Glasgow Rangers had a mass summer clear out under Michael Beale which resulted in 11 players departing the club, including Allan McGregor, Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos.

One player who also looked like they would be leaving Ibrox following the expiration of their contract was club stalwart Steven Davis.

The Northern Irish midfielder signed a one-year extension towards the end of the 2021/22 season, but he suffered a season ending knee injury before Christmas last year, and it looked as though his time at the club was coming to an end.

Despite his contract expiring, Beale is allowing him to stay and continue his rehabilitation at the club before a final decision is made, but its clear the 43-year-old will need to find a long term heir for the midfielder.

There are a few youngsters in the academy who could soon make the step-up and Bailey Rice is one of the standouts who has the potential to become an ideal heir to Davis.

How old is Bailey Rice?

The former Motherwell youngster is only 16 years old and he joined the Light Blues last summer, turning down the offer of a professional contract at the Steelmen to move to Glasgow, and it looks like it could turn into a stroke of genius.

Journalist Mark Hendry even lauded him as a “prospect” amid the interest from Rangers and Manchester City in January 2022, and he has already made waves during his spell in the academy.

Has Bailey Rice made an appearance for Rangers?

Rice made a total of 21 appearances for both the B team and U19 side last season, scoring twice and grabbing one assist in the process, while even gaining experience in the UEFA Youth League, playing against the likes of Napoli and Liverpool.

These performances led to him making his debut for the senior side in February against Livingston, coming on with a few minutes to go as the club were strolling to a 3-0 win and this taste of first team action will surely give him a major confidence boost.

What is Bailey Rice’s style of play?

The teen starlet tends to operate in a defensive midfield position but has also played slightly further forward and its evident that he offers a similar playing style to that of Davis.

The 38-year-old likes to dictate play from the heart of the midfield with his sublime passing ability and Rice has this quality in abundance.

Rangers Review journalist Jonny McFarlane praised him during a tie against Celtic earlier this year, saying: “20 minutes gone at Ibrox and Rangers dominating Celtic here. Bailey Rice controlling the game and looks a serious talent. Ishaka powerful and technically gifted causing problems and Lyall's goal was a terrific strike.”

Sharing similar traits will only help accelerate his growth into a potential first team player over the next couple of years as it looks as though he will outgrow the B team sooner rather than later.

There is no doubt that he is the natural successor to Davis and the next 12 months will be crucial in his development.

Rashid, the legspinner, is a key part of England’s one-day and T20 sides and believes it is those formats of the games he would be best to focus on

George Dobell15-Feb-2018

Adil Rashid has put his first-class career on hold for at least a year after agreeing a white-ball only contract with Yorkshire for the 2018 season.Rashid, the legspinner, is a key part of England’s one-day and T20 sides and believes it is those formats of the games he would be best to focus on domestically and internationally. He has played 10 Tests, all overseas, taking 38 wickets at 42.78, but became very expensive in the latter part of the series against India in late 2016.”At this moment in time in my career, I just feel that white-ball cricket is where I am best, enjoying it most and where I feel I can develop and offer a lot more,” he said. “It’s for this season coming and to see how it goes. It’s not me saying I’m finished from red ball, it’s just me saying that this summer I’m going to concentrate on white ball and see where that takes me.”While Rashid did not enjoy a vintage 2017 Championship season – he claimed only 10 wickets at a cost of 50 apiece – the decision is still a surprise. He remains relatively young (he celebrates his 30th birthday later this week) and, having not been picked-up by IPL or PSL teams, is not suffering from the conflicting demands on his time that inconvenience some cricketers.Yorkshire have made it clear the decision was very much Rashid’s – “The club remain firmly in favour of Rashid continuing to play red-ball cricket for the county,” they said in a statement – but say they “respect his desire” and are “in the process” of “renegotiating a contract which reflects his decision to solely play white ball cricket.””From my point of view it’s disappointing,” Yorkshire’s director of cricket, Martyn Moxon, said. “I think Adil has got the ability to play in all three formats of the game, not only at county level, but also at international level. It is Adil’s decision and we have to respect that.”He contacted me recently and explained that he wanted to focus solely on white-ball cricket and concentrate on becoming the best white-ball cricketer he could possibly be.”I’ve said many times that the skills required for the three formats of the game are so different, so it is a challenge for players to play in all three – in international cricket you don’t have many players that do. We need our players to be able to play in all three formats predominantly. We really need to get our players skilled up in all three formats. Adil obviously feels he can’t achieve that at the moment.”He’s been an important member of our white-ball team over the last number of years and is a potential matchwinner. We’re pleased to have him playing white-ball cricket for us and, with his sole focus being on that, you’d expect his skills to improve.”While the England camp are open-minded about the benefits of players specialising, they had not shut the door on a return to Test cricket for Rashid. With Mason Crane enduring a tough Test debut – he claimed 1 for 193 – and Moeen Ali struggling during a horrid Ashes series, the new county season might have presented Rashid with a golden opportunity to stake his claim for a recall. And, with 10 first-class centuries to his name, he offered all-round skills that few of his rivals for the spin-bowling position can match.Might it be relevant that it was long-time Yorkshire team-mate Joe Root who made the decision for England to look at alternative options? Certainly there have been previous occasions when Yorkshire have expressed some frustration with Rashid, not least at the end of the 2016 season when he cited the illness of a family member for sitting out the County Championship decider at Lord’s. Middlesex subsequently won that match to pip Yorkshire to the title with Andrew Gale, then the club captain and now the club coach, tweeting with apparent irritation that he would take “11 lads on the field who will give everything to win.”Rashid also issued an apology to Gale in early 2013 after giving an interview in which he criticised his captain’s use of him, claimed “I don’t feel I’ve been treated well” and threatened to leave the club.Rashid’s move will strengthen the belief that the longer formats of the game could struggle to withstand the proliferation of T20 cricket, in particular. With several of West Indies’ better players having apparently accepted a future as white-ball specialists and Jos Buttler the latest England player to suggest a Test-less future, Rashid’s move might sound more warning bells for lovers of the more traditional formats.And while Moxon insisted “county setups can’t accommodate specialists at this moment in time,” it is telling that Liam Plunkett and David Willey – also members of England’s limited-overs squads – each played only two Championship games in 2017, though fitness was more a factor in their cases.”It wasn’t any easy decision to make but it’s something I felt I had to do,” Rashid said. “If I was to go back to playing red ball early in the season, a bit inside me would have said ‘I’m just playing because I have to’ but I had to make that decision and say ‘no, I can’t just go through the motions’. If I do just go through the motions, firstly I’d be letting the team down and I’d also be letting myself down because I wouldn’t be giving 100%. I’ve made the decision, this summer, to just concentrate on white ball, something which makes me very happy and gives me the best chance of improving my cricket.”I’m looking to develop my skills and add something to my game that I’ve perhaps never had, because I’ve never had the opportunity to try it. Red ball sometimes might have got in the way of trying certain things in the past, especially switching between the two, but this gives me the opportunity to explore and to see what I can do and hopefully become a better player.”England and Trevor Bayliss were happy with the decision I made and are backing me fully. I’ll use as much of the time I have to work on my white-ball cricket and I’ll just see where that takes me and what lies ahead.”I’m really excited for this summer with Yorkshire and what we can potentially go on to achieve. I’m also excited about this new approach to my game, whether it goes well or doesn’t, that’s beside the point because it’s what makes me happy.”

Trent Boult and Tim Southee combined to bowl England out for 58, their sixth-lowest Test total. Kane Williamson then led their batting charge with a delectable, unbeaten 91

The Report by Nikhil Kalro22-Mar-2018
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsPerfect days are rare in international cricket, but New Zealand’s first as host of day-night Test cricket was as close as they come. Trent Boult and Tim Southee, New Zealand’s best Test bowlers, first combined to blow away England for 58, their sixth-lowest Test score. Then Kane Williamson, their best Test batsman, ensured they capitalised with a delectable, unbeaten 91 that stretched New Zealand’s lead to 117.It all began under mostly cloudless skies in Auckland, with the pink ball. In any conditions, facing swing bowling has its challenges. Against a swing bowler with pace, accuracy and mastery over his craft, that task gets exponentially harder. Boult is usually in the mid-130kmph range, but his nagging precision gives batsmen lesser time to react. He is also a smart bowler, often using the width of the crease to create angles that trouble the batsmen. All of that was on show as he finished with 6 for 32, his best Test returns.At the other end, Southee provided ample support, using his own modus operandi – subtle changes in line, length, pace and movement – to nip out figures of 4 for 25. New Zealand didn’t require any other bowler, and it was only because of No. 9 Craig Overton’s freewheeling 25-ball 33 that England didn’t fall to their lowest total ever – 45 all out in 1887.First to go was Alastair Cook. Boult, using the width of the crease and enough lateral movement, found Cook’s outside edge, the catch taken comfortably at second slip. Then, Joe Root, having moved to No. 3 after leaving James Vince out after a sub-par Ashes, was bowled through a massive gap between bat and pad. Boult’s late movement had accounted for England’s best Test batsmen. With the ball still moving, in the air and off the pitch, against two bowlers at the top of their game, did the rest even have a chance?Boult and Southee combined to skittle England out for 58 all out on Day 1•ESPNcricinfo LtdDawid Malan was next, similarly undone by Boult’s angle and late away swing, the only difference being a thinner edge that was taken by the wicketkeeper BJ Watling, diving in front of first slip. Ben Stokes, returning to Tests after six months as a specialist batsman amid concerns around his workload, was intent on seeing Boult’s spell out.Off his eighth delivery, Boult went wide of the crease. Stokes, aware of the angle that dismissed Cook and Malan, shaped to leave, but Boult had brought this one back into the left-hander to hit the off stump. Boult would also get Chris Woakes, bowled through the gate, and James Anderson, merely tapping a short delivery to point.Bowling in partnerships has always been New Zealand’s strength in the last few years. Southee, too, found sufficient but not exaggerated movement. His first wicket was Mark Stoneman, edging to the keeper, off an outswinger. His third wicket was Moeen Ali, bowled through the gate, off an inswinger. In between was Jonny Bairstow, chipping a catch back to the bowler.His fourth wicket though was down to the fielding, another of New Zealand’s assets. Stuart Broad’s leaden-footed drive seemed set for the third-man boundary, but Williamson flew to his left from gully, both feet off the ground, and clung on to the catch. Broad’s wry smile and aghast expression summed up the afternoon for England. Their innings had lasted as long as a Twenty20 innings.In reply, James Anderson gave England some hope when he had Jeet Raval caught behind off an outswinger that moved away appreciably. Swing and seam ceased thereafter. Tom Latham and Williamson first got through the opening spells of each of England’s fast bowlers, and the shackles were released when Moeen Ali was brought on.In his first over, the 21st of the innings, Williamson lofted Moeen over long-on for six and then drilled him straight for four two balls later. While Latham was watchful for the entirety of his 112-ball 26, his innings ended in loose fashion, with a tame catch to square leg – Broad’s 400th Test wicket. Williamson, meanwhile, kept growing in confidence.Prior to the dinner break, he struck several languid drives through the covers, waiting for bowlers to err in line. When they did, he picked them off square on the leg side. His scoring rate deteriorated slightly after the break, but not the quality of his defensive technique or his shot selection. Even though the ball began to seam under lights, Williamson was untroubled, as New Zealand assumed complete control.

Everton are ready to sell a second player alongside Demarai Gray before the end of September, as a fresh report brings the latest transfer updates from the Premier League side.

Who is leaving Everton?

Gray has left the Blues to join Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq side in Saudi Arabia this week, banking a decent profit for Farhad Moshiri and co but leaving Sean Dyche without another attacking option – albeit one he seemingly didn't want anyway.

Next to depart could seemingly now be Andre Gomes, who is 30 years of age and has plied his trade at Goodison Park for the past five years having initially joined on loan from Barcelona back in 2018, as per Transfermarkt. He’s made a total of 100 appearances to date, but there’s a strong possibility that he could be on the move in the coming weeks.

The Portuguese’s contract is set to expire in less than a year, meaning that club chiefs don’t have long left to cash in should they not want to risk losing him on a free transfer, and having spent last season out on loan at Lille, it’s clear that he’s out of favour and is unlikely to work his way back up the pecking order on Merseyside.

Toffees forward Gray left shrouded by controversy, and if the following update is to be believed, the 30-year-old could be set to follow his teammate’s footsteps by heading for the exit door.

What's happening with Andre Gomes?

According to TEAMtalk, Everton are “hoping to move” Gomes on by the end of this month, with Dyche “not keen” to retain his services. The Toffees boss “does not see a future” for the central player and has therefore already “green-lighted his departure”.

Intermediaries are now in the process of working to find a solution for the star, and whilst the club would prefer to sanction a permanent sale, they also wouldn’t mind letting him go out on loan.

Saudi Arabia, Greece, Russia and Qatar are all “holding talks” over a potential swoop, so one way or another, he looks to be on his way out in the coming weeks.

So has Gomes been any good?

At Everton, Gomes may well have made a century of appearances but he’s been labelled “useless” by members of the media, so considering the fact that he’s failed to really make a positive impression on the first team, the hierarchy would be making completely the right decision by letting him go.

The Grijo native is yet to feature in the top-flight so far this season, but even in the 2021/22 campaign before he departed for his loan, he ranked as the club’s overall 25th best-performing player out of 33 squad members, via WhoScored, so he really does bring little to the table even when handed the opportunity to showcase his talent.

Furthermore, the central midfielder currently pockets £112k-per-week which makes him the third-highest earner on the books, a salary that is criminal for a fringe player to be receiving, so it’s important that he is removed from the wage bill as quickly as possible.

That way, Dyche would be able to put these extra funds towards bringing in new players in the January transfer window to bolster his ranks and give his side the best possible chance of avoiding relegation come the end of the season.

كشف مجدي أبو فريخة رئيس الاتحاد المصري لكرة السلة تفاصيل الأزمة الخاصة بـ سيف سمير لاعب فريق الأهلي، بعد إحالته للتحقيق بسبب ما بدر منه عقب مباراة ناديه أمام الاتحاد السكندري.

وكان الاتحاد المصري لكرة السلة قد قرر إحالة سيف سمير للتحقيق بسبب ما بدر منه عقب انتهاء مباراة الأهلي والاتحاد السكندري في دوري السوبر.

طالع | أول تعليق لـ سمير سيف لاعب الأهلي بعد قرار إحالته للتحقيق

وقال مجدي أبو فريخة في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “أون تايم سبورتس2”: “الجميع شاهدوا اللقطة بين سيف سمير لاعب الأهلي ومحمد مصيلحي، الأخير مد يده ليصافحه واللاعب رفض”.

وتابع: “المهندس خالد مرتجي (زعق للاعب وقاله امشي دلوقتي) لكن محمد مصيلحي رجل قيمة وقامة وكان لا بد من موقف، هذه مراسم رسمية ولذلك تم إيقاف اللاعب لحين خضوعه للتحقيق”.

واختتم: “بيان سيف سمير الذي أصدره اليوم جيد، لكن هذا لن يعفيه من العقوبة التي ستصدر ضده من اتحاد السلة”.

Arsenal could be forced to part ways with a first-team player in the January transfer window, with Barcelona and another European club considering a move, according to a report.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Gunners are clearly considering a move for a striker in the January transfer window, with journalist Charles Watts of the belief that Mikel Arteta wants a more physical option in attack, meaning Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen could be targeted.

Although Declan Rice was brought in for a club-record £105m fee in the summer, Arteta may also be forced to sign another central midfielder, given that Thomas Partey's future in north London is uncertain due to concerns over playing time.

As such, Red Bull Salzburg wonderkid Oscar Gloukh has recently been scouted by Arsenal, while reports have indicated they are set to trigger the release clause of Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, who has been a long-term target for Barcelona.

Barca are clearly keen on bolstering their midfield ranks in the January transfer window, as reports from Spain have now claimed they are eyeing up a move for Jorginho, with the Gunners midfielder considered one of their main targets in the winter market (via The Hard Tackle).

However, the Spanish club will have to do battle for the Italian's signature with Serie A giants Juventus, with the report detailing the Vecchia Signora are willing to put a "powerful financial offer" on the table to ensure they win the race.

The report makes it clear the 31-year-old would be open to a move away from the Emirates Stadium, in search of being a more important player elsewhere, having only played a limited role for Arteta's side so far this season.

With two huge European clubs vying for his signature, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal are able to keep hold of the central midfielder, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season, although there is an option for a one-year extension.

Is Jorginho leaving Arsenal?

At this stage in his career, the Brazil-born midfielder will want to be playing regular football, but he has only made a handful of cameo substitute appearances this season, meaning he could be tempted by a move, especially considering two huge clubs are interested.

When the Italy international has been given game time for his country, he has often impressed, with former Liverpool man Jose Enrique lavishing him with praise back in September, saying: "Jorginho is world class. He is managing the pace of the game against England."

However, Arteta clearly does not hold him in the same regard, given that the maestro has only received very limited minutes on the pitch this season, so it may be worth letting him move on if a suitable offer arrives in the January transfer window.

Squad depth could be important for Arsenal in a potential title run-in, so Jorginho will need to be replaced if he does depart, but it would be unwise to stand in his way if Barca or Juventus are willing to pay over the odds for a player in the latter stages of his career.

Graeme Souness, who regularly appears on talkSPORT, has some very kind words to say about one exciting Tottenham Hotspur player as he draws a comparison with Jude Bellingham.

Latest Tottenham news

Ange Postecoglou's tenure at Spurs has started near-perfectly, with the north Londoners tasting victory in three of their opening four league matches.

Impressive wins over Man United, Bournemouth and Burnley have showcased Tottenham's new attacking flair under Postecoglou; so far proving his supposedly risky appointment to be right one so far.

The Australian is slowly becoming a cult hero at N17 and certain Spurs players, like Dejan Kulusevski, admit they've been left "surprised" by just how good he's been.

"I've been a little surprised but he’s really good," said Kulusevski to the club's official website.

"We are a young team and everyone wants to play this way… It's clear that all of us players have done our best to listen as much as possible."

Scoring 11 goals over their first four matches, the same number as last season's treble-winners Man City, Spurs currently sit second and head into their Saturday clash against Sheffield United in good stead.

Who is Tottenham's best player?

There are cases to be made for quite a few of Postecoglou's squad in terms of their most in-form stars, including the likes of Son Heung-min, Cristian Romero, Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma.

However, after signing from Leicester City in the summer transfer window, midfield star James Maddison has become quite the pivotal figure for Tottenham.

Scoring two goals and assisting two others in his first four league matches, the England international has dazzled as part of Postecoglou's new-look and exciting Spurs midfield.

Souness, speaking to Channel 4 ahead of England's 3-1 win over Scotland at Hampden in mid-week, even drew comparisons with £113 million Real Madrid superstar Bellingham.

The former Sky pundit even claimed he could be "far better" than Bellingham in terms of shooting and creating chances.

“I am an enormous fan of James Maddison," said Souness (via TBR)

"I think there is room for Maddison and Bellingham in this midfield.

“He is choosing Bellingham because he plays for Real Madrid. I think there is room for two of them – if he (Bellingham) is going to play off Harry Kane, then I don’t think he is as good as Maddison at that.”

How good is James Maddison?

Registering a brilliant 19 goal contributions (10 goals, nine assists) in the league alone over 2022/2023, Maddison starred as Leicester City's star player last term.

If he can replicate those numbers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which he is doing thus far, then supporters can expect a very exciting 23/24 campaign.

The former Norwich City star is exactly what Spurs have been crying out for in a creative central midfield presence.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke hasn't had the easiest of starts to his spell at Elland Road and may have been dealt another blow due to injury ahead of their trip to face Millwall, according to reports.

What's the latest news involving Leeds United?

In a surprise development, Football Insider have reported that Leeds United are believed to be keen to open talks over a new contract for attacker Wilfried Gnonto, who previously had a cloud over his future at Elland Road.

Everton had been keen admirers of the Italy international during the transfer window; however, they couldn't come to an agreement with Leeds United over a deal for the former FC Zurich man. Gnonto is now believed to be focused on winning promotion back to the Premier League with Leeds United following a summer of turbulence surrounding his potential next career steps.

Former Leeds United player David Prutton has laid down the gauntlet to the Whites ahead of their powderkeg clash against Millwall at The Den this Sunday, stating in conversation on the Sky Sports Championship Predictions Podcast: "Leeds, all the faffing about with players, all the consignation about who’s there and who’s not, who wants to stay there and who’s moved on, all these ridiculous statements coming out from players that have moved on. Now is the time for the people that have been left to pull their fingers out.

"It’ll be tough, a very tough one against a Millwall side that, as we’ve seen, have got plenty of fight in them in regards to how they’re led by Gary Rowett."

Journalist Ben Jacobs has informed GIVEMESPORT that Leeds United could still enter the free agent market for another left-back reinforcement if the right opportunity comes along at Elland Road.

Who is a doubt to face Millwall this weekend?

The Athletic journalist Phil Hay has supplied quotes from Leeds United boss Farke on the runners and riders to be involved against Millwall this Sunday, as well as those who may miss out on taking part, posting on social media platform X: "Farke on injuries: Bamford still out, will miss all of the next three games. Firpo also missing this weekend, setback with a hip. Spence a doubt with a knee problem. Cooper, Byram, James back in training. Dallas is making good progress, Farke says."

Most of these issues were already widely known, but Djed Spence, who only arrived at Elland Road in the summer on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, has made just one cameo appearance for Leeds United in their 0-0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday, as per Transfermarkt, and now look set for a spell on the sidelines.

Cited by The Yorkshire Evening Post, Farke has explained in full the back story surrounding Spence's injury concerns, saying: "There is a question mark about Djed Spence. First of all, he missed some sessions in some days due to private reasons and then yesterday (Thursday), in training, he got a knock on his knee – his lateral ligament. We need to wait for some further assessment. It was not possible to train today (Friday), so I would label it as a major doubt for the weekend."

Despite Spence potentially missing the trip to London, Leeds United fans will take heart from the fact several of their first-team players are making positive tracks to re-enter the fold in the near future.

Teenager Afridi makes his mark
The buzz around teenager Shaheen Afridi continues to grow. He first made a splash with an eight-for on first-class debut last year, and then followed it up with an impressive Under-19 World Cup. He hadn’t made much of an impact in the PSL till Friday, when he took 5 for 4 to run through Multan Sultans and set up Lahore Qalandars’ first win of the season.”This is the first time I have played Twenty20 cricket,” Afridi said. “That was the reason why I couldn’t click in the earlier games.” The 17-year old became the fifth youngest to take a five-for in T20s, and his effort was also among the most economical five-fors in T20 history.Sultans coach Tom Moody was among those impressed by Afridi. “He is an exciting prospect, he is tall and has got some pace and will get quicker and has the spirit that I like. He is certainly one to look out for the future and to nurture.”Gohar hits form on comeback trail
Islamabad United spinner Zafar Gohar was thrilled with his three-wicket haul in his first game of the PSL season, a 26-run win over Peshawar Zalmi. He was even more delighted, as he has had an injury-scarred year, playing only a handful of domesic matches since last April.”I have had a problem with my left shoulder, which I have had surgery on,” Gohar said. “It’s been a tough 6-7 months for my career. I’m feeling better now, there was some pressure on me but I had confidence in my skills and my hard work.”The highlight of his spell against Peshawar was the ball which dismissed opposition captain Darren Sammy, pitching on middle and turn away to take the outside of offstump. “In my opinion, the delivery to Sammy was a magic ball.”Injury setback for GulOn Wednesday, the frequently injured Umar Gul took six wickets in his first match of the season. That didn’t lead to more opportunities with Multan Sultans though, with a knee problem sidelining him. “Unfortunately Umar Gul’s knee has quite considerable swelling but we are managing that,” Sultans coach Moody said. “We are certainly hoping that as the tournament unfolds, he will be back and available for selection.”

The two captains outline how their approaches differ, but both agree that conversation on the field of play is fine so long as it does not veer into hurtful territory

Daniel Brettig in Port Elizabeth08-Mar-2018Steven Smith and Faf du Plessis have been reminded of their responsibilities, as captains of Australia and South Africa, to work with the umpires to stop their players from getting out of control – thereby ensuring no repeat of the ugly scenes that marred the Durban Test.In a meeting at St George’s Park on the eve of the second Test, the match referee Jeff Crowe and the umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Chris Gaffaney stated that they would be keeping ears peeled for any potential flash points, following criticism by both du Plessis and the former Australian opener Simon Katich that the umpires needed to be more proactive.”It was nice to just have a chat and just ensure that we’re playing within the spirit of the game, and that cricket is what’s written about and talked about after this game,” Smith said after the meeting. “[After the first Test] it has all been about the indiscretions of the last fixture and it’s not what we want for the game. It’s about staying in line; there’s nothing wrong with a bit of banter out on the field, just making sure that we’re not getting personal.”That [umpires monitoring behaviour] was also talked about. More with the fact that if they hear something going on, it’s about going to either myself or Faf and ensuring that we have our troops in line and playing within the guidelines. That was basically the conversation.”The two captains outlined how their approaches differ, though both agreed that conversation on the field of play was fine so long as it did not veer into hurtful territory. Du Plessis said that his team was not as vocal as Australia, concentrating more on strong body language.”I have a lot of respect for every team that we play against. The style of play that that team comes with is probably the style of play that they feel they need,” du Plessis said. “If you play New Zealand, they are the nice guys. They’re really friendly.”Us as a team, and me as a captain, we are very similar in that I don’t see much value in what you say on the field having an impact on the performance you have as a team. For me it’s about focusing on what sort of presence you have, what sort of body language.”Smith said that he left it up to each individual player to decide how best to get themselves “in the battle”, whether it was by keeping their own counsel or engaging with the opposition.”I think for us, as an Australian team, we play our best when we play good, hard, aggressive cricket and find a way to get in the battle on the field.” he said. “Whatever way you have to get the best out of yourself… If that’s by having a bit of banter with someone then so be it, if that gets you motivated and up for the challenge then go for it. It’s pretty simple, it’s just about not crossing that line to go into that personal sort of space.”By the same token, du Plessis said he was not looking for Australia to change their style of play, but only for the umpires to regulate it a little more firmly than was the case in Durban. “I’m not expecting Australia to change their style of play. They are a team that have always done it and they will always do it. They are not going to change overnight,” he said. “They’ve always had characters in their team. It’s not even the whole team. There are just two or three guys that you can see it’s almost their job in the team, to go that route.”For me it will just be a case where if you have guys in your team who are pushing that line, as a captain, you make sure you keep them calm, and that things don’t get to a stage where it did in the previous game. If the captain is not close by, that role will fall to the umpires. I don’t have a problem with chirping, I think chirping is good for the game. It’s just… about that line.”It remains to be seen how much pressure the St George’s Park peace pact can withstand.