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Tottenham Hotspur fans will undoubtedly be disappointed with their activity in the transfer window over recent days, after missing out on numerous key targets.

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Savinho was one player who was firmly in their sights, even making an offer to land the Manchester City star, but it was rejected, with Pep Guardiola’s side refusing to offload the winger.

Eberechi Eze has arguably been the biggest target, previously agreeing personal terms with the player and Crystal Palace, but a move hasn’t been all plain sailing.

North London rivals Arsenal pounced at the 11th hour to hijack the move, which has seen Thomas Frank miss out on a star who would’ve played a key role in the Premier League for the Lilywhites.

The Dane must be wishing he was able to rely on one talent during his maiden year at the helm, with the former player highlighting the excellent work previously done by the hierarchy in the transfer market.

Gareth Bale’s time at Tottenham Hotspur

Back in the summer of 2007, Spurs completed a deal for baby-faced 17-year-old Gareth Bale from Southampton – originally joining the side as an option at left-back.

He struggled to establish himself in his early years in North London, leading to rumours around his future at the club, subsequently being within touching distance of a £2m switch to Nottingham Forest.

However, he would remain at the Lilywhites, with the 2010/11 season a turning point in his time in the capital – shifting further up the field into a forward position, even scoring a hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League.

The Welshman would operate in such a role for the remaining three years at the club, racking up 71 goals in his 237 appearances, including 26 in his final campaign.

He would complete a then world-record £85m transfer to Real Madrid, ending his six-year stint in the Premier League, with the side lacking that quality off the flank since his departure.

Current boss Frank would hugely benefit from a player of his calibre in the present day, potentially landing his own version of the winger in the closing stages of the transfer window.

Spurs targeting their next Bale this summer

The failure to land Savinho and Eze in recent weeks has certainly highlighted the need for work to be conducted rapidly, leading to West Ham star Lucas Paqueta emerging on their radar.

It’s been reported that the Lilywhites are considering a move for the Brazilian before the deadline, after the Hammers dropped his asking price to just £40m.

However, he’s not the only attacker currently on their radar, with Southampton star Tyler Dibling another talent they’re preparing a move for, according to Fabrizio Romano.

He claims that the Spurs hierarchy have reached out to Will Still’s side to ask about the conditions over a potential move for the 19-year-old star.

The journalist also states that he’s one of a number of talents in their sights, but key work has already been conducted over a move for the Englishman, who could cost as much as £50m this summer.

Why Spurs’ £70m target would be Frank’s answer to Bale

After taking the reins during the off-season, new boss Frank would’ve been hoping that owner Daniel Levy backed him in the transfer market to build on the club’s Europa League success.

To date, Joao Palhinha has joined the Lilywhites on loan from Bayern Munich, whilst Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel are the only permanent additions – seeing around £85m forked out for the pair’s signatures.

Whilst moves have been made, they’ve so far been to no avail, leading to questions being asked about the owner’s lack of spending during the summer transfer window.

With just 11 days remaining until the market closes, key work will have to be rapidly made on potential deals in the final third, with forward-minded signings desperately needed to satisfy Frank’s demands upon his arrival.

Whilst it would be an expensive addition to land Dibling, it would be one that could end their pursuit for his summer, also landing a player who can develop into a world-beater, given his tender age.

It would see the youngster follow in the footsteps of Bale, joining the Lilywhites as a teenager, having the chance to emulate the Welshman should he make the big-money move to North London.

Dibling, who has been labelled “world-class” by Southampton academy manager Andy Goldie, ranked in the 87th percentile for successful take-ons last season (2.2) – highlighting the threat he carries with the ball at his feet.

Games played

33

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

81%

Progressive carries

3.3

Progressive passes

3.1

Successful take-ons

2.2

Take-ons completed

41%

Carries into the final third

2.4

Fouls drawn

2.4

Such an asset is what made Bale such a hit with the fans in North London, with Dibling needing to add an end product to his mazy runs, but that’s something which will come with experience in his career.

The teenager’s talents were further reflected in his tally of 2.4 carries into the final third per 90, with the winger evidently wanting to get the ball into dangerous territory as often as possible.

The aforementioned numbers have caused havoc for opposition defenders, often having to result to fouling Dibling to prevent him from creating carnage within attacking areas – as seen by his tally of 2.4 fouls won per 90.

Whilst driving forward with the ball is undoubtedly one of the Saints star’s biggest assets, he’s also able to pick out a teammate – allowing the likes of Kudus to further impress should he be on the receiving end of his 3.1 progressive passes per 90.

Undoubtedly, the price tag will concern a lot of supporters, but ultimately, it’s the price that has to be forked out for young English talents in the modern market.

There’s no taking away the quality he possesses, having the tools to develop further under Frank’s guidance – potentially emulating the success of Bale in any move to join the Lilywhites.

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Forget about Eze: Spurs in the mix for "one of the best 10s in the world"

Tottenham Hotspur have already identified a new target after missing out on Eberechi Eze.

2 ByEthan Lamb Aug 21, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Se até a última semana o São Paulo tratava Marinho como um ‘plano A’, nesta segunda-feira (12) a situação já é diferente. Agora, o objetivo do atleta é permanecer no Flamengo – pelo menos até o final do ano.

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Segundo o LANCE! adiantou, a advogada de Marinho, Mariju Maciel, assegurou que Marinho permanece no Rubro-Negro até o final deste ano. Entretanto, o próprio presidente Julio Casares havia tratado o atleta como uma das principais opções para reforçar seu plantel.

– Não vou fixar um dia, segunda ou terça, mas é claro que esperamos o mais rápido possível uma posição do Marinho, que nos interessa, mas sem afetar a relação ética entre os clubes, e também deixando que ele preserve sua questão interna, de direitos, acredito que essa medida judicial foi nessa linha. O São Paulo aguarda uma definição, ele é um plano A nosso, mas podemos caminhar para outro plano em caso de não concretização. É um bom jogador, esperamos que ele tenha essa tranquilidade (para resolver a situação) – disse Casares em entrevista à ESPN.

ATUAÇÕES: “vilão”, Arboleda entrega dois gols e recebe pior nota do São Paulo em derrota para o Palmeiras

A diretoria tricolor esperava uma resposta ‘o mais rápido possível’. E qual o motivo? O São Paulo carece de um atacante de velocidade. Antes, quem exercia tal função na equipe era Pedrinho, que chegou no início desta temporada, mas teve seu contrato rescindido após receber denúncias de violência doméstica da ex-namorada.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

+ Clique aqui e veja como apostar no Brasileirão

+ Confira os jogos e classificação resultados do Brasileirão-23 na tabela do LANCE!

Inclusive, na época que o São Paulo começou a demonstrar interesse pelo atleta, Marinho era tratado como um reforço que chegaria como ‘titular absoluto’. Marinho seria um interesse do clube do Morumbi desde o comando de Rogério Ceni e teria esquentado ainda mais com a chegada de Dorival Júnior, que já trabalhou com o atacante.

Mas com a declaração da advogada do atleta, o ‘plano A’ ficou prejudicado. Ainda sem esta informação, a cúpula tricolor já estava com ‘um pé atrás’ desde a decisão do jogador de 33 anos de entrar na Justiça pedindo a reintegração aos treinos do Rubro-Negro.

Marinho foi afastado do elenco flamenguista por ter se recusado a viajar com a equipe carioca para o Chile, no duelo contra o Ñublense, pela Copa Libertadores. O atacante justificou que tinha dores musculares e por isso não seguiu a norma. Mas até a última sexta-feira (10), estava de malas prontas para se transferir. Agora, a situação teve mais uma reviravolta.

E quanto a outros reforços?

Embora Dorival Júnior não tenha falado abertamente sobre a suposta vinda de outros jogadores, na última coletiva de imprensa – após a derrota no clássico contra o Palmeiras -, afirmou que ‘não fazia questão que alguém chegasse’, mas que só queria que um pedido fosse atendido pela diretoria: que nenhum jogador do elenco atual fosse vendido na próxima janela. O treinador pretende ter um ‘elenco definido’ e destacou ainda que não almeja perder jogadores no meio das competições.

– Eu torço que uma coisa aconteça: que o São Paulo não venda jogadores. Não faço questão que chegue, mas faço questão que não saiam jogadores. Isso é um ponto que eu gostaria que fosse respeitado. Pelo menos isso gostaria de ter, para poder dar um padrão para equipe e para isso preciso de um elenco definido. Não posso ficar perdendo jogadores no meio de competições. Seria terrível para uma equipe que está buscando uma estruturação – afirmou.

MatériaMais Notícias

O meia Gabriel Menino, do Palmeiras, teve a sua presença requerida na CPI da Manipulação de Resultados. Ele foi convocado por meio de um requerimento protocado pelo deputado federal Luciano Vieira (PL/RJ). Segundo o documento, o intuito é contribuir com os trabalhos da comissão. O Verdão, embora não se manifeste oficialmente, vai pedir a dispensa do jogador no depoimento, caso a convocação seja confirmada. A informação foi dada primeiramente pela ESPN e confirmada pelo LANCE!.

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+ Gabriel Menino, do Palmeiras, vai à Justiça após insinuação de envolvimento em esquema de apostas

Vale destacar que Gabriel Menino não está entre os citados na Operação Penalidade Máxima 2, do Ministério Público de Goiás, que visa investigar a atuação de uma organização criminosa na manipulação de resultados de jogos de futebol, inclusive da Série A do Brasileirão.

Mesmo assim, o deputado federal Luciano Vieira (PL/RJ), pediu ao presidente da CPI, o deputado Julio Arcoverde (PP-PI), para convocar o atleta palmeirense “para prestar esclarecimento” sobre o tema. Confira o texto do requerimento:

continua após a publicidade

“Requeiro a Vossa Excelência, nos termo do art. 58, § 3º, da Constituição Federal, combinado com o art. 2º da Lei nº 1.579/1952 e com o art.36, II, do Regimento Interno da Câmara dos Deputados, seja convocado o senhor Gabriel Menino, jogador do Palmeiras, para prestar esclarecimento sobre fatos relacionados com a manipulação das partidas de jogos de futebol, objeto de investigação desta CPI.

A convocação do senhor Gabriel Menino visa colher informações que contribuirão substancialmente para o desenvolvimento dos trabalhos desta CPI”.

continua após a publicidade

+ CPI da Manipulação de Resultados é instalada; relator traça ao L! perspectivas para os próximos passos na Câmara

Consultado, o Palmeiras não vai se manifestar oficialmente sobre o assunto. No entanto, o LANCE! ouviu fontes do clube que mostraram indignação com o documento. Segundo a reportagem ouviu nos bastidores, o Verdão considera o pedido injustificável, uma vez que não há qualquer evidência de participação do Gabriel Menino em qualquer tipo de fraude – e vai solicitar à CPI que o atleta seja dispensado do depoimento, caso seja mesmo convocado.

A assessoria de imprensa do jogador também foi consultada sobre um possível posicionamento em relação ao caso. No entanto, neste momento não haverá uma declaração. O estafe de Menino vai aguardar o esclarecimento do departamento jurídico para se manifestar ou não sobre o tema.

It’s a massively exciting time to be a Nottingham Forest fan at the moment.

Nuno Espírito Santo has transformed a side that looked destined for relegation scrap after relegation scrap into a top Premier League side, one that’ll be playing in the Europa League this season.

While there are stars all across the team, from Matz Sels between the sticks to Chris Wood up top, the star of the team is undoubtedly Morgan Gibbs-White.

The England international is often at the heart of everything the Tricky Trees do in attack, so fans should be excited about reports linking them to a midfielder who’s won recent comparisons to him.

Forest target the new Gibbs-White

While Forest haven’t been as busy this summer as they’ve been in the past, they’ve still brought in several exciting additions to Nuno’s side.

Transfer Focus

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

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Dan Ndoye, for example, scored nine goals and provided six assists for Bologna last season; Igor Jesus produced ten goal involvements in 29 games for Botafogo, and Jair Cunha looks like a promising pickup at the back.

However, with the window not closing until the start of next month, the Garibaldi appear determined to complete at least one more signing and bring in a player who’s been compared to Gibbs-White.

At least that is according to a recent report from the Daily Mail, which has claimed that Forest are one of several sides interested in Facundo Buonanotte.

Alongside the Tricky Trees, the report has revealed that West Ham United, Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund have all shown an interest in the 20-year-old gem.

The good news is that Brighton & Hove Albion are happy to let the Argentine leave for a Premier League side this summer, but the bad news is that they want him to go on loan, although stories from earlier this summer suggested that the Seagulls could be willing to sell for around £30m.

Regardless of how Forest go about it, they should do what they can to sign Buonanotte this summer, as he’s a seriously exciting player and could become the new Gibbs-White.

How Buonanotte compares to Gibbs-White

In this instance, the comparison between Buonanotte and Gibbs-White stems from FBref, which looked at players in similar positions from Europe’s top five leagues and concluded that the Forest ace has been the ninth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the 20-year-old over the last 365 days.

We can gain a better understanding of how this conclusion was reached by examining the underlying metrics in which the pair ranks closely.

In this case, these include statistics such as non-penalty expected goals, expected assists, progressive carries, key passes, interceptions, clearances and more, all per 90.

Buonanotte & Gibbs-White

Statistics per 90

Buonanotte

Gibbs-White

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.23

0.20

Expected Assists

0.14

0.15

Progressive Carries

2.31

2.22

Shots on Target

0.71

0.67

Passing Accuracy

76.4%

78.3%

Key Passes

1.42

1.64

Interceptions

0.71

0.74

Clearances

0.83

0.93

Carries into the Penalty Area

0.53

0.42

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 PL Campaign

These key numbers help to paint the young Argentine as a midfielder who could match the Englishman when it comes to attacking output, while also being able to chip in with some of the defensive work he’d need to do in a Nuno system.

It’s not just their underlying numbers that are surprisingly similar, though.

For example, in his 3142 minutes of first-team football for last season, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers star scored seven goals and provided ten assists, which comes out as an average of a goal involvement every 184.82 minutes.

For his efforts, the Brighton “magician,” as he was dubbed by Rising Star XI on X, scored six goals and provided three assists in just 1701 minutes of football for Leicester City last season, which, amazingly, comes out as an average of a goal involvement every 189 minutes.

Ultimately, while fans probably shouldn’t expect Buonanotte to be on the same level as Gibbs-White right away, it does seem like he’s not too far off.

Therefore, even if it has to be on loan to begin with, Forest should be doing all they can to sign the 20-year-old dynamo this summer.

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Compared to last summer, the left-armer is in a far better place physically and he was impressive against Pakistan

Alex Malcolm04-Nov-2024

There’s always whispers about Mitchell Starc. He is a lightning rod for opinion in Australian cricket. But the whispers going around at the start of this summer are generating some serious excitement.His off-Broadway seven-wicket Sheffield Shield haul at the MCG two weeks ago had set tongues wagging in both the New South Wales and Victoria dressing rooms.Sean Abbott said he was trying to avoid being stationed in the slips because of how quick Starc was bowling. Victoria coach Chris Rogers, with five Test hundreds to his name, briefly joked about joining David Warner in offering a Test comeback before noting that watching Starc bowl made him rethink even joking about it.Related

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Those whispers became roars on the first day of the home summer for Australia’s men. On another fast and bouncy MCG pitch, Starc had a field day. He took 3 for 33 from 10 against Pakistan, including three maidens. The last time he delivered three maidens in an ODI was on the same ground in 2016.He beat both openers for pace. He lit up the stumps of a tailender. It was Starc at his quintessential best.”It’s always nice to find that rhythm I guess at the front end of the summer,” Starc said after collecting player-of-the-match on Monday. “Probably didn’t have that rhythm in the UK tour, with a few moving parts and a bit of sickness getting around the group.”Twelve months ago, Starc was just limping to the start line of the home summer, having somehow played 10 of 11 games in the ODI World Cup and contributed in the semi-final and final, despite carrying a significant physical issue that he has never wanted to disclose.Saturday’s main training session at the MCG was instructive as to how much better he is feeling compared to this time last year where his preparation was severely limited due to the physical issue he was battling.On Saturday he was in full flow in the nets. There was no inhibition. His only pause was to have a lengthy conversation about his load up with head coach Andrew McDonald and bowling coach Daniel Vettori. There was no angst or concern. He was merely describing a feeling and an internal cue that he wanted.It is a sweet spot for a fast bowler to be. Fit, firing and pain free, with only a simple thought to worry about before letting another rocket fly.”I think more physically, coming off a few issues through the World Cup into last summer in comparison to this summer, I sort of feel like the body is in a good space, and felt like I had really good rhythm, and felt really good last week in the Shield game,” Starc said.”I’m not really tweaking anything, but just focusing on a few things technically. But I think the physical aspect of it, the body is in a much better place than last year.”Starc confirmed he will play the next ODI on Friday in Adelaide but was cagey about whether he would fly to Perth. Josh Hazlewood will join the squad in for the second match against Pakistan after playing a Shield game for New South Wales in Sydney that finished on Monday.It seems more than likely that both Starc and Cummins will avoid the trip to Perth before heading over there the following Sunday to prepare for the first Test against India. A decision on whether Hazlewood plays two games in three days in Adelaide and Perth will be made in due course.”I expect to play in Adelaide, and then we’ll go from there,” Starc said. “It’s a few days between this one and Adelaide, a chance to play the golf and get ready for Friday. Different story between Friday and Sunday in Perth.”

Manchester United came unstuck last season, and things looked pretty bleak as the Red Devils wrapped up a year that offered no route into European football and dealt a 15th-place finish in the Premier League.

However, to borrow a common social media phrase: ‘When you’re big, you’re big.’

Matheus Cunha is evidence of that, having joined United from Wolverhampton Wanderers despite interest from Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. All four interested parties will play in Europe next term.

Following on from that, there’s even more excitement to come at Old Trafford

Man Utd hold talks for top striker target after Mbeumo

Bryan Mbeumo has informed Brentford that he will only leave the club if it means moving to the Theatre of Dreams. INEOS are pushing to get that one done, having seen two offers rejected already.

If the Cameroonian does sign for Ruben Amorim’s side, he will join Cunha in a new-look strikeforce promising much more than was on show last year. And that’s without even considering the elite striker who may yet join the club.

Transfer Focus

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

Man United’s interest in a certain Viktor Gyokeres has been well-documented over the past several months. However, their 2024/25 woes have created some limitations, and the 27-year-old, who was so dangerous under Amorim’s wing, has expressed a preference to sign for Arsenal.

However, Caught Offside have recently reported that it’s now only a matter of time until Gyokeres is on the move, with Arsenal and United singled out as the clubs to have discussed a move with Sporting, asking to be kept in the loop regarding his future.

Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, has since said there is a “strong possibility” the Sweden international is sold this summer below his €100m (£85m) release clause. A more realistic €80m (£68m) fee has been touted.

Why Viktor Gyokeres is perfect for Man Utd

Just imagine for a moment that after this terrible year, this nadir in which Man United have plummeted, Amorim finds himself equipped with a front three comprised of Cunha, Mbeumo and Gyokeres.

It would certainly be an improvement on last year’s attacking crop, with Gyokeres’ ridiculous return of 97 goals and 28 assists across 102 matches for Sporting, leading journalist Alex Turk to call him a “monster” when urging United to make their bid.

Signing such a prolific player to go alongside Mbeumo might even prove the formula for a return to the apex of European competition, especially when considering Gyokeres outscored every single player across Europe’s top ten divisions last year.

1.

Viktor Gyokeres

33

39

2.

Kylian Mbappe

34

31

3.

Mohamed Salah

38

29

4.

Robert Lewandowski

34

27

5.

Harry Kane

31

26

While detractors would point toward Gyokeres plying his trade in the Portuguese top flight, it’s worth noting that he still scored those goals, also putting a hat-trick past Manchester City in the Champions League.

And like Mbeumo, he is a striker who has been fashioned in the Championship, thriving for Coventry City before earning his big move, which may yet pale in comparison to a high-profile transfer to Man United.

Mbeumo – who learned his trade in the EFL like Gyokeres – will be aiming to rival the Swede’s goal return, sure, but he will also advance his dance partner’s individual success.

As per Sofascore, the Bees forward averaged 1.8 key passes per Premier League game in 2024/25, creating 17 big chances besides.

There’s a certain completeness and intelligence to Mbeumo’s style of play, which emphasises his potential in tough conditions at United, where the margin for error will be a narrow thing indeed over the coming months.

With these two forwards combining with Cunha, there’s a real chance the Red Devils will rise again. For now, fans will understandably reserve judgment, but even the most dejected of fans would concede that INEOS are making positive moves in the market.

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Even after Chelsea sealed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for around £30 million, Enzo Maresca and co are still in the market for another centre-forward.

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Delap made his debut for the Blues against Los Angeles FC in the Club World Cup, assisting Nicolas Jackson for Chelsea’s second goal of the game in a 2-0 win, with Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo heaping praise on the exciting striker signing after their match in Atlanta.

“I’ve known Liam for a long time now, and I’ve played against him loads of times. Growing up, you know what sort of players are going to make it and he was always one of those,” said Colwill, via the BBC.

“To have him in our team, to train against him, to see him score goals – which I know he will – I’m very excited.”

Tosin also drew attention to Delap’s aggression and intensity, with plenty of expectation now on the former Man City starlet’s shoulders after he took the number 9 shirt.

“He’s settled in very well. He’s a good young lad, and we know what qualities he brings,” said Tosin.

“He’s aggressive [when] pressing and an aggressive striker, making sure he’s always there, setting the intensity. Hopefully he scores many goals for us.”

While some doubts surround Delap’s readiness to lead the line, considering he’s still raw and very young, Chelsea are believed to be targeting a second frontman after the 22-year-old’s arrival.

Chelsea have held talks over Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, who scored 22 goals in all competitions last season, and tried to secure the Frenchman’s signature in time for the Club World Cup, only for talks to collapse.

However, he remains “one to watch” for the coming weeks and talks are apparently ongoing.

As well as Ekitike, Chelsea are being linked with Brighton star Joao Pedro.

Newcastle United fear Chelsea will hijack Joao Pedro deal

The Brazil international is a wanted man following his impressive stint down south, with Chelsea identifying Pedro as one of their next striker targets before deadline day on September 1.

Now, talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has shared an update on the situation.

Crook states that Newcastle are fearful that Chelsea will hijack their deal for Pedro, who Brighton are demanding £70 million for, as they look to reinforce Eddie Howe’s squad for a campaign back in the Champions League next season.

Given the Magpies’ internal concerns, this could be an indicator that Chelsea are still seriously in for Pedro, and the South American certainly falls in line with BlueCo’s recent transfer policy of signing world football’s most exciting talents.

Pedro can also play up front or across any of the attacking midfield positions, but given the already-young average age of Chelsea’s squad and their arguably dire need for more experienced squad members, Stamford Bridge chiefs will certainly be keen to whittle down the 23-year-old’s hefty asking price.

There are reports the India captain may retire from Tests after the tour of Australia, but what about his place in the XI in a must-win game at the SCG?

Alagappan Muthu31-Dec-20243:37

Time to take tough calls on Rohit and Kohli?

Rohit Sharma is tied to this team.”I was at home with my newborn in my arms and I was watching how KL [Rahul] batted [in Perth]. It was brilliant to watch.”He was on paternity leave for the first Border-Gavaskar Test. He was supposed to join them for the tour game in Canberra. He flew out early.”I was on the plane, luckily managed to get Wi-Fi on the plane and I was checking the scores.”He arrived in Perth on the third day of the first Test, exhausted. He went to the ground on the fourth. “I wanted to get a hit as well.” He was straight in the nets to train for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, where India persisted with the makeshift opening combination that put them 1-0 up in the series. Rohit gave up his spot to Rahul.”It was actually pretty simple for me. Personally, not easy, but for the team, it made a lot of sense,” he said of his decision to bat in the middle order.Related

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After three low scores, though, Rohit took back the opening slot. Ravi Shastri, his former coach, spoke about how it was important for India to have their captain in form. To get him there, the team had to move their best batter – Rahul – out of the position where he was having success and bump their second highest run-scorer in the 2023-25 World Test Championship – Shubman Gill – out of the XI.In the first innings in Melbourne, Rohit fell playing the pull shot. It was an unnerving sight, not least because it’s happened before. He was late on one to Matt Henry in Mumbai. He misjudged the length. It wasn’t short enough. He played half of one to Pat Cummins at the MCG. He misjudged the line. It was too wide.The pull is his shot. He goes for it on instinct. His instincts have been leading him astray. Rohit is averaging 6.2 after five innings in this series. For context, Courtney Walsh, batting eight innings at No. 9 and No. 11, averaged more when West Indies toured Australia for five Tests in 1996-97. Rohit averaged 13.30 in ten innings during the home season before the Australia tour too.”Sometimes those numbers can tell you that it’s been a while since he has got big runs. But for a person like me, I think it’s all about how I feel in my mind.”What is going on inside Rohit’s mind? He is closer to 38 than 37. There is evidence that India have an opener to take his place in the Test side and, based on the come-from-behind win in Perth and his subsequent displays with the ball, few will doubt that Jasprit Bumrah will be able to captain the Test side.India have to win in Sydney. Otherwise they will lose a trophy they have held for 10 years, and that could leave Rohit on the brink. There are already reports that he might retire after the fifth Test. But if he’s made that decision already, could he not step away now, when it seems like his presence is holding the team back and they have a series to level? It’s tough, taking a decision like that. Nobody wants to go out on a low.Rohit woke himself up on day four in Melbourne, fiddling with his fields, keeping his bowlers’ levels up, rising with every wicket, falling with every dropped catch. He was so involved with the game that his anguish at Yashasvi Jaiswal’s spills seemed out of character. Then he went out to open the batting for India in their chase of 340 and did okay. Against a new ball that was doing a fair bit, he was beaten only twice. His defence was solid. His focus on it was such that after blocking the 14th ball he faced, with soft hands and bat close to his body, he took a little while to realise that he had picked a gap. It was a significant change from the home season where at the first sign of trouble, he tried to hit out.Rohit Sharma is going through a famine of Test runs since October•Cricket Australia via Getty Images”This is a game of confidence,” India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar said. “So, no matter how much you practise, no matter how much you talk, in the end, when you get into the match, it’s very important to play 20-25-30 balls.”Rohit was facing his 40th ball of the innings. It was only the second time in 15 innings that he’d batted this long. He went on the attack. A forceful whip aimed at midwicket. Mis-hit. Caught at gully.Other out-of-form batters in this series have enjoyed a little luck. Steven Smith was scratchy for his first fifty runs in Brisbane. Marnus Labuschagne seemed so intent on not using his bat in Perth that people questioned whether he was even a batter. Virat Kohli could have been bowled through the gate for 47 in Perth or caught on 49. Yashasvi Jaiswal played and missed 12 times in the first hour in Melbourne. Rohit’s mistakes, on the other hand, were immediately and repeatedly punished.In the same year that he lived his dream of becoming a world champion, and welcomed a baby into his family, there is a gloom that’s settled over Rohit. When India were 46 all out on day one of the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand in October, he decided to face the press – he didn’t have to, those are the days the batting coach earns his keep – and went “” [bring out your swords] to disarm the gathering of reporters. He was able to see a bad day as just that. A bad day. He could see both his team and himself doing better. After the defeat in Melbourne, he looked weary. Resigned.Too much of his captaincy in Australia seems to depend on whether Bumrah is fresh enough to bowl. The runs have dried up. Rohit Sharma is tied to this team. But those ties are fraying.

All the numbers that matter from the final day of the second Test that saw England take the series 2-0

Sampath Bandarupalli12-Dec-20223 The number of Test series wins for England in Pakistan. Their previous two series wins were by a margin of 1-0 – in 1961 and 2000. England are only the second team to win three bilateral Test series in Pakistan, after Australia.1.00 England’s win-loss ratio in Test cricket in Pakistan is the highest for any visiting team. They have played 26 Tests in Pakistan, have won four games, which includes the two on the current tour, and lost four.Related

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26 Margin of Pakistan’s defeat in Multan . It is the second-smallest margin of defeat while chasing a target in excess of 350 in Test cricket. England lost to Australia by 11 runs in pursuit of a 375-run target in 1925 at the Adelaide Oval.3 Consecutive defeats for Pakistan at home in Test cricket, the second instance of them losing three successive Tests at home. They had lost three home Tests on the bounce between 1956 and 1959 – one against Australia and two against West Indies. Pakistan are yet to win a home Test in 2022. Across five Tests, they have been on the losing side in three games, while two have ended in a draw.0 Wickets for Pakistan fast bowlers in the Multan Test across the 24 overs they bowled. It is only the seventh instance when not one Pakistan quick managed to pick a wicket in a Test match. The previous occasion was in the 1987 Lahore Test against England, where the fast bowlers bowled 22 overs.