The Afghanistan allrounder had apparent cramp just when Bangladesh had fallen behind the DLS par score and there was rain in the air
ESPNcricinfo staff25-Jun-20241:14
Tamim on Gulbadin’s cramps: A lot of people would have done that
Gulbadin Naib’s apparent bout of cramp during Afghanistan’s Super Eight game against Bangladesh in St Vincent came under scrutiny from television commentators because it happened at a crucial stage of game.Needing a win to qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 at Australia’s expense, Afghanistan had just taken Bangladesh’s sixth and seventh wicket in the 11th over with the score on 80. In the next over, after Bangladesh had fallen just behind the DLS par score, it appeared that Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott was signalling to his players to try and slow the game down with rain in the air.Between the third and fourth deliveries of the 12th over from Noor Ahmad, Naib went down clutching the back of his leg while fielding at first slip. He was not moving in the field at the time he went down. Naib appeared to need treatment and as he was helped off the field by his team-mate Naveen-ul-Haq and a member of the support staff, it began to drizzle and the pitch was covered. Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan did not look pleased during the incident.The injury and rain interruption did not last long, though, and when play resumed minutes later, one over had been reduced from Bangladesh’s chase and the DLS target revised to 114. At that point, Najibullah Zadran was on the field as a substitute for Naib, who eventually came back on the field in the 13th over. Naib then bowled the 15th over in Bangladesh’s chase and took the wicket of Tanzim Hasan.When asked about the incident by Simon Doull after the game, Rashid played it down. “Rain is something that’s not in your hand. It was on and off. Mentally we were always there that we had to play 20 overs and take ten wickets. That was the only way we could get to the semi-final. There was no other way,” he said. “Gulbadin had some cramp, I think. Hopefully, he will be alright. But that wicket that he gave us was a massive one at that stage.”Rashid said the interruption did not impact the game much. “Well, he [Naib] had some cramp, I don’t know what happened to him and I don’t know what’s going on in social media but that doesn’t matter – it’s just the on-field injury which comes and then we haven’t lost any overs, the rain came and we just went off, it’s not something like brought a massive difference in the game. We came back on field after five minutes and there was no massive difference. For me, it’s just like a small injury comes in, then you have to take some time.”Time-wasting by either the batting or bowling side is a punishable offence. It did not have an impact on the result in the end, as Afghanistan went on to beat Bangladesh by eight runs to qualify for the T20 World Cup semi-finals.
Chelsea find themselves in the hunt for a striker this summer and could now have landed a boost after one target has agreed to leave his current club.
Chelsea looking to sign a striker
Nicolas Jackson’s red card against Flamengo last week at the Club World Cup has raised conversations over whether the Blues should look for another striker despite Liam Delap arriving earlier in the window from Ipswich Town.
The Senegalese attacker was also sent off against Newcastle towards the end of the Premier League season, missing some crucial games during the run-in, but he did contribute with an effort in the Blues’ Europa Conference League final victory over Real Betis upon his return.
Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez celebrate in the Europa Conference League final.
While Jackson continues to divide opinion, Chelsea have opened talks to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain as his loan spell at Juventus draws towards a close.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is also mentioned. Nevertheless, Liverpool have emerged as rivals for his signature amid their recent mission to get things done swiftly after claiming the Premier League title.
Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens is a key priority for Chelsea and Mohammed Kudus could move to Stamford Bridge from West Ham United, with the latter capable of stepping in through the middle when needed.
How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup for Free
Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup.
ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025
Whether it be finding the creative foil behind the main man or securing another option to provide competition up top, Enzo Maresca is clearly in the hunt for goalscoring prowess at Stamford Bridge.
Now, he could possibly have landed a boost on that front after recent developments involving a star operating in Europe’s top-five leagues that is open to a move elsewhere.
Chelsea's long-standing Dusan Vlahovic interest could take a twist
According to Sky reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Chelsea are attentive to Dusan Vlahovic’s situation at Juventus and could now have an advantage in their hunt for a striker after it was revealed both he and the Old Lady have found agreement that he will be allowed to leave this summer.
Currently, he is on Club World Duty and won a penalty in the dying stages against Wydad Casablanca before stepping up to slot home his 16th goal of the season in 43 appearances across all competitions.
Five similar players to Dusan Vlahovic (FBRef)
Ermedin Demirovic
Stuttgart
Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa
Valentin Castellanos
Lazio
Artem Dovbyk
Roma
Patrick Cutrone
Como
Vlahovic earns roughly £369,000 per week at Juventus and appears primed for a move, given he has one year left on his contract. He has recently turned down two big proposals from Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.
It feels like the Belgrade-born man has been someone in line to move to the Premier League for a number of years. However, that dream could finally be realised if Chelsea firm up their interest in his services over the next few months, which they could now do ‘under certain conditions’, per the outlet.
Chelsea’s Premier League fixtures for the 2025/26 season have now officially been released, as Blues fans everywhere begin to feverishly jot down where and when their beloved team will play all across the 38-game marathon.
Amazingly, Enzo Maresca’s men won’t have to leave the comforts of London behind for their first four top-flight clashes, with Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Fulham, and Brentford all coming in quick succession in August and September, before fierce ties with Manchester United and Liverpool then appear on the stacked calendar.
Before the Premier League excitedly kicks back into gear, however, Chelsea still have a Club World Cup tournament to compete in, alongside the hectic transfer window being in full swing.
The chaotic window is already throwing up lots of tasty transfer rumours involving Maresca’s men, with another high-profile name now being linked to enhance their attacking options even more.
How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup for Free
Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup.
ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025 Chelsea known admirers of 22-year-old PL ace
This has been a busy summer so far for the Blues and it’s showing no signs of slowing down amid rumours linking the likes of Jamie Gittens and Hugo Ekitike to the Bridge.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Now, as per a report from the Daily Mail Online, Chelsea are reportedly said to be keen admirers of Aston Villa superstar Morgan Rogers this summer.
The report does clarify that Unai Emery’s men aren’t entertaining the prospect of selling their standout performer, but with PSR issues lingering in the air, Villa could well need to sell up, with Rogers arguably their most valuable asset.
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers
After all, it had been previously noted that Rogers could be available for an eye-watering fee around a £100m figure, with Arsenal also keen on the former Middlesbrough midfielder, according to the Mail.
It remains to be seen whether Maresca’s side or Mikel Arteta’s outfit would be willing to fork out such a high amount, but if Chelsea were ultimately successful in this ongoing race for the in-demand 22-year-old, they could well land a perfect partner for a growing Liam Delap to bounce off of.
How Rogers could make Delap even better
Delap is already up and running wearing his new Chelsea blue as opposed to his Ipswich Town colours, with his assist helping the Blues pick up a comfortable 2-0 victory over LAFC in the Club World Cup.
Still, the new £30m striker will be excused for feeling slightly nervous about Premier League action kicking off at Stamford Bridge, having only ever tasted top-flight football on the books of Kieran McKenna’s relegation-threatened minnows.
He will feel less apprehensive about the task ahead of improving his overall game, knowing Rogers has been in the same anxious boat and come out the other side stronger, with the 6-foot-2 attacker having to get up to speed with the Premier League mid-way through the 2023/24 season.
Rogers is definitely at home with the pressures of the top-flight now after firing home an encouraging three goals from 13 games during his debut campaign and then recording a stunning 14 goals and 15 assists in all competitions last season. That led to Jamie Carragher calling the in-demand 22-year-old “unstoppable” during this standout patch of form.
Rogers’ PL numbers (24/25) vs Delap’s (24/25)
Stat
Rogers
Delap
Games played
37
37
Goals scored
8
12
Assists
10
3
Big chances created
16
3
Big chances missed
11
10
Stats by Sofascore
Delap will pray he undergoes a similar transformation to Rogers, with the poacher clearly capable of being a reliable fox-in-the-box presence for a relegation-threatened outfit when collecting 12 league strikes for Ipswich.
But, with a sublime teammate such as the Villa number 27 by his side – who created a bumper 16 big chances last campaign – he could soon soar to even loftier heights.
Alongside being a potentially phenomenal comrade to the ex-Manchester City attacker, Rogers could also slot into the Chelsea XI down the left wing if needed, away from the Blues’ ongoing pursuit of Gittens.
If Chelsea wants to kick on this forthcoming season and be genuine title challengers, adding in faces such as Rogers could be the next impressive move, with a top-flight foe in Villa severely weakened in the process.
Chelsea prepared to sell one of their "best players" who Enzo Maresca loves
He also lauded the spinners who applied the brakes on England, as India made their third consecutive ICC final across formats
Shashank Kishore27-Jun-20241:33
Dasgupta: Axar a standout performer from game one
India captain Rohit Sharma lauded his team’s calmness under pressure as they beat England in the T20 World 2024 semi-final comprehensively to secure a third straight ICC final across formats. On Saturday, India will play South Africa to try and break their 11-year trophy drought at a world event.”We’ve been very calm as a team,” Rohit said after India’s 68-run win in Georgetown on Thursday afternoon. “We do understand the occasion [of a final], but for us, it’s important to keep calm and composed.”That helps us make good decisions. We need to make good decisions through the 40 overs. In this game too, we were steady and calm, and didn’t panic too much. That has been the key for us. Yes, we do understand the occasion is important, but we need to play good cricket as well.”Related
Axar's powerplay plan: Make it difficult for England 'without doing anything extraordinary'
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Rohit, Axar and Kuldeep lead India's dismantling of England in semi-final
Eng vs Ind Highlights – Rohit, Axar and Kuldeep put India in the final
Rohit termed the win over England as “very satisfying”, especially given this contest was a repeat of the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final. Then, in Adelaide, India crashed to a ten-wicket defeat as Jos Buttler and Alex Hales made light work of England’s 169-run target.Two years on, it was India’s spinners who turned the tables on England on what was a slow, low turner where Rohit laid down the marker to help India post 171 for 7, which he felt was well above par.”Yeah, it’s very satisfying to win this game,” Rohit said. “We’ve worked really hard to come to this stage, and to win the game like that was a great effort from everyone. I thought we played to the conditions really well; that’s been the success story for us so far. If bowlers and batters understand and play according to the conditions, things fall in place. It’s very pleasing how we came through.”Rohit top scored in the game with 57 off 39 balls, but the conditions were tough. A spell of rain eight overs into the game added to his challenge of kicking India’s innings into gear with Suryakumar Yadav. The pair added 73 in just 8.2 overs to give India a chance to aim for a competitive score.”At one stage, we were feeling 140-150 was a good score as the game went on,” Rohit said. “Then we got some runs in the middle, me and Surya got that partnership, and then we said, ‘Okay another 25 more’. I can set a target in my mind but I don’t want to let anyone know about it. They’re all instinctive players, so I want them to go out and play freely without thinking about the par score. We know when we understand the conditions well, we will get to a good score; [and] that’s what happened, and the bowlers were fantastic.”Kuldeep Yadav picked three wickets as India outplayed England•ICC/Getty Images
Rohit was effusive in his praise for the Indian spinners who applied the brakes on England. Axar Patel started England’s slide by dismissing Buttler off his very first delivery in the fourth over, and then had Jonny Bairstow with an arm-ball in his second. He finished with 3 for 23 off his four overs to walk away with the Player-of-the-Match award.Axar was complemented by Kuldeep Yadav, who also was magnificent. His dismissal of Harry Brook after being reverse swept was particularly noteworthy because of the subtle change in his line of attack. Kuldeep, like Axar, also picked up three wickets.”They are gun spinners,” Rohit said. “When conditions are like that in front of them, it’s very difficult to play some shots. Yes, the pressure is on them to execute those balls, but they were very calm and knew what to bowl. We had a chat after the first innings: the plan was to hit the stumps as much as possible and keep the stumps in play, [and] that’s what they did.”Amid the cheer, Rohit also backed Virat Kohli to come out of his string of low scores in this T20 World Cup. Kohli was dismissed for 9 on Thursday as he was clean bowled by Reece Topley looking to slog one over the leg-side boundary. Kohli has so far aggregated 75 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 100 this World Cup.”Look, he’s a quality player, and you can go through that,” Rohit said. “We understand his class and importance in big games. Form is never a player when you’ve played for 15 years. He’s looking good, the intent is there, [and] probably he’s saving himself for the final.”Speaking to Star Sports, coach Rahul Dravid also backed Kohli while saying he was loving the “intent” and “attitude” the opening batter was showing.”You know with Virat, the thing is, when you play a slightly high-risk brand of cricket there can be times when it doesn’t come off. Even today, I thought he hit a really good six to set the tempo but he was just unlucky that the ball seamed a little bit more. But I love the intent, I love the way he went about doing it. It sets a good example for the group as well if he’s willing to do it. And you know, for some reason, I don’t want to jinx it but I think there’s a big one coming up. I’m just loving his attitude and that he’s committing himself on the field – I think he deserves it.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that the club will bring in another central defender before the transfer window slams shut at the start of September.
The Hoops swooped to sign Hayato Inamura on a permanent deal earlier this month, but the Japanese defender is one for the future and another option in that area of the pitch is expected.
Rodgers already has Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, Dane Murray, Stephen Welsh, and Cameron Carter-Vickers in the centre-back positions, on top of the signing of Inamura, and they are looking for another.
CelticWay have reported that the club are weighing up a possible move to sign Dutch central defender Justin De Haas from Famalicão to add to their ranks.
The 25-year-old, left-footed, titan is valued at £3m by the Portuguese outfit, and could come in to compete for a place at the heart of the Hoops defence.
The role that Justin De Haas could play for Celtic
The potential signing of the Famalicão titan is an interesting one for the Scottish giants, because it would leave Rodgers with three left-footed centre-back options, in him, Scales, and Trusty.
Last season, the manager said that he prefers to play centre-backs on the side of their stronger foot because it “allows you to get through the pitch quicker and have more speed playing forward”, which suggests that De Haas will be competing with Trusty and Scales.
Based on their respective performances at league level in the 2024/25 campaign, De Haas’ biggest hurdle to making the starting XI could be the Ireland international.
Trusty joined from Sheffield United last summer and endured a difficult campaign in Scotland, as he ended the season as a back-up option behind Scales, and the Dutch star could come in as an upgrade on him.
24/25 season
De Haas (Liga Portugal)
Trusty (Premiership)
Scales (Premiership)
Appearances
29
22
26
Goals
2
1
2
Tackles + interceptions per game
3.0
2.3
1.9
Dribbled past per game
0.3x
0.5x
0.2x
Clearances per game
5.4
4.0
4.8
Error led to shot
0
4
1
Error led to goal
1
1
0
Penalties committed
0
0
1
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, De Haas could even offer more to the team than Scales, with more defensive actions and fewer errors leading to shots, goals, or penalties overall.
Liam Scales
This suggests that he could be a starting-calibre left-sided centre-back option for Celtic if he can translate his form over to the Scottish Premiership, but there is also the possibility that he is a second-choice to Scales, with Trusty demoted to a reserve.
Overall, given he will need to adapt to the league, De Haas could be a back-up centre-back at first, which is why their pursuit of a new winger is an even more exciting prospect.
Celtic in talks to sign new winger
According to the Daily Record, Celtic want to spend the money they are set to rake in from Como for Nicolas Kuhn to sign two new wingers this summer.
The German forward is set to sign for the Italian side for a reported fee of £16.5m, which will provide the Hoops with funds to dip into the market themselves.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
This latest report from the Daily Record states that the Scottish Premiership champions are locked in talks with Royal Antwerp over a deal for Belgian winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha.
The outlet states that Royal Antwerp value the forward at a fee of around £5m, but they may lower it in order to push a transfer through in the coming weeks.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha against Porto in the Champions League.
It adds that the 24-year-old attacker, who predominantly plays on the left flank, is keen on a switch to Parkhead this summer, which suggests that personal terms would not be too much of a problem if a fee can be agreed.
Why Balikwisha would be an exciting signing
Balikwisha would be an even more exciting signing than De Haas for Celtic this summer because he could slot straight into the starting XI from the first match.
Jota is set to miss the first half of the season with a knee injury, having suffered an ACL blow last term, and that has left a vacant spot on the left wing ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha for Royal Antwerp.
Until a new senior centre-forward is in the building, Daizen Maeda could continue where he left off as the starting number nine, which means that he would not be the starter on the left flank. Therefore, Balikwisha could have a free run at the left wing position to be a starter in the Premiership.
This means that, unlike De Haas, Celtic supporters could expect to see the Belgian wizard in the starting line-up when the Hoops host St Mirren at Parkhead on the opening day in August.
As well as being a potential frontline starter, which the Dutch defender may not initially be, Balikwisha could also be a more exciting signing because he is an attacking player who has the potential to deliver goals and assists.
Balikwisha (Pro League)
23/24
24/25
Starts
27
12
xG
6.46
2.65
Goals
7
4
Big chances created
6
7
Key passes per game
1.5
1.6
Assists
5
3
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Balikwisha has produced 11 goals and 13 ‘big chances’ created in his last 39 starts in the Belgian top-flight for Royal Antwerp.
The 24-year-old star was described as a “creative” talent by analyst Will Glavin, which is backed up by his return of seven ‘big chances’ created in 12 starts in the Pro League last season.
Balikwisha is a winger who has shown that he has the ability to deliver goals and assists at a fairly impressive rate in Belgium, which suggests that he could thrive in a dominant Celtic team that wins week-in-week-out.
The £5m-rated star could get supporters off their feet with his quality in the final third, as the anticipation could build whenever he picks the ball up in space out on the left flank.
Celtic can sign a better ST than Kvistgaarden in "complete" £6.8m star
Celtic could forget all about Mathias Kvistgaarden by signing this striker this summer.
1 ByDan Emery Jul 6, 2025
Therefore, the Royal Antwerp wing wizard could be an even more exciting signing than De Haas due to his potential to be an immediate starter, as well as him being an attack-minded player, rather than a centre-back.
يستعد منتخب مصر، لخوض مواجهة قوية وهامة ضمن مشواره الإفريقي بـ بتصفيات إفريقيا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026، أمام نظيره بوركينا فاسو غدًا الثلاثاء.
وتأتي مباراة مصر وبوركينا فاسو، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الثامنة للمجموعة الأولى من التصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة لنهائيات كأس العالم.
وكان منتخب مصر قد نجح في تحقيق فوز مستحق على إثيوبيا بهدفين دون رد في الجولة السابقة، ليقترب خطوة كبيرة نحو حجز مقعده في نهائيات كأس العالم.
طالع أيضاً.. كاف يُعلن حكم مباراة مصر وبوركينا فاسو في تصفيات كأس العالم
ومن المقرر أن تقام المباراة مساء غد الثلاثاء 9 سبتمبر الجاري، في تمام الساعة السابعة مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.
ويخوض الفراعنة تلك المباراة راغبين في الفوز بالثلاث نقاط من أجل حسم التأهل بشكل رسمي إلى نهائيات كأس العالم للمرة الرابعة في تاريخه، دون الانتظار لمواجهتي الجولتين التاسعة والعاشرة.
ويخوض منتحب مصر اللقاء متصدراً ترتيب المجموعة الأولى من تصفيات كأس العالم، برصيد 19 نقطة، بعد خوض 7 مواجهات، فاز في 6 وتعادل في لقاء.
وتضم المجموعة الأولى من تصفيات كأس العالم، منتخبات مصر، بوركينا فاسو، غينيا بيساو، جيبوتي، إثيوبيا وسيراليون.
ويقود المباراة جيسي نكونكو كحكم ساحة، ويعاونه ستيفن دانيك موتاسي كحكم مساعد أول، مالوندي تشاني يانيس حكم مساعد ثاني، تشيمالا كابونجو كحكم رابع.
Neither player was able to take a full part in the first T20I between India and South Africa in Chennai on Friday
Srinidhi Ramanujam05-Jul-2024
Richa Ghosh took a blow to her face after dropping Tazmin Brits•BCCI
Richa Ghosh suffered a concussion on the field during the first T20I between India and South Africa in Chennai on Friday. The 20-year-old wicketkeeper was subsequently ruled out of the game with batter S Sajana subbing in to take her place from the chase onwards.Ghosh, who was playing her 50th T20I, had symptoms of “neck pain and dizziness” as per a BCCI statement after attempting a catch in the 16th over of the first innings. Tazmin Brits heaved a length ball from Pooja Vastrakar across the line and got a top edge. Ghosh ran forward, put in a big dive and reached out with both hands but the ball rebounded off her gloves and into her face. Ghosh immediately sought the help of India physio and went off the field.Initially, the uncapped Uma Chetry came on as substitute and kept wicket, but then at the change of innings Sajana was announced as the official concussion substitute. She would’ve been allowed to bat had there been the need but the match ended before that with South Africa securing a 12-run victory and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.Brits also suffered an injury, a contusion in the right lower leg and had to be stretchered off the field in the second innings. It seemed like a cramp initially when she went off the field after the fifth over. This was after the South Africa opener spent 92 minutes during the first innings top-scoring for her side with a 56-ball 81 that helped the visitors to 189 for 4. Masabata Klaas replaced Brits in the field.
West Ham United are now confident they can get a deal for an “explosive” midfielder over the line, having identified him as a key target, according to a report.
West Ham closing in on El Hadji Malick Diouf
With long-serving left-back Aaron Cresswell departing upon the expiration of his contract, one of Graham Potter’s main tasks this summer will be to bring in a new left-back, and the deal for Slavia Prague’s El Hadji Malick Diouf is now edging closer to completion.
Should the medical go smoothly, the Slavia Prague defender is set to become the Hammers’ first signing of the summer, but he is unlikely to be the last, given that Mohammed Kudus’ departure has left a major gap in the squad.
With Tottenham Hotspur shelling out £55m on Kudus, the Irons should have ample funds to bring in a new attacking midfielder, and they are now eyeing an ambitious move for Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, who could be available for around £40m this summer.
That is according to a report from The Guardian, which states West Ham are optimistic and believe that a deal will be possible, although there could be competition for the Englishman’s signature from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
West Ham may get Kudus revenge with £35m Spurs target tempted by Irons move
The Hammers have opened negotiations to sign a “phenomenal” player.
1 ByDominic Lund Jul 13, 2025
The 22-year-old has been identified as a key target for the Hammers, as Potter is looking to freshen up his squad with younger players this summer, having been forced to work with the oldest squad in the Premier League last season.
"Explosive" Elliott could be coup for West Ham
Back in June, the Liverpool ace made it clear he may have to think about leaving the Reds this summer, given that he has never really managed to solidify his place as a regular starter.
As such, a move to the London Stadium could make perfect sense, and the maestro’s performances at international level showcase what he could be capable of if Potter were to give him a consistent run in the starting XI.
England's Harvey Elliott and England's Jay Stansfield celebrate after the match as Germany's RoccoReitzlooks dejected
The London-born midfielder scored five goals for England U21s en-route to their U21 European Championships triumph back in June, maintaining a fantastic record in front of goal over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Non-penalty goals
0.66 (99th percentile)
Assists
0.33 (86th percentile)
Progressive passes
8.80 (98th percentile)
As such, Elliott, who has been lauded as “explosive” by Arne Slot, could be a fantastic addition to the West Ham squad, and it is promising news that they believe he may be tempted by a move to the London Stadium.
Sri Lanka two down chasing 483 after Root becomes fourth man to score twin tons at Lord’s
Alan Gardner31-Aug-2024
Joe Root became the first English player to score 34 Test hundreds•Getty Images
For the second time in three days at Lord’s, it was all about Joe Root. England’s batting bellwether continued a bumper Test match by producing twin tons for the first time in his storied career, his 34th century in the format setting new records for his country – and setting his team on their way towards what would be a series-sealing win.England began the day in a position of comfort, 256 runs ahead with nine wickets standing, and Root allowed an expectant crowd to drink in the experience of a Lord’s Saturday. If there was data on champagne corks popped, Root would probably set have another benchmark. As it was, his innings of 103 was garlanded by several entries in the record books: his seventh Test hundred the most by an individual at Lord’s, as he surpassed Graham Gooch as the leading run-scorer on the ground. Alastair Cook’s overall England run-scoring records is now less than 100 runs away.This effort, coming from 111 balls, was also his fastest in the format. He reached the mark, in the company of the No. 10, Olly Stone, by swatting Lahiru Kumara’s bouncer in front of deep point, amid a rising crescendo of “Roooooooot!” rolling around the ground. The next-highest score by one of his team-mates was Harry Brook’s 37 off 36 balls.Related
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Root breaks records with twin tons at Lord's
Alastair Cook hails 'genius' Root after England-record 34th Test hundred
With Sri Lanka asked to chase a target of 483, Root was at it again in the field – his two catches at first slip to remove Nishan Madushka and Pathum Nissanka making him the fourth man to take 200 in Tests. Rahul Dravid, the record-holder with 210, is very much in his sights.That Sri Lanka finished the day only two down was in part due to an early finish brought about by bad light. A world-record target looked a long way off for a team short on batting confidence, though Dimuth Karunaratne survived being given out lbw to his third ball – a poor decision from Paul Reiffel overturned – to negotiate 90 minutes in the gloom after tea. He walked off in the company of “lightwatcher” Prabath Jayasuriya after England had been instructed to bowl their spinners for a second time, with Ollie Pope preferring to preserve the condition of the ball for Sunday.Madushka was the first wicket to fall, edging Gus Atkinson to slip to continue a difficult first tour of England – having been replaced behind the stumps by Dinesh Chandimal on the third morning, he also dropped two catches in the field (although one still resulted in the dismissal of Ben Duckett, as Angelo Mathews snaffled the rebound). Nissanka survived on 2 when the faintest of under-edges to leg slip off Shoaib Bashir went undetected, only to be dismissed by a snorter in Olly Stone’s first over as the light briefly improved enough to allow a return to pace.Bad light forced an early finish on day 3•AFP/Getty Images
England left the field at just after 5pm, content that there is plenty of time left for them to take the eight wickets required for a 2-0 lead in the series. Kamindu Mendis had held out the hope on the second evening that Sri Lanka could find a way back into the game if they could get England out for “under 150-175” – they gamely chipped out five wickets by that stage but couldn’t prevent a Root march carrying the hosts to 251 and a seemingly impregnable position.Root’s reliability had allowed England to negotiate the morning session with few alarms, and the game continued to revolve around him after the interval. A nudge down the ground off Jayasuriya took him to fifty from 65 balls, and he began to push the tempo with three fours – two hauled through wide long-on, one delicately reverse-swept – in four balls.Sri Lanka kept at it, Jayasuriya removing Jamie Smith lbw despite a review from the batter, before Chris Woakes flat-batted Milan Rathnayake to cover. Atkinson’s dismissal, meanwhile, came in complete contrast to the elegant simplicity that characterised his maiden hundred in the first innings: caught behind the keeper at long-stop when top-edging a reverse-pull at Asitha Fernando. Matt Potts then gloved the same bowler behind but Stone hung in to get Root to his milestone.Getty Images
Stone was caught at fine leg in the same over, and although England’s approach had seemed to have a declaration in mind, they batted on. Root eventually gave Kumara a third wicket, top-edging a tired heave to deep-backward square leg, with tea taken early at the close of the innings.England’s batting effort was uneven, Root aside, reflective of their strong grip on the game. Three wickets went down during the morning session, including that of Pope, England’s stand-in captain, who made his highest score while deputising for Ben Stokes but again fell in perplexing fashion, slashing an Asitha bouncer straight to deep backward point for 17, shortly after Sri Lanka had put four men back for the ploy.The hosts resumed on 25 for 1, after Dan Lawrence’s dismissal on the second evening, and Ben Duckett was the first to depart, thanks to an accidental piece of choreography between slip and gully. Rathnayake pitched the ball up from round the wicket, tempting the drive – and while Madushka could not hold on diving to his right, he managed to scoop the chance back towards Mathews for a regulation catch.At the other end, Pope was looking to quell some of the noise around his batting. He moved into double-figures for the first time in the series with a clip off his legs, then survived a review for lbw against Rathnayake, with ball-tracking showing the ball would have cleared the stumps. But he did not last much longer, as Asitha targeted him from round the wicket.The first of Root’s four boundaries was a thick outside edge between slip and gully, but he was otherwise serene in progressing towards a third consecutive 50-plus score. Jayasuriya was picked off on the sweep and twice down the ground, though Root was initially happy to tick along at a strike rate in the 70s, allowing Brook and then Smith to play the aggressor.Brook’s intent during a half-century stand seemed to suggest that England were already thinking about the declaration. Brook was badly dropped on 9, Madushka making a mess of a skied slog-sweep at midwicket, then launched Jayasuriya’s next delivery into the Tavern Stand to rub in the pain. Sri Lanka’s spinner bore the brunt of the attack, but he had the satisfaction of removing Brook when another attempt to haul him leg side was safely held by Madushka in front of the rope.
أعرب أحمد حسام ميدو، نجم الزمالك السابق، عن تفاؤله بمسيرة الفريق الأبيض في الدوري المصري الممتاز هذا الموسم، مشيرًا إلى أن كتيبة البرتغالي يانيك فيريرا، أصبحت على أعتاب خطوة مهمة نحو التتويج باللقب.
وكتب ميدو عبر حسابه الرسمي على منصة “إكس”: “الزمالك عنده 3 ماتشات الشهر ده لو فاز بيهم هيكون بطل للدوري بنسبة 60%”.
وأضاف: “بس لازم الـ3 ماتشات دول يتاخدوا خطوة خطوة ويتم التحضير ليهم زي بعض وبنفس مستوى التركيز”.
وأكد: “مرة ثانية زي ما أكدت قبل بداية الدوري، الزمالك عنده فريق متوازن أفضل من الأهلي وبيراميدز، ناقص الزمالك الاستمرارية والاهتمام بكل المباريات الصغيرة قبل الكبيرة، وأنا متفائل خير إن شاء الله السنة دي الدوري في ميت عقبة”.
طالع أيضًا | شوبير: عبد الله السعيد حدوتة.. ولاعب الأهلي السابق وجد نفسه في الزمالك
وكان الزمالك قد حقق فوزًا مهمًا على المصري البورسعيدي بثلاثية نظيفة على استاد برج العرب، ضمن منافسات الجولة السادسة، ليرفع رصيده إلى 13 نقطة في صدارة ترتيب الدوري، فيما تجمد رصيد المصري عند 11 نقطة في المركز الثاني.
ويتأهب الزمالك لخوض ثلاث مباريات حاسمة خلال سبتمبر أمام الإسماعيلي والجونة، قبل أن يصطدم بالأهلي في قمة الدوري يوم 29 سبتمبر.
#الزمالك عنده ٣ ماتشات الشهر ده لو فاز بيهم هيكون بطل للدوري بنسبة ٦٠٪ بس لازم ال ٣ ماتشات دول يتاخدوا خطوه خطوه ويتم التحضير ليهم زي بعض وبنفس مستوى التركيز.. مره ثانية زي ما أكدت قبل بداية الدوري #الزمالك عنده فريق متوازن أفضل من #الاهلي و #بيراميدز ناقص الزمالك الاستمرارية…