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After a number of years of drought, the promise of renewal has arrived with four centurions on this tour of Bangladesh

Firdose Moonda30-Oct-2024If it feels like it’s taken a long time for South Africa’s batting line-up to find some solidity, that’s because it has. Since May 2018, of teams in the World Test Championship, only West Indies have a lower average runs-per-wicket figure, and South Africa’s batters have scored the fewest hundreds. Over the last two weeks, that seems to be changing.In the Chattogram Test, South Africa have posted their highest away total in 12 years, with three of their batters scoring their maiden Test centuries. Numbers aside, they also appear to have found an opening partner for Aiden Markram who can balance batting time and scoring runs, a No.3 who fits the role, a middle order that does not melt at the sight of spin, and a lower-order allrounder. This seeming overnight success has been about a year in the making.Related

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• Sweeping success – Stubbs takes the cue from de Zorzi

• Rabada's strikes, Mulder's century pile on the pain for Bangladesh

• Stats – Three first-time Test centurions in South Africa's batting feast

“It probably started with Shukri [Conrad, South Africa’s Test coach] against India [in the 2023-24 home summer]. That was a tough series against a really good side, and there was a young team as well, and guys put their hands up in different situations. So, I think it’s just been building on that,” Tony de Zorzi, whose career-best 177 is South Africa’s highest individual score away from home since Graeme Smith’s 234 in Dubai in 2013, said after day two in Chattogram.”There’s a few young guys but a lot of them play around the world so guys are coming in with different types of experiences. It might not necessarily be in age, but they’re all pretty mature and clever about how they go about things. And even though we haven’t been playing for a while and we’re maybe not 30 or 40 years old, we have our own experiences which allow us to perform.”Tony de Zorzi’s 177 demonstrated his ability to weather an intense physical toll over a long period•AFP/Getty ImagesLet’s start with de Zorzi’s example. He made a promising start to his career for the then-second-tier Pretoria-based side Northerns in the 2016-17 season but then dropped off the radar once he graduated to their senior side, the Titans, and moved provinces to the Western Cape. There, he flourished with an average of 49.42 in the 2021-22 domestic four-day competition and 101.40 in the 2022-23 season to earn a Test call-up. By then he had also played four first-class games for South Africa A.Then he had to start all over again, but his experience through the domestic system meant his development at the highest level has come quicker. He scored a promising 85 in his second Test, an important half-century in his fifth, and now, in his eighth Test, a daddy hundred that showed what he can offer long-term.Technically, de Zorzi’s ability to adjust to conditions, especially the amount of spin being bowled, stood out. Mentally, his capacity to stay at the crease, even when battling cramps in his hand, forearm, side and legs on the first day, and for a total of seven hours and 12 minutes, was impressive. This can be developed with the practice of time in the middle and de Zorzi has some marathon domestic innings – including a triple-hundred two seasons ago – to draw on. “Once you get in, it becomes pretty much just [about] your decision-making and your ability to stay focused. It’s definitely mental but you also have to be physically fit enough to be able to do it and be able to concentrate for long periods of time; be able to switch on and switch off,” he said. “I’d say to do it for a long time, you’ve got to be 100% present as much as you can and focused.”Wiaan Mulder has had a similar experience in biding his time. He made his Test debut in February 2019, a year-and-a-half after getting his ODI cap. Batting at No. 7 behind the likes of Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock, and bowling second change after Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada and Duanne Olivier may have made it tough for Mulder to fully carve out a role for himself. He didn’t play another Test until that December and then only made sporadic appearances until being recalled for the West Indies tour this winter, as a levelled-up batter in particular.Tristan Stubbs has vindicated Shukri Conrad’s move to promote him to No. 3 after just one Test match•AFP/Getty ImagesIn 2022, Mulder played for Leicestershire, batted at No.6, and made 689 runs at 49.21, scoring two hundreds including a career-best 235 not out. Last summer, he was promoted to No.5 for his South African domestic team, the Lions, and in six matches scored two hundreds and two fifties to average 54.90. The results of the work he has put into his batting over the last two years all showed in his innings today, which was well-paced and purposeful, with plenty of powerful shots. The twin sixes he hit off Mahmudul Hasan to bring up South Africa’s 500 and push himself towards 70 were highlights. “This is the pinnacle for me,” he said afterwards. “That’s why I get up in the morning – to try and score a hundred in a Test match.”Tristan Stubbs, whose century was sandwiched between those of de Zorzi and Mulder, had the same feeling. He called his innings his “favourite hundred”. Before this he had one in ODIs and eight in domestic cricket, including one at first-class level, and he has repaid the faith Conrad showed in him. Conrad gave him a Test debut when he had only played 15 first-class games, and announced he would promote Stubbs to No.3 after one Test. Whatever Conrad saw has come to fruition and the results that are showing in the batting is as much a credit to Stubbs’ work as it is to his selection and the knowledge of the 66-Test-capped Ashwell Prince, who is the batting coach. It helps that Prince also has recent experience of coaching in Bangladesh.It may be premature to suggest South Africa’s batting blues are behind them but the numbers from this series are a move in the right direction. Their 575 in Chattogram is their highest away total since they scored 637 for 2 at The Oval in 2012, where they were on a journey to win the Test mace. The closest they have come to that trophy since then is now. South Africa are four wins away from the WTC final, and while there is still much cricket to be played between now and then, their fate is in their own hands.With de Zorzi, Stubbs and Mulder adding to Kyle Verreynne’s 114 from the first Test in Dhaka, South Africa have, for the first time since 2018, four different centurions in a series. The last time they had more than two hundreds in an away series was in Australia in 2016. Both the 2012 and 2016 teams were built on big stars and enjoyed strong success. South Africa will hope, as Mulder said, that the “stars are aligned,” for the same to happen again.

The Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros were involved in a big MLB trade back in December that sent three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker to Chicago, while infielder Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski and top infield prospect Cam Smith were dealt to Houston.

These players all faced each other this weekend while the Cubs are visiting Daikin Park. And, in some sort of fantastical way, the three batters dealt in the trade all hit home runs in the same game on Saturday night.

Smith shot off the first homer in the third inning, giving the Astros a 2-1 lead at the time. The Cubs responded in a major way in the fourth inning, as three players homered to add to the tally of seven total runs. The last Cub to homer in the fourth inning was Tucker, who has been on fire this season and specifically while visiting Houston. He was a triple short of the cycle on Saturday night.

Paredes finished off the prophecy, of sorts, in the eighth inning when he hit a 328-foot homer to give the Astros their third and final run of the night. Tucker had the upper hand in the matchup as the Cubs won 12-3.

What a full circle moment for all three players.

Bangladesh have never had someone like Nahid Rana before, and must do everything they can to make sure he stays the course

Mohammad Isam02-Sep-2024Nahid Rana runs in like the wind from the Pavilion End at the Rawalpindi Stadium. He releases the ball like a catapult, from high up – he is 6’2″ after all. The 140kph deliveries thud into Litton Das’ gloves behind the stumps.It’s still scorching hot in Rawalpindi. There are barely 100 people in the stands. Rana, like so many other fast bowlers from the subcontinent, is used to bowling in empty stadiums. Rawalpindi, home of perhaps the most famous “express” in cricket, is no different. On this dull Monday morning, it’s possibly worse.But as Rana bowls, a sense of expectation seems to spread through the Bangladesh fielders. They are enjoying this. Taskin Ahmed, standing at fine leg, sports a broad smile. The batters are being hurried ball after ball. By a Bangladeshi fast bowler. If one ball tests the outside edge, the next is at the throat. It is thrilling. It’s not like anyone who has ever bowled for Bangladesh. It’s like the end of a long wait. The stands should have had more people.

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Rana touches 150kph on a few occasions. He had crossed 150 on his Test debut against Sri Lanka. He is not entirely an unknown for Pakistan – they have seen him a fair bit in the last two weeks. But – you might have heard this before – “pace is pace, yaar”.Related

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• Litton and Mehidy orchestrate a comeback for the ages

He strikes with his third ball. Shan Masood’s enterprise outside the off stump from earlier in the morning costs him – Rana’s extra pace rushes him into the stroke.Babar Azam had faced Rana just before Masood’s dismissal, but first ball of his next over, Babar’s forward press takes the outside edge. It’s a poor choice of shot. The edge goes to Shadman Islam at first slip.The same fielder, though, drops Mohammad Rizwan next ball. It would have been a golden duck for the in-form batter, a regulation chance. Rana has his hands on his head. There’s more reward waiting for him, though. First in the form of Saud Shakeel, who is caught behind for two in Rana’s next over.Pakistan’s captain. Their most celebrated batter. A batter averaging 61.55 before this Test. Bangladesh had plans for all three, and they all centred on Rana rattling them with pace. On the day, Rana sent them all back in his first three overs.He doesn’t celebrate much after any of the wickets. He walks to the fielders with a smile on his face, a very retro feel. It also feels a bit out of place – this is Rawalpindi, of all places.Pakistan are languishing, and Raza continues to bowl fast and testing lines against Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha. He steams in at Rizwan, who pulls out at the last moment due to movement behind the sight screen. Rana rushes back with a bouncer next ball. It hits Rizwan on the side of the helmet. Taskin has a word or two from fine leg. Hasan Mahmud mimics Litton’s stance when he is keeping to Rana. The other slip fielders muffle a laughter. Litton throws a laugh at Mahmud. The Bangladeshis are loving it. At 86 for 6, lunch couldn’t have come quicker for the home side.

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Rana isn’t done yet. He returns for a short second spell after lunch, drawing Salman’s edge once. Najmul Hossain Shanto brings him back for a third spell as soon as Abrar Ahmed is on strike in the 42nd over. Rana removes the No. 10 quickly, but can’t get his fifth wicket. Mahmud, who has bowled superbly since the third evening, completes his five-for instead.Hasan has been Bangladesh’s best fast bowler across the two Tests. Shoriful Islam was disciplined in the first Test (before missing the second with an injury), and Taskin has been the leader of the attack in the second Test. But Rana is at the centre of the story. And not just for this performance. His pace has been significantly higher than anyone else’s.In general, the Bangladesh bowling attack has been better than Pakistan’s throughout the series. In this Test, Khurram Shahzad and Amir Hamza reduced Bangladesh to 26 for 6 in the first innings, but couldn’t complete the job. Like Mahmud and Rana did on the fourth day. They showed that they either have better skills or better execution. What Rana, playing just his third Test, did well was to marry his pace with great lines and lengths.Nahid Rana – head and shoulders above the rest•AFP/Getty ImagesAnd all of this from a fast bowler who first picked up the red ball just four years ago.Rana took up cricket seriously when his brother put him in a cricket academy in 2020, shortly after his college was done. He made his first-class debut in October 2021, following it up with a 32 wickets in the following season. Rana and Sumon Khan had both taken 30-plus wickets in the 2022-23 National Cricket League, a first for fast bowlers in the domestic first-class tournament in more than 11 years.

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Rana, 21, is a new phenomenon in Bangladesh cricket. An out-and-out fast bowler who can bowl fast consistently, for long periods. Rana’s BPL debut was erratic, but he showed off his pace in every appearance. Not since Taskin had a Bangladeshi fast bowler rocked up at the BPL with this type of pace.Pace bowling has never quite been Bangladesh’s . Going back in history, Daulat Uz Zaman represented East Pakistan in the Pakistan domestic first-class competitions in the 1960s and 1970s and was known to be fast. Jahangir Shah Badsha was a well-known pace bowler but by the time he made his ODI debut, he was in his mid-30s. Mashrafe Mortaza had good pace in the early part of his career but injuries took their toll. Shahadat Hossain took four of the first six five-wicket hauls in Tests for Bangladesh fast bowlers, but his career went off the rails soon. Rubel Hossain at times bowled quick, but he was better with the white ball. Rana, so far, has looked like the real deal.But there are reasons to be cautious too. Robiul Islam took 15 wickets in two Tests against Zimbabwe in 2013, but faded away quickly. Ebadot Hossain took a stunning six-wicket haul in that famous win in Mount Maunganui, and showed general improvement after that, but hasn’t played since December 2022 because of a long-term injury.Rana will have plenty of advice coming his way but he should know he is special. He is Bangladesh’s fastest bowler ever. Fitness and health are key. The most crucial thing for a Bangladeshi star-in-the-making is to stay in the straight and narrow. Rana can’t be spoilt. And for the new dispensation in charge at the BCB, it will be their responsibility to keep him fresh, and let him bowl fast.

The Dodgers have been dominant this postseason as they've only dropped one game on their route to the World Series, where they could become back-to-back champions.

If it's not broke, then don't fix it, they say. And, Los Angeles seems to be following that motto as they announced the same starting pitcher rotation for Games 1 and 2 that the team used in the NLCS vs. the Brewers. Blake Snell will start Game 1 on Friday, Oct. 24 in Toronto, followed by Yoshinobu Yamamoto starting Game 2 on Saturday, Oct. 24 in Toronto, per ESPN's Alden González.

Snell pitched in Game 1 of the NLCS vs. the Brewers, which the Dodgers won 2–1. He recorded 10 strikeouts and just one hit over eight innings. Milwaukee's only run came in the ninth inning when Snell was out. The two-time Cy Young Award winner has been dominant all postseason so far, and will be looking to continue that with a Game 1 win.

Yamamoto pitched the entire nine innings of Game 2 vs. the Brewers, which resulted in a Dodgers' 5–1 win. He recorded seven strikeouts, and had three hits and one home run hit against him.

If the Dodgers continue with their starting pitcher rotation as they did in the NLCS, then Tyler Glasnow would start in Game 3 and Shohei Ohtani would start in Game 4. So far, no decision on those games has been reported.

MLB’s winter meetings continued on Tuesday, as more deals were struck and rumors continued to fly.

The blockbuster news on Tuesday was the Dodgers signing Mets All-Star closer Edwin Díaz to a massive, three-year, $69 million deal. L.A.’s bullpen was a mess in 2025, and last offseason’s big signing, Tanner Scott, was straight up awful. The team’s closer went 1–4 with a 4.74 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP, 60 strikeouts against 18 walks in 57 innings, and posted a whopping 10 blown saves. Theoretically, signing Díaz should correct that mistake.

That was the big headline on Tuesday, but there are plenty of rumors circulating around the winter meetings. Several of the biggest we’re hearing are below.

Red Sox could look to Bo Bichette

The Red Sox want to bring free agent third baseman Alex Bregman back, but he has drawn interest from across the league. If he opted to bolt for a new home, it would leave Boston with a sizable hole in the infield. Enter Bo Bichette. Rumors are picking up steam that the Red Sox could turn to Bichette if Bregman walks. While the 27-year-old shortstop’s defensive metrics are awful, he could man the spot for a few years with Marcelo Mayer sliding over to third base.

Bichette is coming off an outstanding season for the Blue Jays in which he slashed .311/.357/.483, and set a full-season personal best with a wRC+ of 134, while producing 3.8 fWAR in 139 games. He’s a hitting machine and would fit well with a young Red Sox core ready to start making the next steps toward contention. Toronto won’t let him walk without a fight, but Boston would be an excellent fit.

Mets willing to trade David Peterson

The Mets watched Díaz leave for the Dodgers on Tuesday, and there’s another All-Star pitcher who might not be back in 2026. The team’s president of baseball operations, David Stearns, has said there is currently a “pretty active” trade market, and ’s Tim Britton and Will Sammon are reporting New York would consider parting with starter David Peterson in the right deal.

The 30-year-old lefty made his first All-Star team in 2025 and went 9–6, with a 4.22 ERA, a 1.37 WHIP, and 150 strikeouts against 65 walks in 168 2/3 innings. That followed a 2024 campaign in which he went 10–3 with a 2.90 ERA in 121 innings. Peterson is under team control through the 2026 season before hitting free agency.

Given his production and what should be an affordable salary (projected to be under $8 million) in his final year of arbitration, Peterson wouldn’t come cheap. The Mets need rotation help, so it would likely take a decent amount to pry him loose. That said, New York needs to find an outfielder to replace the departed Brandon Nimmo and may need to find a replacement for Pete Alonso at first base. Moving a valuable player to fill those holes might be the route Stearns opts to take.

Ketel Marte trade speculation continues

The Diamondbacks continue to field calls on second baseman Ketel Marte. The 32-year-old three-time All-Star is one of the big names available on the trade block this offseason, but he’ll fetch a high price if he is moved. He’s coming off a 2025 season in which he slashed .283/.376/.517, with 28 home runs, 72 RBIs, a wRC+ of 145, and 4.6 fWAR. He was also criticized for sitting out too many games.

For Arizona to move Marte, it would need a massive return. He’s owed $102.5 million over the next six years, which is an incredibly affordable contract for a player with his ability. He’s a consistent, All-Star-level performer, and while he’s leaving his prime, his deal is manageable.

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Red Sox are interested, along with three unnamed teams.

Dodgers not “likely” to move Teoscar Hernandez

While they have a mostly complete roster, the Dodgers are looking to rework some things this offseason. They kicked off that effort on Tuesday by signing All-Star closer Edwin Díaz, and they almost certainly won’t be done making changes. One potential deal seems to be off the table, though.

L.A. general manager Brandon Gomes said it “doesn’t feel likely” that outfielder Teoscar Hernández will be moved. After he helped lead them to a World Series title in 2024, the Dodgers re-signed Hernández to a three-year, $66 million deal last offseason. The 33-year-old proceeded to take a step back. In 2025, he slashed .247/.284/.454, with 25 home runs and 89 RBIs, while posting a career-worst wRC+ (102), and only producing 0.6 fWAR. All of those numbers were significantly lower than those he put up in 2024. It doesn’t help that he’s also a terrible defender in right field.

Hernández is expensive for an aging one-dimensional player coming off a down year, but the lack of right-handed bats available in free agency may have elevated his value. Still, it’s a big investment for a risky return. On the flip side, the Dodgers may opt to keep Hernández simply for the sake of continuity. He fits in the clubhouse, and if he underperforms again, the team is more than capable of paying to find a replacement.

L.A. is looking for another outfielder this offseason, and moving Hernández would necessitate finding a second. It’s likely he’ll stay with the team heading into 2026.

عاد ماركو أسينسيو، نجم نادي ريال مدريد السابق وفناربخشة الحالي، للحديث عن رحيله من صفوف الفريق الملكي، موضحًا أنه ليس نادمًا على هذا القرار.

أسينسيو وقع مع ريال مدريد عام 2015 قادمًا من ريال مايوركا، حيث استمر اللاعب لسنوات عديدة مع الفريق الملكي، قبل الرحيل إلى باريس سان جيرمان وعدم تجديد عقده مع الميرنجي.

وغادر أسينسيو ريال مدريد عقب نهاية موسم 2023، حيث لم يجدد اللاعب عقده ليوقع مع باريس سان جيرمان في صفقة انتقال حر.

ولم ينجح أسينسيو مع باريس سان جيرمان، حيث وقع على سبيل الإعارة في بداية العام مع نادي أستون فيلا، ومن ثم الانضمام بشكل نهائي إلى فناربخشة.

وأكد أسينسيو في مقابلة مع صحيفة ماركا، أنه لم يرحل عن صفوف ريال مدريد بسبب المال.

اقرأ أيضًا .. “عضلات بلا مهارات”.. صحفي إسباني يوضح نقطة ضعف ريال مدريد الحقيقية

وقال أسينسيو عن رحيله عن ريال مدريد: ”لا أندم على ذلك، ففي عامي الأخير فزت باللقب الذي كنت أفتقده مع ريال مدريد وهو كأس الملك”.

وأضاف أسينسيو في حديثه: ”يجب أن تعرف متى تغادر، شعرت بمودة كبيرة من الجماهير، من فلورنتينو بيريز، ومن المدرب، لكنني شعرت أن الوقت قد حان للرحيل”.

وأوضح: ”لم يكن قرار رحيلي عن ريال مدريد رياضيًا أو ماليًا، بل قرارًا شخصيًا، أردت وضع أهداف جديدة لأنني كنت بحاجة إلى تغيير في حياتي ومسيرتي المهنية، سيبقى ريال مدريد دائمًا بيتي، لأنني مدريديستا منذ صغري، لكنني شعرت أن الوقت قد حان لتجربة شيء جديد”.

وعن رئيس ريال مدريد، فلورنتينو بيريز، أردف أسينسيو: “مع فلورنتينو، والآن نتحدث عن الوداع، عشنا لحظة جميلة وحميمة. كان وداعًا رائعًا في الملعب ولكن قبل المباراة الأخيرة لي مع ريال مدريد قضيت لحظة جميلة مع فلورنتينو على انفراد، وأتذكرها بشغف كبير”.

واختتم أسينسيو: ”كنا وحدنا أنا وبيريز في غرفة واحدة، في لحظة خاصة جدًا نتحدث عن الحياة، عن كيفية انتقالي لريال مدريد، عن عائلاتنا، كان الأمر مذهلًا. لطالما جمعتني علاقة مميزة بفلورنتينو، لطالما عاملني معاملة حسنة للغاية، وهو شخص عزيز جدًا علي”.

A fresh timeline for when Sheffield Wednesday’s takeover could be completed has now been shared after several interested parties presented proof of funds worth £50m.

It’s been a chaotic couple of weeks for the Owls, who finally got the chance to show nightmare owner Dejphon Chansiri the door as he took them into administration. Since then, fans have flocked to the club shop and to Hillsborough in support of Henrik Pedersen’s side as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Norwich City in midweek.

Pedersen shared his pride in Sheffield Wednesday after a well-earned point, telling reporters: “We had courage to play today, it’s the best offensive game we have played this season. We also created big chances after the goal, so proud of the performance and we go in the right direction.

“The first half defensive[ly] we were strong, we were solid. The players are working so hard and I think they deserve better today, but we have to learn, we have to train more. But the positive thing now is we’re creating chances.”

Now on -4 points in the Championship after being hit with a 12-point deduction following their administration, survival seems almost impossible for the Owls, who are paying the price in full for Chansiri’s ownership.

Nonetheless, the good times are at least on the horizon again. The Chansiri era is over and new ownership is on its way. Just who that new owner will be is the big question.

Names such as Mike Ashley and John Textor have both been mentioned in the last week or so, but it remains to be seen whether either of the former Premier League owners make their move to buy the club.

Reporter shares fresh Sheffield Wednesday takeover timeline

The good news for those at Hillsborough is that they may not have to wait long before a new era commences. According to The Star’s Alex Miller, Sheffield Wednesday could have their takeover completed by November 23 when they square off against rivals Sheffield United.

What’s more, at least one well-funded American group has reportedly progressed to the furthest stage of the takeover process in what is a major boost for the Owls.

BBC reporter shares latest £50m step that 3 Sheffield Wednesday candidates have just taken

Things are looking up for the Owls.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 31, 2025

Co-administrator and managing partner at Begbies Traynor, Kris Wigfield also provided a positive update on the takeover process in the build-up to the Norwich game.

Although relegation seemingly looms for the Owls, everything is pointing towards positive days ahead which will feature new owners.

John McEvoy: Who is the American billionaire looking to buy Sheffield Wednesday?

England dominated till lunch with bat and ball, but India reversed the momentum from there and didn’t look back

Vithushan Ehantharajah01-Aug-20251:45

Prasidh: I’ve been picked to do a job

Stumps Now this, party people, is what it is all about. We had to wait until the last Friday of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, but here it was. The best day’s play so far has, at this juncture, put India in control, 75 for 2 in their second innings, leading by 52.That it was day two of this fifth and final Test added to the spectacle. The jeopardy of it all felt keenly, a slalom through angst and nerves. Gus Atkinson’s fourth five-wicket haul after two months out closed India’s first innings for 224. And the same man delivered the final meaningful act, removing B Sai Sudharsan lbw, the last of Friday’s 15 wickets to fall.In between, England had been dismissed for 247, a lead of 23 that looked like being a whole lot more when Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett blitzed 92 from 77 deliveries. But it was soon after that point, from lunch with England 109 for 1 and only trailing by 115, that India stirred.Related

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A rousing middle session from Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, 4 for 86 and 4 for 62, respectively, instigated and then completed a collapse that saw all nine wickets – Chris Woakes couldn’t bat – fall for 155. Only Harry Brook provided another meaningful contribution with 53. And if there was any doubt that they had ceded the advantage, it was confirmed in a final 16-over session.Yashasvi Jaiswal, pugnacious and still alive with 51 not out from 49 deliveries, was dropped twice. First on 20 by Brook, second on 40 by sub-fielder Liam Dawson. And though Crawley got away with his miss of Sai Sudharsan on seven, the vibe was of an already stretched team desperately reaching out for a game that may drift beyond them at some point on Saturday.When it was in England’s grasp, they could do no wrong. They made light work of what remained of India’s first innings, which resumed on 204 for 6.3:42

‘A workhorse, a man to have in the team’

After news prior to the start of play that Woakes was ruled out of the rest of the Test with a suspected dislocated shoulder, Atkinson, on his home ground, took it upon himself to take three as the final four came in just 34 deliveries.Josh Tongue made the first key incision, finishing with 3 for 53, albeit with an approach so chaotic he’d have been struck off if he was a surgeon. His first over, opening from the Vauxhall End, went for nine, but he was able to remove Karun Nair for 57 in his second. A sharp delivery that nipped into the stumps – Nair no doubt expected something short and wide either side of them – pinned the right-hand batter on the back leg. Plumb in front, Nair took one of India’s three reviews with him.Washington Sundar should have assumed the responsibility at that point as an elongated tail became exposed. But he fell five deliveries later, waltzing into a short-ball trap, heaving Atkinson to deep square-leg, where Jamie Overton sprinted in to take a smart catch.Zak Crawley scored his third half-century of the series•AFP via Getty Images

Atkinson would then skittle Siraj before Prasidh felt for a delivery outside off, completing a collapse of four for six in 18 balls. It left Atkinson with an average of 21, the fourth best for an England seamer with 50 or more dismissals, and the second-best strike rate, ever, at 34.9, for those who have taken 60 wickets.Then came Crawley and Duckett for their familiar double-act. The latter led the charge, reverse-pulling Akash Deep over the cordon, then “conventionally” ramping Siraj into the sponge for the first two sixes of the match. An attempted third did not just bring about Duckett’s end for 43, as he scuffed through to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, but an arm around the shoulder of the batter from the bowler.It looked a mix of jest and respect very much, though it did subsequently trigger a shift in the attitude of this match. And when Shubman Gill gathered his players on the edge of the field after the lunch break, there was a sense things were going to be very different. That it suddenly mattered more than before.1:44

‘Disappointed, but it is what it is’ – Trescothick on dropped catches

An eight-over spell from Siraj read 3 for 35 and knocked out the engine room: stand-in skipper Ollie Pope, the prized wicket of Joe Root. and Jacob Bethell seen off in the space of 12 overs of play.All three were found wanting by the right-arm quick’s late movement off the surface, with the slightest lack of bounce, from the Micky Stewart Members’ Pavilion End. Pope’s required an India review – despite striking the back pad right in front – before Root used one in vain, for 29. Bethell, making his first Test appearance since the New Zealand tour at the end of last year, simply walked for six.Maybe Prasidh could claim an assist for Root’s wicket, having riled up the No. 2 on the all-time Test runs chart. The tall quick was clearly in a confrontational mood, but was vindicated by the results elicited.Things got heated up between Joe Root and Prasidh Krishna•Getty Images

He threw a ball at Crawley upon fielding in his follow-through – the pair exchanged an immediate apology and acceptance, respectively. And he was soon in the book when Crawley, on 64, failed to clear Ravindra Jadeja at midwicket.The shot was in keeping with Crawley’s work up to that point; boundary heavy – 48 runs in boundaries in the 42 deliveries it took him to reach a third half-century in the series, and his 24th 50-plus score overall. But there was a degree of tempestuousness in the stroke. The way the opener struck down the ground and even over cover was calculated. This felt like a shot at revenge.And so, once Root arrived, Prasidh cajoled him into a back and forth which had England’s No. 4 seething. Prasidh then relieved Siraj from his end and took India through to tea with two wickets in five deliveries. Jamie Smith nicked high to KL Rahul at second slip and Overton was trapped lbw for what proved to be the final ball of the session.1:28

Bangar: Ominous signs from Jaiswal

Atkinson could and perhaps should have been more conservative and stuck with Brook, instead of holing out to mid-on for Prasidh’s fourth. But Tongue held on to allow Brook to perform marshalling duties. And though the Yorkshireman refused singles and failed to find acceptable gaps for even-number runs to keep the strike, he still ticked over to 50 from 57 deliveries.The best of his six boundaries up to that point was a sole six, overhead-flipping Siraj into the stands just in front of the dressing rooms. But Siraj would get the last laugh, as Brook’s open face offered a toe onto his own stumps.With play extended through to 7.30pm with the extra half-hour, England had the chance to make things awkward. But they found themselves immediately on the back foot as Jaiswal raced out of the gates, taking 12 off Atkinson’s second over with a punched on-drive, a guide beyond third slip, and a lash through point.1:58

Bangar on Crawley-Duckett: Haven’t seen batting of that quality

Without Woakes, Tongue opened the bowling, with a recalibrated radar that made his seven overs more consistently probing, without compromising on his knack for worldies. Rahul was undone by lift outside off, flirting and guiding off the face low to Root.But Tongue deserved more, and only Dawson will know why he was not wearing his shades instead of perching them on the top of his cap. The swish from Jaiswal seemed to come to him right out of either the floodlights or the setting sun, cannoning into his upper chest via his chin, having burst through his hands.The deflation in the stands, closely followed by elation from the Indian fans, spoke of how the tables had turned. And that elation grew to boastful cheers when nightwatcher Akash Deep worked his first ball, from Atkinson, through midwicket for four.He would face one more delivery before the umpires decided the light was not good enough to continue. Saturday will be brighter, and seemingly more so for India.

Youngster Diego Leon may “not have to wait much longer” for his senior Manchester United debut.

Despite only turning 18 in April 2025, Leon had already made over 30 appearances in senior football with Cerro Porteno in his native Paraguay. Since joining the Red Devils in the summer, Leon has played exclusively for the Man United Under-21s, where he has caught the eye with his performances.

Leon is evidently an exciting talent and Man United, no doubt, will aim to avoid a repeat of what happened with Alvaro Carreras. The teenager has been in several matchday squads for Ruben Amorim’s side, who have acquired 10 points from an available 12 in their previous four games.

Reports from Leon’s home continent of South America, as per The Peoples Person, have suggested that the wing-back could soon be handed his senior debut at Old Trafford.

Leon is highly thought of at Carrington

To be part of a Premier League squad in any capacity is a sign that Amorim has been impressed by Leon. As per journalist Christian Martin, the Paraguayan is a firm part of the club’s plans going forward.

Having signed in January, Patrick Dorgu is yet to make a strong impression for Man United. Formerly of Lecce, the left-sided player has not started a game for the Red Devils since a 3-1 loss against Brentford at the end of September.

Diogo Dalot has been starting as the left-wing-back in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system since Dorgu was dropped. Naturally suited to the right-hand side, Dalot has also struggled in the position and given the injury troubles that both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have faced in recent years, Leon could well soon find himself involved in a first-team game.

Reportedly, Leon will “get his chance sooner rather than later.” Top flight football in Paraguay is, of course, a different level to the English Premier League, but Leon has already played consistent senior football, a rarity for a player of such a young age.

When exactly Leon will receive his chance remains to be seen, but given the impressions he has been making since arriving in the summer, it surely can not be long until the Paraguay international makes his bow for the Red Devils.

Man Utd offered chance to sign striker for bargain in January

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Estabelecido como novo goleiro titular do Corinthians, Carlos Miguel iniciou conversas com para renovar seu vínculo com o clube. O atual contrato do jogador é válido até dezembro de 2025, mas a diretoria planeja aumentar a multa do atleta, que recebeu sondagens no início da temporada, e se proteger de eventuais propostas.

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Isso porque a multa rescisória de Carlos Miguel para clubes do exterior será reduzida de forma drástica em 2025. O valor, que é fixado em 50 milhões de euros até dezembro, cai para apenas 4 milhões de euros a partir da virada do ano.

– Carlos Miguel tinha um contrato que a multa até dezembro era 50 milhões de euros. Em janeiro, se torna 4 milhões de euros. Nunca vi isso. Já chamamos empresário, Carlos quer ter sequência, conversei com ele. Certeza que não teremos problema – revelou o presidente Augusto Melo, em entrevista ao canal “Cross”.

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No Corinthians desde 2021, Carlos Miguel recebeu sua primeira sequência como titular sob o comando de António Oliveira. O camisa 22 venceu a disputa com Cássio, barrado após a partida contra o Argentinos Juniors, pela Copa Sul-Americana e que, posteriormente, acertou sua ida ao Cruzeiro.

Ao todo, o goleiro possui 22 partidas pela equipe profissional do Corinthians, sendo metade delas nesta temporada, e apenas duas derrotas.

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