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Pat Cummins had made having Steven Smith alongside him a vital part of his pitch for the Australian Test captaincy in what effectively became a joint ticket for the leadership.While the pair had been the favourites to take their respective roles after a dramatic week that likely saw the end of Tim Paine’s Test career, Cummins almost made it a non-negotiable that Smith would be his lieutenant, even as Australia enter an unknown era of having a fast bowler in charge.After the appointment, Cummins made it clear that he has no intention to rest himself from Tests – he may have to scale back his commitments in other formats – but Smith is now an injury away from captaining Australia again three-and-a-half years after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Even if not officially in charge, he is likely to have a much more active role than previous deputies.Related

• Lyon endorses Cummins and Smith as 'two best candidates'

• Paine working through 'deep challenges'

• Paine out of Ashes after taking indefinite break

“I think there’s a couple of more unknowns about having a bowling captain and that’s why from the outset I was absolutely determined if I was captain to have someone like Steve as vice-captain next to me,” Cummins said. “I feel like I’ve got quite a lot of experience to draw on. A lot of the problems or potential issues around being a fast-bowling captain I’m sure we’ll be able to work through.”Obviously, it’s not our decision who is captain and vice-captain. I made it pretty clear that if I was given the captaincy that this is how I saw the team running and I tried to bring Steve along for that as well. He’s so central to how I see my captaincy style but [also] how I see the team functioning.”Smith admitted that his return to a leadership role may not be universally accepted. “I think there will be some negativity from some people about it,” he said. “I understand that and I get that. But for me, I know that I’ve grown a great deal over the last three or four years. I’m a more rounded individual and in turn I think it’s turned me into a better leader.”The pair are part of the group of Australian players still in quarantine on the Gold Coast after the T20 World Cup – something that Cummins suggested may have proved helpful during the recent upheaval – and they both discussed the direction they could take the team in before being interviewed by the CA panel earlier this week.Now that it is official, they will start to work on the finer points of the partnership ahead of the start of the Ashes on December 8, and Cummins indicated there may be occasions when he cedes to Smith in the field.”There’s going to be times where I’m out in the middle, it’s a hot day, I’m in the middle of a spell and I need to turn to people for advice, for tactics, for experience and that’s the main reason, one of the big reasons why I wanted Steve to be vice-captain,” Cummins said. “How that looks? I think it potentially could look differently to [how] you’ve seen partnerships work in the past. I think that will remain pretty fluid.”A 22-degree day might look differently to a 40-degree day. There will be times on the field where I’ll throw to Steve and you’ll see Steve move fielders around, maybe doing bowling changes, taking a bit more of an elevated vice-captaincy role and that’s what I really want.”That’s what I’ve asked and I’m really glad Steve is happy with that as well. We’ll nut out exactly how that works, but it’s going to be a real collaborative approach. Steve has got such huge strength especially around tactically out on the field.”For his part, Smith will go where his captain asks but hopes that his 34 Tests of experience at the helm can complement the new approach that Cummins will bring.”I’m completely guided by Patrick and whatever he needs on the field,” he said. “If there’s times when Patrick hands to me and wants me to take over and do some different things out on the field I’m there for that. My job is to support Patrick as much as I can.”

Ryan ten Doeschate, the Netherlands international and former Essex captain, will retire from professional cricket at the end of 2021.South Africa-born all-rounder ten Doeschate, who turned 41 in June, joined Essex in 2003 after impressing Graham Gooch during a pre-season game in South Africa. He went on to make 554 appearances across all formats for the club over 19 seasons, scoring 17,046 runs and taking 348 wickets.He has played 33 ODIs and 22 T20Is for the Netherlands and was recently named in their 15-man squad for next month’s T20 World Cup. He was Netherlands’ second-highest scorer as they defended their title at the T20 World Cup qualifiers in 2019.”From the bottom of my heart I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved with Essex during my time at the Club,” ten Doeschate said.”Your profession shouldn’t define you as a person, and I realise that cricket is just a sport and that Essex is just one cog in the wheel of county cricket, but I’m not ashamed to say that for 19 summers Essex has been my purpose and focus. We have all had varying degrees of satisfaction and peaks and troughs in form but I always had the drive of giving my all for Essex.Related

• Is there a place in T20 for 40-year-olds?

• Ryan ten Doeschate, 41, makes Netherlands T20 World Cup squad

“Coming from Cape Town to be given a chance to pursue my dream seems a million moons ago. We’ve shared some remarkable times but for me, the biggest achievement has been making a home away from home. I have a collection of memories from Chelmsford to keep me happy long into retirement.”His first piece of silverware with Essex came in 2005, with the Eagles capturing the totesport League. The side successfully defended their title in 2006 and ten Doeschate was awarded his County Cap later that year. He also made the highest score of his career in 2006, an unbeaten 259 for the Netherlands against Canada in Pretoria at the ICC Intercontinental Cup.In 2008, ten Doeschate and Grant Flower saw the Eagles over the line in the Friends Provident Trophy Final at Lord’s and he was named the ICC Associate Player of the Year for the first time, winning the award again in 2010 and 2011.He joined Kolkata Knight Riders for the 2011 IPL, winning the 2012 and 2014 titles with them.After ten Doeschate was appointed Essex captain in 2016, the club earned promotion to the County Championship’s top tier by winning the Division Two title. The following season, they won their first County Championship title in 25 years and, two years later, the team achieved the feat once again under his stewardship in completing the Championship-Blast double.ten Doeschate stepped down as Essex skipper at the end of the 2019 season but continued to play and was instrumental in Essex claiming the inaugural Bob Willis Trophy in 2020.Tom Westley, the current club captain and ten Doeschate’s close friend, said: “It’s difficult to begin to put into words Tendo retiring. To know that he won’t be playing for Essex again is a sad day for the club.”I have always admired him, not only as a cricketer, who I believe has won more games for Essex than anyone else I have played with. It’s his values and qualities as a person, that means his name is alongside the greats of the club. He epitomises what it means to play for this great club, and his name deserves to be alongside the likes of Fletcher, Gooch, Bailey and Insole.”

Tottenham Hotspur are currently on a fantastic run of form under boss Ange Postecoglou, winning five games in a row in all competitions.

The run started in the Carabao Cup against Coventry City, before two Premier League victories and two wins in the Europa League against Qarabağ and Ferencvaros.

Last night’s victory came thanks to goals from Pape Sarr and Brennan Johnson, with Spurs boasting a wrath of first-team changes allowing numerous fringe and youth players to shine.

18-year-old Lucas Bergvall took his rare start with both hands, grabbing the assist for the opener and helping Postecoglou’s side get off to the perfect start in Hungary.

Despite Bergvall’s impressive display, one other first-team member caught the eye, staking his claim for a regular starting role at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Mikey Moore’s stats against Ferencvaros

He may only be 17 years of age, but forward Mikey Moore has already caught the eye of supporters during pre-season, which has allowed him to feature under Postecoglou in the Spurs first-team setup so far this season.

Last night was the first time he featured for an entire 90 minutes, with Moore showcasing his talent despite his tender age.

The academy graduate managed a total of 68 touches, completing 33 passes and attempting seven dribbles – the most of any player on the pitch during the Europa League victory.

Moore also won six duels and won four fouls as he impressed with and without the ball for Postecoglou’s side during the European outing.

He may not have registered a goal or assist, but his performance will certainly have given the Spurs boss something to think about ahead of the club’s trip to face Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

However, he may struggle to dislodge one talent who is currently in somewhat of a purple patch after a disappointing start to the 2024/25 campaign.

The man who is Spurs’ own Saka

Spurs winger Johnson was subject to shocking abuse by some of the Spurs fanbase on social media during the opening weeks of the season, which led to the Welshman deactivating his Instagram account.

However, he’s since enjoyed an excellent run in front of goal, scoring in five consecutive matches – the best run of his professional career to date.

His subsequent form has seen him noted as a similar player to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, as per FBref, with Johnson finally starting to show glimpses as to why the club forked out £47.5m for his signature last summer.

The “frightening” Welshman, as described by content creator Dan Cook, also known as HLTCO, has scored more goals in the Premier League so far this season than his Gunners counterpart, whilst averaging a higher goal per shot on target rate – demonstrating how clinical he can be in the final third.

How Brennan Johnson & Bukayo Saka compare in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics

Johnson

Saka

Games played

6

6

Goals scored

2

1

Progressive passes per 90

5.3

4.3

Shots taken per 90

3.8

3.4

Goals per shot-on-target

0.3

0.1

Aerial duels won

71%

17%

Stats via FBref

Johnson has also averaged more progressive carries and shots per 90, further showcasing his talents in attacking areas, with the former Nottingham Forest really starting to settle into life in North London.

Having seen Saka – who boasts 118 goals and assists in 235 games for the Emirates side – dazzle for their rivals on the right flank, Spurs will be encouraged that they may have unearthed their own version of the Englishman in Johnson.

Whilst Moore’s display in the Europa League will undoubtedly stake his claim for a regular starting role under Postecoglou, Johnson’s current run of form could see him become undroppable – potentially seeing the youngster having to settle for an impact role.

However, many will be hoping that in the near future the pair can star together in attacking areas for many years to come.

Related O'Hara thought Spurs ace was really "bad" last season, now he's undroppable

The incredible international has looked so much better this season.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 2, 2024

Arne Slot is reportedly "not impressed" by Federico Chiesa's "application and mentality" at Liverpool, with the Italian now being linked with an exit.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Slot unimpressed with Chiesa
• Italian winger could leave Liverpool this month
• Has played only four games for the Reds

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chiesa joined Liverpool from Juventus for a cut-price £11 million ($14.4m) fee with add-ons in the summer transfer window. The Italian winger was expected to take some of the burden off Mohamed Salah and act as a cover for the Egyptian, however, his first six months in England have been a complete nightmare. The winger has appeared in only four matches across all competitions, clocking just 18 minutes in the Premier League, as he's struggled to maintain full fitness.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 27-year-old was left out of Liverpool's matchday squad against West Ham last Sunday and according to journalist Peter Staunton, Slot is "not impressed" with Chiesa's "application and mentality", which suggests he has not been working hard enough in training. Chiesa is said to be homesick and not fond of the weather in England, while he has also struggled to adjust to the physicality of the Premier League.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  While Chiesa's current deal runs until 2027, it is unlikely that he will stay at Anfield until the end of his contract. The Italy international is being tipped to head back to his homeland in the January transfer window, with Napoli, Fiorentina and Inter all reportedly keen on signing him.

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• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  The Premier League leaders will play their first match of 2025 on Sunday as they take on arch-rivals Manchester United at Anfield. It remains to be seen whether Slot recalls Chiesa to his matchday squad amid mounting speculation over the winger's future.

He had picked up the injury while fielding in the second T20I, in Cardiff

Andrew Fidel Fernando27-Jun-2021Sri Lanka batsman Avishka Fernando has been ruled out of the ODIs against England with a grade two tear to his quadriceps. Fernando had picked up the injury while fielding in the second T20I, in Cardiff, and had not played in the third match in Southampton.The injury is particularly disappointing for Fernando, because this had been his first tour with the national team since the start of the pandemic. Earlier this year, he had missed out on limited-overs squads to West Indies and Bangladesh because he had failed fitness tests.Although Fernando would have likely been in the first-choice XI, Sri Lanka have several batsmen capable of playing in the top three in his place. Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Oshada Fernando and Pathum Nissanka have all batted in the top three in the past (Nissanka mainly for his domestic teams).Fernando’s absence, however, does weaken Sri Lanka ahead of an already daunting assignment. Not only are Sri Lanka ranked ninth in ODIs while England are fourth (as well as the format’s World Champions), they have also lost six of their last eight completed ODIs against England.Sri Lanka were also easily whitewashed in the three-match T20I series that concluded on Saturday.

Big Picture

Sri Lanka will be desperately looking for ODI Super League points – they sit in the negative currently – while Bangladesh will be keen to bolster their own tally as the teams seek improvement in the ODI series starting Sunday in Dhaka. Both sides have played very few ODIs since the 2019 World Cup too, which puts this series in sharper focus. Apart from the World Cup qualification points, the home side will look to break their ten-match winless streak across formats that followed just after they crushed West Indies 3-0 in ODIs in January. It is part of their downward trend in results, since the 2019 World Cup, when most of their wins have come against sides ranked lower than them.Midway through this difficult year, Bangladesh will be desperate to turn things around with a busy schedule coming up. Playing at home may give them an advantage, but pitches at the Shere Bangla National Stadium have often been slow and low for ODIs. However, Bangladesh have been trying to catch up with the rest of the teams by looking to score faster and bigger as well as having genuinely quick bowlers in their attack. They will welcome back Shakib Al Hasan after he missed the New Zealand white-ball tour and the Tests in Sri Lanka. The hosts will be hoping that Shakib can, once again, combine with captain Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah to drag the out-of-form youngsters from their funk.There will be a similar role for newly-appointed ODI captain Kusal Perera and his deputy Kusal Mendis, too, with the new crop of Sri Lanka players. Fast bowler Shiran Fernando has got his maiden international call-up, while Chamika Karunaratne and Binura Fernando – in the ODI side for the first time – have only played a Test and two T20Is, respectively. Though Sri Lanka’s selectors have also brought in Dhananjaya de Silva and Isuru Udana, the majority of the side has relative newcomers like Pathum Nissanka, Ashen Bandara, Ramesh Mendis and Asitha Fernando.They will be tasked to solve Sri Lanka’s problems with batting and bowling in the middle overs. There are also concerns about scoring in the last ten overs, which has stopped them from consistently getting 300-plus scores. Sri Lanka will be pressed to bat deep in Dhaka where the pitch doesn’t always suit quick scoring in the first 20 overs. The visitors have also brought a relatively young pace attack and the wicket-taking will largely depend on legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who has Akila Dananjaya for company.

Form guide

(Last five completed matches, most recent first)
Bangladesh LLLWW
Sri Lanka LLLWWShakib Al Hasan will slot back to No. 3 for Bangladesh•AFP via Getty Images

In the spotlight

As it usually happens, a Shakib Al Hasan comeback game puts the entire spotlight on him. He will slot back in at No. 3 where Bangladesh have recently tried Najmul Hossain Shanto and Soumya Sarkar with no success, while his bowling will add the sorely missed stability to the attack.There will be a different kind of pressure on Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis who have returned to the ODI side, and as leaders. They have to navigate their young squad, bereft of most of their experienced players, in what could prove to be a tricky first assignment against Bangladesh.

Team news

Shakib batting at No. 3 allows Bangladesh to field a more balanced playing XI. Rubel Hossain’s absence due to a back injury could bring in Mohammad Saifuddin, which means Sarkar may miss out.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal (capt), 2 Liton Das, 3 Shakib Al Hasan, 4 Mohammad Mithun, 5 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 8 Mahedi Hasan, 9 Mohammad Saifuddin, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Mustafizur RahmanSri Lanka will have to make at least four changes to the side that played their last ODI – against West Indies in March. Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal and Suranga Lakmal are all out of the team, while Thisara Perera has retired from international cricket. Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis are likely to take spots in the top five while Isuru Udana’s experience in Bangladesh could get him a place too.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Danushka Gunathilaka, 3 Kusal Perera, 4 Kusal Mendis, 5 Dhananjaya de Silva, 6 Ashen Bandara, 7 Dasun Shanaka/ Chamika Karunaratne, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Isuru Udana, 10 Lakshan Sandakan, 11 Dushmantha Chameera

Pitch and conditions

Teams batting first at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, which has been a generally low-scoring ground, have lost four out of the last five ODIs. The weather is expected be scorching hot, with a high temperature of around 36 degrees.

Stats and trivia

Celtic are believed to be tussling with Premier League clubs for the signing of an "exceptional" young star this summer.

Celtic transfer news

The Hoops started their 2024/25 Scottish Premiership season with a bang on Sunday afternoon, cruising to a 4-0 win at home to Kilmarnock. While their dominance was there for all to see, that doesn't mean that more fresh faces aren't required, as Brendan Rodgers also looks to keep hold of Matt O'Riley, amid much interest in the Dane's services.

One player who Celtic have been linked with signing is highly-rated Liverpool youngster Owen Beck, who has emerged as an exciting left-back from the Reds' academy. He is seen as ideal competition for Greg Taylor, with both loan and permanent moves mooted for the 21-year-old. Wolves youngster Hugo Bueno is considered an option in that position, too, as he potentially eyes more regular football in 2024/25.

In terms of possible replacements for O'Riley, should he move on to pastures new, Philadelphia Union’s Daniel Gazdag, Southampton’s Shea Charles and Venezia’s Tanner Tessmann have all been mentioned as options to come in. Rodgers would surely rather just keep hold of his current star, however, having picked up his first assist of the season against Kilmarnock.

Celtic could also reportedly look to hijack Rangers' move for Hearts and Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland, in what would be an audacious swoop. The attacking ace was a standout player in the Scottish Premiership last season, and whoever potentially signs him this summer could immediately see their title hopes boosted significantly.

Celtic battling to sign prolific youngster

According to Football Insider, Celtic are "in the driving seat" to complete the signing of Mason Melia this summer, although the same applies to Premier League side Brighton, with Everton and Premier League champions Manchester City now behind.

The 16-year-old is considered a big young talent for St Patrick's Athletic – he has been called "exceptional" by former manager Jon Daly – and it is stated that Man City have held "strong interest" in him.

The Cityzens have made a habit of bringing through young stars despite their riches, with the likes of Phil Foden and Oscar Bobb now fixtures in the senior squad, while they have also signed 20 year-old Savinho this summer, but the player may see more opportunities at Celtic.

Melia may not be an established star who will come in and boost Celtic's squad depth from the off this season, but acquiring the signature of the most talented young talent around can be just as important when looking at the long-term picture.

The emerging attacker has showcased his ruthlessness in the final third by scoring nine goals in 19 caps for the Republic of Ireland's Under-17s, as well as netting twice in six outings for the Under-16s. Despite his tender years, Melia has also found the net seven times and registered three assists in 43 matches for St Patrick's at senior level, showing that he is already more than holding his own alongside older players.

Forget O'Riley: 8/10 Celtic ace may already be their new superstar

Brendan Rodgers will be hoping for a huge season from the midfield ace this year.

1

By
Dan Emery

Aug 5, 2024

The hope is that Celtic can pip their rivals to the teenager, which would be a coup in itself given the lure of the Premier League, allowing him to shine in the youth team to begin with, before eventually making the grade at Parkhead.

أعلن نادي زد موقفه النهائي من الاستغناء عن خدمات مصطفى العش لاعب فريق الكرة خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الجارية.

وكان مسؤولو الأهلي قد فاوضوا مصطفى العش من أجل التعاقد معه في يناير الجاري، وذلك لتدعيم صفوف الفريق الأحمر.

طالع | عدلي القيعي: هناك حالة غير طبيعية في الأهلي.. وكولر عليه ملاحظات

ونشر زد بيانًا اليوم، قائلًا: “بعد تلقي عدة عروض للاعبنا مصطفى العش، قرار الإدارة النهائي أن اللاعب ليس للبيع والاختيار خلال ساعات بين عروض الإعارة المقدمة للاعب”.

يذكر، أن زد تلقى هزيمة صعبة أمام بيراميدز مساء أمس الأربعاء، بهدف وحيد في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري.

‘I’d also like to be known as someone who led the team very well and created a legacy for himself’

Firdose Moonda04-Mar-2021The importance of becoming South African cricket’s first black African captain is not lost on Temba Bavuma, but that isn’t all he wants to be known for.”I understand the deeply rooted significance of it all,” he said. “In being the first black African (cricket) captain in our country – you don’t have to look too far in our history and our political situation in our country – so I can completely understand why people in our country would celebrate it for what it is.”I’d be lying if I said it does not make me think of where everything started for me, and how I’ve been able to go through a journey and get to this point. But combined with being known as the first black African captain, I’d also like to be known as someone who led the team very well and created a legacy for himself.”Bavuma was unveiled as South Africa’s white-ball captain and red-ball vice-captain on Thursday, two days after he was asked if he wanted to do the job by the powers that be and four days after he led his domestic franchise, the Lions, to a second T20 title in three years.”I was offered the position as captain and it came to me as a surprise, but it was a no-brainer,” he said. “I don’t think a lot of people would turn down this type of honour and privilege.”Obviously there’s anxiety about not knowing what to expect but a lot of comfort comes from the fact that I know my players and the people who have entrusted me with the decision, I draw a lot of confidence from that because those are people of stature.”People like South Africa’s most successful captain, Graeme Smith, who is now Cricket South Africa’s director of cricket and was instrumental to the process of appointing Bavuma, alongside selection convener Victor Mpitsang.”We’ve always known about Temba’s leadership qualities.” Smith said. We wanted to provide a space of support and get behind Temba and get him playing well again.”We’ve noticed his leadership credentials, the way he’s been operating in the squad and experience he brings. The nature of his tactical captaincy at the Lions, and the feedback we’ve received from within the squad — from the managers and coaches — has been really positive around Temba.”Related

Bavuma welcomes challenge of tough moments on World Cup qualification path

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South Africa name Dean Elgar Test captain and Temba Bavuma ODI and T20I captain

The same cannot be said with as much confidence about his form. Mention Bavuma, and not far behind comes the trivia that his only Test century came five years ago, or that after 44 Tests his average is 32.26. There are reasons – South Africa’s batting overall has been so poor that he often runs out of partners, for example – and concerns, such as that he bats too slowly, for why Bavuma’s Test numbers aren’t better.But his new appointment should not be about that. It should also not be about the fact that he has only played six ODIs and eight T20s. Smith had only played eight Tests and 19 ODIs when he was made captain, so there’s precedent for appointing someone without reams of international experience.What it should be about is the form Bavuma has demonstrated when has captained.He finished the most recent CSA T20 Challenge as the second-leading run-scorer and in the 2018-19 season, when he captained the Lions to the same title, he was the third-highest run-scorer, his hundred in the final securing the trophy.”I’ve enjoyed the responsibility of leading the side. I’ve done it now for several years, particularly with the Lions. It’s a balancing act between your own ambitions as a player and the interests of the team,” Bavuma said. “And winning, that’s the other thing. Everything I do, the decisions I make, are geared towards what is best for the team. I’ve been able to get results that have been favourable. Being captain is something I enjoy. It comes with pressures, like anything in sport and the world.”Bavuma’s nous for taking teams on trophy runs – he also earned a first-class title with the Lions – is ultimately what led to his appointment, with World Cups in mind. There are three white-ball World Cups in the next two years – the T20 World Cups in 2021 and 2022 and the fifty-over World Cup in 2023 – and Bavuma will captain South Africa in all of them. That means there’s a lot of expectation on Bavuma, but he is used to it.He has been since he became the country’s first black African Test batsman and first black African centurion. Then, Bavuma spoke about the seriousness with which he took his position as a role-model to young kids. He has since started a foundation to address some of the socio-economic concerns in the country and provide opportunities for children to play sport, knowing the value it has in nation-building, especially in a country as fractured as South Africa.In a place where advantage and its opposite determine who has access to sports facilities and coaching, there is still a widening gulf between the haves and have-nots and in South Africa that divide is often along racial lines. That is what makes the demographics of its national teams so important and so topical.South Africa’s other major sports, specifically rugby (which has a similar history of white dominance) has already had a black captain who produced a fairytale result. In 2019, Siya Kolisi led the Springboks to a third World Cup trophy, under the mantra Stronger Together. That same year, the national cricket team became the first to crash out of the ODI World Cup and returned their worst showing at the event.In the aftermath of that tournament, South African cricket was plunged into a level of chaos from which they have yet to recover. At administrative level, they remain without a permanent board, or CEO and the restructure of the domestic game is ongoing. On the playing field, they won just one of five trophies available to them last summer and one of three this season and have finished seventh on the World Test Championship points table.In conversations about favourites for the next white-ball World Cups, South Africa are not considered among the front-runners. It would be unfair to expect Bavuma to change that, but he has been tasked with “shifting South African cricket into a positive space,” as Smith put it, and he seems up for the task.”It’s a scary, daunting prospect,” Bavuma said. “But there’s a lot of excitement as well. Whether I’m ready or not, time will tell. I’m super willing and committed to the whole process. I’d like to lead the guys to something special.”

Whilst there are a number of reasons as to why Manchester United's season fell flat in 2023/24, much of the blame can be attributed to the team's lacklustre displays in front of goal, something that the club are eager to change this summer.

Red Devils want to bolster attack this summer

Whilst an FA Cup win went some way to softening the blow, much of the Old Trafford faithful will have come away from last season bitterly disappointed with their side's performances.

Man United express interest in summer deal for £260k-per-week star

Manchester United could sign one of Erik ten Hag’s former players this summer.

By
Josh Barker

Jun 16, 2024

Most prevalent to the Red Devils' woes was their failure to find the back of the net. United scored 57 league goals last season, leaving them on negative goal difference for the first time in their Premier League history. The goal tally put up by United also paled in comparison to the league's top six, only adding to their poor season.

In order to rectify their issues in attack, the Red Devils have lined up deals for a number of highly rated attackers. Joshua Zirkzee appears to be at the top of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's wishlist with the Bologna striker scoring eleven goals in the league last season. United have also been keeping an eye on Stade Rennais and France under-23 international Desire Doue, who has impressed at just 19 years of age.

With an attacking talent clearly the number one target for the higher ups at Old Trafford it appears that Erik ten Hag has made it clear who he wants the club to sign.

Ten Hag wants Man Utd to target Argentine forward

As first reported by Sport Witness, the Italian press have claimed that United have identified AS Roma’s Paulo Dybala as a target for the summer window. The outlet states that the Red Devils could tempt the 30-year-old to Manchester after ten Hag made a "specific request" for his side to sign the forward this summer.

Dybala currently has a release clause of around £10million inserted into a current contract which wouldn't be an issue for a club of United's stature. The only stumbling block in the deal could be the Argentine's wage reuqests, which reportedly sit at a little over £100,000 per week.

Despite the wage packet he would be commanding, Dybala would be a strong addition to the Red Devils' attack. The 30-year-old won the World Cup with Argentina back in 2022 and had 52 goal contributions in 77 games during his most recent spell with Roma.

It was his performances for the Rome outfit that caught the eye of former Roma and United boss Jose Mourinho, who sang Dybala's praises back in January: "Dybala is a truly special player, who in recent years has played in teams with lots of other special players. We don’t have another with his characteristics."

With improvements in attack an important part of Ratcliffe's transfer strategy this summer, bringing in a player of Dybala's quality would be a strong move from the Red Devils.