Injured Coetzee ruled out of second Sri Lanka Test and all-format Pakistan series

He will be replaced in the squad by fast bowler Kwena Maphaka

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Dec-2024

Gerald Coetzee will be out of action for up to six weeks•AFP/Getty Images

In a huge blow for South Africa, fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha as well as the upcoming all-format series against Pakistan, due to a groin injury.Coetzee, who picked up the injury while bowling on day four of the Durban Test against Sri Lanka, is expected to be out for up to six weeks after scans revealed a muscle strain in his right groin. He will be replaced in the squad by fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, who made his international debut earlier this year in the T20Is against West Indies.Coetzee bowled in the morning session of the Durban Test on Saturday, beginning proceedings with Kagiso Rabada, but stopped after a three-over spell. His second spell of the morning was off just two overs, as Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinesh Chandimal staged a spirited fightback for Sri Lanka after they had started the day five down and looking at a bigger defeat than they eventually suffered. Coetzee didn’t bowl again after that in the session, but did bowl three overs after lunch, sending back Chandimal caught and bowled.Shukri Conrad, the South Africa coach, said after the day’s play that Coetzee had spoken to him at lunch and told him he “felt a groin niggle”, and went back after the break “strapped up”.Coetzee’s absence adds to South Africa’s injury woes, as they are already without Wiaan Mulder, the fast-bowling allrounder, due to a fractured right middle finger.Two of South Africa’s three quicks that played the Durban Test – Rabada and Player-of-the-Match Marco Jansen – are fit for the second Test, and Dane Paterson is the other quick in the squad. However, Nandre Burger is out for the summer with a lower back stress fracture, while Lungi Ngidi is out till January.South Africa will play Sri Lanka in the second Test at St George’s Park between December 5 and 9. After that, they will host Pakistan for three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests.

'Man Utd wanted us to believe he was washed!' – Marcus Rashford receives love-in from Barcelona fans after 'pressing and tracking back' on debut

Barcelona completed the loan move for Marcus Rashford from Manchester United earlier this week, and the England winger has already made his debut for Hansi Flick's side. Rashford came on as a substitute in the Catalan side's 3-1 win over Vissel Kobe in Japan, and the 27-year-old loanee has received loads of love from cules for his strong showing off the ball.

  • Rashford makes debut for Barcelona
  • Plays 33 minutes against Vissel Kobe
  • Receives love from Barcelona fans
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  • Getty Images

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Rashford's fallout with Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim early this year has ultimately resulted in the 27-year-old getting the ability to complete his 'dream' move to Barcelona, albeit on loan. The England international made his unofficial debut for the Blaugrana in a 3-1 win over Vissel Kobe as he came on as a substitute for Brazilian superstar Raphinha before being subbed off for Pedro 'Dro' Fernandez 33 minutes later. However, Barcelona fans are already showing Rashford the love he seemed to lack at Old Trafford over the last few years.

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  • WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

    Barcelona fan @frdrjpi wrote on X: "Rashford looks so sharp, man! It’s just the fine margins with the end product right now."

    @kvng__niel added: "Who else saw Rashford pressing and tracking back? I thought United fans said he is lazy?"

    @Hoeslovmitch said: "I love players like Rashford, man. They’ll always try something out and not just pass back. Excited for the new season icl."

    @OlogeOluwasegun wrote: "Manchester United wanted us to believe that he was washed. Man pulled a good performance on his debut and was key to our second goal. And those passes and runs? Rashford is up for a massive season at Barca."

    @maleeking_ concluded: "Rashford’s build-up play that led to the second goal."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Barcelona, who are paying Rashford his full salary and have the option to purchase him for £30.3 million next summer, have offered the 27-year-old the famous No. 14 shirt that was once worn by Johan Cruyff and Thierry Henry. In contrast to the Brazilian, who frequently slipped inside and assisted Barça in forming a box midfield to overwhelm Vissel Kobe centrally, the Englishman tended to hug the touchline.

  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT NEXT FOR RASHFORD?

    Barcelona will be up against FC Seoul in their second pre-season friendly of the summer on Thursday, July 31. It is possible that Rashford may have another stint on the field as a substitute as he continues to get up to full fitness after not being involved in Manchester United's pre-season.

Maresca must finally sell Chelsea "passenger" who was like Estevao at 18

da betobet: This season is shaping up very nicely for Chelsea at the moment.

da casino: Enzo Maresca’s side are second in the Premier League and have the chance to cut Arsenal’s lead to just three points on Sunday.

Then in Europe, they sent a warning out to the rest of the sides in the Champions League with their thumping 3-0 win over Barcelona, a game in which Estevao shone once again.

Maresca and Co will have a chance to make Chelsea’s season even better once the transfer window reopens in just over a month, not just by signing players, but by selling one who once looked like Estevao when he was a youngster.

Estevao's sensational start to life at Chelsea

The expectations placed upon Estevao have been monumental for quite some time now, to the point that respected analyst Ben Mattinson labelled him a “future Ballon d’Or winner” months before Chelsea even signed him.

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Since then, the hype surrounding him has only grown, thanks in large part to his fine form in Brazil, where he produced 17 goal involvements in 37 games last season.

Even so, few would have expected the start to this season he has had.

The youngster is not only playing a decent number of minutes, but he’s chipping in with important goals and has already shown a hugely impressive ability to get the fans on their feet.

So far, the 18-year-old has scored five goals and provided one assist for the Blues in 17 appearances, totalling 740 minutes.

That comes out to an excellent average of a goal involvement every 2.83 games, or every 123.33 minutes, which would be commendable for a seasoned veteran, let alone a teenager.

The Franca-born wonderkid has been so effective this year that fans and pundits have actually spoken about him being a particular threat to league-leading Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s game.

However, while Chelsea should be delighted with their new wonderkid, they also need to find a way to sell one of their biggest duds, who once looked like Estevao when he was first breaking through.

The Chelsea flop who needs to be sold

Chelsea have become quite good at moving on players they don’t want in recent years, but even then, a couple remain in the bomb squad who are proving tricky to sell, like Raheem Sterling.

The former Manchester City star joined the club in 2022, and while he’s had moments for the club in which he’s looked excellent, they’ve only ever been that, moments.

Moreover, while his tally of 19 goals and 15 assists in 81 games isn’t terrible, he’s never really put together a string of impressive performances, which is why he was allowed to join Arsenal on loan last year.

Unfortunately, that move only made the situation worse, as he ended up scoring just a single goal and providing five assists in 28 games for the Gunners, and was labelled a “passenger” by journalist Charles Watts.

Since returning to Stamford Bridge, the 30-year-old has been left to train separately from the first team, and with a weekly wage of £325k, that is far from ideal.

It is a serious shame that things have not worked out for the former England international, as before his move south, he was one of the best players in the league.

For example, during his time at the Etihad, he scored 131 goals and provided 86 assists in 339 appearances and won four league titles.

He was even a brilliant player for Liverpool, making his debut in the 11/12 season, but making his name in the 13/14 season, when, like Estevao now, he was just 18 years old.

In that season, the Kingston-born phenom managed to rack up an incredible tally of ten goals and seven assists in 38 appearances, totalling 2535 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every 2.23 games, or every 149.11 minutes.

Sterling (13/14) and Estevao (25/26) at 18

Player

Sterling

Estevao

Appearances

38

17

Minutes

2535′

740′

Goals

10

5

Assists

7

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.44

0.35

Minutes per Goal Involvement

149.11′

123.33′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

It wasn’t just the goals, though, as, like the Brazilian, he was a serious threat with the ball at his feet, thanks in part to his speed and close control.

Ultimately, Sterling will go down as a legend of the Premier League, but for the sake of all parties, Chelsea need to sell him in January, even if they barely get anything.

The original Estevao: Chelsea lead race to sign "best player in the world"

Chelsea could sign the original Estevao for a mega-money fee.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 28, 2025

Luta pelo título? Veja como clubes lidam com chance de serem reconhecidos campeões nacionais

MatériaMais Notícias

da 888casino: O reconhecimento oficial de que a conquista do Torneio dos Campeões de 1937 pelo Atlético-MG equivale a mais um Brasileiro despertou esperanças e debates. Clubes se debruçaram em pesquisas e almejam ir à CBF para tentarem a homologação de outras competições como títulos nacionais.

RelacionadasFutebol NacionalNovos campeões nacionais? Buscas nos bastidores aumentam expectativas por reconhecimento de títuloFutebol Nacional15/09/2023

da roleta: A lista de clubes com títulos passíveis de avaliação é significativa (veja abaixo). No entanto, a espera pela confirmação de que um título é considerado de nível nacional pode durar um longo tempo.

+ Confira a classificação e simule resultados do Brasileirão

A CAMINHADA ATÉ O TRI DO ATLÉTICO-MG

Gerente de comunicação do Atlético-MG e presidente do Centro Atleticano de Memória, Emmerson Maurílio detalhou ao Lance! como foi a batalha para o clube obter o aval para ser considerado tricampeão brasileiro.

– Fazia 20 anos desde que tive meu primeiro contato com as informações desse título. Aos poucos, foram chegando informações, depoimentos e o trabalhou ficou por muito tempo guardado, parado. Agora, a diretoria apostou nessa conversa e veio a possibilidade de a CBF chancelar o título – disse.

O responsável pelo Centro Atleticano de Memória destacou como foi feito o trabalho.

– No início a gente foi conseguindo materiais em hemerotecas daqui. A família do Kafunga (goleiro da equipe) cedeu muito material, a do Bazzoni (jogador do setor ofensivo atleticano) nos entregou fotografias. As informações jornalísticas da época foram importantíssimas – afirmou, acrescentando:

– Descobrimos histórias muito curiosas. Teve um depoimento de um massagista mencionando a dificuldade de andar de trem para o Rio de Janeiro. Ele dizendo que a delegação lidou com esses desafios. Era, de fato, outro momento. As distâncias eram maiores. Tanto que as competições interestaduais não eram comuns – explicou.

+ Lance! volta às bancas com revista pôster com campeão da Copa do Brasil

Emmerson contou onde houve a confiança de que o Torneio dos Campeões seria confirmada como um título nacional do Galo.

– Foi uma competição organizada pela FBF (Federação Brasileira de Futebol) para fazer o primeiro certame só com clubes profissionais. A FBF era vinculada à CBD (Confederação Brasileira de Desportos). O Atlético era o representante de Minas do Torneio dos Campeões e acabou vencendo o título – apontou.

O gerente de comunicação também detalhou como foi o período de expectativa até a CBF bater o martelo.

– O Atlético levou o dossiê com as informações, por meio do seu departamento jurídico, fez todos os trâmites. A CBF também pediu outras informações para se cercar de tudo. Foram 20 meses de espera até a CBF homologar o nosso título – contou Emmerson Maurílio.

A homologação aconteceu em 25 de agosto de 2023.

PAULISTANO: PIONEIRISMO AINDA EM PAUTA

O primeiro clube de um torneio considerado de âmbito nacional data de 1920. O Paulistano sagrou-se campeão do Campeonato Brasileiro de Clubes Campeões. Gestora do setor de memória do clube, Ana Paula mensurou a proporção deste torneio, que ainda envolveu Fluminense e Brasil de Pelotas.

– Na verdade, foi a primeira competição que envolveu mais de dois estados. A disputa interestadual envolveu equipes de São Paulo, do Rio de Janeiro e do Rio Grande do Sul. Além disso, era um momento no qual não a ida de uma cidade para outra era mais difícil. Tanto que foi escolhida a sede única, a das Laranjeiras – destacou.

+ Condição especial para matrícula no curso Gestor de Futebol, aprovado por Dante, Petković, Léo Moura e outros craques. Saiba mais!

A gestora contou quais são os registros da época da competição.

– Temos parte da documentação fotográfica deste jogo, reportagens de jornal, da fotografia. Registramos ao máximo e as pessoas procuram – contou.

Perguntado se planeja solicitar junto à CBF o reconhecimento do título, o alvirrubro afirmou em nota que “o tema está em avaliação pelo clube”. O Paulistano encerrou suas atividades no futebol em 1930, e hoje se destaca especialmente no basquete.

+ Walewska Oliveira, campeã olímpica pela Seleção Brasileira de vôlei, morre aos 43 anos

PECULIARIDADE EM TÍTULO DO BOTAFOGO

A bem-sucedida reivindicação do Atlético-MG também deu margem para discussões em torno de um novo título para o Botafogo. O Glorioso foi vencedor do Torneio dos Campeões em 1931.

A competição teria os mesmos moldes, sendo disputada por campeões do Rio, de São Paulo e do Rio Grande do Sul. No entanto, o Corinthians desistiu. Coube aos botafoguenses definirem o título com o Xavante. Juca marcou dois gols e Celso fez o terceiro alvinegro, enquanto João Pedro e Marcial fizeram os gols da equipe gaúcha. O Glorioso ainda não se manifestou se pleiteará o título.

BANGU: TÍTULO NACIONAL NA CONTA?

Há clube carioca atento à possibilidade de um reconhecimento de título pela CBF. Em 1967, o Bangu foi o vencedor do Torneio dos Campeões.

Naquele ano, a competição foi organizada pela Federação Mineira de Futebol. Além dos banguenses, Cruzeiro, Atlético-MG e Palmeiras disputaram o torneio. Na final, o Bangu derrotou o Atlético-MG por 1 a 0.

Procurado pela reportagem, o clube alvirrubro diz que vem reunindo documentação e “está em contato com seu departamento jurídico para analisar o pedido de reconhecimento do título brasileiro de 1967”.

+ São Paulo vai acabar com o meme? Veja 16 zoeiras clássicas com clubes brasileiros

TORNEIO DO POVO: COMPETIÇÃO DESPERTOU INTERESSE POR RECONHECIMENTO

Disputado entre 1971 e 1973, o Torneio do Povo também chegou a ser ambicionado como título brasileiro alguns anos atrás. Em 2007, o Coritiba encaminhou um pedido para que sua conquista de 1973 fosse reconhecida pela CBF. Houve mobilização para que a Federação Paranaense de Futebol apoiasse o desejo do Coxa.

No entanto, a situação não foi à frente. Conselheiro do Coritiba em 2007 e vice-presidente do clube em 2010, Vilson Ribeiro de Andrade trouxe um panorama do que aconteceu naquele período.

– Naquela época, foi feito um pedido à CBF, mas não teve uma repercussão, não conseguimos o reconhecimento. Levantamos todas as documentações, falamos que pelos clubes que participaram havia o entendimento de que era um torneio nacional. No entanto, a CBF considerou que era um torneio circunstancial – apontou.

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Em seguida, o ex-dirigente do clube garantiu.

– De qualquer forma, todos no Coritiba relembramos sempre o nosso título do Torneio do Povo. Nós temos o Brasileiro de 1985, mas essa competição também ficou como um marco para nós – destacou.

Caso o Coxa fosse homologado campeão, haveria margem de títulos também para Corinthians, vencedor de 1971 e Flamengo, de 1972.

Procurada pela reportagem, a diretoria atual do Coritiba optou por não se manifestar sobre o assunto no momento.

AMERICA: MAIS UM CARIOCA DE OLHO

O sonho de reconhecimento de título bateu à porta de outro clube tradicional do Rio de Janeiro. O America volta suas atenções para que a conquista do Torneio dos Campeões da CBF, de 1982, seja equiparada ao Brasileirão.

– O America vem atuando nisso e está favorável. Foi uma competição na qual, à exceção do Flamengo, que havia recebido uma proposta para jogar no exterior, todos os clubes grandes participaram. Fluminense, Botafogo, Vasco, Atletico-MG… E o America foi o vencedor! Por isso, nada mais justo do que esse reconhecimento – afirmou o mandatário do Mecão, Sidney Santana.

O dirigente demonstra otimismo em relação à homologação do título.

– Tivemos o encaminhamento do nosso pedido, com o apoio da Ferj, e agora estamos aguardando o deferimento – disse.

+ VÍDEO: Luis Suárez entra em troca de ofensas entre jogadores de Grêmio e Palmeiras

Santana destacou a farta documentação em torno da conquista.

– O America tem um histórico bem organizado, em oito ou 16 mãos, com muitas reportagens da época. Há registros de jornais e revistas, foi feito todo um trabalho, além do apoio da Ferj, em busca desse reconhecimento de 1982 – valorizou.

Em seguida, o dirigente exaltou a equipe do America da época.

– Era uma equipe maravilhosa. Tenho saudade do Gilson Gênio, desse time de um passado não tão longínquo. As lembranças são as melhores desse time que ganhou o título contra adversários de primeira envergadura – assegurou.

TORNEIO PARALELO: CLUBES EM EXPECTATIVA

Enquanto isso, os quatro clubes que querem ser reconhecidos campeões do Torneio Paralelo de 1986 seguem na expectativa por uma resposta. Treze, Central, Inter de Limeira e Criciúma ainda não obtiveram resposta da CBF.

Presidente do Treze, Artur Bolinha contou como foi o procedimento.

– A gente apresentou todo o histórico, uma documentação que comprove efetivamente que o Torneio Paralelo equivale à Série B. Contamos com o apoio da Federação Paraibana de Futebol para que a gente consiga esse título. Assim como nós fizemos, o Central, a Inter de Limeira e o Criciúma solicitaram apoio em suas federações para essa homologação ser aceita na CBF – disse.

+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que Pet, Dante e outros craques da bola participaram também. Cupom: LANCE400

Conselheiro da Inter de Limeira, Paulo Cesar Scaraviello Júnior detalhou o pedido.

– Foram encaminhados ofícios para todas as federações. No nosso caso, o Reinaldo (Carneiro Bastos, presidente da FPF) deu o OK e agora aguardamos a CBF – afirmou.

Não falta movimentação para buscar o reconhecimento de títulos.

Frank wants £40m Aston Villa star with Tottenham prepared to make key offer

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is a real fan of one Aston Villa star, and the Lilywhites are reportedly prepared to offer him something key which could well tempt him to north London.

Real Madrid "now expected" to make concrete move for £165k-a-week Tottenham star

Xabi Alonso’s side are big fans of the player.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 3, 2025

Spurs are poised to make J League sensation Kota Takai their second summer signing after a permanent deal for Mathys Tel, with the 20-year-old expected to undergo his medical at the club next week (Luca Bendoni, Sky Italia).

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The centre-back was identified by technical director Johan Lange, and there is hope within Tottenham that Takai could eventually replicate the journeys of Lucas Bergvall, Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr as promising young players who are now crucial to the first team (Alasdair Gold).

Tottenham will pay a record fee for a Japanese player from the J League, around £5 million, but supporters will be hopeful that they could sign a few more senior players as well.

Frank’s side will be competing in the Champions League next season, and they’re in dire need of proven reinforcements to bolster their Premier League squad ahead of another congested fixture calendar.

Tottenham are known to be in talks for West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus, as reported by trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano and other reliable media outlets, with the Ghanaian also apparently keen on a switch to N17.

However, Kudus is not the only Premier League ace garnering their attention.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank wants Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey

Speaking to Football Insider, former Spurs scout and Daniel Levy employee, Mick Brown, has shared information on their interest in £40 million Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey.

Spurs have been linked with a move for the Englishman in the last few days, but Brown says Frank is a personal admirer of Ramsey, and Tottenham are prepared to offer him more top-flight minutes, which could turn his head.

“Jacob Ramsey has to make a decision,” said Brown.

“In his own mind, he’ll weigh up whether he thinks he’s going to be a regular in the Villa team. If that’s not the case, he has to ask the same question about whether he would be at Tottenham.

“From what I hear, Spurs would be prepared to offer him more minutes from the start of games than he is currently getting at Villa. If that is the case, I’m sure he would be happy to make that move.

Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey

“He’s had doubts about whether he’s going to be a regular starting XI player at Villa, or if he’s going to be better served moving somewhere else. So a move to Tottenham would be a fresh start and a new environment for him. There have been a few questions about what his future at Villa might look like, because the manager isn’t certain he’s going to be a big part of the plans.

“That opens the door for Spurs, because Thomas Frank rates him, and he’s one they’ve been interested in for a while.”

The versatile 24-year-old has made 167 senior appearances for Villa already, and possesses that unique blend of both youth and experience. Taking this into account, Ramsey could be an excellent option to reinforce Frank’s midfield whilst providing first-teamers with more competition for places.

Strength in depth will be vital for Frank next season, so this is a move which could tick a few boxes.

Jason Gillespie 'sits on the fence' as Pakistan go all-in on the short term

Not often in Pakistan cricket does someone pass up the chance to take credit for any successful outcome, regardless of how significant their part was. But Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie kept such praise at arm’s length when talking about Pakistan’s bounce-back win over England in the second Test.Gillespie made clear that effectively all the decisions taken in the wake of Pakistan’s chastening innings defeat in the first Test had little to do with him. Moments after the result was official, the PCB announced a new selection committee, one that included former umpire Aleem Dar, as well as Aaqib Javed. It excluded Gillespie and captain Shan Masood from having any say in selection matters – Masood, too, last week said he preferred to pass on the credit “to everyone else” for their part in the win.”The PCB came out and made some changes after that Test match,” Gillespie said ahead of the third Test. “It was decided that a new selection panel would come in and they would be making decisions. I was not involved in the decision-making, I was just there. I’m now just the coach on match-day strategy. I just keep out of things now and just focus on the players and getting them ready for cricket.”It is a remarkably different brief from the one Gillespie was given when he was offered the role earlier this year. At the time, he told ESPNcricinfo he had some “really positive conversations” with the board and the chairman to make sure “we’re moving in the right direction short term, in the medium and long term”.Industrial fans have been used to dry the Pindi pitch•AFP/Getty Images

Pakistan’s late decision to pack the bowling attack with spinners and prepare a surface to assist them does appear to run in contrast to Gillespie’s goals and ambitions when he took over the Test side. In that interview with ESPNcricinfo, he had specifically cautioned against short-termism. “It’s very easy when you’re coming into jobs; you’ve got a two-year contract or a one-year contract,” he had said. “You make short-term decisions to look after your own back. But that doesn’t help anyone, because if everyone has that approach, nothing long-term gets done.”When asked about the composition of the team, Gillespie repeated the point. “It’s not for me to talk about now. I’m no longer a selector, so I’m probably not the person to ask.” Corralled into a role that is much narrower in focus than his initial job description suggested, he did indicate he understood how unusual his situation was. “I’m getting splinters in my a*** from sitting on the fence here,” he quipped.But with a potential series win against England on the line, the importance of the final Test was not lost on Gillespie. In his short time as coach, he has built up positive relationships with several players in the side, paying as much tribute to their qualities as human beings as to their cricketing talent.Related

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“The last few years, Pakistan’s Test cricket hasn’t been where we’d like it to be. Any win is great, and any series win’s fantastic. Just coming into this environment, as a coach, I’m very protective of players. They’re the ones going out and representing their country. I suppose there’s a dad in me that comes out and I want to protect all the boys from all outside noise and whatever.”It is this ability to stay calm that Gillespie wanted to channel more meticulously in his players. At several key points during the second Test, with England appearing to swarm, Pakistan found a way to hunker down when the pressure was on. In the first ten overs, Pakistan fell to 19 for 2 as Babar Azam’s replacement Kamran Ghulam walked out for his Test debut. It could have gone awry very quickly, but Ghulam scored a hundred, and Pakistan put on 366.When England responded, they made light work of the spinners in the first 40 overs, and stood poised for a significant first-innings lead when they were placed at 211 for 2. But in the drying embers of Day 2, Sajid Khan slowed up the pace, found the rough, and triggered a collapse that helped Pakistan take a decisive 75-run lead.”There’s a lot of things in professional sport that you can’t control,” Gillespie said. “To be able to just park that and not focus on that is a skill within itself. Focusing on what we can control, the right things at the right times, and staying calm when things are all happening. The way England played, they looked to create things all the time and the way we want to go against them is to by staying calm and not getting flustered. I thought we did that really well in the last Test match. I was really proud of the boys.”You communicate with your players regularly, talking about their games and how we can help them improve as cricketers and people. I’m very fortunate, I’ve got a wonderful support staff who have developed some really good relationships with our players and players will gravitate towards certain coaches over others at times. But if you all work as a team, that’s the most important thing.”

Mega Johnson upgrade: Frank has told Spurs to sign "unplayable" £60m star

It’s been a crazy few weeks for Tottenham Hotspur.

After delivering the North Londoners their first piece of major silverware for 17 years, it was announced that Ange Postecoglou was sacked on Friday afternoon.

While the timing of the decision may feel harsh, it’s not that difficult to see why Daniel Levy and Co made it, as the Australian had won just 47 of 101 games in charge of the club.

While nothing has been officially announced at the moment, it is looking more and more likely that the next man in the Lilywhites hot seat will be Thomas Frank, and based on other reports, he’s already told the club to sign someone who’d be a dream Brennan Johnson upgrade.

Tottenham's transfer targets

Now that Spurs appear to have identified their new manager, it’s worth looking at some of the talented players they’ve been linked with in recent weeks and months, such as Eberichi Eze and Xavi Simons.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The former enjoyed a superb season with Crystal Palace this year in which he helped the team win the FA Cup and racked up a tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in just 43 games, in turn, more than justifying the £68m release clause reportedly in his current deal.

Likewise, Simons managed to score 11 goals and provide eight assists in 33 games for RB Leipzig this season and would cost around as much as the Englishman at £65m.

However, to really upgrade on Johnson this summer, Tottenham would need to sign an out-and-out rightwinger, someone like Bryan Mbeumo.

Well, according to a recent report from the Mirror, that might be what they end up doing.

The report claims that Frank has instructed Spurs that he wants the club to sign the Cameroon international and make him his first summer acquisition.

To do that, the North Londoners would have to stump up a fee of around £60m and, more crucially, hijack Manchester United’s now well-documented efforts to bring him to Old Trafford.

Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but one well worth fighting for, as Mbeumo would be the ideal upgrade on Johnson.

How Mbeumo compares to Johnson

Now, while Mbeumo can play up top or even as a second striker, his most played and unquestionably best position is off the right, which would put him in direct competition with Jonnson next season.

Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates after the match

So, with that said, who comes out on top when we compare the two?

Well, when it comes to their raw output, it’s actually the often “unplayable” Brentford star, as dubbed by Frank, who comes out on top, with 20 goals and nine assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3577 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.44 games, or every 123.34 minutes.

In contrast, the former Nottingham Forest star scored 18 goals and provided seven assists in 51 appearances, totalling 3316 minutes, which comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.04 games, or every 132.64 minutes.

Unfortunately for the Welsh international, the one-sided nature of this comparison only grows when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

Mbeumo vs Johnson

Statistics per 90

Mbeumo

Johnson

Non-Penalty G+As

0.58

0.58

Progressive Passes

3.72

2.93

Progressive Passes Received

9.26

8.14

Progressive Carries

3.43

2.48

Shots

2.08

2.23

Shots on Target

0.90

0.83

Passing Accuracy

66.1%

70.4%

Expected Assists

0.25

0.08

Key Passes

1.85

0.79

Passes into the Final Third

1.66

1.03

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.56

1.45

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.50

0.25

Live Passes

30.7

25.8

Shot-Creating Actions

3.80

1.90

Goal-Creating Actions

0.53

0.29

Tackles

1.29

1.61

Successful Take-Ons

1.37

0.79

Ball Recoveries

4.12

2.60

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 Season

For example, the “incredible” Bees star, as dubbed by Frank, comes out ahead in the vast majority of relevant metrics, such as progressive passes and carries, shot and goal-creating actions, shots on target, successful take-ons, expected assists and many, many more, all per 90.

Ultimately, even though Johnson enjoyed a decent campaign for Spurs this season, Mbeumo is the superior winger in every measurable way.

Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates scoring their first goal

Therefore, the club should do everything possible to sign the Brentford star this summer and reunite him with their soon-to-be-manager in North London.

He's another Bergvall: Spurs enter race to sign "extraordinary" wonderkid

The promising youngster could be a star at Spurs.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 7, 2025

Approach made: Wolves now in direct contact to sign "amazing" £15m defender

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now made direct contact over a deal for an “amazing” defender, who could be tempted by a move to Molineux this summer, according to a report.

Summer rebuild needed at Molineux

The departures of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha have left Vitor Pereira with work to do in the summer transfer market, but Steve Bull believes his former club could be capable of taking major strides next season.

Bull said: “Pereira had to pick up the pieces last season from Gary O’Neil and he guided us to safety.

“I am not sure he wants to do that this year. I think he wants to sell himself and get us at least in the top half of the table this season.”

Achieving a top-half finish after losing Ait-Nouri and Cunha would be a major achievement for Pereira, which would be sure to attract the attention of some top clubs, but a summer rebuild will be needed in order to make that goal a reality.

Wolves make first approach to sign £34m Club World Cup goalscorer

He’s been in excellent form at the Club World Cup.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 27, 2025

One of the main reasons the Old Gold were drawn into a relegation battle last season was their very poor defensive record, shipping 69 goals in the Premier League, the highest number of any club outside the relegation zone.

As such, it is little wonder Wolves are looking at bringing in a new centre-back, and they have now held direct talks with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Igor Julio, according to El Diario Vasco (via Sport Witness).

Indeed, the Old Gold have called Igor over a potential move to Molineux, which could be of great appeal, given that Pereira’s squad is full of Brazilian and Portuguese players.

However, the Brazilian is currently prioritising a move to Real Sociedad, as he is keen to seal a move away from England this summer, and believes the La Liga side could be a good fit.

Julio could be "amazing" signing for Wolves

Wolves will be hoping the defender’s head can be turned, despite the interest from Sociedad, as he impressed considerably for Brighton last season, being singled out for praise by manager Fabian Hürzeler.

Hürzeler said: “He played now a good game against Newcastle. And I wasn’t surprised by this because I see him every training session and he’s an amazing professional player.

“He always wants to give the best. He always wants to be the best version of himself and that’s very impressive.”

The 27-year-old, who signed for Brighton for €17m (£15m) in 2023, also ranks in the 99th percentile for blocks per 90 over the past year, when compared to other centre-backs, and the 88th percentile for his pass-completion rate.

Having proven himself in the Premier League, Igor could be exactly the type of signing to help Wolves kick on and push for a top-half finish, but the interest from Real Sociedad could pose a major problem.

Rain likely to help India on final day in Brisbane

A total of 98 overs can be bowled on the final day, but only 192 have been bowled across the first four days of this Test

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Dec-2024India have given themselves a strong chance of emerging from the Gabba Test with a draw after the unbeaten last-wicket stand between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep saved the follow-on with forecast for more showers on the final day.In a match that has had just 192 overs across four days, more interruptions appear likely on Wednesday with between 2mm and 25mm of rain forecast, which is similar to what was predicted for the fourth day when 58 overs were possible between the interruptions.”High chance of showers, most likely in the late morning and afternoon,” said Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology. “The chance of a thunderstorm, possibly severe.”The final day will have 98 overs scheduled and Australia will need as many as possible if they are to force a result after seeing their chance of enforcing the follow-on taken away by Bumrah and Akash Deep.If an entire day’s play was possible, which so far has only happened on the second day when Travis Head and Steven Smith dominated with centuries, Australia would need to quickly take India’s final wicket then potentially bat for around 20 overs to set a target in the region of 300 with around 70 overs remaining, depending on how generous they wanted to be.On the final day of a Test there is no cut-off time for the overs to bowled, although light in Brisbane starts to fade at around 5.30pm local time.Australia, however, are a bowler down due to the calf injury sustained by Josh Hazlewood so may need to factor that into their planning should the opportunity arise. Nathan Lyon would likely need to do a considerable amount of work although Daniel Vettori, Australia’s assistant coach, said that regular breaks had allowed the quicks to stay relatively fresh.”The weather, in terms of the breaks, allowed Mitch and Patty to come back on multiple occasions whereas if we’d played out the full 90 overs it would have been a lot tougher to manage,” he said. “We always have the luxury of Nathan and his ability to bowl a lot of overs. So that alleviated a bit of the concern but it’s always a tough one with a world class bowler being out.”KL Rahul, who top-scored for India with 84, conceded that the frequent stoppages made it difficult for all the players.”I think I got most tired running up and down from the dressing room more than being in the middle,” he joked. “But it was a challenge. It wasn’t easy for us. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for them as well to keep going on for a couple of overs, go back, sit in the dressing room, change again, come back. So, it was a frustrating day for both teams but it is what it is.”

رئيس اتحاد الدراجات يوضح كواليس إصابة ابتسام زايد "الخطيرة"

علق أيمن علي حسن رئيس اتحاد الدراجات على إصابة ابتسام زايد لاعبة منتخب مصر خلال مشاركتها في بطولة العالم.

وقال أيمن في مداخلة على ملعب “أون” عن إصابة ابتسام زايد في بطولة العالم: “لاعبة منتخب مصر كانت تشارك في بطولة العالم في تشيلي، وسافروا يوم 18، وبدأوا اللعب يوم 22”.

وتابع: “بدأت يوم 22 سباق النقاط وحصدت المركز الـ15 عالميًا، ثم كان لدينا يوم 24 سباق اسمه الإقصاء بمشاركة 24 لاعبة بعد التصفيات، وكل لفتين بهما سبرينت، واللاعبة الأخيرة تودع المنافسة”.

طالع.. صورة | الاصابة تحرم ابتسام زايد من استكمال بطولة العالم للدراجات

وكشف: “طبعًا في اللفة الثامنة خرج خمسة، وابتسام كانت في موقع ممتاز يؤهلها للمنافسة على الصدارة، لكن حصل تصادم بينها وبين أربع لاعبات، فوقعت، وتعرضت لإغماء مؤقت، وانتقلت على الفور إلى المستشفى”.

وواصل: “عندما استفاقت أخذت حوالي 12 غرزة فوق حاجبها الأيسر، طبعًا حادثة كبيرة جدًا، فالحمد لله اتنقلت على المستشفى، وعملوا لها الإجراءات اللازمة، والحمد لله لا كسور، كلها كدمات والخياطة فوق الحاجب”.

واختتم: “عادت الحمد لله إلى الفندق، وكشف عليها رئيس اللجنة الطبية في الاتحاد الدولي، وقال إن أحسن شيء أن تحصل على راحة أسبوع، وفي التقرير الطبي مكتوب إنها راحة أسبوع، ولا تخوض السباق القادم (الأومنيوم)، وكان سيلعب يوم 26”.

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