the relentless optimism that the rest of the batting line-up brought to their task – including the captain, Stokes, who struggled against Jadeja’s left-arm line outside his off stump, but rarely stopped going for his strokes in a 51-ball 33.”It’s hard when you’re out there and you’re focused on the job at hand,” Smith said. “You know the importance of that moment, when you have the opportunity to start the series with a win, that your focus is all on that.”When they’re trying to get 10 wickets and you’re chasing 370, it’s not everyday that gets done. There could have been some head-downs at the end but they kept trying all day. I see a lot of chat about maybe some inexperience on their part but I thought they were fantastic throughout the five days.”

Eighth over. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have it all lined up. Yuzvendra Chahal strikes. Against the run of play. Ajinkya Rahane is lbw after a 55-run stand – in a 112 chase – and… a switch flicks. Chahal keeps getting wickets, and Shreyas Iyer keeps adding fielders around the bat.Last throw of the dice? Sniffing something others hadn’t? To Ian Bishop, it could be both or neither of those things, but Shreyas has “made teams better” wherever he has gone. On the night in Mullanpur, it meant a 16-run win for Punjab Kings (PBKS), their fourth win in IPL 2025.In that situation, with more than half the small target knocked off and many, many balls left, “I have seen captains sit back and probably say, ‘let’s take this as deep as we can’,” Bishop said on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show. “I think Shreyas is a good captain. Wherever Shreyas has gone, and I keep saying it, since he took over from Gautam Gambhir halfway through at Delhi Capitals [then Daredevils] in 2018, he’s made teams better.”Related

• RCB return home aiming to avoid a hat-trick of defeats

• Chahal back in his element, in the game, in typical style

• Stats – PBKS pull off lowest successful defence in IPL history

• Ponting: That might be the best win I've ever had as coach in IPL

To Ambati Rayudu, it was a case of things falling in place for PBKS, but Shreyas did something “the best of captains” might not have.”I have known the best of captains who wouldn’t have taken this score [111] seriously. Trust me,” Rayudu said. “But this guy did. [Coach Ricky] Ponting does. Ponting would never give up. That’s a great combination that they have going. But only if they don’t change the players as often as they do. And keep it constant. I think they’ll get a lot of success in the IPL.”He [Shreyas] has that composure as a person and as a captain, and that is why I feel… sir [Bishop] here has said he is a good captain, and that’s because he has that composure.”Back in IPL 2018, the season Bishop referred to, Ponting was the Delhi coach and Gambhir the captain. Gambhir was in poor form with the bat, and Delhi had won only one of their first six matches of the season when he stepped down, and Shreyas took over. They still finished bottom of the table, but with five wins from their eight remaining games. Shreyas then led Delhi to a third-place finish in IPL 2019 and the final the following year. His next captaincy stint came with KKR, and he led them to the title in 2024.Now with PBKS, Shreyas has led the team to four wins in six games and is also their top run-getter. Are PBKS looking set to make the playoffs at this stage then?6:18

Pressure or complacency – why did KKR collapse?

“They are more eager, they are more hungry. They are on their way,” Rayudu said, while Bishop pointed out that, compared to some of the teams, PBKS were only playing their sixth game on Tuesday, and “had they gone the other way and lost this, it wouldn’t have been detrimental, but they have given themselves a bonus”.It’s not only about Shreyas, though. Ponting has played his part in the backroom, and said the KKR result “might just be about the best win that I’ve ever had [as a coach]”. Nehal Wadhera, the PBKS middle-order batter, provided a glimpse of the “positivity” in the camp with Ponting and Shreyas working in tandem.”I have never, ever heard a negative word coming out of his mouth,” Wadhera said of Ponting at the post-match press conference. “When your coach is such a character, the way he inspires everyone, and even when we got back [after the batting innings], he just said, ‘okay, today our bowlers need to get the job done, I need some really fiery spells today’; automatically when players listen to such things from the coach, the confidence boosts up. It really showed on the field. It’s all because of his pep talks.”Also Shreyas Iyer. They way he charges up everyone… he’s one of the finest captains I have ever played under and he’s really great at what he does, with the bat and the way he captains, and the way he is leading the team is really great.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O jogo entre Universitario e Corinthians tinha ares de confusão e terminou com ela acontecendo. O estopim foi a comemoração do garoto Ryan ao marcar seu primeiro gol como profissional, que deu a vitória por 2 a 1 ao Timão no estádio Monumental de Lima, no Peru. No entanto, a “treta” já estava plantada desde o apito final do confronto de ida em São Paulo, na semana passada.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansApós classificação, Luxemburgo diz que Corinthians está dando atenção à Sul-AmericanaCorinthians19/07/2023CorinthiansATUAÇÕES: Biro comete pênalti infantil, mas Corinthians conta com Maycon para avançar na Sul-AmericanaCorinthians18/07/2023CorinthiansVeja quanto o Corinthians faturou com a classificação às oitavas de final da Sul-AmericanaCorinthians19/07/2023

Sebastián Avellino Vargas, preparador físico da equipe peruana, fez gestos racistas imitando um macaco em direção à torcida corintiana após o fim do jogo na Neo Química Arena. O profissional da comissão técnica da La U foi preso em flagrante na madrugada da última quarta-feira (12) e segue detido no Brasil, após ter a decisão mantida em audiência de custódia e o pedido de habeas corpus negado pelo Tribunal de Justiça de São Paulo.

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

No dia seguinte à prisão, no entanto, o Universitario emitiu uma nota criticando a forma como a Justiça brasileira agiu no caso e demonstrou apoio a Avellino, dizendo, inclusive, que não havia provas concretas de atos racistas por parte do peruano e também que não foi dado o direito de resposta. Porém, na quinta-feira (13), imagens registradas no estádio mostraram os gestos feitos por Sebastián.

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Mesmo com as evidências, Jorge Fossati, técnico de Los Cremas, disse estar 110% fechado com seu companheiro. A declaração foi dada na última sexta-feira (14), após a vitória sobre o Unión Comercio pelo Campeonato Peruano.

+ ATUAÇÕES: Biro comete pênalti infantil, mas Corinthians conta com Maycon para avançar na Sul-Americana

Todo esse cenário fez com que um ambiente de “nós contra eles” fosse criado no Peru. Com uma semana de antecedência para a partida de volta pelos playoffs da Sul-Americana, todos os ingressos do estádio Monumental foram vendidos. A capacidade é de 80 mil torcedores. Diante disso, as autoridades peruanas emitiram um alerta de segurança à delegação corintiana horas antes do jogo acontecer, recomendando que a equipe fosse até o local da partida no veículo da polícia e não no próprio ônibus, para ingressar disfarçadamente no espaço reservado para o jogo.

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A alternativa foi vetada pelo clube alvinegro, que entendeu que isso seria um sinal de ausência de segurança para o evento acontecer. No entanto, mesmo em veículo próprio, não houve incidente na chegada da equipe corintiana ao estádio.

O problema ocorreu quando o garoto Ryan, que fazia somente seu segundo jogo como atleta profissional, marcou o segundo gol do Corinthians, que deu a vitória e garantiu a classificação do Timão às oitavas da Sul-Americana. Na comemoração, o jovem de 19 anos tirou a camisa e mostrou para a torcida do Universitario. A reação dos jogadores do time peruano foi imediata ao avançarem em direção aos corintianos, que foram acuados nos bancos de reservas.

A partida ficou paralisada por cerca de 15 minutos. Houve entrada de policiamento no Monumental. A torcida da La U lançou objetos em direção aos jogadores da equipe brasileira e alguns jogadores da equipe mandante partiram até mesmo para cima das autoridades de segurança para agredir os adversários.

Os jogadores mais experientes do Corinthians, como o atacante Róger Guedes, e o próprio técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo pediram desculpas aos jogadores para tentar minimizar o problema.

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– Tudo bem, pedi desculpas a ele. Nosso jogador acabou errando, é jovem, se empolgou um pouco na comemoração. A gente pede paz nos estádios – disse Guedes na saída de campo.

– Eu queria fazer um pedido de desculpas por meu atleta, muito jovem, tem somente 19 anos. Primeira vez em uma viagem internacional, fez um gol importante, que transcende o futebol. Muito jovem e precisa aprender muito. Pedir desculpas à torcida, jogadores e diretoria. Tenho carinho e respeito pelo povo peruano e é preciso pedir desculpas por esse momento que transcende o futebol, que é entretenimento. Foi um gesto de um menino que nunca havia saído do país para jogar futebol – afirmou Luxa.

O saldo final foi a expulsão de Ryan, que anteriormente já havia recebido o cartão amarelo por ter tirado a camisa na comemoração, e do meio-campista Matheus Araújo. Do lado do Universitario, receberam o cartão vermelho: Calcaterra, Di Benedetto e Guzmán, que estava no banco de reservas.

O Corinthians venceu a equipe peruana por 3 a 1 no placar agregado e está nas oitavas de final da Sul-Americana. Na próxima fase, o adversário será o Newell’s Old Boys, da Argentina. As partidas serão disputadas nos dias 2 e 9 de agosto. O confronto inicial será em São Paulo, e a decisão acontecerá na cidade de Rosário.

The only uncapped player in the squad is legspinner Vincent Masekesa

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Apr-2025Zimbabwe veteran Sean Williams will make his return to the Test squad for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, as the team prepare for a two-match series starting April 20.Williams had missed Zimbabwe’s previous Test, against Ireland, due to a back injury. Both he as well as the captain Craig Ervine, who pulled out of the Ireland game due to the birth of his child, have been included in the 15-man squad for the Bangladesh series. Wessly Madhevere, who had been a last-minute call-up to replace Ervine in the Ireland series, keeps his place for the Bangladesh Tests.Overall, Zimbabwe have made three changes from the squad that took on Ireland in February. Wicketkeeper-batter Joylord Gumbie makes way for Tafadzwa Tsiga, who returns to the national fold two years after making his Test debut against West Indies.Also returning is left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza, whose most recent Test appearance came during that same series against West Indies in 2023. He replaces young pace bowler Newman Nyamhuri.Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, who made history in February by becoming the first Zimbabwe pacer to claim seven wickets in a Test innings, will spearhead the bowling attack alongside Richard Ngarava.The only uncapped player in the squad is legspinner Vincent Masekesa.”We are very excited to be heading into a period where Test cricket will be our sole focus,” Zimbabwe head coach Justin Sammons said.”I am certain this group of players will continue to grow as individuals and as a team as they face new challenges in different conditions.”Zimbabwe will take on Bangladesh in the first Test in Sylhet from April 20, before moving to Chattogram for the second Test on April 28.This is Zimbabwe’s first Test in Bangladesh since February 2020, when the hosts secured victory in a one-off match in Dhaka by an innings and 106 runs.Squad: Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams