da brwin： O Santos novamente foi derrotado no Campeonato Brasileiro. Sem vencer há cinco jogos na competição, o Peixe começa a se preocupar com o perigo do rebaixamento, o que aumenta a pressão para o técnico Fernando Diniz, questionado pelos torcedores.
+ATUAÇÕES: Léo Baptistão se destaca em estreia, mas não evita derrota do Santos; veja as notas do L!
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da dobrowin： – Santos é um time gigante, a pressão vem, não estamos ganhando. Hoje, mais uma vez, tivemos um momento de desatenção. Agora é trabalhar para sair dessa situação o mais rápido possível – disse ao Premiere o volante Camacho.
O jogador também comentou sobre a jogada em que o Santos sofreu o primeiro gol. Aos 4 minutos do primeiro tempo, em bola longa, o atacante Jonathan Cafu apareceu livre nas costas da defesa e conseguiu abrir o placar para o time mandante.
– Tomamos gol na jogada que treinamos a semana toda, não podíamos tomar. Corremos atrás, criamos chances até fazer o gol, mas eles vieram para cima e ficou um jogo de trocação. É uma fase difícil, complicada, temos que levantar a cabeça, trabalhar durante a semana e ganhar em casa para sair dessa situação – completou o volante.
+ Veja no aplicativo do LANCE! o resultado dos jogos da rodada
O Peixe volta a campo pelo Campeonato Brasileiro no próximo sábado (11), mais uma vez às 21 horas, para iniciar o returno diante do Bahia, na Vila Belmiro. A pressão sobre os ombros do técnico Fernando Diniz vem crescendo após mais uma semana.
When Curtis Campher and George Dockrell linked up in the chase of 177 against Scotland, Ireland were 61 for 4 in 9.3 overs. At the time, ESPNcricinfo’s Forecaster gave Ireland a less than 10% chance of victory, but the duo overcame formidable odds to produce a come-from-behind win and keep alive their chances of qualifying for the Super 12 round.At one stage, victory had seemed so unimaginable that when Campher hit the winning runs with one over to spare, there were tears of joy among the few Ireland fans at Bellerive Oval in Hobart. An emotional Campher, who had scored a heroic 72, also seemed on the verge of tears while talking to the broadcaster.While Campher was the undisputed star of the chase with an innings that came at a strike rate of 225, he was abl supported by Dockrell’s unbeaten 27-ball 39. Their partnership of 119 off 57 balls – the highest of the tournament thus far – thwarted Scotland’s effort of 176 for 5 that was achieved after Michael Jones hammered a 55-ball 86, the competition’s highest individual score so far.Ireland’s win opened up Group B, with all four teams in contention to qualify for the Super 12 round.A partnership to remember Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie impressed briefly at the start of the chase but both batters fell inside the powerplay. The Scottish spinners then came into play, removing Lorcan Tucker (20) and Harry Tector (14) just as they were on the verge of changing gears. At the drinks break, Ireland had two new batters in Campher and Dockrell and they needed 116 runs off 63 deliveries.Curtis Campher and George Duckell shared a crucial century stand•ICC via Getty Images
The duo paced the chase to perfection, with at least one boundary in every over from the 11th until the finish. The tide began to change in the 13th over when Scotland’s in-form spinner Mark Watt was taken for 18 runs, with Campher slog-sweeping him for six. From there on, Campher maintained the pressure, using the width of the crease to toy with the field. Offspinner Michael Leask was scooped over short fine leg in the 14th over; Brad Wheal was deposited over cow corner for six in the 15th, which yielded 14 runs; and the 16th from Josh Davey cost 17 runs, with both Dockrell and Campher clattering three boundaries in the space of five balls.Campher and Dockrell played only two dot balls between overs 12 and 16. They took the fielders on as the field placement turned more defensive as the partnership blossomed. With four overs to go, Campher and Dockrell brought down the required runs to 36. Pressure firmly on Scotland now, Ireland picked off 23 runs in the next two overs to turn their once-distant dream of victory into a reality. The final touches were applied by Campher, the Player of the Match, with a hat-trick of fours in the penultimate over.Scotland ride on Jones’ 86 After Scotland chose to bat, George Munsey was trapped lbw by a swinging delivery from Mark Adair in the second over. The other opener Michael Jones struggled for fluency, scoring only 11 off his first 15 balls.The No. 3 Matthew Cross, however, looked in sublime touch. Relying on his fast hands, Cross raced to 20 off only 13 balls, and eventually Jones seemed to find his form too. The boost came after the powerplay, when Jones pulled Barry McCarthy for six over the short square-leg boundary. Thereafter, Jones’ range of strokes kept growing even after Cross fell for 28 to CampherHis most productive regions were cover and midwicket. He used his feet against spinners Simi Singh and Dockrell to go inside out for fours to enter the 30s. Jones then dispatched Josh Little for six by spotting a short ball early and rocking back deep in his crease. He reached his maiden T20I fifty off 38 balls with a single through covers in the 14th over. For a moment, it appeared that Jones’ innings would end on 50, but he successfully overturned an lbw decision that was given out originally by umpire Kumar Dharmasena.With five overs to go, Scotland were 122 for 2, and with wickets in hand, a big push was expected. The acceleration began when Jones clubbed Gareth Delany for six and four in the 16th over. Berrington fell for 37 to Campher, trying to start the 17th on a positive note, and Jones survived a dropped chance in the same over when Delany put him down at long leg.After the reprieve, McCarthy offered Jones a high full toss, and the no-ball was pulled for a big six. He then clubbed Little for four down the ground to reach 84, surpassing Sikandar Raza’s 82 as the highest individual score so far in this T20 World Cup. Jones fell on 86 two balls later, when he holed out to long-on after attempting a helicopter-style shot that was a mix between MS Dhoni and Rashid Khan’s methods. When he fell, Scotland were already on 170.They finished on 176 eventually, a winning total on most days after the kind of start Scotland’s bowlers had in the second innings. But it wasn’t enough after Campher’s counterattack, which meant that the first seven matches in the tournament had been won by the team that lost the toss.
Arsenal are primed to go again next season, sights set on the biggest prizes. Mikel Arteta’s transfer efforts this summer certainly speak of ambition.
And there’s more still to come, even after deals for free-scoring striker Viktor Gyokeres and up-and-coming defender Cristian Mosquera are wrapped up, as is expected.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their first goal
There’s space for a few more forwards, and the depth of such plans will become clearer upon the resolutions to the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, both wide forwards rumoured to be expendable.
A playmaker would also go down well in north London. Arsenal had registered their interest in RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, but the Dutchman has instead been at the centre of Chelsea’s advancements, with that one now in the pipeline.
However, with Martin Odegaard settled in his senior role, Arteta will want to consider the ramifications a big-money signing might have on some of the exciting up-and-coming prospects.
Arsenal's teenage talents
Arsenal commenced their pre-season tour in Asia with a 1-0 victory over AC Milan. A familiar scoreline, but also new parts which demonstrate Arteta’s vision advancing to the next stage.
Bukayo Saka being the goalscorer is nothing new, but the likes of Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri’s starring roles highlight the next batch of elite Hale End prospects arriving at Arteta’s door.
We, of course, know all about Nwaneri, he who emerged onto the scene as a youngster and settled into a role of seniority last year, scoring nine goals and supplying two assists across 37 matches in all competitions.
Against Milan this week, the 18-year-old operated from a central playmaking berth, and it made an interesting comment on his positional value away from the right wing.
However, Dowman made his senior debut against the Italians, emerging from the bench and replacing Saka beyond the hour mark. A symbolic switch if ever there was one.
Where Dowman, 15, is best suited positionally remains to be seen, but after Arteta hailed the attacking midfielder’s “incredible” first taste of action, the outfit will want to be wary of hampering his development.
Arsenal lining up another attacking midfielder
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal chiefs are locked in talks with the entourage of Eberechi Eze, who has immortalised himself at Crystal Palace after scoring the winning goal in last season’s FA Cup final.
The 27-year-old has a £60m release clause in his contract and the Gunners are the firm favourites to complete a deal, should he be on the move this summer.
Eze, an England international of growing importance, could find himself at the centre of a concrete bid from Arsenal in short time, now that a move for Gyokeres has been wrapped up.
Why Arsenal want Eberechi Eze
In 2020, Eze joined Crystal Palace from Queens Park Rangers in the Championship for a £20m fee. He has since become “one of the best players in the Premier League”, in the words of teammate Tyrick Mitchell, posting 40 goals and 28 assists across 148 matches for the Eagles.
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43 (40)
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31 (26)
11
6
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40 (30)
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19 (7)
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The Three Lions star is something special, all right, with his strong athletic build and winged feet making him a dangerous opponent for even the sternest defenders.
As per FBref, Eze ranked among the top 20% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for assists and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90.
His average of 1.7 key passes, two dribbles and 4.8 successful duels per Premier League game last season, as per Sofascore, furthers the argument that he’s exactly what Arteta needs to add a dimension and ensure that the biggest prizes across multiple fronts can be chased next term.
The problem is that Eze’s arrival would spark congestion in the creative midfield position for Arsenal, and this could lead to the stunting of Dowman’s growth. Nwaneri’s midfield role against Milan suggests his future lies in the middle, while the acquisition of Noni Madueke will surely see him play on the right, Dowman’s other preferred role.
And given the prodigious potential that Arteta has in the teenage superstar, is this really the course of action that the club wants to head down?
Of course, some would argue that Dowman must be eased onto the major stage over the next few years, allowed to grow into his skin without the weight of responsibility that could foil so many youngsters.
But Odegaard is set to continue as the Emirates creator-in-chief over the coming years, and Nwaneri could be his deputy for an age.
Given that Dowman is so ilky and fleet-footed on the ball, bearing an age-belying confidence, you could make the comparison between him and Eze, so there is the fact that he would emerge onto the scene and be impeded by a more accomplished and complete positional rival who has a similar style of play.
And if Arsenal do push ahead with the signing of an out-and-out winger, which is a separate focus to that of Eze, then it would make sense for the Palace man to operate chiefly within a central berth. Thus, Dowman would indeed find himself further down the pecking order than he might hope for.
There’s no question that Eze is a “superstar”, as has been said by analyst Ben Mattinson, but is his signature really needed? It might feel like this is so, but Dowman is one of the most talented teenagers in world football, and he could break through to the Arsenal first team sooner rather than later.
More exciting than Gyokeres: Romano reveals Arsenal's new "top target"
The sensational game-changer would be an incredible signing for Arsenal.
The controversy over MS Dhoni’s wicketkeeping gloves has been resolved quietly, with the former Indian captain wearing a new pair of mitts on Sunday against Australia at The Oval.Dhoni was pulled up by the ICC after India’s World Cup opener against South Africa on June 5 for breaching regulations concerning clothing and equipment.A change of gloves for MS Dhoni in India’s second match•Bipin Patel
On Sunday morning, Dhoni stepped into the ground for warm-up drills before the toss, holding a fresh pair of green gloves without the dagger emblem that was embossed on his previous pair. Dhoni is an honorary lieutenant-colonel in the Parachute Regiment of the Indian Territorial Army. The dagger is similar to the regimental emblem.Dhoni wore the dagger-free gloves when India came onto the field, having set Australia a target of 353.The BCCI’s initial response to the ICC saying Dhoni’s gloves contravened regulations was to send a request to the ICC asking whether there was room for “flexibility” – where Dhoni could be allowed to carry on wearing the gloves with the dagger insignia. Rejecting the request, the ICC explained that Dhoni had breached two regulations: one relating to display of “personal messages”, and the other concerning the logo on his glove.
PNG beat USA in third-place playoff, while Canada put it across Hong Kong
Peter Della Penna in Windhoek27-Apr-2019In a tournament where home-field advantage has often played a huge role in gaining promotion, Namibia was one of the few nations with a relatively modest record playing at home in the World Cricket League. But they corrected that in their final opportunity, walking away with the WCL Division Two title on Saturday afternoon with a thumping win over Oman at Wanderers Sports Club.In the process, Namibia also created history by winning an ODI for the first time, having gone 0 for 6 at the 2003 World Cup. Another historic achievement on the day was made by Australian Claire Polosak, who became the first female umpire to stand in a men’s ODI for the tournament final.Karl Birkenstock, who had batted as low as No. 9 earlier in the tournament, was sent in to open the batting and proved his worth by top-scoring with 61 off 108 balls. Oman took wickets at regular intervals though, as Birkenstock struggled to find a partner before he fell to Zeeshan Maqsood at the end of the 35th over.After adding an unbroken 103-run stand on Friday against Hong Kong, the duo of JJ Smit and Zane Green produced Namibia’s biggest partnership of the day, adding 57 for the sixth wicket at a time when the match was evenly balanced to help boost Namibia toward 200.Jan Frylinck decimated Oman with his left-arm medium pace early in the chase, claiming three wickets in the Powerplay as Oman sunk to 26 for 4 by the end of the eighth over. Christi Viljoen then struck twice in the space of three balls in the 16th over to break into the Oman tail, sending them on their way to a double-digit total for the second match in a row, after having dominated the first four days of action.Frylinck returned to claim Suraj Kumar for a top score of 27 before Fayyaz Butt was caught behind to complete his maiden List A five-wicket haul. After having claimed opening batsman Jatinder Singh for a second-ball duck with the new ball, JJ Smit wiped out the rest of the tail to finish with three wickets. It helped Smit cement Man of the Tournament honours as he finished the week tied for fourth overall with 13 wickets at 14.53, while also ending up third overall with 221 runs at 55.25.After being steamrolled by USA in a 10-wicket mauling during the round-robin stage, Papua New Guinea showed they truly earned back their ODI status with a thrilling last day win over Oman by exacting revenge on the Americans in a resounding five-wicket victory at Affies Park in the third place match.Sending USA in at the toss, PNG’s medium pace attack exploited variable bounce throughout the morning. Nosaina Pokana and Norman Vanua wrecked USA’s top order with four wickets inside the first eight overs. Man of the Match Vanua was on a hat-trick after claiming Aaron Jones caught behind for 2 followed by Jaskaran Malhotra dragging onto his stumps for a golden duck on ODI debut.Norman Vanua bowled Jaskaran Malhotra for a golden duck to put himself on a hat-trick•Peter Della PennaHayden Walsh Jr worked hard to revive the innings for USA, making 27 in a 43-run stand with Monank Patel, but USA’s innings began to flounder once more after Walsh chipped a catch to midwicket off Assad Vala to make it 78 for 5. Monank had grafted hard for his 39 after opening the batting, but walked too far across his stumps to legspinner Charles Amini and was given lbw. Karima Gore was then suckered into an attempt to clear mid-on hitting against the spin, resulting in a top-edge taken by Chad Soper to leave USA struggling at 105 for 7.Timil Patel fought valiantly to prop up USA’s tail, eventually ending up with USA’s maiden ODI fifty. But Vanua returned to help wipe out the tail with Pokana as USA were bowled out for 164 in just 43.4 overs.USA looked to be in with a chance of rallying to their first ODI win after Saurabh Netravalkar had Tony Ura caught behind in the sixth over, before Ali Khan bowled Vala shouldering arms to an inswinger in the following over to make it 25 for 2. Amini was caught behind edging a back of a length ball off Jessy Singh as PNG continued to teeter before Lega Siaka steadied the chase with his first 50-plus score in ODIs since making a century in his second ODI all the way back in November 2014 against Hong Kong.Siaka was especially strong on the sweep, punishing Timil’s legspin for a series of boundaries. Vanua than completed his Man of the Match performance by slugging three sixes straight down the ground off Karima Gore in the 33rd over as part of a 23-run frame that ended the match with 17 overs to spare.Canada bounced back from the heartbreak of narrowly missing out on ODI status by four runs on net run rate, to end with their third win of the tournament, dispatching Hong Kong with ease at United Cricket Club.Cecil Pervez claimed the big scalps of Anshy Rath and Kinchit Shah in the Powerplay before the Canadian ploy to open with spin at the other end paid off in the 11th over as Hiral Patel nabbed Jamie Atkinson and Ahsan Abbasi on consecutive balls. Babar Hayat added 53 with Scott McKechnie for the fifth wicket, but left-arm spinner Saad bin Zafar had Babar stumped for 32 to spark a rapid slide as Hong Kong lost their last six wickets for 30 runs, with four of them going to Saad.Hiral wrapped up Man of the Match honours by following his two wickets with a half-century at the start of Canada’s chase. Ravinderpal Singh took over the bulk of the scoring after Hiral fell in the 13th, smashing three sixes in a 23-ball 41 that took Canada over the line in just 16.5 overs.
Australia captain lauds the team’s resilience and for having emerged from India with belief in their plans and their ability
Daniel Brettig14-Mar-20193:32
Hodge: Australia showed they can do it without Smith and Warner
A matter of weeks ago, Australia’s touring team arrived in India with quiet optimism but little else. There had been scarcely a break since a draining home summer, and in the case of Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, all participants in the Big Bash League final, only a few snatched hours of sleep before they were on the plane to India.Benefiting from the rare format continuity, the T20 side emerged victorious in the two-match entree, but after a pair of opening defeats in Vizag and Bangalore, the second from a position where the Australians really should have won, it appeared that both the ODI sides; time in the wilderness would be continuing.Finch’s side had other ideas however, and over the ensuing three matches something notable emerged. Suddenly, Australia looked to be balanced, confident and capable, able to win game on three different pitches and in a variety of scenarios. Ashton Turner’s fireworks in Mohali were undoubtedly the highlight, taking the team coached by Justin Langer into the sort of territory that will cause even the World Cup fancies England to be worried, but there was much to savour in Ranchi and Delhi also.Most importantly, the Australians have emerged from India with belief in their plans and their ability, whether it was in putting runs on the board beyond the opponent’s reach or chasing down a mighty total in Mohali that was also kept within reach by the excellent late innings bowling of Pat Cummins. Spin bowling has also been a feature: both Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon can expect World Cup inclusion on the strength of their displays here.”The resilience and fight that we showed being down 0-2, it would have been easy to roll over in those small moments in the game, just let them drift away and India win the series,” Finch said. “But the fight that we showed, we’ve had our backs against the walls for quite a while now so I’m really proud of the group.The victorious Australian team poses with the trophy after winning the series•Getty Images
“From 2-0 down to win 3-2 is pretty special. I’ve been coming here for a while now trying to win and haven’t, so have a lot of Australian players, so it’s a special moment. People have written us off for quite a while now. We always knew that the plans and the style that we wanted to play are all there, can win us the World Cup, win us big series against great teams and India are definitely a great team.”It’s about ourselves believing we’re good enough and sticking to our game plan. We did that for four of the five games and India were too good in a close one in Nagpur. To get over the line in three of them was a great series all round.”Reflecting on how Australia had found the right balance, albeit with a combination of circumstances dating back to the bans on Steven Smith and David Warner, and then more recently an injury to Marcus Stoinis that allowed Turner his chance, Finch reflected on the fact that the selectors had looked for a better combination of heavy hitters and strike rotators, namely Peter Handscomb and Usman Khawaja.”If you go in with all attacking players in these conditions you’re going to struggle, because we know the wickets slow up and the quality of Chahal, Kuldeep, Jadeja these guys they’re too good to just walk out and blast them out of the park,” Finch said. “You need good batsmanship on these wickets and guys who know how to play situations.”Another man with something to prove was Cummins, who did not enjoy being bullied by England’s top order in the home ODI series a little more than a year ago and has subsequently pointed out that he needed more time to hone his white-ball skills. In India, Cummins was granted the new ball for the first time in some years and used it expertly before returning to the crease later in the innings with equally strong effect.”I’ve played a little bit of one-day cricket before but it felt like I hadn’t really clicked in this format,” Cummins said. “It felt like I bowled well in the Australian summer, so glad it keeps on clicking. Hopefully it continues for the World Cup.”We always seem to peak around the World Cup. I wouldn’t want to be a selector, it’s going to be a tough job whittling the team down to 15 and there are obviously a few to come back as well. Especially the batsmen, I thought the way they played the spin let alone the quicks, to get those scores on these kind of wickets, they made it look a lot easier than they were.”As far as selection is concerned, Cummins isn’t wrong. From a time a few weeks ago when Australia looked forlornly towards the returns of Smith and Warner. The success of the India tour now means that the suspended pair will have to do something many have wondered about in the 11 and a half months since they were ruled out: actually earn their places.
The possible returns of Steven Smith and David Warner have also raised the Australia captain’s hopes
Daniel Brettig in Canberra04-Feb-2019Australia Test captain Tim Paine has revealed that he has been thinking about this year’s Ashes series for at least six months, and believes that the dominant 2-0 series win over a decidedly modest Sri Lanka side has helped the hosts crystallise a formula that can help them return to the pinnacle of world cricket.The two victories – by an innings in Brisbane and then by 366 runs in Canberra – were achieved against opponents who seemed completely unprepared for the challenge of Australian conditions in general and pace bowling in particular. Paine nonetheless was unequivocal in asserting that the unity central to those displays – bowlers hunting as a pack, batsmen building partnerships and, finally, centuries – provided the blueprint for success against stronger opponents on higher-profile days.ALSO READ: Starc clears his head and goes whang”Honestly, we were quite disappointed with the way we played against India,” Paine said. “I think the differences between the two series were that our ability to bowl as a group against India wasn’t quite there at times. Whether that’s because Virat (Kohli) and (Cheteshwar) Pujara were more patient than us and forced our bowlers out of their plans, but I thought we turned it around in this series with a real focus on bowling for each other and playing cricket as a team.”Obviously you need individual performances to win moments, but overall the stronger our team can be and the more that we play for each other – this series, or Sri Lanka and the way that we played in these last two Test matches – I think we can beat anyone in the world. The focus was on us playing as a team, so we’ve got to keep driving that home.”
I see us going to the Ashes and them having a huge part in us winning the seriesPAINE ON SMITH AND WARNER
There will be no assignment of greater import than the Ashes in England later in 2019 where the Australians, bolstered by the possible returns of the banned Steven Smith and David Warner, will seek to become the first team clad in the baggy green to win the urn in the UK since 2001. Paine, who made his debut in England in 2010, albeit against Pakistan, admitted he had been thinking and dreaming of the series for quite some time, and also had a fair few names in mind for the likely 17-man squad.”About six months ago … I’ve been dreaming about it actually,” Paine said when asked when he would start thinking about the Ashes. “I’m happy now that we’ve got this out of the way, I can put everything into it because every Australian cricketer can’t wait to go and play an Ashes series and particularly in England.”It’s something that I’ve certainly dreamed of as a kid. I didn’t think I’d be going over as the captain, but in the back of my mind I’ve been thinking about it, I’ve been watching England, keeping a really close eye on them, I can’t wait to get over there.David Warner pulls as Steve Smith watches from the slips•Getty Images”I’ve got a fair idea what it (the squad) might look like. But I’m not a selector, so I get asked my input. But I think they would have a pretty good picture of what it would look like. What we’ve seen over this summer is that we’ve now started to build a squad with plenty of depth. So there’s probably anywhere between 16 and 20 players now that we think are in the mix, a really good place to be.”First among these names will undoubtedly be paceman Pat Cummins, who reaped an eye-popping 14 wickets at 7.78 against Sri Lanka despite operating at first change behind Mitchell Starc and Jhye Richardson. “He’s got to be pretty close to it, isn’t he?” Paine said in response to whether Cummins was now among the world’s very best.”The difference with Pat and those guys is he doesn’t take the new ball. So he bowls at times when the ball’s not doing as much and the wicket’s a bit flatter. I think his ability to get it done in all conditions – whether it’s moving around or not – is second to none.”I felt as the summer went on he got better and better the more he bowled, it felt quicker and more accurate. He’d be the fastest Australian bowler to 90 wickets. That probably says he’s right up there.”Two other names clearly in Paine’s squad are Smith and Warner, who he identified as critical parts of an Ashes-winning team. The end of the Sri Lanka series marked the end of a stretch of nine Test matches that the former captain and vice-captain have missed through suspension, and there can be little doubt as to how warmly they will be received when they return to the fold.”I think everyone has to a degree got to earn their stripes, I think those two have plenty of runs in the bank,” Paine said. “I see us going to the Ashes and them having a huge part in us winning the series. That’s how I see how important they are to this team. We know how good they are. Hopefully once their bans are up they’ll be welcomed back and they’ll win Test matches like they did before.”
Stumps William Somerville, who had looked at best inoffensive and at worst simply not good enough for the best part of the day, is at the moment the difference between a dead series and one that could yet go either way. His four wickets ensured Pakistan failed to put up any significant resistance following the Azhar Ali-Asad Shafiq stand, losing their last seven wickets for 62 runs. Some fell in a freaky manner, like Babar Azam dragging it on off his bat and both legs onto the stumps. Others were so comical as to channel memories of Basil Fawlty and Del Boy, notably Yasir Shah, who lost his shoe turning around for a second run, and just couldn’t send his captain back. Yasir never stood a chance of completing the run hopping on one foot, leaving Sarfraz Ahmed hopping mad at the other end. He could make little difference with the tail, as Somerville and Ajaz Patel wrapped up the last three wickets for just two runs. It gave Pakistan a 74-run lead, and if that sounds familiar, it should.Make no mistake, Pakistan are still in the driving seat in this Test match, but just the fact they haven’t already put this out of New Zealand’s hands will be frustrating. The visitors may still be 48 runs behind and already down two wickets, thanks to an impressive start by Shaheen Afridi. To further press home the advantage, Yasir had Tom Latham caught in the deep off his penultimate over of the day, putting himself one away from becoming the fastest to 200 Test wickets. But Pakistan will almost certainly be forced into a fourth-innings chase here, with all the psychological baggage that entails, and from the position they were in half an hour before tea, that will disappoint them.If yesterday’s talk of couples had revolved around Trent Boult and Tim Southee, today was all about Azhar and Shafiq. A 201-run partnership that spanned the bulk of the day between Pakistan’s most dependable batsmen had put the hosts in firm control of the deciding Test in Abu Dhabi, beyond New Zealand’s total. Before lunch Azhar had reached his first Test hundred since Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan’s retirements, while Shafiq got to his shortly before tea.For much of the session, the duo carried on the solid work they had done since the start of the day, but they were challenged by better bowling, particularly in a probing spell by Tim Southee, who kept finding the outside edge of the right-handers without a wicket to show for it. However, the absence of an enforcer like Neil Wagner was telling, with Pakistan always confident of a pressure release from any end Southee or Trent Boult weren’t operating from.It was those two quicks who regained a measure of control with the second new ball after Pakistan had got off to a lightning start. Boult, in particular, gave Shafiq a number of nervy moments, exploiting movement and angle both ways. The seamer was judicious in the use of well-directed short balls too. But Shafiq overcame the habit of giving his wicket away after a good start to ensure Pakistan finished the first session with no wickets lost.For much of the day, Somerville remained one of New Zealand’s most economical bowlers, but manifestly lacked the bite required to take advantage of a pitch that rewarded both Yasir Shah and Bilal Asif on the first two days. The surface offered less turn than it had earlier, but one couldn’t help wonder if Pakistan’s spinners would have found a way to be far more troublesome to the batsmen; it is the one facet of the game where the visitors found themselves clearly outclassed. Even Patel from the other end was largely subdued for much of the day.But it was those same spinners who allowed their side a glimmer of hope just before tea, with Somerville removing Azhar for his first Test wicket, and Patel trapping Shafiq in front, allowing their team a crack at an out-of-form Sarfraz Ahmed and subsequently, the lower order. Azhar was on 134 when he fell in the softest fashion, edging a sweep off an absolutely harmless delivery from Somerville, carrying straight to Patel at short fine leg. It got rid of a pair that had frustrated New Zealand for 72 overs, and at that stage, looked like it had killed off Williamson’s hopes of walking away with a series win.The lower-middle-order collapse, alongside with the capitulation of the tail, exposed Pakistan’s weaknesses that have been festering over the past couple of years, and explained their fragility in the time since they became the world’s best Test side. New Zealand were offered the smallest of windows back into the match after tea, and fittingly enough, it was Somerville, an accountant in a previous life, who ensured the wickets column continued to tick over while maintaining immaculately economical figures. The balance sheet isn’t quite a perfect match yet, but New Zealand have bought some time to ensure amends can be made over the next 48 hours.
Worcestershire captain Moeen Ali heaped praise on his young bowler after a masterful display of skill on Finals Day
David Hopps16-Sep-2018Pat Brown was hailed by Moeen Ali as possessing England quality after completing an outstanding breakthrough season in the Vitality Blast by helping Worcestershire to their first T20 title.Brown was barely known, even in the tight-knit community of county cricket, in April, but he finished the Blast season with 31 wickets, a figure only exceeded by Alfonso Thomas – the Great Alfonso as they dubbed him in Somerset – who took 33 wickets in 2010.Brown had a great start to Finals Day when he took four wickets in a semi-final win against Lancashire. He missed his chance to surpass Thomas’ record, in what would have been two fewer matches, when he went wicketless in the final, but he attracted great recognition nevertheless as he conceded only 15 runs in four overs with Sussex becoming the latest county to be baffled by his variations.
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It was all ample reward for his ambition two years ago when he showed the ambition to travel from Lincolnshire to Wellington School in Somerset to attend a Cricket Strength Pace Factor trial day run by Ross Dewar, Worcestershire’s strength and conditioning coach, and the former county fast bowler and coach, Steffan Jones.Moeen, relishing his role as Worcestershire captain despite a tough England schedule, said of Brown, a slightly-built 20-year-old seamer from Lincolnshire. “From game one this season, I felt he was getting better game by game. The quality he is showing is international standard. I’ve not seen anybody in county cricket get hold of him yet.”It’s not just what he bowls. He has the character and the guts to go a long way. I don’t want to get too carried away but he has a bright future, hopefully for England.”I don’t face him that much. I just get a few underarms from time to time. Even in the nets it is difficult. No-one can pick him at the moment. It’s not just that. He is very smart with the lengths and lines he bowls.”ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Brown’s stock ball is his knuckle ball, which he utilises about 65% of the time. Added to that is an off-cutter and a quicker ball which now regularly is clocked above 80mph. Add accuracy and changes of length that at his best have felt almost telepathic and he has made quite an impression.Moeen does not feel that talk of England is over the top. “I think after today he is very close,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets something in the winter. I can see him getting a chance in T20 or one-day matches or something.”If we keep winning, and on big stages like this, I’m sure people will raise eyebrows about some of our players. But that’s a long way away. Today is about celebrating Worcestershire’s success.”James Anderson, who was part of the BBC commentary team at Finals Day, also did not stint with his praise. “Pat Brown is possibly the find of the tournament,” he said. “It is a phenomenal effort for a 20-year-old.”He has had a good tournament but to come to Finals Day, when the pressure is on and show such amazing maturity, was superb. He looks as good as anyone I have seen in T20 cricket. He has got all the skills.”Brown went to the Wellington School pace trial primarily to see if he could increase his pace, but his potential was immediately appreciated by several counties. He opted for a cricket scholarship at the University of Worcester, a path favoured in the past by Worcestershire players such as Daryl Mitchell and George Rhodes. His T20 debut came in a handful of matches in 2017 and he also made his Championship bow in the final game of Worcestershire’s promotion season.Kevin Sharp, Worcestershire’s head coach, stressed that Brown’s development had been very much a team effort, not just with Dewar but also the previous coach and bowling coach, Steve Rhodes and Matt Mason, both of whom have now left the county. Most closely of all throughout this summer, Brown has struck up a strong relationship with Alan Richardson, the county’s bowling coach.”I think it is also about having a good support network for a player,” Sharp said. “Pat has a fine bowling coach in Alan Richardson, that’s for sure.”He is a good learner and a good listener and he has a big heart. He really is the sort of lad who is really up for the occasion. He is quite aggressive at times with his bowling but he has developed a fantastic array of deliveries.”So which deliveries were devised by Brown and which by Richardson? “It’s a secret between them two,” Sharp smiled. “I just let them get on with it.”
Aston Villa failed to take advantage of Ipswich Town receiving a red card in the first half as Unai Emery’s side had to battle to take a point in the clash at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.
More dropped points won’t help their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next year, as the Midlands outfit currently occupy ninth place in the Premier League table, trailing Manchester City in fourth by six points.
Of course, they can still claw this back, but they will have to make up some ground between now and May to do so. That means as few mistakes and dropped points as possible.
The club enjoyed a solid transfer window and with Emery leading his squad on three fronts, he will have to rotate wisely.
Ollie Watkins proved to be the hero on Saturday, scoring a late equaliser against the Tractor Boys.
Ollie Watkins got Aston Villa out of jail
Watkins’ effort was his 70th Premier League goal scored during his career, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
When Ipswich went down to ten men, it looked as though the home side could take full advantage, yet Liam Delap scored with just over 30 minutes remaining to throw a spanner in the works.
Metric
Highest-Ranked
Accurate passes
Youri Tielemans (88)
Key passes
Marcus Rashford and Morgan Rogers (4)
Tackles
Omari Hutchinson (5)
Ground duels won
Marcus Rashford (7)
Shots on target
Morgan Rogers (2)
Marcus Rashford’s free-kick smashed back off the crossbar, right into the path of Watkins, who duly converted and this goal secured a 1-1 draw.
While he was the man who rescued a point, it was Youri Tielemans who was arguably the true hero for Emery due to his stunning performance in the heart of the midfield.
Youri Tielemans’ game in numbers vs Ipswich
The Belgian midfielder controlled the game from the heart of the pitch against Ipswich, succeeding with 91% of his passes and taking 114 touches, exerting his control over the game.
Performance in Numbers
Despite this, the club couldn’t secure all three points. Tielemans also made three key passes, succeeded with 75% of his dribbles, won eight of his 11 total duels contested, and made one tackle.
This shows that he contributed to Villa’s play in and out of possession, whilst Watkins just had his goal, and that is why he was even better than the England international.
Youri Tielemans
The former Leicester City star is now one of the key members of Emery’s squad. Journalist John Townley gave the player a match rating of 7/10 for his display on Saturday, stating ‘Ipswich’s red card limited his ability to pick the lock, but he was still the glue in midfield and helped Villa sustain pressure.’
Perhaps if he had faced a full team, Tielemans may have been more productive in the final third, but he was certainly Villa’s finest player on the day.
Villa next play Liverpool at home in midweek, a game in which the Reds will be keen to take all three points to bolster their title aspirations.
If Emery’s side plays how they did against Ipswich, Liverpool will win comfortably, no doubt about that.
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