There is no crisis to be dealt with but this is a team looking for a rebuild and long-term planning in all formats, apart from domestic reforms

Danyal Rasool26-Sep-2019There was a time when Misbah-ul-Haq, now hailed as the epitome of a cool, collected man in the most bubbling cauldron, looked like he would only be remembered for one ostensible moment of madness. Almost exactly 12 years ago to the day, he had gone down on one knee against Joginder Sharma and looked to use his pace to scoop him over fine leg, with Pakistan six runs away from winning the inaugural World T20.We all know what happened next. Joginder Sharma doesn’t have much pace to work with, and Sreesanth stood perched underneath the high ball, taking a comfortable catch, giving India that immortal five-run win. Misbah had been almost solely responsible for getting Pakistan to within one hit of victory, but fans directed much of their frustration towards his fateful choice of shot, and his failure to see the game through nervelessly.It was expected to be the tail-end of a meandering career that had seen most of its time on Pakistan’s nearly invisible domestic circuit, and indeed Misbah was on the verge of retiring when handed the captaincy three years later at the age of 36. Suddenly tasked with picking Pakistan back up after the spot-fixing scandal, which ensnared the then captain, the best bowler and his would-be successor, Misbah would become the country’s security blanket, a sanguine, imperturbable presence which shielded Pakistan from the next crisis that, invariably, seemed round the corner. No such crisis would come for seven years, the longest-ever unbroken stint by a Pakistani as captain.Is that what Pakistan want from him today, too? The present state of the team is worlds removed from that dispirited wretch he inherited almost a decade ago. There is no crisis in Pakistan cricket presently, no fires to be put out. No captains have been sacked or banned; in fact, there hasn’t been a single change of captain since Misbah retired and left the role for Sarfaraz Ahmed to take up. The recently concluded World Cup saw Pakistan finish outside the top four on net run rate alone. The T20I side is number one in the world. What is the need for a security blanket when everyone is nice and toasty already?

“The picture is clear to me, and it is only a matter of being confident about taking the right decisions. And that I’m ready to do.”Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq

It isn’t, of course, quite as straightforward. After Misbah’s departure there was a slump in Pakistan’s Test form, though it may be argued that it had begun since before he retired, with the side losing six Tests on the bounce at one point before the career-capping victory in the West Indies that allowed him to go out on a high. Pakistan have now won seven and lost 15 of their last 23 Tests. Since Misbah’s retirement, they have won five of 14 Tests played, with eight losses. Nine months before Misbah retired, Pakistan were the top-ranked Test team in the world. Currently, they’re seventh.And then, of course, there are the domestic reforms, so inextricably linked to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s vision of a fresh approach to bringing talent through to the national side in an orderly fashion, groomed by what aspires to be a professional system. It is a facet of Pakistan cricket few know more about than Misbah. Until as recently as December 2018, Misbah played the Quaid-e-Azam trophy, consistently calling for higher standards of pitches and facilities on the domestic circuit, and a narrowing of the yawning quality gap between international and domestic cricket. He spent most of his early career relying on domestic cricket for his bread and butter, only getting a shot at regular international cricket after he was well into his 30s. This isn’t a man to pay lip service to the plight of domestic cricketers in this country; he experienced first-hand its benighted state for nearly half his career.It is a point he drew upon in Karachi today addressing a press conference ahead of the series against Sri Lanka, and termed it a major reason for accepting the job. “Obviously, it is a challenge for me, this role. Whenever you take on a new project, it is challenging. But the reason I accepted it was being Pakistan captain until very recently, and having played plenty of domestic cricket like I have, too, you know the facts on the ground very well. That equips you to take decisions with as much information as possible. It is far harder when you don’t know any of these things, and don’t know many of the players. The picture is clear to me, and it is only a matter of being confident about taking the right decisions. And that I’m ready to do.”ALSO READ: Five captains who became coachesThe series against Sri Lanka, set to begin in Karachi on Friday, may not provide much of an indicator of anything. International cricket’s return to Pakistan remains in those embryonic stages where the venue always upstages the scorecard, and with such a weakened Sri Lanka team travelling, this will by no means be Misbah’s biggest test as coach. But the brand of cricket Pakistan bring to the field in Karachi, as well as the players selected – Misbah, remember, is also the chief selector – makes it strategically intriguing enough to be worth paying attention to. Will Mohammad Rizwan, seen as Sarfaraz’s successor behind the stumps, play as a specialist batsman? Misbah said today, “You can’t survive without fitness in international cricket now.” But will that continue to bear out on the field?There may be no crisis, but Pakistan are looking for a rebuild. There are many questions and several uncertainties about the direction this team will take, and long-term planning is called for in each format. The World Test Championship is a two-year project, and with the World Cup just over, there are four years to work with before the next big event in the 50-over format. In T20 cricket, Pakistan need to sustain their momentum until the T20 World Cup next year. There will be times for considered contemplation, forensic detail and intelligence over impulse. You might not have believed it a dozen years ago, but today, that sounds like a mission for Misbah.

Nottingham Forest have now agreed a deal to sign a “frightening” star, who has emerged as a target for some of Europe’s top clubs this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Nottingham Forest set sights on new midfielder and winger

With Forest set to take part in the Europa Conference League for the first time next season, Nuno Espirito Santo may need to increase the depth of his squad, and one position in which the manager is particularly keen to strengthen is central midfield.

Palmeiras’ Richard Rios is now in the Tricky Trees sights, following the maestro’s impressive performances at the Club World Cup, while they are also considering bringing defensive midfielders Douglas Luiz and Joao Palhinha back to the Premier League.

Player

Current club

Potential cost

Richard Rios

Palmeiras

£85m

Douglas Luiz

Juventus

£34m

Joao Palhinha

Bayern Munich

£30m

Not only is a new midfielder of interest, but Nuno may also be tasked with bringing in a new winger, amid major doubts over Anthony Elanga’s future, with Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie revealing he believes the 23-year-old will join Newcastle United.

With Elanga potentially heading to St. James’ Park, Nottingham Forest have now stepped up their pursuit of a new winger, and they have now reached an agreement with Lyon over a deal for Malick Fofana, although personal terms are yet to be finalised.

Fofana is waiting to hear from the Champions League clubs interested in his signature, with Chelsea still keen, while Premier League champions Liverpool were named as potential suitors over the past few days.

Bayern Munich and Napoli have also made approaches to sign the Lyon star, so it could be difficult for the Tricky Trees to get a deal over the line, but it is promising news that they have been able to strike an agreement with Lyon.

"Frightening" Fofana could be real coup for Nottingham Forest

A deal for the Lyon star is likely to be on the expensive side, given the French club’s asking price of £42m, but there are plenty of signs that he could be worthy of potentially becoming Forest’s record signing.

The Belgian has been prolific in front of goal for Lyon over the past year, placing in the 90th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90, when compared to other forwards, while the winger’s dribbling ability is underlined by the fact he ranks in the top 2% for progressive carries.

Nottingham Forest now ready to make £21m offer for "superb" midfielder

The Tricky Trees are now prepared to make an opening bid for a midfielder, having recently made contact over a potential deal.

ByDominic Lund Jul 1, 2025

U23 scout Antonio Mango has also been left impressed by the 20-year-old in the past, lauding him for his “frightening speed”, while describing the youngster as a “1v1 dribbling phenom”.

As such, Fofana could be a real coup for Forest, but it could be difficult to win the race for his signature, should a Champions League club decide to formalise their interest in the starlet by matching the Tricky Trees’ offer.

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

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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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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.