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Lancashire took the spoils in front of a record home crowd despite Joe Root’s late-innings heroics and a thrilling finish at Old Trafford

Paul Edwards at Old Trafford20-Jul-2018
ScorecardOn evenings such as this it is perhaps worth remembering that Liam Livingstone esteems his red-ball cricket above the shorter formats. Certainly as his six sixes sailed into the stands at Emirates Old Trafford the majority of the 22,515 spectators would have found that preference difficult to credit. Then again, they probably didn’t care. All that mattered to Lancashire Lightning’s fans was that Livingstone’s 37-ball 79 was taking his side most of the way to their colossal score of 176 for 2 in a game reduced by early rain to 14 overs-a-side.Yet so coolly do batsmen regard an asking-rate of 12.57 runs per over in short-form cricket these days – this game’s 28 overs included 23 maximums – that Yorkshire’s batsmen came within one boundary of overhauling Lancashire’s score. Indeed, had Kane Williamson hit the last ball of the innings for four, visiting supporters would have been celebrating a magnificent victory. As it was, Lancashire’s left-arm seamer Toby Lester managed his jangling nerves and restricted Williamson to a couple of runs. Rarely can a cricketer have celebrated bowling three overs for 48 runs quite so ecstatically.Talking T20 Podcast

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“I’ve never felt that that,” Livingstone said. “I was stood at long-on feeling sick. It’s probably up there with one of the best games I’ve played in. Toby changed his plan and bowled yorkers at the finish and it was great for him to perform under the pressure of a Roses game. We’ve now won five on the trot and we’re flying.”But amid the euphoria of the home victory, Lancashire’s fifth in six North Group games this season, there was also proper credit paid to Yorkshire’s batsmen for their extraordinary pursuit. Adam Lyth got things going in grand style by whacking half a dozen sixes in his 26-ball 60 but arguably the most impressive innings was played by Joe Root, whose 22-ball 51 not out proved that orthodox strokes can be quite as effective as clubbing, even when chasing down a massive score.It was no night for bowlers and not much of a one for fielders. Only Steve Patterson conceded less than ten runs an over and Yorkshire’s spinners, Adil Rashid and Azeem Rafiq, were particularly wayward, their four overs costing 61 runs. However, Matt Parkinson and Steven Parry disappeared for only ten runs fewer, although Parkinson dismissed both Lyth and David Willey, the first caught at long-on by Livingstone, the second stumped by Buttler for 20. At that point the leg-spinner was on a hat-trick, but it is doubtful if many people noticed that either.Only three catches were taken all night but the one not properly attempted was decisive. In the first over of Lancashire’s innings Livingstone skied Willey to deepish extra cover. Williamson, Lyth and Patterson all ran to within a few yards of the ball – and left it to each other. Livingstone had made 4.Liam Livingstone set Yorkshire a formidable target•Getty ImagesIt was also a pretty damaging night for Old Trafford’s fabric. With when a record crowd filling Old Trafford – the largest for any T20 game outside London excluding Finals Day – the frame of the press box was hit by one of Liam Plunkett’s sixes and the window of the Radio Lancashire box was whacked by Jos Buttler’s only maximum before the ball dropped on to the Yorkshire balcony, from where Martyn Moxon, the county’s director of cricket, returned it to the field. The 7500 folk in the precipitous Foster’s Party Stand, a massive structure which could double as a ski-jump in the winter, also welcomed sixes from each side.And all of this was missed by Steven Croft, who was left out of Lancashire’s side after making 148 consecutive appearances since his debut in June 2006, an impressive sequence which has left him 11 short of the world record currently held by Suresh Raina of the Chennai Super Kings. Lancashire’s former captain watched the match from the balcony and may have reflected that this was not the short-form game he played a dozen years ago. And in less than a decade you can bet it will be different again.

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly edging closer to securing their next permanent head coach at Ibrox after they made the decision to part ways with Michael Beale.

What's the latest on Philippe Clement to Rangers?

According to Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad, the Light Blues have made a 'concrete' offer to Philippe Clement to become their new manager this week.

The report claims that the former AS Monaco head coach is now in pole position to land the job and a decision will be made by the impressive tactician 'shortly'.

It also states that he had held talks with Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab last week but the Belgian tactician does not look set to make the switch away from Europe, which has opened the door for the Scottish giants to make their move.

Chief executive James Bisgrove could now secure a blinder by completing this swoop for Clement as the 4-4-2 boss' track record suggests that he is a big upgrade on Beale.

How many trophies has Clement won?

The 49-year-old tinkerer has won seven trophies throughout his managerial career and showcased his ability to lead teams to title success on more than one occasion.

He has lifted four league titles in his home country and three of those came in succession between the 2018/19 and 2020/21 campaigns for Club Brugge and Genk.

Belgian football consultant Scott Coyne described Clement as a "proven" winner and stated that he has the right character to grasp the opportunity to manage Rangers and hit the ground running.

Matches

172

Wins

99

Points

339

Titles

Four

This is backed up by his proven track record of success as a manager as the ex-Brugge chief has an impressive C.V. that indicates he could bring glory back to Ibrox.

How many trophies has Beale won?

Whereas, Beale arrived in Glasgow to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the dugout in 2022 with zero trophies in his managerial career and left the Gers without that changing in the Scottish Premiership or cup competitions.

The English head coach failed to lift a single piece of silverware throughout his time with the Light Blues as their head coach and Clement would come in as a manager who knows what it takes to achieve success.

Beale also struggled in Europe for Rangers with one win and two defeats in four Champions League qualifiers, which resulted in the club's failure to qualify for the group stages.

Clement, on the other hand, has won three and lost one of his six Champions League qualifiers as a manager and has an impressive record of six wins from six Europa League qualifiers.

These statistics show that the Belgian coach knows how to navigate European competitions to qualify for the group stages, whether that is the Champions League or the Europa League.

Therefore, the 4-4-2 Light Blues target would be a big upgrade on Beale as he would arrive with a proven track record of success, domestically and in Europe, which is something that did not come with the English boss – who had only managed Queens Park Rangers for 21 league matches at first-team level at that point.

U.S. Soccer fans seem to be excited over their new 2024 home and away kits, but over a decade on, they still long for their 2012/13 'Waldo' shirts.

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Nike releases new USA home and away kitsFans react to new shirts for Olympics and Copa AmericaPulisic & Albert show off new threads on social mediaWHAT HAPPENED?

Nike released their 2024 home and away kits for respective nations around the world on Monday, but the USA kits in particular, have been the center of debate. Ahead of a big summer of soccer, featuring the Paris Olympics and the Copa America, the U.S. now has a new look.

When leaks of the shirts dropped a little over two weeks ago, the reaction wasn't a positive one from the fanbase, but now that the full threads are out and available, fans seem to have changed their mind.

Still, though, it seems as though supporters are still not over the iconic 2013/13 "Where's Waldo" kits – with users on social media longing for the look to return.

AdvertisementNikeWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

@JcMack03 wrote that the new shirts are the "Best kits the #USMNT has had in years" while quoting a picture of the new threads.

User @ChrisArens was one of the few to point out how inclusive the shirts are this year, writing: "It’s not insignificant that U.S. Soccer has chosen to highlight the various national teams they field in this kit launch. It’s subtle but goes a long way. The ENTs have as much pride as anyone when they wear the crest. Truly great to see them represented here."

Meanwhile, user @USACFC_ dubbed them the "best USMNT kits we've had in a decade."

User was one of the many, however, who shared that regardless of what the kit drop looks like, he wants his 2012/13 threads back: "Bring back the Where's Waldo."

@Arsenine_ posted a graphic of what USMNT superstar Christian Pulisic would look like in the 'Waldo Kit,' saying: "It's not that hard."

WHAT THE PUNDITS/CLUBS/PLAYERS/MANAGERS ARE SAYING

The Athletic's Tom Bogert wrote "I really, really like these" when sharing the new threads Monday morning

@KCSoccerJournal – a media outlet covering all things Kansas City Soccer – were big fans of the new away kit, writing "The detail on those classic whites. 🔥🔥"

USA Today columnist @NancyArmour wrote that she is a big fan of the new away kit, but is questioning the design from Nike on the home shirt. "The bomb pop kits are back! Not sure how I feel about the white kits. The detailing is very similar to England and France’s, as if Nike hit upon an idea and called it a day."

Breakout star of the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup for the USWNT, Korbin Albert, was hyped about the new drop, posting on her Instagram feed "Let's goo 🔥🔥" with the shirts.

Instagram/Korbin.Rose_

USMNT star Christian Pulisic himself showed off the new kit on Instagram, posting the photo below to his story feed.

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NikeTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The new shirts give a fresh look to U.S. Soccer, and with two major tournaments on the horizon, they now have unique jerseys to represent their country on the pitch. The away kit is almost an ode to the 2014-15 "Bomb Popsicle" kit with similar colorways and patterns, while the new white home kit is a fresh – yet traditional – American look.

The details on the collar and neck are portrayals of the craft that Nike took to create the shirts, with the American flag present on the sleeve rings, as well as the two former spots.

The USMNT will debut the shirts in the CONCACAF Nations League, and the USWNT in the SheBelieves Cup.

Manchester City appear to be working on their transfer plans ahead of 2024, and a specific target has now been hailed by one reporter.

Man City transfer news; Arthur Vermeeren

The treble winners made a bright start to the new Premier League season, however, back-to-back top-flight defeats to Wolves and Arsenal prior to the international break have left Pep Guardiola’s side in third place. Domestic action returns this weekend, though, with City looking to get back to winning ways when they host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium.

Meanwhile, off the pitch, City appear to be working behind the scenes in regards to 2024 additions to bolster Guardiola’s side even further. Reports earlier this month shared a Man City transfer update on Arthur Vermeeren, claiming Etihad officials have made contact over a move to sign the Royal Antwerp midfielder.

Those in Manchester aren’t the only side keen on the Belgian, though, with journalist Graeme Bailey providing a new Vermeeren transfer update. Bailey, speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, hailed the player, calling him “special” and a “little superstar”, while also citing Man City’s attempts to sign him by making initial contact, however, Arsenal and Tottenham have also made enquiries alongside Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus.

“This guy is special. Antwerp have a little superstar on their hands here in Arthur Vermeeren. He really is, from what I’m being told speaking to scouts, they think he’s special. Our understanding is that Man City, Arsenal and Tottenham have all enquired about him, so have Bayern Munich, Dortmund and Juventus, Barcelona as well who looked in the summer at him.”

Arthur Vermeeren profiled…

Vermeeren is primarily a central midfielder who can also turn out in a defensive midfield role and has been on the books with Royal Antwerp since 2018. Still just 18 years of age, the player has enjoyed a phenomenal rise over the past 12 months, with his Transfermarkt valuation going from €500,000 to €17m in the space of a year. (Arthur Vermeeren profile – Transfermarkt)

Now a senior Belgium international, Vermeeren is one appearance shy of 50 for Antwerp, contributing to nine goals for his current employers. He has also impressed in this season’s Champions League group stages, providing two assists in as many games. (Arthur Vermeeren stats – Transfermarkt)

Bailey isn’t the only fan of Vermeeren, though, with teammate and former Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld praising the midfielder, saying:

"Do I sometimes watch with my mouth open? Certainly. Everyone knows perfectly what to do when in possession of the ball and when losing the ball. Then the qualities of such a boy come to the fore. What he shows at his age is fantastic. I have rarely seen that."

Therefore, if City manage to win the race for Vermeeren’s services, they could have a real star on their hands, so it looks as if his future will be one to keep an eye on in 2024.

It has not been a prolific year for Kent’s top order, but they put in a strong collective show on a pitch that offered bowlers little

Jon Culley29-Aug-2018
ScorecardThe stat of the day here explains quite a lot about why Kent entered the final third of the Championship season with the same win-loss-draw record as Warwickshire, the leaders, but with 15 fewer points in third place. The close-of-play score already represents their second highest first-innings total of the year, only the second to generate more than one batting bonus point. In making it, they raised their total batting points by two thirds, from six to 10.Fortunately, they have the most potent attack in the country to cover any shortfall with the bat, bolstered here by the return of Matt Henry for his second stint of the Championship. The New Zealand pace bowler took 49 wickets in six matches in his first spell, with another 16 in the Royal London Cup for good measure.Which is why, one assumes, Derbyshire have prepared a pitch the colour of bleached straw, hoping to blunt those weapons. Kent, naturally, chose to toss the coin and were not about to look a gift horse in the mouth when the call went their way and two batsmen in particular reaped the benefits, one of them capitalising on another gift.Zak Crawley, opening the innings with Daniel Bell-Drummond dropping down the order after a run of poor form, was frustrated in the 90s for the second time this season with a maiden hundred in his sights, falling leg before to a full, straight ball from Tony Palladino.The tall, right-hander, not yet 21, was palpably disappointed. He had played with a promising assuredness at times during his innings but having gone to 91 with a top-edge for six he began to look tentative. His time, though, will surely come.Joe Denly, though, did complete his hundred, his third of the season in the Championship, having punished Derbyshire in the most severe way after being dropped first ball, edging to third slip where Matt Critchley spilled one at ankle height.Had it stuck, Kent would have been 4 for 2 in the third over following Sean Dickson’s dismissal, leg before to a ball from Hardus Viljoen that he tried to flick off his pads. No wonder Viljoen looked less than impressed. It was a day when such chances were always likely to be in short supply.Viljoen did take his revenge, although not until five and a half hours later, by which time Denly had hit 12 boundaries in his 106 and Kent had moved on to 283.The conditions prompted Derbyshire to include an extra spinner, bringing in the 17-year-old offspinner, Hamidullah Qadri and leaving out Ravi Rampaul, who suffered breathing difficulties in his last match but was declared fit to play. Kent included Adam Riley for only his third match of the season, in place of Darren Stevens.Critchley bowled tidily without finding much turn; Qadri was punished heavily by Heino Kuhn in his first over and was only given a couple more but did beat the bat a couple of times and will hope for another chance.To their credit, Derbyshire’s bowlers can congratulate themselves on fighting back well in the final session, which yielded four wickets as Kent went from 273 for 2 to 331 for 6, at one stage. The pitch may be flat but there is not a lot of pace off the bat, so little in fact that Derbyshire were content to keep plugging away with the old ball long after the new one became available.After Denly was bowled off an inside edge by Viljoen, Kuhn was leg before with an ugly shot across the line to Palladino, Sam Billings was hit in front trying to paddle Alex Hughes and Harry Podmore was beaten for pace by Lockie Ferguson.The other change in the Derbyshire line-up saw Tom Lace in for Ben Slater, who has moved to Nottinghamshire. Lace has shown some promise playing for Middlesex 2nd XI yet is 20 years old and has no first-class experience. He arrives on loan with a strong recommendation from Angus Fraser, the Middlesex director of cricket, although one can imagine there might be a few young prospects in Derbyshire’s 2nd XI who are feeling disappointed not to have been given a chance.

Wolverhampton Wanderers were strongly associated with a move for Southampton centre-forward Che Adams over the summer, and a fresh report has delivered an update on the club's pursuit ahead of January.

Che Adams' future at Southampton

The St. Mary’s Stadium attacker first put pen to paper on the south coast when he joined from Championship side Birmingham City back in 2019, and he’s since gone on to make a total of 157 senior appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Adams statistics).

However, Scotland’s international will have reached the expiration of his deal at the end of the season (Southampton contracts), and despite being offered fresh terms for a further three years, which includes being handed the status of vice-captain, he’s refused to admit whether he’ll sign it or leave.

The Old Gold, alongside Premier League rivals Everton, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, were all credited with an interest in the 27-year-old over the summer, and whilst a deal failed to materialise before the deadline, there’s a strong possibility that he could be on the move at the start of next year.

Russell Martin’s star has emerged as his boss’ second best-performing offensive player so far this term (WhoScored – Southampton statistics), but with only one more opportunity available to cash in, Gary O’Neil has been put on alert at Molineux.

Wolves still keen on deal for Che Adams

According to The Telegraph (via Football League World), Wolves are plotting another swoop for Adams in January. The Midlands outfit "could make a move" for the striker at the turn of the new year, with the club potentially "back in" to secure his services considering the uncertainty surrounding his contract situation.

O'Neil is looking to bolster his ranks with a new number nine and chiefs still have their former target "on their radar", though it's likely that he will have more than one potential suitor during the upcoming transfer window.

Adams has been a "phenomenon" for Saints

Since first bursting onto the professional scene, Adams has racked up 123 contributions (88 goals and 35 assists), with his prolific form in the final third having seen him dubbed a “phenomenon” by Southampton's former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, but he can offer more than just hitting the back of the net.

The Leicester-born talent, who pockets £30k-per-week (Southampton salaries), is a versatile operator having been deployed everywhere across the frontline and even in attacking midfield over the course of his career, making him a useful option to have in the building should injury cover be needed in roles outside of his own.

Plays the ball off the ground often

Likes to play long balls

Likes to do flick ons

Commits fouls often (Data via WhoScored)

Furthermore, Adams shares the same representative, Unique Sports Group, as Craig Dawson, Daniel Bentley and Tommy Doyle (Wolves agents), so this existing connection that his management has to the club could give the board a small advantage over their fellow competitors should they indeed decide to pursue a deal in January.

Pep Guardiola is reportedly planning to leave his role as Manchester City manager when his current contract expires in 2025.

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Guardiola set to leave at end of contractBacked to follow Jurgen Klopp in taking a break from footballMan City facing 115 charges of FFP breachesWHAT HAPPENED?

Guardiola will bring an end to his nine-year trophy-laden spell as City boss in 2025, when he reaches the end of his current contract with the club, according to Football Insider. The former Barcelona boss is also being tipped to follow in Jurgen Klopp's footsteps by taking a break from football after he departs. Guardiola also took a sabbatical after he left Barcelona in 2012 before moving on and joining Bayern Munich.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Manchester City will face a tough challenge replacing Guardiola. The Catalan coach has delivered five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League during his time at the club, with the Cityzens currently on course for another treble. Yet there is potential trouble looming in the shape of the 115 Premier League charges the club are facing for alleged FFP violations. It has been claimed that the club could face a hefty points deduction if found guilty. The charges are expected to be heard in the autumn.

Getty DID YOU KNOW?

Guardiola has spent longer at Manchester City than any other team he has managed. The legendary coach took charge of Barcelona for four years and spent three years in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY AND GUARDIOLA

There's already been speculation about who could replace Guardiola when he finally decides his time with Manchester City is over. Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has been touted as a potential successor along with Mikel Arteta, Zinedine Zidane and Julian Nagelsmann. Former City captain Vincent Kompany has also been mentioned but has insisted he's "way down the rankings."

Three days after the league’s president stepped down, the PCB’s new chairman Ehsan Mani has written to the ICC seeking reassurance about the league ‘being clean’

Umar Farooq22-Sep-2018The PCB will not allow their players to participate in this year’s T10 League unless the board is satisfied about the finances behind the league. It is the second significant development ahead of the second edition of the T10 League, after the league’s president, Salman Iqbal – also a major investor in the tournament – stepped down citing a lack of “transparency” and “proper systems and monitoring”. The new PCB chairman Ehsan Mani has written to the ICC seeking reassurances about the league “being clean”.”I am holding back my position [on providing an NOC to the Pakistani players to participate in the T10] until I am fully satisfied with specifics on whose money is fueling this league,” Mani told reporters in Dubai. “In fact, I have asked the ICC for reassurance because they have sanctioned it and I need it in writing that they are totally satisfied that this league has no such element that can bring Pakistan players into dispute. Unfortunately, [our players] get trapped [into sinister machinations often] so my top priority is to protect my players as, for us, reputation of Pakistan is far more important.”The T10 League, a 10-overs-a-side format introduced by private cricket organisers in Sharjah, made its debut late last year, and the success of its opening season has led to an increase from six teams to eight and from a 13-match tournament held over four days to a 28-game event over ten days. The PCB had levied a fee of $400,000 USD on the league and, for extending its support, they are supposed to get another $600,000 (USD).Iqbal, the owner of the ARY Media Group and the Pakistan Super League’s second-most expensive team, Karachi Kings, struck a deal with UAE-based businessman Shaji ul Mulk for launching the league last year. The second edition is set to run from November 23 to December 2. Prominent players like Rashid Khan, Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum and Andre Russell have committed to taking part this season. On Monday, the eight franchises gathered in Dubai for a mini draft to pick their icon players and choose four players to retain from their 2017 squads.However, in a surprise move, Iqbal resigned from the position of president on September 19, and disassociated himself from all its operations. His presence in the league was a major driver in pulling in Pakistani players managing to rope in a number of the top nationally contracted players.Initially the PCB wasn’t willing to allow its players to take part since it clashed with the commercial interests of the PSL in the UAE. But Iqbal, despite having a stake in the PSL, managed to convince the then PCB chairman Najam Sethi to let them participate. Sethi, who was in charge of the board until last month, had committed to the T10 that the board would release its players for the second edition. The commitment, however, now stands revoked under the new chairman.”I don’t understand the rationale behind that. On what basis did [the board] commit Pakistan [players to the T10 League]?” asked Mani. “I think the only criteria that was considered was how much money the PCB and the players will get. The players’ workload wasn’t taken into account.”All the leagues that Pakistani players participate in, I am getting them re-examined. Whichever league our players are involved in, we need to find out with due diligence who are running the leagues and whether they are really credible. This wasn’t done before [with regards to the T10 League] as there is not a single piece paper that can tell me who are these people are behind the T10 League.”The board has also barred its players from participating in the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) starting from October 5, in Sharjah. In an email sent by the PCB to Kamran Akmal, the PCB intimated that only players who have retired from all formats are allowed to participate in the tournament. Allrounder Shahid Afridi, along with Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan, Faheem Ashraf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Sohail Tanvir, Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez were picked in the APL draft earlier this month.

Playing his final innings in Test cricket, the England opener is 46 not out, with all of England waiting with bated breath for century No. 33

The Report by Alagappan Muthu09-Sep-2018Alastair Cook has a lovely smile. There’s a kind of mischief to it, as if he knows something you don’t and he’s utterly pleased with himself for it. He flashed one after absolutely middling the final ball before tea at The Oval and walked off. England finished the day 154 runs ahead. More importantly, if only for this Test, he was 46 not out.Playing his 291st and final innings, he’d got off the mark with a trademark flick off the pads and the crowd came to its feet once again. A good portion of them had been hanging out by the stairs leading up to the England dressing room after India had been bowled out for 292 in their first innings, thanks to Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 86.Cameras were out. Goosebumps were visible. And applause rang out. A wave of it, rising ever higher and bathing the former England captain with an energy that only a live performer can understand. It’s magic. Truly. And if you’re skeptical, watch the three deliveries that preceded Cook blunting Mohammed Shami to end the session. Pitched up, angled in and seaming away, they demanded a shot from the batsman. They deserved an edge each time. But it didn’t happen.It couldn’t happen. Not today. Not to Cook.So Shami smiled as well and settled for the wicket of Keaton Jennings, bowled playing no shot. The opener’s series ends with seven of his nine innings yielding less than 25, and while there are genuine issues – he’s been dismissed leaving the ball twice in two Tests, so a lot of them must be in the mind – it is also important to note that he’s been dealing with some extremely good bowlers. They are accurate. And unlike previously, there are precious few opportunities for easy runs. In fact, two of India’s 10 best economy-rates since the turn of the century, while touring, have come in 2018.They could afford to focus all of their attention of picking up wickets thanks to their own efforts during a tail-end fightback. England began the day with a lead of 158 but Jadeja whittled that figure down to a mere 40 and took great pleasure doing so. When he reached his half-century, he dusted off his bat – it had been a while since he’s played international cricket – and whirled it around like a sword. England must be uncomfortably used to that celebration by now. After all, it was unveiled for the very first time about 10 miles from The Oval, back in 2014.Jadeja’s innings then was thrill-a-minute, in a match situation where he and his team had all to gain and nothing to lose. Here, they had to show fight – and an aptitude for defence – with the Test going against them. And he was more than up for it. The man faced 133 deliveries – 83 of were left alone or fell harmlessly by his feet.But, as will be custom with a player of his charisma – the Bharat Army sang “oooh Raavi Jadeeeeeja” the moment he strode out to the middle – it is the attacking shots that stand out. The six he hit straight back over James Anderson’s head or the cut off Moeen Ali, when he read the length so early and moved into position so quickly. There was also one gorgeous moment when he was at the non-strikers’ end and Jasprit Bumrah kept out a barrage of inswingers from Stuart Broad. Jadeja lifted his bat up and banged his fist into it, appreciating his team-mate’s determination. India’s last wicket added 32 runs off 55 balls. The No. 11 faced only 14 of them and scored 0.Jadeja looks comfortable as a batsman now. He has more trust in his technique, which is allowing him to spend more time at the crease, which in turn means he is giving himself the best chance to score runs. The debutant Hanuma Vihari worked that out for himself this morning and started allowing the ball to come to him, letting it swing before committing to a shot. He looked far removed from the batsman who had originally made his way out to the middle and promptly fallen over his front foot to be trapped plumb in front for 0. But umpire Joel Wilson, and England, offered him a lifeline. He made the most of it to score a 56 off 124 balls. As well as India fought back, there was one rather foul moment: the captain Virat Kohli burned both reviews within 12 overs and may well come to rue his judgment.It’s been hard work for batsmen in these five games. There have been 53 sessions – only four of them have been wicket-less. In the second innings here, England were not in control of 20 of the first 54 balls they faced. The odds are piled high and the expectation is palpable. After 161 Tests, Cook has all of England waiting with bated breath. There couldn’t be a better time for century number 33.

Arsenal have identified an "extraordinary" new top target as manager Mikel Arteta plots a different role for summer signing Declan Rice.

Arsenal transfer plans for 2024

The north Londoners have reportedly set their sights on upgrades for a few key positions next year. Arteta, as he seeks to maintain Arsenal's status as an elite English side, wants to sign a new striker for Arsenal and holds a serious interest in Brentford star Ivan Toney. A right-wing alternative to Bukayo Saka has also been mooted by sections of the press, with Wolves winger Pedro Neto targeted by the Gunners.

However, with Thomas Partey considering a January exit, at least according to recent reports, it is believed a new midfielder arriving could be possible next year as well. Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, Royal Antwerp sensation Arthur Vermeeren, and Fluminese's Andre are rumoured Arsenal transfer targets in this regard, and talkSPORT pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Arsenal's Champions League status could well attract midfielders of their calibre. Speaking to Football Insider this week, he gave his verdict on the odds of Andre joining Arsenal over Liverpool.

"I would say Arsenal are a more attractive option for someone like Andre," said the former Aston Villa striker.

"They’re playing Champions League football, they’re higher in the league. They’re London-based, which is another key factor. At the moment, I’d say Arsenal are more attractive. The manager is building something with fantastic players coming in, and I think more and more big players will choose Arsenal.”

Speaking of new midfield targets, it is now believed that Arsenal have hatched a pretty ambitious plan.

Arsenal identify top target Tchouameni

Indeed, it is now believed they really want to sign Real Madrid superstar Aurelien Tchouameni. The Frenchman is apparently Arsenal's top target for 2024, according to Football Transfers, and while they recognise a deal will be difficult to do, Emirates Stadium officials don't think it's impossible to pull off.

This apparently comes as Arteta plots a new position for club-record signing Rice, as he aims to push the England international further forward in a similar number 8 role to former midfielder Granit Xhaka. The Frenchman has starred under Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu, playing in all 10 of their La Liga matches so far while ranking among their best performers according to WhoScored.

Tchouameni's Real Madrid wages of £119,000-per-week wouldn't be that difficult to accommodate, but it will be very interesting to see if club president Florentino Perez even entertains the notion of selling. The 23-year-old has also been praised by Paul Pogba as an "extraordinary" talent.

"Very, very good. He's not a boy, he's a man," Pogba told Ouest-France after playing alongside him for France at international level (via The Daily Mail).

"It was a pleasure to play next to him. He brings a lot of energy. A lot of energy, extraordinary technical and physical quality. 'We wish him to play lots of matches and that I am always at his side."