Calm Shahrukh Khan powers Tamil Nadu into final

The allrounder smacked 56 off 46 to steer a thrilling chase in a rain-shortened match in the Vijay Hazare semi-final

Sreshth Shah in Bengaluru23-Oct-2019

Shahrukh Khan swats one on the leg side•NurPhoto/Getty Images

In a match shortened to 40-overs a side, Tamil Nadu beat Gujarat by five wickets in a nervy encounter in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2019-20 semi-final, to set up a title clash against Karnataka.Chasing 178 for victory, Tamil Nadu were 96 for 5 but Shahrukh Khan’s 56* off 46 balls saw them pull through with an over to spare, enthralling the handful of neutral fans who turned up at the Just Cricket Academy Ground on the outskirts of Bengaluru.Both teams had star-studded line-ups. R Ashwin, fresh off India’s Test series win over South Africa, flew in on Tuesday to join the Tamil Nadu squad for the semi-final. He had M Vijay, Washington Sundar, Abhinav Mukund and captain Dinesh Karthik in his side. Gujarat, too, had their share of India cap-holders, with Axar Patel and Piyush Chawla being led by Parthiv Patel. Gujarat needed a win, while Tamil Nadu needed anything but a defeat. A no-result would have put Tamil Nadu into the final, with the tournament rules stating that head to head results would be the tie-breaker if both sides had an equal number of wins coming into a knockout match, and Tamil Nadu had beaten Gujarat when both teams faced each other in the league stages in Group C.Unsurprisingly then, Karthik chose to field first on winning the toss, with one eye on the grey clouds in the distance.The clouds remained all day, but the rain didn’t arrive, as the match began at 10.30am, an hour and a half after the scheduled start.Priyank Panchal and Parthiv, the Gujarat openers, have been their two most dependable top-order batsmen over the last few years. Their solid opening partnerships had led Gujarat to nine wins in ten matches in the tournament thus far. Before the game, the only time both Gujarat openers failed was in the defeat against Tamil Nadu. So when they both fell inside the fifth over to Ashwin and Washington respectively, it seemed that Tamil Nadu had taken an early stranglehold on the match. A brief partnership of 45 between No. 3 Bhargav Merai (20) and No. 4 Dhruv Raval (40) then followed, which helped Gujarat negate the early damage done by the Tamil Nadu spinners, but a middle-order collapse once again handed Tamil Nadu the advantage.M Mohammed was the wrecker-in-chief during the middle overs. After Merai fell to T Natarajan, Mohammed struck off his first delivery to dismiss Raval when he edged a drive to the slip cordon. In the same spell, Manpreet Juneja (12) and Karan Patel (4) fell victim to Mohammed’s nippy deliveries. By the time Karan was out in the 21st over, Gujarat were tottering at 102 for 6.The handful of spectators kept switching their support from one team to the other, almost as if one moment they wanted nothing more than to see a heavyweight clash between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the final, but the next they realised they’d much rather see a proper contest right now than sometime in the future and began screaming for Axar Patel to push Gujarat towards a respectable total.In Chawla’s company, Axar added 23 for the seventh wicket. The eighth-wicket stand with Roosh Kalaria lasted only six balls, but in No. 10 Chintan Gaja, Axar found someone with whom he could bat out the full 40 overs. Together they made 26 runs but Axar perished for 37 trying to clear the long-on boundary. Gujarat’s tenth-wicket partnership still had 3.2 overs to bat, and with Gaja leading the way, they added 18 more to finish on 177 for 9.Tamil Nadu’s chase began poorly, with Vijay chopping Gaja onto his stumps for 3. Axar and Kalaria bowled a tight spell with the new ball, allowing Tamil Nadu to score only 25 runs in the first eight overs. Axar then struck as No. 3 B Aparajith guided an attempted cut into Parthiv’s gloves to rock Tamil Nadu further, but just like the Gujarat innings, a rescue effort from the third-wicket partnership followed. Abhinav had survived the tricky period with the new ball, and he opened up in No. 4 Karthik’s company. The experienced duo motored along in a 45-run third-wicket stand to bring the game into the balance, as Abhinav held up one end and Karthik took on the boundary riders. But the wickets of both set batsmen, on either side of Vijay Shankar’s dismissal, gave Gujarat the look-in they needed. With 15 overs to go on a surface that was two-paced all day, Tamil Nadu, with two new batsmen at the crease, needed 81 to qualify for the final.By now, Tamil Nadu had slipped behind the VJD par and some nervous moments followed as the skies turned dark once again. But there was no inclement weather. Instead, there was a storm from Shahrukh’s bat.With his partner Washington nudging the ball around for singles (twos were difficult because of the ground’s dimensions), Shahrukh took on the other Gujarat bowlers, first slapping Kalaria to point for four before depositing Chawla’s googly over long-on. That brought the crowd – by now, prepared for a Tamil Nadu defeat – back to life, with the batting team needing 27 off 24 balls. Over the next two overs, Shahrukh guided Axar to the third-man boundary and followed it with a flat-batted six off Kalaria over long-off to bring the equation to 11 off the final two overs.In the penultimate over, Washington thumped a four off the first ball, after which Shahrukh drilled a full toss over long-off to seal Tamil Nadu’s win. Such was the fervour during the final stages of the chase that Shahrukh didn’t even acknowledge his half-century till the end of the game.The result means that Tamil Nadu have reached a domestic final for the first time since 2016/2017.

Transfer talks in Las Vegas? Alisha Lehmann & Douglas Luiz reunite in Sin City as Aston Villa stars see Juventus moves speculated on

Alisha Lehmann and Douglas Luiz have reunited in Las Vegas, with the Aston Villa stars still at the centre of a Juventus transfer saga.

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  • Swiss star following boyfriend around the States
  • Taking in the sights alongside Copa America action
  • Both are seeing summer switches to Italy mooted
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    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Both currently ply their trade in England for Aston Villa, as they grace the WSL and Premier League. There has, however, been talk of a historic deal taking the duo to Italy – allowing them to continue working alongside one another in Turin.

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  • DID YOU KNOW?

    For now, Luiz is focused on international matters with Brazil. He did not figure in their Copa America opener against Costa Rica, as Lehmann watched on from the stands, but will be hoping to see game time when the Selecao face Paraguay at Allegiant Stadium on Friday.

  • THE GOSSIP

    Lehmann has made the trip to Nevada alongside her boyfriend, and they have met up in a Vegas hotel alongside close friends. The Swiss star has a couple of days in which to see the sights and hit the local casinos before watching her partner in Copa action again.

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  • WHAT NEXT?

    Lehmann has already spent time in Miami, Orlando and Los Angeles during her summer break from competitive football. Her tour of the United States may head to San Francisco next, with Brazil due to face Colombia at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on July 2.

Liverpool: Klopp couldn’t believe Mane miss

da premier bet: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was spotted with his ‘head in his hands’ after what Sadio Mane did during the Reds’ crucial 1-0 victory away to Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Big three points…

da winzada777: Clinching a major three points in the Premier League title race, the Reds have now leap-frogged rivals Man City to the top of the league as they await the result of Pep Guardiola’s trip to Leeds United this afternoon.

Liverpool managed battle their way past the in-form Magpies who attempted to make life tough in the second period, coming after midfielder Naby Keita opened the scoring on 19 minutes.

It could’ve been more for Klopp’s men, however, with Mane missing a few chances to extend Liverpool’s advantage and put much-needed breathing room between the two sides.

Following one of those gaping opportunities, ultimately squandered by the Senegal international, the BBC spotted how Klopp reacting during what was an off-day for Mane.

The Latest: Klopp furious…

As per the BBC Sport Live Feed (63 minutes), Klopp couldn’t believe the 30-year-old side-footed a chance just past the post after Joe Gomez’s cross found him on the edge of the area.

They explained: “Jurgen Klopp has his head in his hands, he can’t believe the forward has missed.

“Joe Gomez does brilliantly down the right and finds Mane arriving on the edge of the box, but he side-foots wide of the post.”

The Verdict: Poor day for Mane…

The £100,000-per-week star, it’s safe to say, didn’t enjoy his best outing at St. James’ Park.

As per SofaScore, Mane won just 1/6 of his total duels, losing a big 83% of them, whilst also failing to complete a single take-on – ranking in as Liverpool’s worst-rated starter with a 6.5/10.

It’s little wonder Klopp saw fit to replace him with Mohamed Salah near the 70th-minute mark, but given Mane’s phenomenal performances over 2021/2022, it’s fair to say he can be forgiven as Liverpool take a big three points this afternoon.

In other news: ‘Big’ – Journalist raves as Liverpool eye ‘statement’ signing for Klopp! Find out more here.

South Africa looking at de Kock as captaincy option for T20 World Cup

On their arrival in India, new team director Enoch Nkwe said they have ‘to start building for the future’

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Sep-20191:53

‘We strongly believe in Quinton’ – Enoch Nkwe

South Africa have hinted at the possibility of Quinton de Kock being a captaincy candidate keeping in mind next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia. De Kock will lead a fairly young side in the three T20Is against India in regular captain Faf du Plessis’ absence, as their new team director Enoch Nkwe wants to “start building for the future”.”I strongly believe that we have a good enough squad. We have a good leader here,” Nkwe said at South Africa’s arrival press conference in Dharamsala, ahead of the series opener on Sunday. “It’s also an opportunity to start building for the future. We know where Faf stands, as a captain and as a player. He’s done great things for South African cricket. We also need to look at what the future looks like. We believe in Quinton, who’s going to be leading the team in this series.”South Africa’s post World Cup shake-up and du Plessis’ age (35) could be among the reasons for them looking at new candidates. De Kock is just 26 and has featured in 191 internationals across formats since his debut in 2012. In India, he will lead a squad of 14 that features several newcomers. Nkwe, however, believes the players have got “good enough experience”.”If you look at the group of guys, we’ve got good enough experience,” Nkwe said. “The captain himself has played a lot of cricket here in India. We’ve got fresh blood that is coming into the squad and that’s very exciting. We’ll be competitive. We want to walk away with a series win. The entire squad is very determined. We’re here to win. We understand that the opposition is strong in their backyard, but that’s something we’re going to leave on the park. We’re going to give 100%.”At the end of the day, as a professional team, we’re entertainers. We hope that the kind of cricket we’ll be playing out there, people will be able to read and understand the brand of cricket we want to play. It’s a new chapter, and there are some new characters in the group. We’re still in the process of defining ourselves, but I know for sure that the guys want to get out there and play some exciting cricket.”De Kock said he was “looking forward” to the young team competing and fighting under him. “Coming into this series, we’ve got a lot of new players. Win or lose, I just want the guys to keep competing, keep fighting. As long as they keep doing that, I’m sure we’ll be in good hands. We’ve got quite a young team, so there will be a lot of energy. Looking forward to that.”The tour of India will be South Africa’s first assignment since their disastrous World Cup campaign but they are now looking ahead to the next global event as they have close to 20 games in hand before the T20 World Cup in October next year.”The focus for now is this coming series against India,” Nkwe said. “We’re looking to invest in a good foundation going into the T20 World Cup next year in Australia. But we still have a lot of games. We have about 20 games. So we’ll reassess the situation after these three games against India and see where we’re at, and how we build into the England series and so on. But for now the focus is the Indian series.”South African can draw inspiration from their T20I (2-0) and ODI (3-2) series wins when they last toured India, in 2015. De Kock had not featured in the T20 series then but he troubled the hosts in the ODIs, finishing as the third-highest scorer, behind team-mates du Plessis and AB de Villiers, with a tally of 318 runs and an impressive average of 63.60, with two centuries.”I haven’t played here (Dharamsala) myself, I’ve been here before but I haven’t played here,” de Kock recalled the opening T20 of the 2015 series in which South Africa had chased down 200 with seven wickets in hand. “The last time we were here, the wicket did play very well. I think Rohit [Sharma] got a hundred here, but we ended up chasing it down. So in the one game I’ve experienced here, it could be a good wicket. But we’re coming into the unknown, so we’ll have to assess quickly, and then just adapt.”

Aston Villa now racing to hijack West Ham move to sign "sensational" star

In an attempt to kickstart what has been a quiet summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly entered the race to sign a Bundesliga winner ahead of rival interest from West Ham United.

Aston Villa's difficult summer

When they failed to defeat Manchester United to secure Champions League football on the final day of the season, it was always going to be a difficult summer for Aston Villa. Their European fortunes ensured that they would have to face up to their PSR struggles and endure a window without spending big unless a number of stars went in the other direction.

To that end, the Villans have so far prioritised keeping hold of current stars rather than going in search of fresh faces. There has been interest in both Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez, for example, but the stance in the Midlands has remained ‘not for sale’. Whether that changes as Villa become desperate to act in the market remains to be seen, however.

The signings that have arrived, meanwhile, are young centre-back Yasin Ozcan, who is unlikely to break into Unai Emery’s best side at this stage, and backup goalkeeper Marco Bizot. To say Villa’s window has so far lacked excitement would be an understatement.

With a month remaining until the window slams shut though, that could yet change. The transfer rumours are still coming thick and fast even as those at Villa Park look to navigate PSR.

Lois Openda in action.

Among those mentioned has been Lois Openda. The RB Leipzig forward, whether in years to come or this summer if Manchester United get their wish, would be the perfect replacement for Watkins and an excellent signing.

The same can be said for another Bundesliga star too, as Aston Villa set their sights on getting their summer up and running at long last.

Aston Villa firmly in the mix to sign Adli

As reported by Caught Offside, Aston Villa are now firmly in the mix to sign Amine Adli from Bayer Leverkusen this summer. The 25-year-old attacking midfielder reportedly wants to leave the German club in search of consistent minutes and, although West Ham hold concrete interest, Villa could yet hijack the Hammers’ move.

Duran 2.0: Aston Villa in contact with “one of the best strikers in the PL”

Aston Villa have an opportunity to land their next Jhon Duran by signing this attacking menace.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 1, 2025

Valued at around €25m (£22m), Adli’s arrival would likely keep Aston Villa within the lines of PSR whilst handing Emery a much-needed boost in the form of a Bundesliga winner.

Labelled a “sensational talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango in 2022, Adli still has every chance of reaching that level again by joining Aston Villa and Emery. The midfielder has experience at the very top level as a title winner and, at just £22m, could quickly become an undeniable bargain this summer.

Derby County agree £3m deal to sign "real leader" who Eustace knows well

Derby County have met the £3 million asking price to sign a “real leader” who manager John Eustace has worked with before, according to a recent report.

Derby closing in on multiple signings

After avoiding relegation by the skin of their teeth, Eustace and co. have been busy in the transfer market, adding five new players to the squad already. Their most expensive capture is USA youngster Patrick Agyemang, who has joined from Charlotte FC.

Derby in transfer race with Wrexham to sign 32 y/o Championship defender

There’s serious competition for his signature…

ByBrett Worthington Jul 16, 2025

The Championship side are yet to really utilise the loan market, but that could be about to change, as the Telegraph’s John Percy reports that Derby are close to signing Owen Beck on loan from Liverpool.

The Wales under-21 international is expected to undergo his medical at Derby later this week and then become their sixth signing of the summer.

The 22-year-old has already enjoyed a few loan spells in the EFL, as he joined Bolton Wanderers for the 2022/23 campaign and then Eustace’s Blackburn Rovers team for the entirety of last season.

Beck will be the third addition this summer who has worked with Eustace before moving to Derby, and the Rams could soon make it four, as they eye another defensive signing.

Derby meet £3m asking price to sign Callum Brittain

According to EFL Analysis’ Graeme Bailey, Derby have met Blackburn’s asking price to sign defender Callum Brittain.

Callum Brittain.

The Lancashire side had placed a £3 million price tag on the player’s head, and while the Rams have agreed a deal in that ballpark, Middlesbrough are expected to make a new offer and match that after their initial bid was turned down. It will then presumably be up to the player to choose his next destination.

The 27-year-old has been at Ewood Park since 2022, when he joined the club from Barnsley. Brittain has been a regular in the Blackburn side since his move, playing 104 games in the Championship across three campaigns. Last season was a productive one for the versatile full-back, as he scored two goals and recorded five assists in 33 league games.

Apps

33

Starts

30

Minutes per game

81

Goals

2

Assists

5

Big chances created

8

Key passes per game

1.4

Interceptions per game

0.6

Tackles per game

1.7

Brittain was an important figure in Eustace’s former side, and the now Derby boss even reserved special praise for the defender, labelling him “one of the best full-backs in the league” and a “real leader” on and off the pitch.

Brittain’s potential arrival at Pride Park would see him compete alongside Ryan Nyambe and Kane Wilson for that right-back spot, but given his versatility, he can also cover at left-back, right midfield and even central midfield if needed.

Rangers: Goldson replacement claim emerges

Rangers could look within to Nikola Katic following the impending departure of Connor Goldson, according to Football Scotland. 

The lowdown

Katic will return to Glasgow in the summer when his season-long loan at Hajduk Split reaches its end. It’s not a certainty however, because the Croatian club do have the option to sign him permanently for £3million.

Rangers turned down the opportunity to recall Katic in January, but they are set to lose a centre-back in the summer, with Goldson ‘likely to leave under freedom of contract’.

It’s worth noting that the Gers have already secured the signing of John Souttar and can also call upon the likes of Leon King, Calvin Bassey and Leon Balogun.

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The latest

Journalist Ross Pilcher writes that Van Bronckhorst ‘may well see a place’ for Katic after Goldson moves on.

King has ‘shown promise’, he says, but the manager may value ‘the experience’ Katic provides.

As such, the Croatian may ‘still have a role to play’ at Ibrox.

The verdict

First and foremost, should Hajduk Split be expected to activate their purchase option?

Well, he’s started 17 league games during his loan spell, having joined ahead of match-day eight, so he is valued there.

But £3m is far from small change for the club. In fact, going by Transfermarkt figures, it would far outstrip their existing transfer record of £1.8million. Given that the website only values Katic at £900,000, they may not deem it a worthwhile outlay.

That could see him come back to Rangers, for whom he’s made 59 appearances and scored a memorable goal at Parkhead.

Katic could count former boss Steven Gerrard among his admirers, judging by an exchange between the pair when he moved to Aston Villa. In reply to a farewell message from the defender, Gerrard wrote: “Love you, kid.”

And the ex-Liverpool man also hailed him as an ‘immaculate’ professional during his time at Ibrox.

In other news, Rangers’ potential Europa League windfall has been broken down. 

Henry Nicholls' battling ton puts New Zealand ahead on tough pitch

There were plenty of chances, but he capitalised on them as West Indies’ fast bowlers faded through the day

Karthik Krishnaswamy10-Dec-2020It’s unlikely Henry Nicholls will score a scratchier, more fortune-laden hundred, but runs are runs, and they’re worth even more when they come on a greentop offering pace, bounce and seam movement. Nicholls’ innings ensured New Zealand wrested control of the second Test away from West Indies, who had begun the opening day positively with their fast bowlers, led by Shannon Gabriel in his 50th Test, enjoying the help on offer at the Basin Reserve.At stumps, New Zealand were 294 for 6, with Nicholls batting on 117.Nicholls, who had come to the crease some ten minutes before lunch, survived a difficult period at the start of the second session, when Alzarri Joseph peppered him with short balls from over the wicket, pitching in the left-hander’s blind spot outside leg stump and attacking the area between his hip and shoulder. There was a top-edged pull that fell in no-man’s land, a short-leg catch that didn’t stick in Shamarh Brooks’ hands, and a hooked six that could have been a catch at long leg had Jermaine Blackwood stayed on the rope rather than move some 10 yards in.Then Gabriel and the debutant Chemar Holder, who had been the pick of West Indies’ bowlers before lunch, returned and created a rash of chances that, on another day, would have earned them more than just one wicket between them. On this day, both Gabriel – with a length ball slanted across him – and Chemar Holder – with a full one that straightened from around the wicket – found Nicholls’ outside edge only for Darren Bravo to put him down both times at first slip.All the luck notwithstanding, there was plenty to admire about Nicholls’ innings, especially his discipline outside off stump, and the positive intent he showed when the ball was in his favoured areas: particularly against the short ball, ironically. As his innings progressed, it felt as if his early wobbles against that form of attack had led West Indies to overuse it, erroneously, especially given that their successes early in the day had come via bowling full lengths.Tom Blundell was bowled by Shannon Gabriel•Getty Images

Gabriel had been erratic at the start of the day, straying too full and often too straight to concede 21 in his first two overs, but once he settled into a rhythm, he kept asking difficult questions of New Zealand’s batsmen.Back at the top of the order following BJ Watling’s return, Tom Blundell gave West Indies a clear challenge to bowl full at him with his method of camping deep in the crease. Gabriel struck in the seventh over, finding a length that brought Blundell half-forward and bowling him through the gate with sharp inward movement.Tom Latham had set the platform for a big New Zealand total in Hamilton with a 184-ball 86 that was distinguished by his willingness to leave on length. There was even more bounce available in Wellington, and Latham left a fair few balls that whizzed six inches over the top of off stump as he moved serenely – save for a blow to the elbow from a Gabriel delivery that reared from a length – to 27.But West Indies were also more willing to try and get him to drive, even if it meant serving up the occasional half-volley. They found the perfect line and length for him in the sixth over after the drinks break, courtesy Chemar Holder. The ball was full enough to induce the drive without being full enough to feed the stroke. Then it straightened, and Latham, who was a little late getting his weight fully onto the front foot, edged behind.That wicket brought Ross Taylor to the crease. Gabriel immediately reappeared, discomfiting Taylor with seam movement and extra bounce, hitting him on the chest before getting one to straighten in the corridor, producing a hard-hands jab that he edged behind.At this point – New Zealand 78 for 3 and without Kane Williamson, 2.3 overs before lunch – it felt as if West Indies were slightly ahead. But through the rest of the day they let their control slip. Apart from the overuse of the short ball, they would have also been disappointed with Jason Holder’s display. Though he bowled more overs than any of his colleagues and ended the day as the only bowler with an economy rate below 3 an over, he presented surprisingly little threat in helpful conditions, often bowling a touch too short to get the edges, or a touch too wide to make the batsmen play.Henry Nicholls with a controlled pull shot that ensures the ball stays down•Getty Images

Nicholls was aided in his efforts by three successive half-century stands. Will Young played a couple of pristine drives down the ground, but endured a difficult time otherwise, with the West Indies quicks attacking his weakness of a short front-and-across trigger movement that left him crease-bound and in vulnerable positions both against the full ball angled into him and the rising ball in the corridor. Gabriel delivered the perfect example of the latter, laden with away seam, to finally end Young’s stay, and pick up his 150th Test wicket.By then he had added 70 with Nicholls, and the next two partnerships swelled New Zealand’s score by 55 and 83 respectively. Watling made 30 and looked perhaps the most fluent of New Zealand’s batsmen before chopping on to Joseph, and Daryl Mitchell showed plenty of positive intent – especially against the offspin of Roston Chase – to score 42 before being trapped in front by a blockhole ball from Chemar Holder.By then, Nicholls had reached his sixth Test hundred, breaking a run of 13 innings without a fifty. He grew increasingly secure at the crease without ever looking entirely fluent, and it seemed entirely appropriate that he brought up his hundred with a leading edge through point while looking to work the ball through midwicket.

Jofra Archer claims six as Australia are rolled for 179

Anyone watching his debut at Lord’s was left in little doubt as to what Jofra Archer brings to this England side, but his six-wicket haul rammed the message home all the same as Australia were bowled out for 179 on the opening day of the third Test at Headingley.It was a case of another day, another intriguing chapter in this Ashes contest as David Warner found some form and Marnus Labuschagne – only in the side because Steven Smith was still suffering the effects of being concussed by Archer – top-scored for Australia for the second time in as many innings. But Archer, playing just his second Test, had the last word, his 6 for 45 putting England on top.Despite rain and bad light forcing a delayed start and long, frustrating stretches without any play at all, there were enough twists and turns amid the action to ensure it was in keeping with the rest of the series so far.England, keen to make the most of Joe Root’s decision to bowl in overcast conditions upon winning the toss and having already reduced the tourists to 25 for 2, were stymied first by the weather they had hoped would work in their favour and then by the stubborn pairing of Warner and Labuschagne.But just as it looked like Warner might dig in after rediscovering some much-needed form with his first double-figures score of the series and then having a caught-behind decision rightfully overturned, he exited, the first in a flurry of three wickets that had England back in control as Australia slid from 136 for 2 to 139 for 5 in the space of 15 balls.That became 162 for 6 thanks to Root’s deft use of the DRS when Tim Paine was given not out lbw on 11 to a Chris Woakes inswinger, with replays showing the ball hit the knee roll in line and would have taken the top of leg stump.But as in the second Test, when he came in as Smith’s concussion replacement and scored 59, Labuschagne produced another composed innings.After play started 70 minutes late, Archer struck in the fourth over of the match when he had Marcus Harris – in the side for Cameron Bancroft who was dropped after scores of 8, 7, 13 and 16 in the series so far – caught behind for 8. Harris’ disappointment was compounded as the players immediately followed him off the field as the rain returned.After lunch was taken early, Stuart Broad had Usman Khawaja out just as cheaply early in the second session, caught down the leg side after a confident and ultimately successful review by Root. The England players looked rather dubious when play was halted as light rain began to fall again with Warner on 18 and Labuschagne yet to score and they were even slower to leave when bad light was called 3.1 overs into the resumption.An elongated tea break was followed, however, by a break in the weather, which is forecast to be fine for the coming days. That did not, however, lift England’s mood as they became bogged down in a tenacious partnership between Warner and Labushcagne, which yielded 111 runs.Warner reached his half-century off 79 balls with a four off Woakes and booing could be heard as the batsman – still finding his way back into the game following his year-long ball-tampering ban – acknowledged the crowd, which also offered warm applause as his wife and two of his three young daughters cheered him on from the stands.Warner was on 61 and mighty swift to call for a review when he was given out caught behind off Broad, with UltraEdge revealing he had not hit the ball. He failed to add to his score, though, before Archer found the edge in the next over with a near-unplayable 90mph ball and Bairstow took the catch.Far from the onslaught of speed and aggression he showed with such devastating effect at Lord’s, Archer bowled in more controlled spells with no damage whatsoever to his figures. He still produced speed when he needed to, as Warner discovered, and enough bounce to keep the batsmen on their toes. He bowled the most overs with 17.1, having sent down 44 overs of venom in the previous match, which ended just four days ago.Broad, too, caused Australia some problems, answering Labuchagne’s fifty celebration with a ball to the groin that took the batsman several minutes to recover from and taking 2 for 32 from his 14 overs, including the dismissal of Travis Head for a duck with a gem of a delivery that crisply struck the top of off stump, the second wicket of Australia’s mini-collapse.Matthew Wade followed, also for a duck, after an Archer delivery struck him on the glove and thigh pad before dropping behind him and rolling gently into the base of leg stump.Labuschagne carried on as Paine, James Pattinson and Pat Cummins fell – the latter two more Archer fodder – before his bizarre dismissal, lbw to a dipping Ben Stokes full toss that he reviewed to find the ball would have smashed into the centre of middle stump.Nathan Lyon was the last man out, and Archer’s sixth wicket, lbw to a full, straight ball that was hitting leg stump and which allowed England to claim the day.

Gareth Southgate's successor?! Mauricio Pochettino agrees £10m payoff with Chelsea amid England links as Three Lions struggle at Euro 2024

Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to a £10m ($13m) payoff with Chelsea amid speculation that he could become England manager after Gareth Southgate.

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Pochettino agrees on compensation package with ChelseaSouthgate might be shown the door after EurosPochettino being lined up as a replacementWHAT HAPPENED?

According to the agreement with Chelsea stipulates no restrictions preventing Pochettino from taking another job, making him a prime candidate for the national team role. The Argentine manager wants to continue his career in England but with no top Premier League managerial positions currently vacant, succeeding Southgate may be his most viable option.

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The Football Association (FA) is yet to make a shortlist for the next Three Lions head coach. However, Pochettino's extensive experience in English football and his proven track record of developing young players make him a strong contender. During his tenure at Chelsea, he was instrumental in the growth of talents such as Cole Palmer, further bolstering his credentials for the England job.

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Chelsea's agreement with Pochettino brings their expenditure on managerial changes to nearly £67 million ($85m) over the past two years under the club's new ownership. Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter both received over £13 million ($16m) in compensation after their dismissals. Additionally, Brighton received £21 million ($26m) in compensation from Chelsea for Potter's move to West London, and Leicester City was paid £10 million ($13m) to secure new coach Enzo Maresca.

Pochettino's departure also involves compensation for his coaching team. Jesus Perez, Miguel d’Agostino, Toni Jimenez, and Sebastiano Pochettino, who were all under contract at Stamford Bridge until next summer, will receive pay-offs.

(C)GettyImagesWHAT NEXT?

As the FA deliberates on the next England manager, Pochettino's availability and qualifications make him a compelling option. His recent experiences and willingness to stay in England align well with the national team's future needs.

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