da bwin： With the pressure growing on Arne Slot, Xabi Alonso has reportedly made his mind up on taking the Liverpool job if it becomes available at the same time that he potentially leaves Real Madrid.

da aviator aposta： For the first time in Slot’s Liverpool career, serious questions are being asked about his tenure. Last season’s Premier League title win has provided him with plenty of credit but, as Jamie Carragher pointed out on Monday Night Football, not everyone is still convinced that he’s still the man for the job.

After eight defeats in 11 games, the Dutchman simply has to turn things around. The Reds backed him by breaking their transfer record twice in the summer and spending over £400m, but are yet to see that investment pay off.

The most concerning aspect of Liverpool’s recent run is that nothing has changed. Slot has persisted with the same system, which only provided false dawns against Real Madrid and Aston Villa.

Now, with Alonso also under pressure at Madrid, Liverpool could be presented with a tempting opportunity to make a sensational change.

Xabi Alonso makes Liverpool decision

According to Football365, Alonso is now ready to take the Liverpool job if Real Madrid decide to sack him. The Spaniard has been put under increasing pressure by reports that Vinicius Junior has decided against signing a new deal whilst the manager is in charge.

As Real Madrid are forced to decide between their star man and their new manager, it’s Liverpool who could take full advantage.

For many, the big question has centred around who would replace Slot if Liverpool decided to sack the Dutchman. In Alonso, they’d have the perfect answer.

The Reds were interested in a reunion with the Spaniard before they hired Slot and could now get what they initially wanted over a year later.

Related Forget Leoni: 19-year-old academy star could end Konate's Liverpool career

Liverpool’s French centre-back has been abject in Slot’s system this season.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Nov 24, 2025

Although a lot of pieces will need to fall into place, there’s little doubt that Alonso would be welcomed with open arms at Anfield.

"I'm told" – Romano shares what Slot thinks about his own Liverpool future

MatériaMais Notícias

da fazobetai： A 33ª rodada do Brasileirão Série B será aberta nesta quinta-feira com duelos de times goianos contra equipes da zona de rebaixamento. Atlético-GO x ABC é um destes jogos, marcado para às 19h.

da heads bet： +Confira a classificação do Brasileirão – Série B, clicando aqui!

Uma rodada perfeita foi a última para o Atlético-GO. Não apenas venceu a Ponte Preta, mas os resultados de seus rivais ‘conspiraram’ para que o Dragão finalmente chegasse ao G-4, indo parar no terceiro lugar, com 56 pontos ganhos, e se afirmando de vez como candidato ao acesso para a Série A. Com mais um confronto contra times da parte de baixo da tabela à vista, a equipe comandada por Jair Ventura terá a volta de Baralhas, que esteve suspenso no confronto contra a Macaca, mas pelo mesmo motivo, ficará sem contar com Bruno Tubarão. Fora isto, o time deverá ir com a mesma formação da última rodada.

A derrota para o Mirassol mais uma vez deixou a proximidade da queda iminente para a Série C para o ABC. Mesmo que haja ainda chances, as perspectivas são de que é necessário um ‘milagre’ dos maiores nestas rodadas finais para os potiguares se livrarem do rebaixamento. Para este Atlético-GO x ABC, Argel Fuchs não poderá ter Wallyson, lesionado, este sendo substituído por Matheus Anjos. E há outros quatro atletas do elenco do Mais Querido (Paulo Sérgio, Jhonnathan, Randerson e Nathan Melo) que podem perder vagas no time titular. Estes seriam substituídos por, respectivamente, Anderson Cordeiro, Daniel, Alemão e Fabrício.

Relembre a partida pelo primeiro turno:

ATLÉTICO-GO X ABC
33ª RODADA DO CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO DA SÉRIE B

Data: 19 de outubro de 2023.
Horário: 19h (de Brasília).
Local: Estádio Antônio Accioly, em Goiânia, Goiás.
Árbitro: Bruno Mota Correia (RJ)
Assistentes: Gustavo Mota Correia (RJ) e Thayse Marques Fonseca (RJ)
VAR: Carlos Eduardo Nunes Braga (RJ)
Onde assistir: SporTV e Premiere

Provável escalação do Atlético-GO:

Ronaldo; Rodrigo Soares, Luiz Felipe, Alix (Heron) e Lucas Esteves; Baralhas, Matheus Sales e Shaylon; Kelvin, Gustavo Coutinho e Luiz Fernando. Técnico: Jair Ventura

Provável escalação do ABC:

Michael; Alemão, Ramon, Habraão e Gedeilson; Daniel, Jhonnathan e Nathan Melo; Thonny Anderson (Paulo Sérgio), Anderson Cordeiro e Andrey (Evandro). Técnico: Argel Fuchs.

He has been picked in India’s Champions Trophy squad, subject to fitness

Nagraj Gollapudi18-Jan-20251:11

Why was Rana preferred over Siraj?

India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will test his match fitness by playing the third ODI against England on February 12 in Ahmedabad. India’s selectors and the team management are hopeful the plan works out so that Bumrah is ready to play the Champions Trophy.Bumrah was named in India’s 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy with an asterisk against his name, implying his inclusion is subject to fitness. Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, said that based on the information BCCI’s medical team shared on Bumrah, he wouldn’t be fit for the first two ODIs against England on February 6 and February 9. He had suffered back spasms that prevented him from bowling on the final day of the Sydney Test.”With Bumrah, we are waiting to hear about his fitness and when he’s likely to be available,” Agarkar said in Mumbai on Saturday while announcing the Indian squads for the England series and the Champions Trophy. “At the moment I don’t think he [Bumrah] is likely to be fit for the first couple of games [of England series] at least from what we gather. We will probably hear more in the next week or so about his fitness.”Related

Shami puts in the hard yards at India's first training session ahead of England T20Is

Bumrah, Jaiswal and Kuldeep picked in India's Champions Trophy squad

Delhi and India fast bowler Harshit Rana will be part of the squad for the England series as cover for Bumrah. While Rana made his Test debut in Australia during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he is uncapped in ODI and T20I cricket. The BCCI has issued no official update on Bumrah, who had briefly left the ground after lunch on the second day of the Sydney Test due to back spasms. The concerns grew the next day when Bumrah did not come out to bowl though he had batted in India’s second innings.While Agarkar said he has asked the BCCI to send out a media release, outlining the medical report, ESPNcricinfo has learned Bumrah’s injury is stress related. Though the first round of tests did not reveal a stress fracture in the back, it is understood the discomfort Bumrah suffered was related to his workload in the five Tests in Australia. He bowled 151.2 overs in nine innings, taking 32 wickets at an average of 13.06 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.1:11

Why was Rana preferred over Siraj?

Accordingly, on advice from medical experts, the BCCI decided to allow Bumrah to rest for at least five weeks (the Sydney Test finished on January 5) after which he will undergo another scan to determine if he can return to action. Agarkar confirmed the time frame.”I know he was asked to offload for five weeks of bowling, which is early first week February if I’m not wrong,” Agarkar said. “And we’ll probably find out a bit more around that time what exactly and with regards to what his medical condition is. I’m sure BCCI might just put something out from the physio itself. It’s better it comes from the medical department than me trying to explain what exactly is wrong with him. But that’s the time frame that we’ve been told. And hopefully, he’s okay after that.”Asked if the selectors had pencilled in a reserve if Bumrah doesn’t recover in time for the Champions Trophy, which starts on February 19, Agarkar said his panel was “just hoping Bumrah’s fit. We will have a chat if he’s not fit.”India play three ODIs against England on February 6, 9 and 12 – their first ODIs since the tour of Sri Lanka in August last year – before the Champions Trophy. India are in Group A at the Champions Trophy and begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, after which they play Pakistan on February 23, and New Zealand on March 2. India play all their matches in Dubai because their government refused to let the team travel to Pakistan.

Her 127 is the second Test hundred for India against Australia, and the first in Australia

Sampath Bandarupalli01-Oct-2021127 Smriti Mandhana ‘s score at the Carrara Oval, the highest for a visiting player in women’s Tests in Australia. The previous highest score was Molly Hide’s unbeaten 124, for England, in Sydney in 1949.1 Mandhana’s 127 is the first Test hundred for India in Australia and only their second against Australia. Sandhya Agarwal’s 134 in 1984 was the first Test hundred for India versus Australia. Rajani Venugopal’s 58 in 1991 was the previous highest Test score for India in Australia.ESPNcricinfo Ltd4 Women to score a century in both Tests and ODIs against Australia, including Mandhana. She joins the elite list of Enid Bakewell, Debbie Hockley and Claire Taylor . Mandhana, however, is the only woman with Test and ODI hundreds against Australia in Australia, having scored her maiden ODI century in Hobart in 2016.3 First-innings individual scores in women’s Tests that are higher than Mandhana’s 127 after being put in to bat by the opposition. Kiran Baluch ‘s 242 in 2004, the highest individual score in women’s Tests, came after the West Indies elected to bowl first.Related

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WBBL: Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma sign with Sydney Thunder

51 Number of balls Mandhana needed to complete her fifty, the second fastest recorded half-century in women’s Tests. The fastest is by India’s Sangita Dabir who scored an unbeaten 50 off 42 balls against England in 1995. Dabir’s fifty came in only 40 balls as per the official scoresheet of that Test match. Mandhana’s hundred off 170 balls is also the fastest recorded Test ton for India.74 Percentage of Mandhana’s runs that came in boundaries. From the information available with ESPNcricinfo, Mandhana’s is the second-highest percentage of runs to have come in boundaries in a century innings in women’s Tests. Charlotte Edwards hit 80% of her runs in fours in her score of 105 against India at Taunton in 2006, which is the highest.195 for 2 India’s total at the fall of Mandhana’s wicket, the second-most runs conceded by Australia in a Test innings before the fall of the second wicket. The highest is 228 runs during England’s first innings of the Sydney Test in 1935.

كشفت صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية، عن انفصال لامين يامال نجم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة عن صديقته نيكي نيكول.

وأنهى لاعب برشلونة الجدل الذي أثير الفترة الأخيرة حول شائعات انفصالهما بسبب الخيانة، موضحًا الأسباب الحقيقية التي أسفرت عن هذا القرار.

كان برشلونة قد خسر أمام ريال مدريد في مباراة الكلاسيكو الأول لهذا الموسم ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.

وقدم لامين يامال مباراة دون المستوى ولم يظهر أداءه البديع ومهاراته على مدار الـ 90 دقيقة أمام ريال مدريد، ولم ينجح في أي مراوغة وكان بعيدًا تمامًا عن مستواه.

اقرأ أيضًا | “العانة جعلته عاجزًا”.. طبيب يكشف سبب هبوط مستوى لامين يامال

وأكد لامين يامال علنا عبر صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية انفصاله عن المغنية نيكي نيكول واضعًا حدًا للشائعات التي انتشرت حول قطع علاقتهما ببعضهم البعض.

وقال لامين في تصريحات عبر الصحيفة الإسبانية حول أن سبب الانفصال هو الخيانة: “لسنا معا، لقد انفصلنا ببساطة وهذا كل شيء، كل ما يخرج ليس له علاقة بعلاقتنا”.

كان الثنائي يتصدران عناوين الصحف منذ أشهر بسبب صورهما وظهورهما على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي لكنهما قررا إنهاء علاقتهما والسير في طريق منفصل عن الآخر.

ومن المقرر أن يواجه برشلونة نظيره إلتشي مساء غدٍ، الأحد، على ملعب “مونتجويك” في تمام الساعة السابعة والنصف مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، الثامنة ونصف بتوقيت مكة المكرمة.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha on loan for the season with a €30 million (£26m) buy option. The 30-year-old will become the second player to join Spurs from the German champions this summer, following Mathys Tel's permanent switch. Palhinha will undergo medical tests before finalising the move to north London.

• Palhinha to join Spurs on loan with €30m buy clause
• Second Bayern player to move to Tottenham
• Spurs finally address defensive midfield problem area

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Palhinha is set to join Tottenham on loan from Bayern Munich, with Spurs covering his full salary, as per . The deal reportedly includes a €30m (£26m) buy option, though the purchase clause will not be mandatory and the north Londoners could send the former Fulham man back to Germany at the end of the season.

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• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Palhinha's arrival addresses a long-standing gap in Spurs' midfield, adding much-needed steel and experience. He will soon become Tottenham's second signing from Bayern this summer after Tel, who starred in their Europa League-winning campaign on loan last season, before the Lilywhites decided to make the move permanent.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Tottenham accelerated talks in the last 24 hours to beat any late competition for the Portugal international. Despite Bayern's original reluctance to add an option to buy, Spurs negotiated a €30m clause. With no plans at present for Palhinha in Munich, the German club readily agreed to the terms, especially considering that the Lilywhites are also ready to pay his full wage packet.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR PALHINHA?

  The 30-year-old will complete his medical and join up with Spurs for the rest of pre-season. Frank is likely to integrate him quickly to strengthen the midfield ahead of their UEFA Super Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain and the Premier League opener with Burnley.

KL Rahul left the field after being struck on the elbow in an injury concern for India ahead of the first Test, while Virat Kohli shrugged off speculation over his fitness but was one of several batters caught behind the wicket in an intra-squad match simulation at the WACA.After three days in the WACA nets, India ramped up their preparations a week before the series-opener at Optus Stadium with an XI featuring their main stars out in the middle against a side filled with mostly their fringe and India A players.In perhaps an indication that he is earmarked to open the batting if captain Rohit Sharma misses the first Test, Rahul opened alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in overcast conditions.Related

• 'They are incredibly tough' – Gambhir backs Kohli and Rohit

• Fast and furious: A spicy pitch awaits India in Perth

• Border-Gavaskar Trophy: What India and Australia can expect at the five venues

Rahul looked in fluent touch and appeared to be handling short bowling well until he was struck on his right elbow by a rising delivery from quick Prasidh Krishna. The blow left him grimacing and he trudged off the ground after seeking medical attention.Rahul did not come out to bat later in the day as India’s main batters had another turn at the crease.Jaiswal started aggressively with a belligerent whack through the covers, but on 15 he nicked off to second slip in what would become a common sight through a simulation that lasted two-and-a-half hours before lunch.Amid reports that he has undergone scans in recent days, Kohli looked in fine touch and hit a couple of gorgeous shots through the covers. But on 15 he nicked seamer Mukesh Kumar to second slip before he then spent around 30 minutes in the nearby nets.Short-pitched bowling had been a priority for India’s batters on Thursday, with local club quicks unleashing rapid speed while some batters took part in a drill where a tennis ball was fired from close range aimed at their heads.The WACA surface so far in this simulation has had considerably less bounce and carry than Sheffield Shield matches this season. But there has been some movement off a length and India’s batters looked wanting.Rishabh Pant, who had struggled against the short ball at times during his net sessions earlier in the week, smoked a boundary through the off-side early in his innings but he seemed shaken after copping a blow to the groin. He was cleaned bowled by a quick delivery from Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was a standout after also later claiming Dhruv Jurel in the slips.KL Rahul walks off after being hit on the arm•Getty Images

No. 3 Shubman Gill started slowly and struggled to get the strike for his two-hour stay at the crease. He started looking more comfortable before on 28 fending to gully a short of a length delivery from quick Navdeep Saini who celebrated with gusto.The rare sight at the WACA of spin from both ends occurred just before the interval with Washington Sundar and Tanush Kotian bowling in tandem as the batting side reached the break at 106 for 5 after 28 overs.Befitting the simulation, with it not being an official match, India’s main batters had another go of it. It appeared there were more specific match situations being tested as Jaiswal and Gill, who was scratchy the first time around, went all-out attack.But they soon reverted to a cautious approach as they mostly dead-batted in a sedate passage of play as India’s coaching staff walked laps around the boundary.Jaiswal has looked the most comfortable against the short ball, including during the net sessions, and he was also ultra-attacking when spin came into the attack. He finished 58 not out, while Gill, who sometimes appeared anchored to the crease, made an unbeaten 42.After the final interval, Kohli and Pant returned and they were confronted by sharp short of a length bowling from Prasidh and Reddy. Kohli was particularly troubled and played and missed on several occasions. But he found his rhythm and played a few gorgeous backfoot strokes, including a pull shot to the boundary which damaged his bat and required a change.Kohli did not look in any discomfort, quelling injury fears, as he batted for an hour before finishing up on 30.Pant tried to counter the length by skipping down the pitch and he had mixed success. He was eventually bowled on 24 by the impressive Mukesh – the second time in the day his wickets had been rattled.Jurel returned and was joined by Akash Deep in the final passages as the batting side finished on 339 for 8 in a match simulation that lasted 75 overs.The simulation is expected to continue over the weekend.

Arsenal are making serious moves behind-the-scenes as new sporting director Andrea Berta looks to make a real impression on English shores, with the 53-year-old thought to be closing in on another target.

Arsenal in advanced talks for player with 5-year deal "already agreed"

The north Londoners have made a significant transfer stride.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 3, 2025

The Gunners confirmed Kepa Arrizabalaga’s arrival in N5 earlier this week.

The now-ex-Chelsea goalkeeper comes in as Berta’s first official signing since he replaced Edu in late March, but Kepa is widely expected to be followed by Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who could even be announced as a new Arsenal player on Thursday (Team News and Ticks).

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£5m

After agreeing a deal for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard recently, which could reach up to £15 million, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano now says that all the necessary paperwork has been exchanged for his transfer to the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta and co will ideally welcome the signing of Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera as well, as talks remain ongoing with the La Liga side in an attempt to strike their fourth deal of the window. Valencia did attempt to offer the 21-year-old a new contract to ward Arsenal off, but he’s apparently determined to join Arteta’s side.

“Cristhian Mosquera’s plan remains clear: he wants to join Arsenal project despite new contract proposal from Valencia,” said Romano on X.

“Full focus on negotiations with #AFC as personal terms are agreed, and new bid will be needed after opening one for €14m, rejected.”

Berta has many plates spinning right now, with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze also firmly on their radar.

Arsenal talks with Eberechi Eze "well advanced"

Earlier this week, it was reported that Arsenal held “positive” talks with Eze’s representatives last weekend, and like Mosquera, he’s pretty keen on the idea of joining.

Now, according to French newspaper L’Equipe, Arsenal’s negotiations with Eze are “well advanced”, and all that is really left to do is trigger the England international’s release clause to strike a full agreement.

This comes after “further moves” in “recent hours”, as the outlet reported on Wednesday afternoon, so it appears Berta and co have upped the ante in their pursuit since their weekend discussions.

It is worth noting that Palace have no intention of accepting an offer lower than Eze’s £68m clause, with Arsenal told the exact price needed to make the 27-year-old their next major signing.

It is currently unclear what the ex-QPR star is demanding in terms of salary, with Eze on a reported £100,000-per-week in south London right now, but it could end up being quite a costly operation overall.

However, after his best-ever season at Palace with 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, there is little denying he’d seriously upgrade Arteta’s squad.

“His journey has been unique,” said pundit Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports.

“He’s had disappointments in his academy life, released from clubs, found a new journey and a different pathway for himself. He’s got to this level and now he’s an England international.

“This kid, no disrespect to Palace, could go on and play for one of the top teams. He’s got that individual brilliance; he’s got the awareness when he’s dribbling to keep his head up and bring others into play. I speak to other players that play against him, and they say he’s such an elusive player, unpredictable in the way that he carries the ball, but also [his strength].”

Aston Villa are exploring a move for Barcelona prospect Hector Fort, though the Catalan giants are hesitant about letting him leave.

Villa show interest in FortBarcelona reluctant to sellPlayer shares agent with EmeryFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , Villa have approached Barcelona about signing young full-back Fort. The move is driven by manager Unai Emery and sporting director Monchi, who both have a strong track record of targeting Spanish talent. Fort and Emery are also represented by the same agency, potentially making negotiations smoother.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Villa are are looking to reinforce at full-back with Andres Garcia likely to leave after struggling for minutes. However, financial restrictions following a UEFA fine mean any Fort deal would have to be low-cost, possibly a loan. Monchi’s summer spending has been limited to €37 million (£31m/$41m), splashing €30m (£26m/$33m) on striker Evann Guessand and €7m on Turkish centre-back Yasin Ozcan, who was immediately loaned to Anderlecht. Barcelona, meanwhile, value Fort highly and see him as part of their future plans, making them unwilling to sanction a permanent sale.

TELL ME MORE…

The 19-year-old has drawn interest from several clubs, including Paris FC and Mallorca, though the latter’s offer was not convincing. The Catalan giants would consider a loan or structured transfer keeping a high percentage of his rights and a buy-back clause, in line with their recent approach to youth talent. For Fort, guaranteed playing time will be key in deciding his next move.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR HECTOR FORT?

Fort is expected to make a decision on his future next week, weighing offers from across Europe. If Villa push ahead, they will need to convince Barcelona of a deal that preserves the Catalan club’s long-term stake in the player.

Since January 2021, the Test vice-captain is the only South African to hold a 50-plus batting average

Firdose Moonda22-Feb-2022It used to be one of the most talked-about issues in South African cricket: when will Temba Bavuma score a second Test century?After his breakthrough hundred in January 2016, six Tests into his career, Bavuma has scored 16 fifties, but has routinely run out of time or partners to convert. A critical analysis of his batting is that he scores too slowly and his career strike rate of under 48 for the first three-and-half-years underpinned that. Since then, South Africans have come to accept that maybe a batters’ value, especially at home, can’t be measured in centuries.In the last eight Tests in South Africa, dating back to January 2020, there have only been two hundreds scored by their batters. And in that time, Bavuma holds the highest average by a South African player – 46. Since January 2021, he is the only South African to average 50 and thus, even though the likes of Herschelle Gibbs are still not convinced, Bavuma has earned his stripes at this level.”It’s helped that I’ve played a fair number of Tests, so there’s an acceptance that there will be good days and there will be bad days,” Bavuma said, after two days off following South Africa’s innings defeat to New Zealand in the first Test. “I’m at peace with my role in the team, how I fit in. It’s not just about the batting and the currency of runs, but also my presence in the team and how I contribute towards building the culture and environment. That’s helped me be more at ease with where I fit into the team. It’s not the case of every game is my last opportunity to cement my position.”

“I understand his vision as a captain and what he would like to achieve. I back it 100%. I back him as a leader and as a player. For me, it’s about trying to help and serve him as best I can so he can execute his vision for the team”Bavuma on working as Dean Elgar’s deputy

Instead, Bavuma has concentrated on things like scoring quicker. This year, though the sample size is small at three Tests, his strike rate has improved to 57. He has been part of some of the most important partnerships in the South African cause, like the match-winning 82 and 68 with Dean Elgar and Keegan Petersen respectively at the Wanderers against India, and he has often stood man-alone in collapses. He was the only South African to score more than 30 in an innings in Christchurch.But Bavuma knows better than to celebrate his form keeping in mind the inconsistency from the line-up that continues to sparkle and then stutter as it finds its feet. “It’s hard to separate the team cause from your individual cause, especially after a performance like that [in the first Test],” he said. “Where I am with my game, I think there are more positives than anything. I’m not down and out, I’m not disappointed in myself. But the team is in a space where we need someone to put up their hand. My form has been decent over the last while, but while it’s still a bit of a concern for the team, I won’t be fully happy with myself.”South Africa slumped to their second-biggest-ever defeat in the first Test against New Zealand and looked far from the team that chased successfully against India twice last month. No-one, not coach Mark Boucher or captain Dean Elgar, has been able to explain their lack of intensity and energy, and Bavuma wasn’t even going to try. “It wasn’t good enough,” he said. “That’s not the standard we pride ourselves on. We know we have to improve in all three disciplines.”Related

Temba Bavuma: 'I understand I have a voice, and the influence to make things better around me'

'Got a lump in my throat' – South Africa Test centurion Sarel Erwee opens up on mental health battles

'You need to score runs', Dean Elgar's stern message to 'vulnerable' Aiden Markram

SA's batting rebuild will take time

Bavuma outlines difficulties of leading SA amid off-field issues

His bluntness may be a result of his growing closeness with captain Elgar, for whom Bavuma deputises. The pair has adopted a no-nonsense approach to leadership, which they both advocate. “Our relationship has been built on honesty and not any bull***t,” Bavuma said. “Dean’s a very blunt type of person. If you stray, he’ll call you out, and if you’re good he’ll let you know as well. That resonates with me.”While Elgar does not shy away from telling his players when he thinks socks need to be pulled up – Kagiso Rabada after the Boxing Day Test, for example – Bavuma plays good cop and keeps things cool, hoping that their contrasting personas will take South Africa forward in all formats.”Being Dean’s vice-captain, I’m trying to be his calming voice. Dean can be emotional at times,” Bavuma said. “We work hand-in-hand with each other. I understand his vision as a captain and what he would like to achieve. I back it 100%. I back him as a leader and as a player. For me, it’s about trying to help and serve him as best I can so he can execute his vision for the team. We’d like to bring respect to the Proteas badge. We’d like to leave the Proteas in a much better state than they’re in, or than they were when we came in. We’re there to support each other. We’re in this fight together. His success is my success, and vice versa.”So far, South Africa have had no success in New Zealand. Of the seven sessions that made up the first Test, they won none, but Elgar and Bavuma don’t believe that makes them a team in trouble. “You don’t become a bad player because you haven’t scored runs in a certain game,” Bavuma argued.Bavuma was the only South African to cross 30 in Christchurch•AFP/Getty ImagesIf that were the case, both Elgar and Bavuma would have been labelled bad players many times, and the numbers show they are not. They are the best South Africa have got. For Bavuma, it comes down to playing with more responsibility but also knowing he occupies a senior place in the XI. “I remember as a new player coming in, the main thing you wanted was to be accepted by everybody and the best way to do that is through your performances,” he said. “I’m at a point where I truly believe I’m accepted and valued in the team. That’s probably the reason my performances have been good over the last while.”Now, it’s for the rest of the batters to feel the same way. Sarel Erwee, who debuted in the first Test, won’t because he doesn’t know if he will keep the opening berth, or if it will be given back to Aiden Markram once Petersen is back. And Markram doesn’t know if he is going to be dropped after averaging 9.7 in his last ten innings. Kyle Verreynne doesn’t know if he will keep the wicketkeeper-batter’s spot or it will go to Ryan Rickelton, who averages over 100 this season. Zubayr Hamza doesn’t know if he will play as a sixth specialist batter or lose the spot to Rickelton or be benched in favour of an allrounder or spinner.South Africa’s selection decisions remain a mystery with Boucher only explaining that they do things as they “feel they need to be”, with selection convener Victor Mpitsang providing answers that directly contradict what insiders at the organisation say. In South Africa’s top seven, only Elgar, Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen are secure and it’s no surprise that they are the most consistent run-scorers.So the questions over when next Elgar will score a hundred – he hasn’t done so in eight Tests – to if Bavuma will ever score another, to if van der Dussen will touch three figures in Tests are not nearly as important as what South Africa can do to solidify their line-up and give it long-term structure and shape. That’s what they need to start answering in the second Test, and maybe the hundreds will come.