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Celtic are back in action once again in the Scottish Premiership this afternoon as they prepare to host their closest rivals in a huge game at Parkhead.

The Hoops have the chance to move six points clear at the top of the table with just two matches left to play, which would leave them needing just one more point to secure a third successive title.

However, Brendan Rodgers' side are not home and dry yet as they must first overcome Rangers in the Old Firm clash at Paradise today to extend their lead at the top.

A defeat would leave them level on points with Philippe Clement's side and make for a nervous end to the campaign, which is why a positive result against the Gers is so important this afternoon.

The Bhoys come into this match off the back of a convincing 3-0 win over Hearts at Parkhead last time out in the Premiership, but that comfortable result may not result in an unchanged starting XI.

In fact, Rodgers must ruthlessly drop winger Nicolas Kuhn to the bench in order to unleash Daizen Maeda from the start against the Light Blues.

Why Nicolas Kuhn should be dropped

The German forward, who was signed from Rapid Wien in January, produced an underwhelming display against Hearts in the club's last match and struggled in the last clash with Rangers at Ibrox.

Against the Jam Tarts, Kuhn completed just 71% of his attempted passes, created one chance, and failed to register a single effort on goal from the right wing.

The left-footed whiz has now gone five Premiership matches without a goal or an assist to show for his efforts, despite starting all five of those games.

Minutes played

65

Shots on target

0

Big chances created

0

Goals + assists

0

Duels won

3/12

Pass accuracy

44% (8/18)

As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old attacker struggled badly in the last Old Firm matchup as he made very little impact at the top end of the pitch and was a liability in possession.

He lost the ball 15 times from 30 touches in total, once every other touch on average, and that does not suggest that Rodgers should consider him to be a key player to start this game.

His recent lack of form in the final third coupled with his poor performance against Rangers last month suggest that he is droppable for this game, which is why the manager should remove him from the starting XI to bring Maeda back into the lineup.

Why Daizen Maeda should start

For starters, the Japan international is an important player for the Northern Irish tactician as his work off the ball is crucial to how he wants his team to play.

Rodgers previously claimed the forward "has the work rate of two players" on the pitch, which speaks to the incredible amount of work the star puts in during matches, in and out of possession.

He has the pace and determination to track back and put in the hard yards for the team to cut out opposition attacks, which could help to stop the likes of Borna Barisic and Rivan Yilmaz at left-back for Rangers, whilst also carrying an attacking threat of his own at the other end.

In the clash with Rangers in April, Maeda made his presence felt inside the opening minute of the game with his exceptional pressing that forced a mistake from James Tavernier.

He closed down the Rangers captain and deflected the ball past Jack Butland with his block on the right-back's pass on the edge of the box, to put Celtic 1-0 up early on.

The 26-year-old whiz went on to win nine duels and complete six tackles throughout the match, which speaks to his work rate and defensive quality from a wide position.

Appearances

26

Goals

5

Assists

2

Big chances created

4

Key passes per game

0.5

As you can see in the table above, Maeda has not provided consistent quality in the final third, with just seven goal contributions in 26 matches, but his pressing and work rate make him an ideal selection for an Old Firm clash of this magnitude.

He may not score or assist goals regularly but, per Rodgers' comments, Celtic know that they will get 100% from him on the pitch when competing in duels, which is perfect for a tough-tackling derby atmosphere.

The Japan international is typically deployed on the left flank but the form of James Forrest on that side means that Rodgers should unleash the winger on the right side, ahead of Kuhn, in order to keep the Scottish dynamo in the starting XI for this clash.

Why James Forrest should start

The Celtic academy graduate has been in fantastic form of late and deserves to start once again for the Hoops on the left side of the attack today.

In his last seven appearances for the Scottish giants in all competitions, Forrest has racked up an eye-catching four goals and one assist on the left flank, which includes three goals in his last three outings.

The 32-year-old ace did not register a goal or an assist against Hearts last time out but he did create two chances and completed three of his four attempted dribbles.

Forrest was an unused substitute against Rangers at Ibrox in April and should now be presented with a chance to start against the Gers at Parkhead this afternoon, given his superb run of form of late.

With five goals in four Premiership starts this season, the experienced campaigner has already scored as many or more goals than Maeda, Hyeon-gyu Oh, Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, Paulo Bernardo, Kuhn, and Hyun-jun Yang, among others in the league.

This illustrates how impressive his scoring run has been given his lack of consistent minutes in the Scottish top-flight his term, and why he is deserving of more game time on the pitch.

Forrest should, therefore, start on the left of the front three against Rangers today, with Kyogo Furuhashi down the middle, and Maeda unleashed ahead of Kuhn on the right-hand side.

Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov has advised Rasmus Hojlund that he must improve his goal ratio at Old Trafford.

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Hojlund joined Man Utd from AtalantaHasn't yet met expectationsBerbatov backs Hojlund to discover his scoring touchWHAT HAPPENED?

Hojlund arrived at Old Trafford on a five-year deal after the club agreed to a significant financial outlay to secure his services from Atalanta. The transfer fee includes an upfront payment of £62 million ($79 million), with an additional £8m in performance-related bonuses, bringing the total potential cost to £70m ($87 million).

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Since arriving in Manchester, Hojlund’s performance has been under the microscope. His debut season at the club was a mixed bag, with the striker finding the back of the net 16 times in 42 appearances across various competitions. While these numbers are respectable, Berbatov feels that Hojlund has the potential to achieve much more.

WHAT BERBATOV SAID

In an interview withBerbatov said: "Hojlund's goal ratio must improve. He should be better and I think he can be better. He can do better but it comes down to concentration levels. Keeping his concentration levels high throughout all the games because he had good goal-scoring opportunities and didn't score them.”

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The Bulgarian further elaborated that this is a critical moment in Hojlund’s career where he needs to push himself harder. While acknowledging that the task won’t be easy, Berbatov stressed that the effort would be worthwhile, especially considering the presence of Ruud van Nistelrooy in the coaching staff.

"This is the moment where he has to work even harder which won't be easy but it’ll be beneficial," he said. "Especially now that United have Ruud van Nistelrooy in the coaching team. So now if you don’t take this opportunity to learn from one of the best who used to score goals for fun, you’re wasting your time. Speak to Ruud, ask questions, visit his home if you have to, be respectful, listen to him, learn, ask questions and try to add that to your game.”

تقدم منتخب مصر بالهدف الثاني أمام منافسه موريتانيا في المباراة التي تجمع بينهما الآن ضمن منافسات تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا 2025.

ويلتقي منتخب مصر مع موريتانيا، على أرضية استاد القاهرة في إطار منافسات الجولة الثالثة من عمر مباريات المجموعة الثالثة لـ تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا 2025 بالمغرب.

وجاء هدف مصر الثاني من تمريرة عرضية لعبها محمد حمدي من داخل منطقة جزاء موريتانيا، حولها محمد صلاح ببراعة إلى داخل المرمى.

وسجل محمود حسن تريزيجيه الهدف الأول لـ منتخب مصر بعد تلقيه الكرة داخل منطقة جزاء موريتانيا ليصوبها مباشرة في المرمى، وذلك بالدقيقة 70 من عمر اللقاء.

طالع.. فيديو | بتصويبة صاروخية.. تريزيجيه يسجل هدف مصر الأول أمام موريتانيا هدف محمد صلاح في مباراة مصر وموريتانيا بـ تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا

Veteran offspinner Gareth Batty takes 3 for 18 before Foakes leads recovery from early stumble

ECB Reporters Network05-Sep-2020

Ben Foakes and Jamie Smith shared an unbroken 93-run stand to steer Surrey to victory over Middlesex•Getty Images

Ben Foakes and Jamie Smith put together a high-quality unbroken 93-run stand as Surrey beat London rivals Middlesex by six wickets in an otherwise unexpectedly low-scoring affair at The Oval to go second in the Vitality Blast’s South Group.Foakes made 60 not out and Smith an unbeaten 38 in a calm and assured fifth wicket partnership to steer Surrey past Middlesex’s 113 for 9 with an ultimately comfortable 11 balls to spare.Earlier in the day Kent’s batsmen had pummeled 192 for 6 on the same pitch, in a victory against Essex which saw 355 runs scored, but under lights the second part of Sky Sports’ double-header was for long periods a totally different spectacle.On a sluggish pitch taking spin, Middlesex struggled badly against Surrey’s trio of slow bowlers but, when Surrey replied, they were also soon 23 for 4 as paceman Steven Finn removed Will Jacks and Laurie Evans in his first two overs and legspinner Nathan Sowter then sent back Hashim Amla and Rory Burns in a dramatic fifth over.Foakes, however, hit eight fours in a 50-ball knock full of Test-class strokes on both sides of the wicket, and 20-year-old Smith was almost as good with four boundaries in his 35-ball effort. At halfway, Surrey still had a bit to do at 55 for 4 but Foakes and Smith were more than equal to the challenge in a controlled exhibition of batting under pressure.Still got it – Gareth Batty, who turns 43 next month, belts out an appeal•Getty Images

Earlier Gareth Batty, Surrey’s 42-year-old captain, picked up 3 for 18 with his offspin, while Jacks took 2 for 16 and did not concede a single boundary in his four overs of offbreaks.Slow left-armer Dan Moriarty was wicketless but bowled tidily, as did left-arm seamer Reece Topley with 1 for 21, while 22-year-old fast bowler Gus Atkinson was also impressive with 2 for 18 from three overs.Middlesex, after choosing to bat, got off to a poor start with Stevie Eskinazi bowled for 2 by one that turned from Jacks, trying to flail a ball through the off side in the second over.Martin Andersson, who straight drove Atkinson’s first ball beautifully for four, then drove all round the seamer’s second delivery and was bowled for 7 to leave Middlesex 15 for 2 in the fourth overOnly a wild first over by Jamie Overton, costing 14 and in which Max Holden carved a no ball full toss for four and also pulled fiercely to the boundary, helped Middlesex get to 39 for 2 by the end of the Powerplay – but the innings then fell away badly as the Surrey spinners tightened the noose. Left-hander Holden, having reached a run-a-ball 29, chopped on against Jacks and Batty’s introduction for the 11th over suddenly left Middlesex in real trouble at 63 for 5 as 20-year-old debutant Jack Davies mishit a reverse sweep to point to go for 16 and James Harris was leg-before for 2.Worse was to follow in Batty’s second over when Dan Lincoln pulled a short ball to deep mid wicket and from 75 for 6, Middlesex limped into three figures as catches in the deep, off Topley and Atkinson respectively, undid both John Simpson and Luke Hollman before Sowter was run out for 3 in the final over attempting a second run to Moriarty’s partial misfield at short fine leg.Sowter’s evening did get better later when former South Africa star Amla chipped a return catch to him off a leading edge and Burns was leg-before for 0 two balls later, sweeping.With Finn having hit Jacks a painful blow on the hand, which needed on-field treatment, prior to getting him caught at mid-on for 4 off a skier, and then foxing Evans with a slower ball, Surrey were suddenly up against it.Foakes and Smith, though, showed that batting was still very possible even though Sowter finished with 2 for 16 and Finn 2 for 21.

Despite Newcastle United's injury crisis this campaign, it has come with a positive as it's allowed boss Eddie Howe to give valuable first-team minutes to multiple youngsters within the club.

Lewis Miley has been the main beneficiary for the Magpies, with the 17-year-old making 17 Premier League appearances during his breakthrough campaign at St James' Park.

Miley has settled straight into the Magpies' first team despite his tender age, becoming a real mainstay in the Newcastle side, after the injuries and suspension to Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, respectively.

He managed to score his first top-flight goal in the 3-0 victory against Fulham at St James' Park back in December, further adding to his excellent start to life under Howe.

The club have enjoyed success with youngsters this season, with the club also having a talented teenager currently thriving away from St James' Park.

Yankuba Minteh's stats at Newcastle United

Forward Yankuba Minteh joined the club on 1 July 2023 from Danish side Odense BK, before immediately joining Feyenoord on loan for the rest of the 2023/24 campaign.

Minteh, who is "frightening for defenders" – according to journalist Antonio Mango – has a big future ahead of him after impressing in Denmark, before his move to Tyneside earlier this year.

The 19-year-old Gambian has scored nine times and produced four assists in his 24 appearances in the Eredivisie, as he looks to gain experience ahead of a potential first-team spot for Newcastle next season.

Successful take-ons

3.9

Progressive carries

7.9

Shots

3.4

Touches in penalty area

9.7

Aerials won

1.2

As demonstrated by his stats in the Netherlands this season, he clearly has a lot of talent despite his tender age, with Minteh having the potential to save the Magpies a lot of money in the long run.

However, according to The Telegraph's Luke Edwards, the club could make a quick profit on the forward in the summer to try and combat their FFP and PSR situation – with Newcastle currently having losses of over £70m for the previous financial year.

Yankuba Minteh's market value in 2024

After arriving at the club for just £5.8m last summer, the Gambian winger has seen his market value skyrocket as a result of his good form in the Eredivisie.

The "exceptional" Minteh, as dubbed by Feyenoord teammate Igor Paixao, now boasts a value of £15m, as per Football Transfers – a jump of 158% in the space of nine months despite not featuring once for the Magpies.

Despite potential rumours linking the youngster with a move away from St James' Park, they must keep hold of the attacker, with Minteh having the potential to be a first-team regular for many years to come.

Fellow wingers Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon have both been a hit with the fanbase since their respective transfers to the club, but Miguel Almiron – who has netted just three league goals this season – has struggled in recent months, with the Paraguayan linked with a move away from the club.

Whilst the Gambian would allow for an easy sale to help their FFP situation, he could prove to develop further on Tyneside and save the club from having to fork out a hefty fee on an attacker to complete the forward line.

Newcastle eyeing "prolific" £17m striker who's outscored Isak this season

This could be a welcome boost for Howe…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 17, 2024

Leeds United secured a gigantic victory on Friday night as they beat the league-leaders Leicester City 3-1 in the Championship at Elland Road.

Wout Faes headed the away side into the lead during the first half as the Whites defence fell asleep and allowed him to drift in at the back post to make it 1-0.

A first Leeds goal for deadline day signing Connor Roberts, who joined on loan from Burnley, an own goal from Faes, who deflected Archie Gray's effort into his own net, and a stoppage time improvised finish from Patrick Bamford secured all three points for Daniel Farke's team.

The German head coach changed the match when he brought Roberts, who scored the equaliser to kickstart the comeback, off the bench but the Wales international was not the real hero of the game for the boss.

Glen Kamara was the true hero of the night for Farke and Leeds with a crucial and impressive performance in the middle of the park for the team.

Connor Roberts' performance against Leicester in numbers

The Welsh dynamo came off the bench with 17 minutes to play, plus the additional five, and got himself on the scoresheet just seven minutes later.

Georgino Rutter's deflected pass across the box fell kindly to the former Swansea full-back and he calmly slotted the ball into the far corner to make it 1-1, with his first goal for the club.

Defensively, Roberts did look a little rusty, which was to be expected as a substitute who only recently joined Leeds, as he lost all three of his duels and gave possession away four times from 16 touches.

However, there was a great moment at 1-1 when he came flying out of his position to make a full-blooded sliding clearance that was met with a deafening cheer from the home support.

Glen Kamara's performance against Leicester in numbers

The real hero of the game, though, was Kamara as the central midfielder's enviable composure in and out of possession was vital throughout the match.

Leeds enjoyed 60% of the possession as they dominated the team sitting at the top of the table and the former Rangers star was pivotal to their dominance.

The 28-year-old maestro was simply outstanding on the ball as he only lost possession five times – once more than Roberts – from 68 touches and over 90 minutes of action on the pitch.

23/24 Championship	Glen Kamara
Appearances	26
Sofascore rating	7.10
Pass success rate	93%
Duel success rate	59%
Dribble success rate	71%
Stats via Sofascore

He completed 92% (55/60) of his attempted passes, completed 100% (1/1) of his attempted dribbles, and won 63% (5/8) of his duels on the ground.

Kamara dominated in every aspect of his performance, on and off the ball, and that allowed Leeds to dominate the match as he came out on top in the majority of his battles to win possession back and very rarely gave it away when he had it.

A perfect example of that was at 2-1 up when the midfielder brilliantly held onto the ball under immense pressure from two players with an exquisite first touch and then recycled possession, which eventually led to Rutter winning the free-kick for the third goal.

The Finnish maestro typifies Farke's dominant style of play in midfield and his quality was on full display against the Foxes, which is why he was the real hero of the night.

West Ham United need some respite from what has been a shocking start to 2024, with the chastening 6-0 home defeat against Arsenal leaving a pall of black smoke in east London.

It's a peculiar position; West Ham are outside of European contention in the Premier League only on goal difference, topped their Europa League group back in December and won the Europa Conference League last summer.

David Moyes is under fire and it would have been a bitter pill to swallow that it was Declan Rice, sold to Arsenal for £105m in the summer, who produced last weekend's talismanic performance at his old stomping ground.

It wouldn't be a bad move for Moyes to revisit his past success and promote a talented academy star to the first team, following in Rice's footsteps, with George Earthy producing some high-class performances this term.

West Ham's next Declan Rice

At the start of the 2023/24 campaign, homegrown talent Earthy penned a long-term contract with the Irons, clearly viewed by the club's powers that be as a future star in the first team.

A creative and attack-focused midfielder – who is also capable on the right flank – Earthy has been a prolific figure throughout his United youth career and has posted 37 goals and 25 assists across 102 matches, lauded for his "brilliant" displays by club insider ExWHUemployee.

This season, he has been in emphatic form, scoring nine goals and supplying six assists across 19 matches in all competitions and notably thriving in the EFL Trophy against senior opposition.

Indeed, as per Sofascore, the 19-year-old's three goal and one assist return from five matches in the EFL Trophy is an attractive tally but does not tell the full story of a remarkably rounded skill set, having completed 90% of his passes and averaged 1.4 goals and three ball recoveries per game.

He will definitely need to improve the defensive side of his game, making just 0.2 tackles and winning two duels each outing, but there is no questioning the thrilling quality woven into his core.

Indeed Rice was once at that stage, before going on to enjoy such glittering success rising through the ranks to the apex of Moyes' reign, completing 245 appearances, winning the club's past two Player of the Season awards and bringing riches – both monetarily and from a footballing standpoint – to the fore.

Having crashed out of the FA Cup against Championship outfit Bristol City last month and still seeking a maiden victory of the calendar year, Moyes needs to fashion some renewed positivity from somewhere and unleashing a talented academy member might be the perfect way to sway the fans back on his side.

Lucas Paqueta remains convalescent on the sidelines and will not return to action for several weeks, so a playmaker of Earthy's precocity could be the perfect tool to rekindle the feel-good factor that was so prominent at the London Stadium only a matter of months ago.

Beth Mooney made a well-paced half-century to provide Australia a base with the bat

Report by Daniel Brettig at Junction Oval02-Mar-2020Australia suffered a grievous blow to their chances of lifting the T20 World Cup even as they survived a virtual elimination final against New Zealand, as Ellyse Perry limped from the Junction Oval with what appeared to be a serious hamstring injury.With the semi-finals slated for Thursday in Sydney and the final at the MCG on Sunday, Perry has next to no time to recover, after already battling shoulder and hip complaints during the early part of the tournament. The worries around Perry detracted from what was otherwise a sturdy display to squeeze out New Zealand, as the hosts put together a sensible innings after being sent in by Sophie Devine, and then defended the target stoutly either side of Perry’s injury.The pivotal spell was delivered by the wrist spinner Georgia Wareham, who defeated both Devine and Suzie Bates while also plucking out Maddy Green in a performance that suggested she may have been given a bowling berth earlier in the tournament. Wareham’s success also left the Australian selectors pondering whether, should Perry be replaced, they opt for more wrist spin in the squad, having already called in Molly Strano to replace Tayla Vlaeminck on tournament eve.Lanning’s early dashAustralia’s captain Meg Lanning had indicated on match eve that her team enjoyed the chance to take stock after a hectic early schedule, and was endeavouring to bring a greater air of calmness to proceedings after they flirted with summary elimination in their first two matches. To that end, it was Lanning walking out as a traditional No. 3 at the fall of Alyssa Healy’s wicket – the first time it has been Lanning coming in at the fall of Healy instead of Ash Gardner in nearly two years of the pair rotating Nos. 3 and 4.With Beth Mooney playing serenely at the other end, balancing power and poise, Lanning did not make a big score. But her positive and clear-headed 21 enabled the Australians to build steadily from the start and avoid the loss of early wickets, easing the task for the middle order to maintain and then increase the rate. If Lanning looked disgusted with herself to be out top edging a sweep at Anna Peterson, she had played a useful part in helping set the hosts on her way.Mooney the spine, Perry the finishThe contrast between Lanning and Gardner was underlined when the No. 4 was tied in knots by Amelia Kerr and then bowled by Leigh Kasperek, having nevertheless played her part in a fruitful stand worth 52 in 43 balls with Mooney. As a top-order platform innings in a high pressure game with the occasional big hit, Mooney’s effort could scarcely be faulted, and it took a sublime catch by Bates, running around in front of the sight screen, to dismiss her.In doubt before the match, Perry arrived at No. 5, her highest post for the tournament so far, and with Haynes belted the late innings runs that ensured Australia would pass 150 for the second fixture in a row. Together they ensured 41 runs were piled up from the final four overs of the innings, as both found the boundary and Haynes cleared it with one deft paddle over the head of fine leg. Kerr flighted the ball past Perry from the penultimate ball of the innings, but New Zealand’s target would require them to break a national chasing record.New Zealand pressured before Perry fallsOn the slowing Junction Oval pitch, New Zealand could expect some of the biggest questions to be asked by spin bowlers, and Jess Jonassen did not disappoint by finding a way past Rachael Priest. However, at 39 for 1 after the Powerplay, New Zealand were actually a run better placed than Australia at the same stage, with their star duo Devine and Bates plotting a way forward on a sunny St Kilda afternoon.Enter Wareham, who had not bowled a full four-over spell for the Australians since the tour of the West Indies in September last year and spent more time out of the team than in it. Her wrist spin is not always big on side spin but it is most certainly accurate, and by getting one on line to Bates and then reviewing the lbw decision, she claimed a vital break for her team. Unhappier tidings were to follow when Perry, fielding at mid-off and throwing off-balance, appeared to hurt her right hamstring, leaving the field in emotional turmoil as well as physical discomfort.Wareham cleans upThere was a brief moment’s shock for the Australians after Perry hobbled off and New Zealand looked to be loading up for a final charge to the semi-finals. But Lanning had the good sense not to persist with Gardner after her offspin went for 11 from one over, recalling Wareham to the attack and immediately reaping the rewards. Generating good dip and just enough turn, Wareham deceived Devine as she ran down the track, giving Healy plenty of time to complete the stumping.In Wareham’s final over, Green flicked a full toss through square leg for the only boundary the leg spinner would concede, but then fell in similar fashion to Devine, stumped as she charged down to find the boundary but failed to reach the pitch of a leg break. Figures of 3 for 17 from four overs were a handsome reward for Wareham, and opened the question of whether Australia, as they closed things out with some aplomb, might need to consider more wrist spin into the team to replace Perry. They will also have to ponder the overs bowled by Gardner, who conceded 26 from two overs – these could easily have been far more damaging figures on another day.

Beleaguered captain underlines need to play better at home against Sri Lanka to recover

Umar Farooq06-Dec-2019

Getty Images

Pakistan’s dismal tour of Australia has hurt the “pride of the nation” according to Test captain Azhar Ali. The Tests ended in innings defeats; the T20Is were not any better even though the perception was Pakistan, ranked No. 1 in the format, would compete better.”We are a proud cricketing nation and definitely our pride has been hurt,” Azhar said upon the team’s return home. “We did prepare to the best of our abilities, we went there with positive intent but unfortunately sometimes results don’t come as per your expectations.”ALSO READ: Samiuddin: Pakistan down and under – bowling’s to blameThe team management picked a young bowling attack with two rookies in 16-year old Naseem Shah and 19-year old Muhammad Musa. They were so excited that they even played Naseem at the Gabba ahead of the experienced Mohammad Abbas. The bowling fortunes didn’t change.They failed to pick up wickets, watched David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne make runs for fun and the resulting pressure was too much for their batting to take. This amounts to their 14th straight loss in Australia, a streak dating back to 1995.Amidst the gloom, they had some positives too. Babar Azam made a second-innings ton in Brisbane and a quality 97 in Adelaide. Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfraz Ahmed’s replacement, held his own in two innings. Yasir Shah showed signs of improvement as a batsman, scoring a century in the Pink-ball Test, much to the delight of his team-mates.”When you play in Australia and don’t avail your opportunities, it’s never easy to make a comeback,” Azhar said. “The bowling attack was young and couldn’t perform as expected, but still the world is talking about them today. They have pace and with little bit more experience they will be great for Pakistan in the future.”Pakistan next play Sri Lanka at home. The tour marks the return of Test cricket to the country for the first time since the 2009 terror attacks in Lahore. The series is important on a number of other counts too.Firstly, Pakistan will be up against a team coached by Mickey Arthur, a man who they had recently let go. Secondly, the series is part of the Test championship, and Pakistan are yet to open their account. And thirdly, Pakistan lost 2-0 the last time these two sides played each other in Test cricket.”The next series is against Sri Lanka which is a momentous occasion for all of us, all players will be playing their first test match in Pakistan,” Azhar said. “Sri Lanka is bringing their full strength side and we have to play very good cricket to beat them.”We will try our best and whatever time we have in between we have to freshen up our minds and look forward to play good cricket and get back on track. It is very important for us and we have to play this series very good.”Azhar also brushed aside talks of his poor form. In Australia, he managed scores of 39, 5, 9 and 9 in four innings. He has averaged 24.08 over the last two years. He has also suffered knee injuries.”As far as I am concerned, it’s not that ball is not coming onto my bat or when I am at the crease my footwork is not working,” Azhar said. “Unfortunately it’s not working. I know I need runs whether captain or any other player nobody can play without giving performance.””It’s true that after knee injury my form is not the same, but I passed all the fitness test, I do all the sprinting and it’s not the only reason (injury). Lots of players go through surgeries and play and if there’s a fitness issue, the PCB staff do tell it. I realise, I do have to score, I am working hard, I am feeling good in nets unfortunately runs are not coming but I know when runs do come it will be in bulk.”

Opening batsman feeling better after illness and expects to train on New Year’s Day

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Dec-2019England have finally received some encouraging news on the health front, with Dom Sibley feeling better after being struck down by the illness that has cut a swathe through the visitors’ camp.Opening batsman Sibley became the latest player to succumb to the virus which has hit 17 members of the touring party, including key players and backroom staff, over the past fortnight.Sibley was to be monitored while travelling with the squad to Cape Town on Tuesday for the second Test, starting on January 3, and he was expected to train on New Year’s Day. The fact that no one else has been hit by the bug over the past 24 hours can be regarded as progress, although England management have been eager not to use the illness as an excuse for the side’s lacklustre performance in Centurion which resulted in a 107-run defeat.Some 11 England players have been sick. They include Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad, who showed some lingering effects of having spent the best part of the week before England’s first-Test loss in bed, as well as Joe Root, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes, who spent time off the field during the match because they felt ill.Of most serious concern is Jack Leach, who also spent time in hospital in New Zealand with gastroenteritis and whose situation complicated by his history of Crohn’s disease. Leach is travelling with the rest of the squad to Cape Town, although it remains unlikely he will be considered fit for the second Test, having hardly bowled a ball for a month.Dom Bess and Matt Parkinson are vying for a spot in Leach’s place, with Bess considered to have the edge at this stage.Also read: We ‘won’t be afraid’ to leave out Broad or Anderson – SilverwoodWhile most of those previously affected have returned to training, it will take time to rediscover their fitness and stamina, particularly in the heat and altitudes they face in South Africa.While no decision has been taken on Sibley’s availability yet, if he fails to be deemed fully fit for the second Test, it could hand an opportunity to Zak Crawley to open the batting. It could also provide a reprieve for Jonny Bairstow, who looks set otherwise to make way for the now-recovered Ollie Pope.