Tag Futebol

Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time and has played in some iconic stadiums during his career. The Argentine has controlled games of football since 2004, starring for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and now Inter Miami, with fans from all across the world flocking to stadiums to watch the attacker in action.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner won four Champions League titles with Barcelona and has played in plenty of countries across Europe, coming up against some raucous crowds during that time.

AI predicts how many Ballon d'Ors Messi would've won if he played with Ronaldo

AI tool ChatGPT has taken a look at how Lionel Messi would have fared alongside his long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo

ByRobbie Walls Jul 11, 2025

Interestingly, Messi actually picked out one Scottish giant as “the best atmosphere in Europe”, with the Argentina icon playing at both Celtic Park and Ibrox during his time as a Barcelona player.

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In 2007, Messi played in a 0-0 Champions League group stage draw with Rangers in his only visit to Ibrox.

He fared much better on the other side of Glasgow against Celtic, though, scoring braces in victories in 2008 and 2016, while also getting on the scoresheet in a shock 2-1 defeat in 2012.

He came up against Fraser Forster as the Hoops defeated Barcelona, with Messi later admitting he was left shocked by the goalkeeper’s display that evening.

“The performance of Fraser Forster against us was talked about for a long time. There was one game in Scotland when he was not human, it was the best goalkeeping performance I have seen. When Victor Valdes said that he was leaving Barcelona we even talked about him playing here.”

Messi decides between Celtic and Rangers for best atmosphere

Talking in 2015, Messi was asked to name the best stadium atmosphere he has ever experienced as a player. He named Celtic over Rangers, describing Parkhead as “special”, “a tough place to go” and “the best” in Europe.

Messi, who is now with Inter Miami in the United States of America, may never play at Parkhead again, but his three visits to Glasgow certainly left a mark on one of the best footballers to ever play the game.

Pakistan slumped to 24 for six in the first four overs before finishing with 64 for nine

Danyal Rasool14-Nov-2024It was a shortened game at the Gabba, and Australia made short work of it. After persistent rain and lightning delayed the start by nearly three hours and reduced the game to a seven-over shootout, Australia inflicted a crushing 29-run defeat upon Pakistan. Glenn Maxwell, who struggled in the preceding ODI series, blasted his way through the innings with 43 off 19, before Pakistan slumped to 24 for six in the first four overs before finishing with 64 for nine.Mohammad Rizwan called correctly at the toss and unsurprisingly put Australia in. But the hosts had a clarity of purpose from the outset, looking to hit a boundary off every ball, aware that wickets didn’t really matter as much. Shaheen Shah Afridi was plundered for 16 off his first over to set the tone, and though Haris Rauf’s tight first over had Maxwell flailing, the tide would turn soon.Maxwell deployed the reverse slog expertly, using the bowlers’ pace to get his shots away. Afridi was spectacularly dismissed over third man for six, before he ripped into Rauf, his ODI tormentor, smashing 19 off his second over. When he holed out to Abbas Afridi, Tim David and Marcus Stoinis picked up the baton, with Stoinis’ 20 off Naseem in the final over seeing Australia surge to 93.Xavier Bartlett stuck twice in his first over back for Australia•Getty ImagesPakistan began the innings with Sahibzada Farhan biffing two boundaries off the first two balls, but that’s as good as the chase got for the visitors. Spencer Johnson got him two balls later. It began a remarkable passage of play where five wickets fell in 12 balls for eight runs. Mohammad Rizwan sliced Xavier Bartlett to backward point for a duck, and Usman Khan sent one down deep third man’s throat later in the over.Babar Azam – who came in at number three – miscued a half-volley down to long-off off Nathan Ellis’ first ball, with Irfan Khan joining him two balls later. When Salman Ali Agha, debutant and vice-captain, skied one off Ellis, Pakistan were staring down the barrel of an enormous defeat, despite the heavily curtailed nature of the game.But Pakistan managed to restore some respectability to the scoreline in the final three overs, primarily when Haseebullah Khan and Abbas managed 18 off the fifth over. Wickets would continue to fall, though, with Ellis snaring Haseebullah for his third wicket. When Adam Zampa came in to bowl the final over, Shaheen managed to smear one over long-on for six, but in an innings characterised by clumps of wickets falling quickly, that Zampa signed off with consecutive wickets of his final two balls was a fitting end.

Serie A heavyweights AC Milan have identified one Tottenham star as a potential priority signing this summer, and they’ve been given some encouragement by his stance on joining Massimiliano Allegri at the San Siro.

Tottenham pull U-turn over signing "beautiful" player amid Thomas Frank issue

Spurs’ manager faces a headache.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 9, 2025

Spurs boss Thomas Frank already faces the prospect of losing a couple of noteworthy names before deadline day on September 1.

Atlético Madrid are not easing up on their interest in Cristian Romero, according to recent reports, with Spanish newspaper AS stating earlier this week that the La Liga side are in ongoing negotiations to sign the Argentine.

Daniel Levy remains a significant roadblock in Diego Simeone’s pursuit of Romero, but Atlético are very keen on signing the 27-year-old, so this could be one to watch all the way to the latter stages of this summer.

Meanwhile, Son Heung-min could bring an end to his decade-long stay at Spurs too.

Son has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia and Los Angeles FC recently, with Levy reportedly placing a £50 million price tag on the South Korean’s head. An offer too good to refuse will surely strike debate among the Spurs hierarchy, considering Son has entered the final 12 months of his contract.

This window represents the final chance for them to make any money back off Son’s sale, and despite his cult hero status, the north Londoners could be forced into a purely business decision.

Uncertainty also surrounds the future of Tottenham striker Richarlison, as it is believed by some South American news sources that Frank’s side are actively trying to sell him after an injury-ridden campaign (Jorge Nicola).

Frank’s squad could look fairly different by the start of his debut campaign in the dugout, with Milan now expressing a serious interest in left-back Destiny Udogie.

AC Milan identify Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie as top target

As per The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, the Italy international has shot right to the top of the Rossoneri’s target list, and Milan are “dreaming” of signing him.

Tottenham do not wish to part company with Udogie given his first-team status, but the prospect of a return to Italy with Milan is said to be tempting the 22-year-old.

Udogie is very open to joining Milan, and having the opportunity to work with Allegri is particularly appealing to the left-back. That being said, the seven-time Champions League winners may still need to fork out a substantial fee.

The ex-Udinese starlet’s agent, Stefano Antonelli, told TUTTOmercatoWEB that Spurs will likely demand a fee north of £43 million to even consider selling Udogie.

He could still have a crucial role to play for Frank as well. The tactician would need to turn to either Djed Spence or Ben Davies to fill the void left by Udogie’s potential exit, unless Spurs sign a replacement, so Levy will be taking this into account amid Milan’s admiration.

Udogie enjoyed a phenomenal debut 2023/2024 season under Ange Postecoglou too, with pundit Ian Wright heaping praise on the player.

“You know someone who has to get some love as well for going under the radar, Udogie,” explained the Arsenal legend on his Wrighty’s House podcast in late 2023.

“You watch Spurs and they have put together some players that you look at and think it’s a team that are shutting up everything. He has given them stability and a progression of the ball that is very impressive. The man is going under the radar. I cannot wait to see this guy, I can’t wait to see him live.”

أوضحت التدريبات الختامية لـ منتخب مصر الثاني بقيادة حلمي طولان، التشكيل المتوقع للفراعنة في المباراة الودية الثانية أمام تونس، المقرر إقامتها مساء اليوم الثلاثاء.

ويلعب منتخب مصر الثاني المشارك في بطولة كأس العرب القادمة، ضد تونس، في لقاء ودي، على ملعب استاد هيئة قناة السويس بالإسماعيلية.

طالع| تشكيل منتخب مصر الثاني أمام تونس وديا.. الشحات وناصر منسي في الهجوم

وكان منتخب مصر، واجه تونس في مباراة ودية أولى، يوم السبت الماضي، وفاز بهدف دون رد، سجله محمد مجدي أفشة.

ومن المقرر أن يلعب حلمي طولان، بنفس طريقة المباراة الأولى، بتواجد ثلاثي في الخط الدفاعي مع الظهيرين عمر جابر وكريم حافظ، يتواجد في الخط الهجومي محمد مجدي أفشة وحسام حسن.

طالع | حلمي طولان: أحيي ثنائي منتخب مصر على الالتزام.. وتونس فريق قوي جدًا تشكيل منتخب مصر الثاني المتوقع أمام تونس اليوم

حراسة المرمى: أحمد الشناوي.

خط الدفاع: كريم حافظ ومحمود الونش وأحمد سامي ومحمود رزق وعمر جابر.

خط الوسط: أكرم توفيق ومحمد النني وعمرو السولية.

خط الهجوم: محمد مجدي أفشة وحسام حسن.

يذكر، أن من المقرر أن بطولة كأس العرب، في قطر ستنطلق في الأول من شهر ديسمبر المقبل، وأسفرت القرعة عن تواجد منتخب مصر  الثالثة مع منتخبات الأردن والإمارات والفائز من (الكويت ضد موريتانيا).

There was a point during the overtures of the summer transfer window that Liverpool were clear ahead of any hopefuls in the race for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.

Liverpool are considered frontrunners in the race to sign the French forward, but Chelsea and Manchester United are also locked in negotiations with the Bundesliga club and the player’s representatives.

It’s an open race, and one which the Anfield side will be frustrated that they cannot advance in, given Darwin Nunez still sits firmly in Arne Slot’s squad. The Uruguayan striker is expected to leave the club this summer but, despite interest from Serie A and the Saudi Pro League, real progress has not yet happened.

Luckily, not much should change on the Ekitike front just yet, with his employers standing firm on their €100m (£85m) price tag – a valuation they don’t seem keen to meet.

Since Nunez is all but set to go, it would be wise for the Reds to search for alternatives, and Viktor Gyokeres is a name that has been bandied about.

Liverpool's interest in Viktor Gyokeres

Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League and does have the capacity to double down on their staggering £150m valuation of Alexander Isak.

Thus, alternatives like Ekitike and Sporting’s Gyokeres have been mapped out, and the latter is certainly an attractive option, given he has scored 97 goals across 102 appearances for the Portuguese club.

Arsenal and Manchester United have both shown more concrete interest than Liverpool in recent weeks, even if the Reds are keen, with the Gunners sure to be emboldened by the striker’s intimation that he would rather move to the Emirates than Old Trafford.

There’s no doubt that Gyokeres would prove an upgrade on Nunez, whose natural talent hasn’t been enough to make things click in England’s top flight, but the former is 27 and Sporting chiefs want his €100m (£85m) release clause met, which would put him in the same park as Ekitike.

Liverpool reportedly made contact with the Sweden international back in May, though there are concerns that his ridiculous rate of scoring would struggle to translate into Premier League life, and that’s why Liverpool have made contact with an exciting upgrade.

Liverpool open talks for Nunez replacement

As per the latest from TEAMtalk, Liverpool believe they have found a way to offload Nunez and solve their quest for a number nine at the same time.

Indeed, that’s by offering the 25-year-old, along with Federico Chiesa, to Napoli in return for Victor Osimhen, with talks having already happened regarding a potential swap deal.

Osimhen, 26, has just completed a successful loan spell with Galatasaray after a divorce from the Naples side, and his summer transfer is a given.

Valued at £60m, the Nigerian goalscorer is more affordable than the other forwards we’ve mentioned, and if Nunez, Chiesa or both are included in the package, he would be cheaper still.

Why Liverpool should sign Victor Osimhen

Frugality has been something that dissenters have targeted FSG with for a while, but who can say Liverpool’s owners have been anything but ambitious in the market thus far this month?

Even so, there’s a lot going on in the Anfield offices, and the coffers aren’t inexhaustible. Osimhen represents an affordable deal for an elite-level marksman.

Ekitike has a high ceiling, but the Frenchman isn’t as refined as Napoli’s man right now, and perhaps Osimhen is also more accomplished than Gyokeres, who has yet to prove himself at age 27 in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Indeed, the rangy centre-forward has been hailed for his “world-class” finishing by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, and that’s something Liverpool have been lacking at the front of the ship to be sure.

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But goalscoring isn’t Osimhen’s sole forte. Powerful, robust and more dynamic than he might seem at a glance, the £83k-per-week striker likes to drive forward with the ball at his feet and make things happen for his teammates.

Make no mistake, Gyokeres is a high-level finisher and complete in his forward play, but Liverpool would be gambling in bringing him to the Premier League over someone more proven in Osimhen. The Premier League champions, after all, need the best of the best.

As per FBref, he ranked among the top 4% of forwards across Europe last season for shot-creating actions, the top 18% for progressive carries and the top 16% for ball recoveries per 90.

This shows that he’s mobile and efficient in utilising his athleticism, not just standing as a target man in spite of his prowess in the box.

Silky and stylish and all the rest, Osimhen would be a credit to Liverpool’s first team, bringing a fiery personality and a winning mentality.

Gyokeres is a physical force of a player himself, but he simply hasn’t achieved the same heights as Osimhen despite being a year his junior, and given that he would cost more, Liverpool will need to consider their options carefully, lest they make the wrong choice and hinder their chances of defending their Premier League title with Slot at the helm and indeed struggle to conquer trophies on tournamental fronts.

He's better than Gordon: Liverpool among favourites to sign £77m winger

Liverpool may need to replace Luis Diaz in the transfer market this summer.

4 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 17, 2025

Liverpool are riding the crest of a towering wave right now. Not only has Arne Slot won the Premier League in his first season since replacing Jurgen Klopp in the dugout, but he’s done so without overseeing any meaningful first-team investment.

And while Liverpool have proven themselves in their current iteration, FSG are of the opinion that they should strengthen while they are on top, moving swiftly to secure different signings before the 2024/25 campaign has even concluded.

Anfield will celebrate the top-flight title this weekend after tomorrow’s fixture against Crystal Palace is wrapped up, marking the end of the season, but the fans will have an extra decibel in their cheer, for sure.

Indeed, Jeremie Frimpong has completed his medical ahead of his slated transfer, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, while Milos Kerkez is also in advanced talks with sporting director Richard Hughes, viewed as Andy Robertson’s long-term heir.

However, it’s the staggering signing of Florian Wirtz (not yet finalised) that will prove to be Hughes’ magnum opus, for the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker is truly a “generational talent,” as claimed by sports media professional Cristian Nyari.

The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool

There was a point, not too long ago, when the fight for Wirtz appeared a two-horse race between Bayern Munich and Manchester City. Now, City have dropped out and the Bundesliga champions’ senior officials have ceded defeat in the race for the sought-after sensation.

Oh, this stems from Liverpool’s success. Many reports, corroborated by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, have revealed over the past day or two that FSG have convinced the 22-year-old Wirtz to make the move to Merseyside this summer, ending his illustrious career beginnings with the Werkself.

Though Leverkusen value their prized possession at around €150m (£126m), FSG will hope to structure the package in an astute fashion, thus leaving room to make another signing this summer – important given the need for a new centre-forward.

Liverpool are moving with the intent and confidence of champions, likely sealing three priority targets before the shops have even been unshuttered, but it’s important that Slot still promotes academy talent.

In a way, both Wirtz and Frimpong have combined to replace Alexander-Arnold, but fans would love nothing more than to see another homegrown prospect break onto the scene and prosper.

Well, they might just have such an up-and-comer in the works, one who could prove a homemade version of the elite playmaker.

Liverpool are brewing a homemade Wirtz

Liverpool don’t always produce superstars, but sometimes, one-in-a-kind talents emerge from the Merseyside floor to send waves across English football.

And while Slot will be keeping a close eye on the likes of Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, perhaps the two creams of the development squad’s crop, another has gone well under the radar in Trent Kone-Doherty.

Still only 18, Kone-Doherty has gone through the gears within Liverpool’s youth system since being signed in 2022, leaving Derry City in his Irish homeland.

He’s described himself as being “fearless” on the pitch, something that is clear when watching his long striding gait, his slick turns and artful skills.

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Kone-Doherty is not just a showman, though, but also provides a clinical edge at the top end of the pitch, from a wide or central berth.

This term, having been promoted to the U21s, his potency has taken a hit, but it’s been a fundamental point in the player’s development, making his senior bow during Liverpool’s bitter FA Cup defeat against Plymouth Argyle in February, only featuring for 14 minutes but making a positive impression as he completed his one attempted dribble and finding the mark with one arcing cross, as per Sofascore.

He’s also earned rave reviews for his performances on the continental stage, with former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor hailing the teenager’s “absolutely magnificent” goal against Girona after the English side had gone a man down, praising his movement, strength, and intelligence.

Though Kone-Doherty typically operates from a wider berth than Wirtz, his unique blend of skill, strength, and sharpness suggests he could become a homegrown version of the German ten, demonstrating a natural goalscoring sense but also an eye for a neat pass which could play into Slot’s creative ambitions.

Slot, furthermore, has already shown a willingness to hand the Republic of Ireland U19 star his chance on the major stage, also placing him on the substitutes’ bench for the Reds’ 3-2 Champions League defeat against PSV Eindhoven in January.

Former U18s coach Marc Bridge-Wilkinson has also praised Kone-Doherty’s ability to go past bigger and stronger opponents with a breeze, owing to his clever approach to his football.

This, of course, is the bread and butter of Wirtz’s football. As per FBref, the Leverkusen superstar ranks among the top 6% of Bundesliga attacking midfielders and wingers for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive passes and progressive carries, and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90.

All this highlights a technical quality of peerless scope, but also an athletic underbelly that charges his efforts. This is further revealed by his average of 5.2 successful duels per league game this term, as per Sofascore.

Though Kone-Doherty’s attacking quality centres more on his goalscoring than Wirtz, who knows where the back of the net is but is better known for his fountain of creativity that wells up whenever he’s in the danger area, he could enjoy a similar rise to the fore as a sort of hybrid between the left wing and a more central attacking position.

Both players bear a positional fluidity which, in Kone-Doherty’s case, could prove a trump card in standing out above the rest, capable across numerous areas.

And if he can translate his clinical shooting, bagging 19 goals from 29 games for the U18s, into life in Slot’s squad, the Dutch head coach might just find he has another Wirtz breaking through the ranks.

Better than Wirtz: Liverpool believe they can sign "the best ST in Europe"

Liverpool are making staggering moves ahead of the summer transfer market.

1 ByAngus Sinclair May 24, 2025

Arsenal are now in talks to seal an early summer deal for a “sensational” striker, who has now emerged as their top target, according to a report.

Gunners' striker pursuit heating up

These are exciting times for the Gunners, who are daring to dream after defeating Real Madrid over two legs to reach the Champions League semi-final, but there is a feeling a top striker could be the final piece of the jigsaw in their Premier League title pursuit next season.

As such, the north Londoners are now ramping up their pursuit of a new forward, and talks have now been held over a deal for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, with sporting director Andre Berta trying to convince the Slovenian to move to the Emirates Stadium.

However, given that a deal for Sesko could amount to £58m, there may be a temptation to look at a cheaper alternative, and talks have also been held over Lille striker Jonathan David, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.

Kiwior upgrade: Arsenal want to sign "the most in-demand CB in the world"

The tremendously exciting prospect could be incredible for Arsenal.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 21, 2025

Mikel Arteta’s side have expressed clear interest in Sesko and David, but a different striker is now their first choice option for the summer transfer window.

According to a report from Football Insider, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is now Arsenal’s top target, and they have opened talks to sign the Sweden international in an early summer deal.

Berta is known to be an admirer of Gyokeres, and the sporting director is driving the pursuit, with negotiations ongoing to try and convince him about the move to north London, while the Gunners are also attempting to put a package together.

The Sporting CP star becoming the north Londoners’ top target is the latest ‘twist’ in their pursuit of a new striker, with bringing in an elite forward deemed to be a priority heading into the summer window.

"Sensational" Gyokeres is a goal machine

Despite having an £86m release clause, Fabrizio Romano has revealed the Swedish striker will cost up to £60m this summer, which seems a reasonable fee, given just how impressive his goal and assist record has been this season.

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The 26-year-old was lauded as “sensational” by Richard Keys earlier in the campaign, and his performances in Portugal indicate that he is now ready to make the step-up to a top club.

While there may be some concerns that Gyokeres is yet to prove himself in a major league, his Champions League exploits this season suggest he could be a fantastic signing for Arsenal, and potentially the missing piece of the jigsaw in their title bid.

A 2-2 draw in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has boosted the 25-year-old’s belief in himself

Nagraj Gollapudi05-Aug-20253:23

Bangar: Gill, the leader, gained confidence through the series

As soon as Chris Woakes came out to bat on Monday morning, Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj had a quick chat and agreed to deny Gus Atkinson the single on the last ball of the 84th over which would allow Prasidh Krishna to have a crack from the Vauxhall end at the England allrounder who had walked out, broken arm in a sling, aiming to bat left-handed. Gill asked Siraj to bowl a wide yorker outside off stump to prevent Atkinson from getting bat on ball. The other key element of the plan was for Gill to ask wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel to take off his right glove and be alert for a throw at the stumps in case the batters attempted a bye.Siraj delivered his end of the bargain, Atkinson failed to connect, and both batters set off for the bye. Jurel, though, never took off his glove and his throw was too slow and wide off the stumps, which left India’s best fast bowler in this series highly annoyed. “”, [did you not tell him the plan?], Siraj asked Gill, staring wide-eyed, with a heaving chest. Siraj would continue staring in disbelief at Jurel, who sheepishly jogged to the other end.Gill would explain after the match why the plan did not take off, with Siraj now chuckling beside him: “He told me to tell Dhruv to take off his gloves to get the run out. By the time I told Dhruv, he (Siraj) was already running in to bowl. So Dhruv didn’t have enough time to drop his gloves and he missed. That’s why he said to me why did you not tell him.”Related

Tendulkar: Siraj 'doesn't get the credit he deserves'

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Siraj the star as India square series with epic six-run victory

In the subsequent overs, until he smashed Atkinson’s off stump, Siraj and Prasidh would stick to the same plan on the last ball even as Gill persisted with eight fielders on the boundary. Gill would go on to explain why he did not want to bring in the fielders in for the last ball to Atkinson.”We felt even in the second-last ball or last ball, we felt if we go wide yorker there’s a chance of him (Atkinson) missing, which he did in the first one – Dhruv missed the stumps, which happens. But that was the plan that they have to score. We wanted them to take on the fielders and score in boundaries rather than bringing the field inside and they hit a boundary. We didn’t want them to achieve it in one shot. We wanted them to hit maybe two or three shots to be able to achieve the runs because that, I felt, gave us the best probability to be able [to strike], for them to make a mistake and for us to win the match.”

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Shubman Gill, as captain, has allowed his players to put their own plans in place•Associated PressThree overs prior to the end of an absorbing first hour on day four, the 25th of England’s innings, Siraj asked Gill to have Ravindra Jadeja at backward point. Gill, on second thought, placed Jadeja to deep point. Siraj was not impressed only because he didn’t want Joe Root to get off strike. Root had just walked in the previous over to replace Ben Duckett. England were 83 for 2 and Siraj’s plan was to shackle Root and not allow him the dab, one of his go-to shots. Root picked up two easy singles in that over, opening the face of the bat and guiding the ball behind square. Before the start of the final over before the first drinks break, Siraj, with both hands raised to his face, pleaded with Gill to bring Jadeja inside the circle. Gill acquiesced. Siraj bowled a maiden and nearly induced an outside edge.”I told him let’s keep the point fielder inside the circle,” Siraj said on Monday, “but he told me let him go for his strokes as that could result in a wicket and the match could turn in our favour. His thinking was also right because at that moment he was thinking like a batsman.”

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While Gill has convinced everyone during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy that captaincy does not affect his run-scoring, there have been questions about other aspects of his leadership. Is he good at reading the situation? Is he a good tactician? Can he communicate clearly with his bowlers?The above incidents are just two examples that give us a slightly better understanding of Gill’s captaincy. They show Gill has his own thoughts but is equally receptive to what his players have to say. Siraj has played with Gill since their India A days and is a contemporary. Both of them also play for Gujarat Titans in the IPL where Gill has been captain since 2024, with Siraj joining in 2025. “There is a mutual understanding between us,” Siraj said. “Our communication is very clear. I’m very happy about his growth.”Shubman Gill’s batting improved with captaincy•AFP/Getty ImagesGiven this was his first Test series as captain, Gill acknowledges he has a lot to learn but at the same time he is happy with the way he has juggled his responsibilities: “There are some things that me and as a team we definitely need to work on. And I kind of have more clarity on the areas that we need to work on as a team. And I have more clarity where personally I need to work on as a captain. There would always be opinions, and, in hindsight I could have done this, could have done that, but what matters for me is whether I’m taking the best possible decision in that moment and as long as I’m able to do that, I think the probability [of a win] would be on us and that’s what I want to do.”What Gill is telling us is he is not going to be affected by outside chatter about his captaincy. He says he is bold enough to take the “shots” fired at him. There was noise about India selecting only three fast bowlers for a green pitch at The Oval where overcast conditions were predicted for all five days. Gill took that on board and explained why he went a different way.”Even in this match a lot of people were saying we could have played a fourth specialist bowler, but the guy who played instead of the fourth seamer – Karun Nair, his fifty in the first innings was equally important for us which helped us to get a decent total. You have to understand and weigh what is the most important. We thought on this wicket, three fast bowlers would be able to do the job for us and they delivered. When your decision goes well people praise you and when it doesn’t, I am aware that there are going to be shots taken at me which I am fine with because at the end of the day I know that I made a decision which is best for the team.”There were times in this series that Gill had let his emotions run away with him. Day three at Lord’s highlighted that. But day five at The Oval, when everything was on the line, he was ice-cold. And that is why members of the Indian team’s think tank chose him to succeed Rohit Sharma as Test captain. Gill spoke about the things that helped him deal with pressure in a series that was nothing but pressure. “If you are thinking about someone else then the pressure on you goes away,” he said. “Even in captaincy when I was batting in this series because I was always thinking what more can I do for the team and if a player is playing low, what can I do. That helps me to take away the pressure off myself.”For Gill and India, this series has been epoch-making. We don’t know whether he jots stuff down in his journal, but there are a lot of learnings he will be taking back home. But his core thought process remains intact, to stay balanced, and that, Gill said, will help him grow as a leader. “You should be able to navigate through the highs and lows of life and try to stay balanced throughout. That’s what at least I believe in, that I want to be able to stay balanced whether we have won the match, lost the match, I’ve done well or I have not done well. It’s difficult but it’s a process. That’s the real journey, to be able to stay balanced and I’m still learning but so far so good.”

We take a look at the teams vying for promotion in our Division Two preview

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Apr-2023

Derbyshire

Last season: 5th in Division Two
Head of cricket: Mickey Arthur
Captain: Leus du Plooy
Overseas: Suranga Lakmal, Haider Ali
Ins: Matt Lamb (Warwickshire), Zak Chappell (Nottinghamshire), Mark Watt
Outs: Alex Hughes (retired), Dustin Melton (released)Are there stirrings of a revival in the Peaks? Mickey Arthur is among the more ebullient characters on the county circuit – so full of enthusiasm for the game that this season he will combine coaching Derbyshire with acting as a consultant for the PCB – and his determination to deliver on the “four-year project” that he signed up for shows no sign of abating. Last season was, in Arthur’s words, about changing perceptions – both inside the dressing room and out – and Derbyshire made clear strides, keeping promotion hopes alive into the final month of the season (as well as reaching a T20 Blast quarter-final).While Derbyshire were much harder to beat, their clear shortcoming in Championship cricket was a cutting edge to finish games off. Wayne Madsen was the leading run-scorer in either division, Shan Masood romped past 1000 runs in just eight appearances, and Anuj Dal added 957 at 73.61 – but Derbyshire drew all six of their fixtures at the County Ground, and won only three out of 14 all told. Sam Conners enjoyed a banner campaign, reaching the 50-wicket mark for the first time – but the fact they cost 35.80 told of the hard yakka experienced by Derbyshire’s attack.One to watch: Getting promoted will require taking 20 wickets more often – and the arrival of Zak Chappell could be vital in realising Arthur’s ambition. Chappell fits the template for this Derbyshire side of coming in with a point to prove, having trod water during an unfulfilling three-season stint with Nottinghamshire. Chappell, now 26, was seen as one of the brightest talents on the circuit when he emerged at Leicestershire and has already featured for the Lions. Alongside a fit-again Suranga Lakmal, he could provide the extra firepower Derbyshire need. Alan GardnerRelated

• Farbrace: 'No reason why we shouldn't be pushing to get promoted'

• Bairstow requests wicketkeeper role at Yorkshire to aid Ashes bid

• Yorkshire seek solace in cricket but Rafiq racism scandal casts long shadow

• Arthur fires Derbyshire dreams: 'We've got to think big'

Bet365: 12/1

Durham

Last season: 6th in Division Two
Director of cricket: Marcus North
Head coach: Ryan Campbell
Captain: Scott Borthwick
Overseas: David Bedingham, Matthew Kuhnemann
Ins: Ollie Robinson (Kent), Nathan Sowter (Middlesex), Brandon Glover (Northamptonshire), Bas de Leede
Outs: Chris Rushworth (Warwickshire), Sean Dickson (Somerset), Matt Salisbury (Leicestershire), Ned Eckersley (released)Durham were fancied to be Nottinghamshire’s closest challengers for promotion last season but their push never materialised and, despite stabilising the club through a “period of transition”, James Franklin was let go after three years as head coach. His replacement, Ryan Campbell, won plaudits for his work with Netherlands and has not chosen the easy life for his next assignment, a year on from suffering a life-threatening heart attack.The transitional feeling has been hard to escape at Chester-le-Street ever since Durham’s abrupt demotion to the second tier in 2016. That will be heightened as they begin a Championship campaign without the services of their leading first-class wicket-taker, Chris Rushworth, for the first time since 2009. Rushworth is 37 this summer but, having asked to be released for “personal reasons”, will move up to Division One with Warwickshire. The emergence of Matthew Potts – 58 wickets 17.87 in 2022 – might help ease the disquiet, though his availability is likely to be impacted by England demands.Durham have also lost the services of their second-leading run-scorer, Sean Dickson, who opted to move back to the south of the country with Somerset, but Alex Lees will have increased availability after being discarded by England and Dutch allrounder Bas de Leede could prove a shrewd signing.One to watch: Talented wicketkeeper-batter Ollie Robinson arrives looking to burnish his reputation in all formats after being pigeonholed as a red-ball player at Kent. Robinson pinned down a spot in the Championship side as a 20-year-old and has four first-class centuries to his name, but found his path blocked in limited-overs cricket by the presence of Sam Billings and Jordan Cox. A loan spell at Durham for the Blast was followed a permanent move over the winter – in between which Robinson smoked 206 not out – Kent’s highest List A score – in the Royal London Cup. AGBet365: 9/1Australia spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has signed for Durham•Getty Images

Glamorgan

Last season: 3rd in Division Two
Head coach: Matthew Maynard
Captain: David Lloyd
Overseas: Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser
Ins: Harry Podmore (Kent), Zain-ul-Hassan (unattached)
Outs: Michael Hogan (Kent), Lukas Carey, Joe Cooke, Tom Cullen, Tegid Phillips, Ruaidhri Smith, James Weighell (released)Glamorgan perhaps surprised themselves in 2022. But for a 10-wicket loss to Middlesex in the third-last match of the season, it could have been them rather than the north Londoners preparing for life in Division One. The acquisition of Sam Northeast was inspired as he led the line with 1189 runs, the headline innings being a spectacular 410 not out in the victory over Leicestershire. But healthy contributions from established batters like David Lloyd (899), Chris Cooke (840) and particularly Colin Ingram, who managed 596 from just five appearances, gave the batting a more settled feel which they will look to carry forward.The difference this time around is the overseas help. With Australia in the World Test Championship final before the Ashes, Marnus Labuschagne and Michael Neser have limited availability and will only be around from Glamorgan’s second match against Durham at Sophia Gardens. With the loss of club legend Michael Hogan to Kent, Harry Podmore – who made the move the other way – needs to hit the ground running, while the experienced James Harris must shoulder more responsibility after a disappointing 2022 by his standards, with 31 wickets at 38.09. The club could also do with repeating last summer’s trick of bringing in a player of Shubman Gill’s quality for the second half of the season if they are to push for promotion this time around. If local lads Kiran Carlson and Andrew Salter step up, too, the club could challenge for promotion once more.One to watch: The last time Dan Douthwaite featured in a first-class match was way back in September 2021. Now, in part because of the loss of Hogan, the allrounder will have to go into this season’s County Championship from a standing start. It might help that he probably won’t start the summer, but it has been an encouraging pre-season for the 26-year-old. He had a quietly impressive tour of Zimbabwe, returning home to take a five-wicket haul against alma mater Cardiff UCCE – his first in Glamorgan whites. Currently the only Glamorgan player in the men’s Hundred after being picked up for £40,000 by Welsh Fire, Douthwaite could stand up for his county in more ways than one. Vithushan EhantharajahBet365: 5/1

Gloucestershire

Last season: 10th in Division One
Head coach: Dale Benkenstein
Captain: Graeme van Buuren
Overseas: Zafar Gohar, Marcus Harris
Ins: Marchant de Lange (Somerset)
Outs: Ryan Higgins (Middlesex), Benny Howell (Hampshire), Ian Cockbain (released)Gloucestershire suffered a bruising return to top-flight cricket, losing eight and drawing four of their first 12 games to be cast adrift at the bottom of Division One long before the relegation battle got interesting (although they played their part in making it so, beating Warwickshire and Yorkshire in the final two rounds as the former leapfrogged the latter on the last day of the season).They suffered some misfortune, with overseas signing Naseem Shah picking up a shoulder injury on his Championship debut. David Payne, the attack leader who won a maiden England cap on the tour of the Netherlands in June, was limited to six first-class matches and 17 wickets, while Ryan Higgins, the talisman from their 2019 promotion campaign, averaged 36.85 with the ball. Higgins, at least, will get the chance to test himself again in Division One straight away, having opted for a move back to Middlesex at the end of the summer.Both Marcus Harris and Zafar Gohar, who initially signed on a pay-as-you-play deal but ended up as Gloucestershire’s leading wicket-taker, will be back in Bristol after successful campaigns, and with veteran quick Marchant de Lange adding some beef to the attack, the plan will be to bounce straight back up.One to watch: Tom Price, a tousle-haired 23-year-old allrounder, had only played seven first-class matches when he came into the Gloucestershire XI midway through last season, but he quickly set about making himself undroppable. He claimed a maiden five-for in his first outing, then produced astonishing figures of 8 for 27 against Warwickshire to help set up the team’s first win in the penultimate round; with 32 wickets at 20.09 from eight appearances all told, he topped the Gloucestershire averages. Has a first-class best of 71 with the bat, too. AGBet365: 8/1Rehan Ahmed will be a key player for Leicestershire his stellar winter•Getty Images

Leicestershire

Last season: 8th in Division Two

Head coach: Paul Nixon

Captain: Lewis Hill

Overseas: Ajinkya Rahane, Wiaan Mulder, Peter Handscomb

Ins: Sol Budinger (Notts), Matt Salisbury (Durham)

Outs: Ben Mike (Yorkshire), Hassan Azad, Sam Bates, Nat Bowley, Alex Evans, Gavin Griffiths, Abi Sakande (all released)It was another rock-bottom season in 2022 for Leicestershire, their eighth wooden spoon in 14 summers and the fourth time in the last ten that they had failed to register a single victory. And though that precipitated a predictable churn of players – with seven squad members moving on, including the influential Ben Mike to Yorkshire, as well a change of captain following Callum Parkinson’s contract rejection – there are just a few reasons for optimism at Grace Road this season.The signing of Ajinkya Rahane is one. He’ll join up with the squad after the IPL, and at the age of 34 with his India Test days seemingly behind him, he could be just the sort of hardened campaigner required to shore up a batting line-up that passed 300 on just six occasions in 27 attempts in 2022. James Taylor, the ex-Leicestershire and England batter who was until recently on the national selection panel, is back as batting coach to further stiffen up that department. But the biggest bonus is surely the flourishing of Rehan Ahmed after his breakthrough winter with England across formats. This time last year, he hadn’t yet made the first of his three Championship appearances. Now, he’s indisputably the county’s biggest drawcard.One to watch: Rehan Ahmed’s most recent appearance for Leicestershire, against Derbyshire in September, produced his maiden five-wicket haul as well as a hard-hitting maiden century from No. 5, 122 from 113 balls all told. And it is this string to his bow that will guarantee Rehan’s presence in Leicestershire’s line-up even if the early-season conditions aren’t entirely conducive to his legspin. “He’s in our team, 100 percent, absolutely,” Paul Nixon, the head coach, confirmed on the county’s media day. “People haven’t seen his real talent with the bat yet. He is going to surprise everyone. I genuinely think in three years’ time he could be a number four or five for England in any format.” Andrew MillerBet365: 20/1

Sussex

Last season: 7th in Division Two
Head coach: Paul Farbrace
Captain: Cheteshwar Pujara
Overseas: Pujara, Nathan McAndrew, Steven Smith
Ins: Tom Alsop (Hampshire)
Outs: Luke Wright (retired)In 2021, Sussex used 26 players and finished bottom of Division Three (in the one-off conference structure). They started the following summer amid some optimism about the potential of a young squad… and arguably had it even worse. By the end of 2022, they had picked 29 different players to feature in the Championship and won just a single first-class match for the third season running – that, coupled with an off-field issue concerning young spinner Jack Carson, led to Ian Salisbury departing after two years in charge of the red-ball side and ushered in the end of twin head coaches at Hove, James Kirtley dropping back to the ranks after the arrival of Paul Farbrace.Having spent four seasons as sport director at Warwickshire, Farbrace has decided to get his hands dirty again – and he has already signalled his expectations by challenging Sussex to push for a return to Division One for the first time since 2015. Cheteshwar Pujara, who scored runs by the ton – 1094 at 109.00, including three double-centuries – takes on the captaincy on his return, allowing Tom Haines to focus on pushing his case as England’s next opener, while the availability of Ollie Robinson for the start of the season should lift an otherwise callow attack. The kids must do more than all right if promotion is to be secured – but the bookies are already on board.One to watch: Haines won selection for England Lions over the winter but he is not the only Sussex opener receiving good notices. Ali Orr, who turns 22 on the opening day of the season, has less than two full campaigns behind him but currently averages 44.30 in first-class cricket. He was the only Sussex batter other than Pujara to pass 1000 runs in 2022, and finished by blasting 198 off 174 balls against Glamorgan – having also made Sussex’s highest List A score (206 off 161) in the Royal London Cup. Look out for more “Shock and” Orr this summer. AGBet365: 9/2Ollie Robinson’s availability at the start of the season should be a lift to Sussex•Getty Images

Worcestershire

Last season: 4th in Division Two
Head coach: Alan Richardson
Captain: Brett D’Oliveira
Overseas: Azhar Ali
Ins: Adam Hose (Warwickshire), Matthew Waite (Yorkshire)
Outs: Moeen Ali, Ed Barnard (both Warwickshire), Tom Fell, Josh Dell, Jacques Banton (all released)
Worcestershire had some big run-scorers last season with two players posting double-centuries in overseas retention Azhar Ali and Jake Libby, plus five more centurions but consistency and their record of just four wins set them adrift of the top three. They have retained all bar Ed Barnard, their leading batter of 2022, but it was with Ed Pollock that they saw some encouraging signs with a match-winning knock against Middlesex as he played 13 of the 14 matches after limited opportunities at Warwickshire.Seamers Dillon Pennington and Joe Leach led Worcestershire’s efforts with the ball and may be required to do so again with the addition of allrounder Matthew Waite, who struggled for a regular place at Yorkshire but impressed on loan at New Road last season with six wickets against Leicestershire.One to watch: Adam Hose’s move form Warwickshire was motivated by the desire to breathe new life into his red-ball career after his T20 credentials went on show in the Vitality Blast and a maiden BBL gig with Adelaide Strikers. He hasn’t played a first-class match in more than three years making this an intriguing phase if he can convince Worcestershire to give him a chance, as they did with Pollock last season. Valkerie BaynesBet365: 9/1

Yorkshire

Last season: 9th in Division One

Director of cricket: Darren Gough
Head coach: Ottis Gibson

Captain: Shan Masood

Overseas: Shan Masood, Neil Wagner, Shai Hope

Ins: Ben Mike (Leicestershire), Matt Milnes (Kent), Jafer Chohan (unattached)

Outs: Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Somerset), Tom Loten (Notts), Matthew Waite (Worcs), David Willey (Northants), Steven Patterson (retired), Gary Ballance, Harry Sullivan, Josh Sullivan (all released)In the end, it was arguably a mercy killing. Yorkshire’s last-gasp relegation in 2022 at least spared the club (and the wider game) the uncertainty that would surely have accompanied their survival, given the probability of sanctions in the wake of the racism crisis that had been such a key contributor to their downward spiral. Those could yet still come to pass after the club accepted four charges of bringing the game into disrepute, but at least they have been able to prepare for the new season from a solid bottom-tier base.A wholesale changing of the guard has taken place over the winter, with long-term captain Steven Patterson retiring after being denied a new contract, and Gary Ballance committing his own future to Zimbabwe after his central role in the racism case. Tom Kohler-Cadmore and David Willey complete a clearing-out of disillusioned senior figures, but in real terms, the club’s talent drain may not end there. Harry Brook is unlikely to play a single Championship fixture given his breakthrough winter across formats for England, while Dawid Malan is also eager to manage his availability with the carrot of the 50-over World Cup later this year. Given their ECB incremental contract status, both men remain firmly on Yorkshire’s books. For a club that faced bankruptcy over the winter, it’s a sub-optimal scenario.With uncertainty around the involvement of New Zealand’s Neil Wagner after he tore a hamstring on Test duty, and fellow newcomer Matt Milnes still working his way back from a stress fracture, there’s likely to be a lot on the plate for Shan Masood, a potentially inspired signing as captain following his stellar showing at Derbyshire last season – that is when he arrives from Pakistan duty, with Shai Hope signed as short-term cover and Jonny Tattersall set to lead the side for the first month of the season.One to watch: Even if all else fails for Yorkshire, there’s still the prospect of Jonny Bairstow defying the doubters all over again and putting together an unanswerable run of pre-Ashes form. Bairstow has hardly held a bat in anger since his freakish golfing injury at the height of last summer’s Bazball antics, and recently pulled out of his IPL deal with Punjab Kings. There’s still no knowing whether he can recover sufficient fitness to challenge for his England spot, let alone find that same sweet spot of form, but he is eyeing up a comeback at the start of May, maybe even with the wicketkeeper’s gloves to heighten his Test claims. And generally speaking, when anyone suggests a challenge is beyond even Bairstow’s capabilities, that’s when he truly steps up. AMBet365: 6/4

How India’s historic win at The Oval reaffirmed the joy of Test cricket for this fan

Amit Bordia07-Sep-2021Choice of game
We now live at a stone’s throw from The Oval, so I wasn’t going to miss this game. With the series delicately in balance, an Indian team that must have been equally buzzing and hurting after Lord’s and Leeds, I was looking forward to a great time at the ground, and the prospects of enjoying the lunch break with aloo parathas at home.My commute regularly takes me to the road outside The Oval and for the last full year, I have seen it become a construction site, with a new stand being built. There was almost no cricket there in all of 2020. Often, I was left wondering how the feel of the ground would change. It was nice to be in the same stand, having seen them built slab by slab. They have been a great addition to the facilities and provide a modern touch to the gasholders in the backdrop.The build-up
Here we were – 4th Test, day five – with all the four results possible. I left for the stadium early and even then the streets from Vauxhall station were packed. The stands were full well before Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja started the proceedings. Schools and offices in the UK are now fully open – and one could sense that there were more than a few bunked classes, a few sick leaves and work-from-home requests that would have enabled those in the stands to be there.Related

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It was absolutely buzzing. By the end of day four, England had provided hope by their staunch resistance. While I knew that such a score has never been chased at The Oval, one of my earliest cricket memories was reading about India at the venue in 1979, and how Gavaskar’s 221 took India to 420 odd, just a few runs short of the target. Then there always was Headingley 2019 in the back of the mind! And of course, India did not have R Ashwin.The crowd
Whoever said Test cricket is on a decline needed to be at The Oval. Most of the fans were in their seats before the start of play. Not just the usual faithful but also young kids and families were all around. The stands were packed to the rafters all five days.The Indians get into a huddle as Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed walk out•Getty Images for Surrey CCCBetween shouts of support, it was normal to hear someone explaining to their kids how the ball could reverse. The more passionate Indian fans were still arguing about the inclusion of Ajinkya Rahane (a banner saying “oh Rahane- no more (excuses)” was a crowd favourite) and the exclusion of Ashwin – who was seen practice bowling in almost every break.I had been to a few games at the Hundred this summer and the buzz in the crowd in the last five days matched the best of those – and that speaks volumes of the love of Test cricket in these parts.The resistance from the England openers carried on through the first hour of the day. But just when the Indian supporters were starting to feel a bit down, the first couple of wickets fell. All hell broke loose.The Indian supporters were in full swing. Dhols (Indian drums), turbans, flags, and people dressed in all shades of blue – the dark-blue retro jerseys from the 1992 World Cup, the light blue ones from 1996 to 2007, and then the slightly darker versions that the World Cup champions wore in 2011 – were all there.An ode to The Oval
To a cricket fan, The Oval does not have the history and reverence that Lord’s enjoys, but it does almost always assure an incredible atmosphere and a buzz – slightly rebellious and much less formal than the “Home of Cricket”.It is also one ground where the dressing room is very accessible to the viewing public – and a seat at the Bedser Stand is one of my favorite spots in the world to watch cricket. For it not only provides a great behind-the-bowlers-arm view of the game, it allows a rare glimpse of the body language of those walking up and down on their way to battle, and those in the dressing rooms.My Bedser Stand favourites have included a near ring-side view as Inzamam-ul-Haq called his team from the field in 2006, as Kevin Pietersen waited to bat, sitting in a very contemplative mood, against South Africa in 2012, and as Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid made their way to the middle after following-on in 2011.Fans arrive at The Oval•Getty Images for Surrey CCCThe wow performance
By far, the best cricketing performance of the day belonged to the smiling assassin, Bumrah. He has such an energy about him – the way he bowls, and then turns almost hurrying to his mark and smiling all the way back – it is hard not to love him. In many ways, he is very similar to how Neil Wagner, another much-loved character, goes about his business.The six-over spell that Bumrah bowled was my defining cricketing memory of the day. Old ball, dead pitch, strong home support, good batting line-up, tired body – none of these seemed to have mattered to him.Fifty years on…
The last time India won at The Oval was when Bangladesh had just become a nation, Sunil Gavaskar had made his debut a few months back, India still played three-four spinners overseas, and my parents weren’t even married – and I am not young by any standards! By all measures, this was a historic win. But more importantly, it reaffirmed the joy of Test cricket – for how it unfolds over many sessions and days, and how a day (or two) at the cricket beats almost everything else. The Oval might not be the Home of Cricket, but for the last five days, for me and for many others – it was the “Heart of Cricket”!
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