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MatériaMais Notícias

Enfim a primeira fase do Campeonato Paulista terminou e agora o Estadual se afunila entre os oito classificados para a fase final do torneio, que já começa neste próximo final de semana, com os duelos entre Palmeiras x Ponte Preta, São Paulo Novorizontino, Inter de Limeira x Red Bull Bragantino e Santos x Portuguesa.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPonte ou Água Santa? Veja quem o Palmeiras vai pegar nas quartas do PaulistãoPalmeiras10/03/2024PalmeirasRichard Rios descarta favoritismo do Palmeiras no Paulista e agradece torcida de BarueriPalmeiras10/03/2024PalmeirasAbel, do Palmeiras, se defende de ataques do São Paulo e espera punição a Belmonte: ‘Há limites’Palmeiras09/03/2024

➡️ Tudo sobre o Verdão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Palmeiras

Time de melhor campanha na fase de grupos pelo terceiro ano seguido, o Palmeiras recebe a Ponte em Barueri buscando estar entre os quatro melhores do Estadual, algo que virou praticamente obrigação no clube nos últimos dez anos.

O torcedor palmeirense já faz as contas para saber quem pegaria numa possível semifinal de Paulista, caso passe pela Ponte Preta e o Lance! traz resumido de forma simples quem pode ser o adversário alviverde.

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A única chance de vermos um Choque-Rei na semi do Estadual seria se o São Paulo passasse pelo Novorizontino nos pênaltis, o Red Bull Bragantino passasse pela Inter de Limeira nos 90 minutos e o Santos eliminasse a Portuguesa (de qualquer forma).

Em resumo, caso avance para a semi, o Palmeiras enfrenta:

– Se a Portuguesa passar pelo Santos, será o adversário do Verdão.

– Se a Portuguesa cair e a Inter de Limeira avançar, o Palmeiras pega a Inter.

– Se a Portuguesa cair, a Inter de Limeira ser eliminada no tempo normal e o São Paulo passar nos pênaltis, teremos um Choque-Rei na semi.

+ Richard Rios descarta favoritismo do Palmeiras no Paulistão!

Caso o Verdão chegue na grande final, o mando de volta da grande decisão só não seria do alviverde imponente, caso o Santos passe pelas quartas e semi vencendo no tempo normal, e o Palmeiras passe nas duas fases nos pênaltis.

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Maxwell expects to re-join a power-packed middle-order when Travis Head returns

Alex Malcolm28-Jul-2025

Glenn Maxwell expects his move to open the batting in the T20I series against West Indies will be brief once Travis Head makes a likely return for the home series against South Africa in August as Australia look to settle their line-up as they build towards the 2026 World Cup.Maxwell batted at No. 5 in the first game of the series, one slot lower than his customary No. 4 position where he has batted 61 times in his career, to allow Cameron Green an opportunity at second drop.He was then shifted to open for just the fourth time in his career when Tim David returned from injury for game two in the absence of the resting Head and injured back-up opener Matthew Short.Related

Maxwell, Inglis and Green carry Australia to 4-0

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'He's playing beautifully' – Is Green Australia's new T20 middle-order fulcrum?

Maxwell, who has scored 145 not out and 66 in previous T20Is opening the batting, was promoted to the top in the main because Australia anticipated a lot of spin to be bowled in the powerplay. While that was the case in Jamaica, both sides have veered away from spin bowlers at the tiny Warner Park in St Kitts.Maxwell returned scores of 12 off 10, 20 off 7 and 47 off 18 and looked ominous in all three innings. But he insists he is unlikely to stay there beyond this series with Head likely to partner skipper Mitchell Marsh moving forward while Josh Inglis looks settled at No. 3.”It’s been great fun being at the top, but I’m sure I’m just warming Heady’s seat until he comes back,” Maxwell said. “I think the way we’re probably going to set up our T20 side heading forward is you’ve got Travis up the top, you’ve got Mitch Marsh who is captaining us brilliantly at the moment.”Ingo is doing a great job at No.3 and the rest of the order falls into place around that. We’ve got some unbelievable power hitting at the moment, we’ve seen some guys really put their hand up – Tim David, Mitch Owen and Cameron Green – throughout the middle.”They’re three pretty big blokes with big reach and they hit the ball an absolute mile so it’s great to have those guys with that extra bit of power in the middle-order.”It’s not something we’ve had an abundance of over the years and to have that at our disposal at the moment is pretty exciting.”Cameron Green has been in sparkling form at No. 4•Randy Brooks/AFP via Getty Images

Green’s growth at No. 4 and David’s century in his first opportunity batting inside the powerplay at No. 5 for Australia outside of rain-shortened matches, gives the selectors a multitude of options heading towards the World Cup in terms of how they shape the middle-order.Maxwell’s record at No. 4 is exceptional, having scored four T20I centuries in that position, but his best performances in franchise cricket over the last eight months have come at No. 6. He was BBL player of the tournament and won Melbourne Stars four games in a row with scores of 20* off 10, 58* off 32, and 90 off 52 at No. 6 plus 76* off 32 at No. 5. After a difficult IPL for Punjab Kings, he made an unbeaten 106 off 49 balls in MLC at No. 6 for Washington Freedom last month.Green’s consistency and his ability to handle pace in the powerplay, as well as spin post powerplay, could see Maxwell deployed later in the order in Australia’s first choice XI.”It’s been great to see the growth of some of the guys and Greeny in this series has been absolutely outstanding,” Maxwell said. “We’re seeing him turn into a really consistent and solid T20 player and it’s just so exciting for Australian cricket to see these guys with this sort of power and it’s going to be dangerous for a lot of teams heading forward.”A middle-order of Green, David, Maxwell and Owen in some kind of combination is as powerful as Australia have ever produced while Marcus Stoinis still remains in consideration despite not playing in the West Indies series or the upcoming South Africa series.Maxwell remains a key contributor with the ball and in the field. He took two key wickets in the second T20I in Kingston and remains a vital match-up for left-handers in particular while his ability to bowl in the powerplay in India and Sri Lanka will also be crucial for Australia’s plans.Meanwhile at nearing 37, three years on from a broken leg that effectively ended his ODI career, he still remains Australia’s best outfielder with three stunning pieces of work in the fourth T20I on Saturday having a significant outcome on the match.”I practice a hell of a lot,” Maxwell said. “It’s something I pride myself on, making sure that I can create opportunities on the boundary line, and feel like I’m spreading the boundary a little bit longer and making the batters hit it a little bit further.”

قدّم النجم البرتغالي كريستيانو رونالدو، لفتة رائعة لزملائه في المنتخب وأخرى لأسرة الراحل ديوجو جوتا، لاعب ليفربول الذي لقى مصرعه قبل أشهر.

وكان منتخب البرتغال قد حسم التأهل إلى كأس العالم 2026 والذي يقام في شهر يونيو القادم، وتستضيفه الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية وكندا والمكسيك.

وبحسب ما ورد في صحيفة “ذا صن” البريطانية، كشف الصحفي نونو لوز، من قناة SIC، على التلفزيون البرتغالي أن رونالدو، قائد المنتخب البرتغالي، أرسل ساعات من ماركة Jacob and Co الفاخرة، لزملائه في الفريق.

كما أرسل رونالدو ساعة مصممة خصيصًا تحمل اسم جوتا ورقمه وأرسلها إلى عائلة اللاعب البرتغالي الراحل.

وعرض صانعو الساعات على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي شكل التصاميم، ولا يوجد سوى 35 ساعة فقط بإصدار صنع خصيصًا للاعبي البرتغال.

وقالت شركة Jacob & Co: “مينا هيكلي، تصميم مُخصص، وشعار النبالة البرتغالي – ساعة استثنائية كالأبطال أنفسهم”.

وقال لوز: “هذه تفاصيل تُصنع دون ضجة إعلامية، وتُظهر أصالة كريستيانو رونالدو، غالبًا ما تكون لدى الناس صورة عنه لا تتوافق مع الواقع”.

اقرأ أيضًا | فيفا يعلن عقوبة رونالدو بعد واقعة “الكوع”.. وموقفه من أول مباراة في كأس العالم

ولم يعلن عن تكلفة الساعات، لكن أشارت صحيفة “ذا صن” البريطانية إلى أن ساعات Jacob & Co تُباع بعشرات الآلاف من الجنيهات الإسترلينية، والساعات المُخصصة ستكون أعلى سعرًا بالتأكيد.

كان جوتا قد لقى مصرعة هو وشقيقه أندريا سيلفا في حادث سيارة مروع بشهر يوليو الماضي، وأُقيمت جنازته في البرتغال، بحضور العديد من زملائه في ليفربول والمنتخب، ولم يتواجد رونالدو.

وغياب رونالدو عن جنازة جوتا كان محل سخرية كبيرة آنذاك، وصرّح البرتغالي في مقابلة مع بيرس مورجان مؤخرًا: “أمران، ينتقدني الناس كثيرًا، لا يهمني ذلك، عندما يكون ضميرك مرتاحًا وحرًا، لا داعي للقلق بشأن ما يقوله الناس”.

وأوضح: “لكن أحد الأشياء التي لا أفعلها؟ بعد وفاة والدي، لم أزر مقبرةً مرةً أخرى، عندما تعرفني وتعرف سمعتي؟ أينما ذهبت، يكون الأمر أشبه بسيرك، لا أخرج، لأني إن ذهبت، ينصبُّ عليّ الاهتمام. لا أريد هذا النوع من الاهتمام”.

وأكد رونالدو: “لا يعجبني أن تذهب إلى لحظة حساسة لإجراء مقابلات، للحديث عنه، للحديث عن كرة القدم، هذا يُظهر كيف أن السيرك هو الحياة أحيانًا، لستُ جزءًا منها، إذا أردتَ أن تكون جزءًا من هذا العالم، فحظًا سعيدًا، لكنني سأكون جزءًا من جانب آخر، يمكن للناس الاستمرار في انتقادي. شعرتُ بالارتياح لقراري”.

For the first time in a long time, West Ham fans had something to celebrate on the weekend.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side had the daunting task of hosting a Newcastle United side that had just brushed aside Tottenham Hotspur during the week, so expectations were low.

However, much to the surprise of pundits and fans alike, the East Londoners were comfortably the better side, thanks to goals from Lucas Paqueta, Tomas Soucek, and Sven Botman, and ran out 3-1 winners.

There were impressive performances across the pitch for the hosts, with Freddie Potts looking particularly impressive. So fans should be delighted that the academy may be about to hand them someone who could be an even bigger prospect than the Englishman.

Potts' performance vs Newcastle

Given West Ham’s poor form over the last few months and the lack of dynamism in the midfield, there have been calls for Potts to be given a chance for some time.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

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Nuno finally gave in to those calls on Sunday afternoon, and instead of bringing the 22-year-old off the bench, he handed him his first competitive start for the club.

It turned out to be an excellent decision as, even before getting onto his technical qualities, the academy graduate added some desperately needed dynamism and physicality into the midfield.

He is by no means a fast player, but compared to the midfielders that Nuno has been starting in recent games, the difference was night and day.

Moreover, as journalist Alex Crook put it, he was “a real driving force for the Hammers,” and his statistics more than back up such an appraisal.

In his 90 minutes of action, the Barking-born monster played two key passes, completed two crosses, took 57 touches, won 66% of his tackles, made one interception, won three of four ground duels and made six clearances.

In short, it was a dream start for the academy product and one that could have been even better had it not been for the thinnest of offside margins.

With that said, while Potts could go on to become a star for West Ham, there is another prospect in the academy who could be even better.

West Ham's next Potts

West Ham have a proud history of producing brilliant young players, and while Potts is the name in the headlines today, it could be Preston Fearon in a couple of years.

The 18-year-old gem joined the Hammers in 2022 and, since then, has gone from strength to strength, progressing through the youth sides to sign his first professional contract last year and then secure another, longer-term deal just a few days ago.

One of the teenager’s significant strengths is that he can, and has played in several positions during his time in the academy, but like Potts, he thrives in the middle of the park.

Fearon’s West Ham Record

Position

Games

Goals

Assists

Central Midfield

15

0

5

Defensive Midfield

9

0

2

Attacking Midfield

2

0

0

Right Winger

1

0

0

Right Midfield

1

2

0

Centre-Back

1

1

0

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, since joining the Irons’ academy set-up, the youngster has made 40 appearances across the U18s and U21s, of which 15 have been in central midfield and nine in defensive midfield.

However, don’t be fooled into thinking that he can’t offer much going forward, as across those 40 appearances, totalling 2692 minutes, he has scored three goals and provided seven assists.

That works out to a goal involvement every 269.2 minutes, which for someone in his position is not bad at all.

Moreover, when discussing him on the website, Jarrod Bowen described the 18-year-old as a “special player” and noted that he has “never seen someone nutmeg so many people in training.”

Finally, the club also clearly rate the academy gem as they took him on the pre-season tour, where he featured against Manchester United.

Ultimately, Potts is the man of the moment, but in four years, when Fearon is the same age, don’t be surprised if he is already a first-team regular for West Ham.

Related West Ham player ratings v Newcastle United as Nuno secures first victory

The Hammers returned to winning ways with a 3-1 win against Newcastle this afternoon.

Posts ByDominic Lund Nov 2, 2025

Norwich City have appointed former Rangers boss Philippe Clement as the club’s head coach, and the new boss has revealed a message of ambition from majority shareholder Mark Attanasio.

Clement – sacked by Rangers in February – has signed a contract through to the summer of 2029 and will be joined at Carrow Road by coach Stephan Van Der Heyden.

The Belgian replaces Liam Manning, who left Carrow Road ahead of the international break with the Canaries second bottom of the Sky Bet Championship, having lost all of their home matches so far this season.

Norwich were reported to have spoken to both ex-Wolves boss Gary O’Neil, who had a spell as a player with the Canaries, as well as former Sweden and Blackburn manager Jon Dahl Tomasson, before settling on Clement.

Although the Belgian’s time at Ibrox ended following a disappointing run – with Rangers well adrift of rivals Celtic in the league – Clement did win the 2024 Premier Sports Cup and had previously guided Club Brugge to their domestic title twice before a spell at Monaco.

Clement excited by Norwich ambition

His reign in Glasgow was marred by issues with ownership and recruitment – the Rangers board are still unter intense scrutiny after their failed summer revamp of the playing squad and appointment of Russell Martin – but Clement has revealed he is excited by what Attanasio and Co have in store in Norfolk.

“I’m really excited by this story and opportunity. I’ve known of this club for a long time and, whilst we are not in a good moment at this time, we are excited to work together with the players and staff to turn things around,” Clement said on the Norwich club website, revealing the board’s ambition convinced him to join.

Clement’s first game in charge will be away at Birmingham on Saturday.

Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper added: “Philippe is an incredibly experienced and prominent head coach, with clear values and beliefs that align with ours.

“We now have an incredible amount of work ahead of us to ensure we improve performances and results and we will do everything possible to ensure Philippe has our full backing and support.”

The demand from Naqvi, also the Asian Cricket Council president, came a day after the PCB had alleged that Pycroft had “requested the captains not to shake hands at the toss”

Danyal Rasool15-Sep-2025

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has demanded the “immediate removal” of Andy Pycroft, the match referee for the India vs Pakistan game on Sunday evening in Dubai, from the remainder of the Asia Cup.The demand from Naqvi, who is also the current president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), came a day after the PCB had alleged that Pycroft had “requested the captains not to shake hands at the toss” as is customary.On Monday, the PCB sought to escalate the matter. “The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket,” Naqvi said in a tweet (reproduced below). “The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.”ESPNcricinfo understands that the PCB has conveyed this demand via a letter addressed to ICC general manager Wasim Khan. The letter says that Pycroft, at the time of the toss, took Pakistan captain Salman Agha aside and told him there would be no handshakes at the toss. It goes on to say that Pycroft then spoke separately to India captain Suryakumar Yadav.Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema subsequently spoke to tournament director Andrew Russell asking for an explanation, and was told, the PCB says, that it was down to the line the BCCI had taken on the matter following discussions with the Indian government. When contacted by ESPNcricinfo, Russell offered no comment on the subject.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

The PCB says that Pycroft’s action had violated the MCC Laws and was against the spirit of cricket, and accused the match referee of violating the ICC’s code of conduct. While there is speculation that Pakistan have threatened to withdraw from the tournament if Pycroft was not removed, ESPNcricinfo understands that the PCB has not yet adopted that position.ESPNcricinfo has sent a query to the ICC, which is the ultimate authority, to check whether Pycroft did indeed instruct the captains not to greet each other at the toss.At the conclusion of the game, which India won by seven wickets, the Indian players and support staff chose not to meet the Pakistan side, an unwritten custom after a contest, with Suryakumar Yadav, the India captain, saying afterwards that the Indian “government and the BCCI were aligned” on the matter.Pakistan captain Salman Agha subsequently skipped the post-match presentation, and coach Mike Hesson called India’s decision “disappointing” when he spoke at a press interaction.Shivam Dube and Suryakumar Yadav went straight back to the Indian dressing room after completing the win•Associated Press

While this is an ACC tournament where the ICC has no organisational role, the match officials are allocated by the ICC. Withdrawing a match referee and appointing a replacement would require the ICC to get involved. The BCCI, meanwhile, are the official hosts of this Asia Cup, and might be required to play a part in the matter too.This is the second statement Naqvi has issued since tensions between India and Pakistan spilled over following the game. Shortly after the defeat, he accused India of “dragging politics into the game” and lacking “sportsmanship”. Suryakumar, meanwhile, said at the press conference that a “few things in life were ahead of sportsman’s spirit”.Pycroft is one of two match referees at the Asia Cup, Richie Richardson being the other, and has two more games to officiate in during the group stage of the tournament: Hong Kong vs Sri Lanka in Dubai on Monday and Pakistan vs UAE, also in Dubai, on Wednesday.This was the first meeting between the two teams since India and Pakistan exchanged cross-border hostilities in May, and uncertainty had surrounded the match in the intervening months, with several calls for India to boycott it. Clarity only emerged when the Indian government made public its official policy for sporting engagements with Pakistan, greenlighting meetings in multilateral events while refusing to engage in bilateral contests.As such, this might only have been the first part of an issue that could well come up again next Sunday: Pakistan need to beat the UAE to secure progression to the Super Four, where they will face India in Dubai again on September 21.

Liverpool have now launched their first approach to sign a much-needed right-back target, who could arrive at Anfield or in North London as a free agent.

Arne Slot admits shock at "ridiculous" Liverpool form

It has been a disastrous run for Liverpool, with their 3-0 loss against Nottingham Forest proving to be their most shocking result yet. After eight defeats in 11 games, the champions are on course for one of the worst title defences in Premier League history, despite spending over £400m in the summer.

With PSV Eindhoven up next, Arne Slot has admitted just how shocked he’s been by his side’s form and went onto describe it as “ridiculous” in his pre-match press conference.

The Champions League has often been a saving grace for Liverpool this season. Their victory over Real Madrid last time out proved to be somewhat of a false dawn before their Premier League return, but the Reds now have the chance to pick up where they left off in Europe, at the very least.

They will, however, be without an out-and-out right-back yet again following Conor Bradley’s injury to join Jeremie Frimpong on the sidelines. It is a problem that Liverpool must solve and one that could yet see Zeki Celik arrive.

Liverpool launch approach to sign Zeki Celik

According to TeamTalk’s Rudi Galetti, Liverpool have launched an approach to sign Celik in a transfer battle with Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, all of whom have made contact.

The right-back is on course to become a free agent when his contract expires next summer and could yet provide a solution for Slot by finally replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The 28-year-old, at the peak of his powers, recently earned the praise of Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella, who told reporters: “He’s the perfect player for any coach.

“Celik is professional, reliable, does his job wherever you play him. In a locker room it is always needed to have guys like him.”

Related Perfect for Isak: Liverpool make £122m sensation their "dream target"

Liverpool need to make changes in the transfer market once again.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Nov 25, 2025

The AS Roma man is also capable of playing centre-back in what would kill two birds with one stone for Slot, who currently has just three senior centre-backs to choose from which includes the injury-prone Joe Gomez.

Instead of Gakpo: Liverpool can unlock Isak by unleashing homegrown Semenyo

ودع منتخب مصر الثاني بطولة كأس العرب 2025، من دور المجموعات، بعد الخسارة أمام الأردن بثلاثة أهداف نظيفة، اليوم الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة من دور المجموعات.

وتواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة الثالثة رفقة منتخبات الأردن والإمارات والكويت.

وتعادل منتخب مصر في الجولة الثانية أمام الإمارات بهدف لكل فريق، كما تعادل بنفس النتيجة أمام الكويت في الجولة الأولى.

طالع|فيديو | الأردن يسجل الهدف الثاني أمام مصر في كأس العرب

وجاء هدف الأردن الأول عن طريق اللاعب محمد أبو حشيش في الدقيقة 12، بعد تسديدة قوية ارتطمت بدفاع المنتخب المصري، لتصل إلى أبو حشيش الذي تابعها ووضعها في شباك محمد بسام.

أما الهدف الثاني، فقد جاء عن طريق محمد أبو زرايق في الدقيقة 41 بعد تسديدة من داخل منطقة الجزاء، فيما سجل علي علوان الهدف الثالث من ركلة جزاء في الدقيقة 92.

وودع منتخب مصر بطولة كأس العرب بعد احتلاله المركز الثالث برصيد نقطتين، بينما الأردن حقق العلامة الكاملة بتسع نقاط، فيما صعد الإمارات في الوصافة، برصيد 4 نقاط، بعد الفوز على الكويت 3-1 في لقاء أقيم في نفس الجولة اليوم. أهداف مباراة مصر والأردن في كأس العرب 

Reddy has been released from India’s squad for the first Test while Pant is back from injury, having missed the West Indies series

Karthik Krishnaswamy12-Nov-2025

Dhruv Jurel is set to retain his place in India’s Test XI despite Rishabh Pant taking back his spot as wicketkeeper. Allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy *has been released from India’s Test squad and will make way for Pant, who returns after missing the two Tests against West Indies last month with a fractured foot.Reddy will rejoin India’s Test squad for the second match against South Africa, which will be played in Guwahati from November 22 to 26 after participating in the three-match one-day series against South Africa A, which will run from November 13 to November 19 in Rajkot.India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate more or less confirmed Jurel’s retention in his press conference two days out from the start of the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata.Jurel played the West Indies series in Pant’s absence and scored his maiden Test hundred in the first Test in Ahmedabad. That innings came in the middle of a run of four hundreds in eight first-class innings, including one in each innings of India A’s second unofficial Test against South Africa A in Bengaluru last week.Related

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Dhruv Jurel makes case for India Test spot with twin hundreds against South Africa A

Dhruv Jurel: too good to keep out, too good to just keep

Reverse swing on the cards in Kolkata for India vs South Africa Test

“I don’t think you can leave him out for this Test, is the short answer,” ten Doeschate said when asked about Jurel’s run of form. “But obviously, you can only pick 11 as well, so someone else will have to miss out. I think we’ve got a pretty good idea of the combination.”Having three spin-bowling allrounders in the squad in Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel, ten Doeschate said, gave India the flexibility that would allow them to play an extra batter in Jurel without losing potency with the ball.”Given the way Dhruv’s gone in the last six months, scoring two hundreds in Bangalore last week, he’s certain to play this week. Again, like what I mentioned about Washy [Washington Sundar], Axar [Patel], Jaddu [Ravindra Jadeja], for me, you’ve actually got three batters there. So it does give us a lot of flexibility. But I’d be very surprised if we don’t see Dhruv and Rishabh playing in this Test this week.”India played three allrounders in the West Indies series, in Jadeja, Washington and Reddy. In that, Reddy only batted once and bowled just four overs. He went on the white-ball tour of Australia after that, but a back injury cut short his participation to just the first two ODIs. He has since recovered, though, and is fit to play in Kolkata.Through the West Indies series, India said they were looking at Reddy as a long-term prospect as a seam-bowling allrounder, and were looking to give him as much game time as possible, even in home Tests, to help him grow as a Test cricketer. This series against South Africa, the World Test Championship [WTC] holders, may not give India the chance to pick a player with an eye on long-term development.”The primary thing is to set out a strategy to win the game, and then if you can accommodate giving guys a chance for development, that comes in,” ten Doeschate said. “Our position certainly hasn’t changed on Nitish. He didn’t get much game time in [the white-ball series in] Australia, but I would say, given the importance of the series and given the conditions we think we’re going to face, he might miss out in this Test this week.”South Africa come to India on the back of a 1-1 Test result in Pakistan, where their three main spinners – Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy – picked up 33 wickets between them in two Tests, with all three averaging below 22. Ten Doeschate felt these three would present a stiff challenge, and said India’s batters were looking to improve how they play spin, particularly in the wake of last year’s 3-0 home-series defeat to New Zealand.”[M]ost likely they’ll play three [spinners], and it’s a little bit like playing against a subcontinent team,” ten Doeschate said. “You normally worry about the pace attack first [when you face South Africa]. And I’m pretty sure they’ll go with two seamers and three […] spinners.”But that is also the challenge when you’re playing in the subcontinent. It’s something as a team that we need to get better [at]. We addressed it early on. We’ve come up short a few times, so it’s a great challenge. Hopefully we’ve learned from the New Zealand series. We’ve put some plans into place [about] how to play the spin. And you’re right, it’s going to be so important over these two games, particularly how well they did in Pakistan about four weeks ago.”

Manchester United are now on red alert in the race to sign a Real Madrid star ahead of Manchester City in a shock £69m deal next year.

Amorim "angry" at "frustrating" West Ham draw

Like the rest of Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim was left angered by Man United’s 1-1 draw against West Ham. The Red Devils were in control for the large part and deservedly got their opener through unlikely goalscorer Diogo Dalot in the second-half, but that’s when things started going wrong.

With seven minutes remaining, the visitors sent a timely reminder of United’s struggles courtesy of Soungoutou Magassa, who scored his first Premier League goal to snatch a point for West Ham.

Amorim, left frustrated at full-time, told reporters: “Yeah, it’s frustrating, it’s angry. That’s it.”

The former Sporting CP manager also pinpointed where things went wrong, saying: “Yeah, but there are second halves that we lose control of the game.

“Today, I think it was not that case. Maybe after the first goal, we lost some second balls and Matheus [Cunha] won one or two second balls there and made it a transition.

“We try to defend all the time far from the goal because we knew it. They tried to make a cross, win a corner. Like it happened, long ball, they win a second ball against three guys of us in the defence. So, we need to be better in the second half.”

Any assumption that United have turned a corner under Amorim is quickly evaporating and the Old Trafford boss desperately needs further reinforcements in 2026.

Midfield stars such as Conor Gallagher and Elliot Anderson have already been mooted, but United could still set their focus on welcoming Rodrygo from Real Madrid. The Brazilian is attracting plenty of interest and could yet swap the Bernabeu for the Premier League.

Man Utd on red alert in Rodrygo race

According to reports in Spain, Man United are now on red alert in the race to sign Rodrygo next year and could land the talented winger ahead of rivals Man City, as well as a number of other Premier League sides.

The Brazilian has struggled for game time under Xabi Alonso – starting just three La Liga games all season – and looks destined to leave Real Madrid next year.

Sparking a flurry of interest, Madrid reportedly value their winger at around €80m (£69m). Whether INEOS and others deem that fee reachable for a player who’s yet to impress Alonso remains to be seen, however.

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The Red Devils have joined the race for a new attacker, who has made an impressive start to the campaign.

Posts ByDominic Lund Dec 5, 2025

At his best, Rodrygo played a key part in Madrid’s success in the Champions League and in La Liga. Now, he’s been cast aside to hand United the opportunity to land arguably their best signing yet under Amorim.

Dubbed “spectacular” by former Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti in 2023, Rodrygo is still just 24 years old and is full of potential – even if he’s forced to realise it with a move to Old Trafford in 2026.

Amorim's £150k-p/w star just had his worst game for Man Utd vs West Ham