Tag Futebol

أكد بيب جوارديولا، مدرب مانشستر سيتي، إصابة أحد لاعبي فريقه وغيابه لمدة تصل إلى 10 أسابيع تقريبًا.

ويأتي مانشستر سيتي من هزيمة أمام ريال مدريد في ذهاب ملحق دور الـ 16 بدوري أبطال أوروبا، بنتيجة 3-2، على ملعب “الاتحاد”.

ويستعد مانشستر سيتي لمواجهة نيوكاسل غدًا السبت، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريميرليج”.

وظهر جوارديولا خلال مؤتمر صحفي اليوم الجمعة، وأوضح المستجدات المتعلقة بإصابة لاعب الفريق مانويل أكانجي.

وقال جوارديولا: “أكانجي سيغيب من 8 إلى 10 أسابيع، وسيخضع لجراحة غدًا السبت، إنها إصابة في العضلة المقربة”.

اقرأ أيضًا | إيدي هاو: لن أحكم على مانشستر سيتي من هذا الموسم.. ولاعب نيوكاسل مثل هالاند

وأضاف: “أتمنى له الشفاء العاجل لأن الجهد الذي بذله هذا الموسم كان لا يصدق، لقد لعب هو وناثان آكي في مراكز صعبة، كان هناك نقص في اللاعبين في هذا المركز، وقال جسده كفى”.

وأصيب أكانجي خلال مباراة مانشستر سيتي وريال مدريد، وتم استبداله حيث لم يتمكن من استكمال المباراة حينها.

ويحتل مانشستر سيتي المركز الخامس في ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، متأخرًا بفارق 16 نقطة عن المتصدر ليفربول.

With just two weeks left until the transfer window slams shut, Liverpool now reportedly want to make an Olympic medalist the first signing of the Arne Slot era.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds have been the quietest club in Europe's top five leagues this summer, so far failing to sign a single reinforcement. It looked for a moment as though Martin Zubimendi would end that drought, only for the Spaniard to steal the headlines by changing his mind and opting to stay put at boyhood club Real Sociedad.

Slot recently spoke about the midfielder and Liverpool's pursuit of fresh faces, saying via The Evening Standard: "I've said many times already that our squad is really strong and it's not so easy to find players who can help us or improve the squad.

“[Sporting director] Richard [Hughes] is trying to strengthen the squad. Zubimendi decided not to come, we did every effort. If a player decides not to come then it's obvious he's not coming.”

Liverpool have been tracking giant 6 foot 4 defensive midfielder for a year

He would be considered one for the future.

By
Henry Jackson

Aug 16, 2024

Now, reports suggest that one of the areas Hughes is attempting to strengthen is the current Anfield defence. According to L'equipe, Liverpool now want to sign Adrien Truffert from Stade Rennais after the left-back enjoyed a solid summer, winning the silver medal for France at the Paris Olympics, missing out on gold up against Spain.

The Reds aren't the only side interested, however, with Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest all reportedly eyeing moves to sign the 22-year-old this month.

Andy Robertson, now 30 years old and criticised for his performance at Ipswich on Saturday, won't go on forever, and signing a young replacement would represent the type of squad planning that Liverpool have so desperately lacked in recent years.

"Unreal" Truffert can become Robertson heir

With doubts over Owen Beck's future and Kostas Tsimikas often struggling to replicate Robertson's quality, Truffert could emerge to become a solid piece of business from Liverpool, should they turn their interest into a solid move this month. Just 22 years old, the Frenchman has all the time in the world to step into Slot's squad and learn from one of the best in Robertson, before eventually taking the starting place.

Crucially matching Robertson off the ball, Truffert certainly has plenty of potential and potential that Liverpool should play a large part in unlocking. Described as "unreal" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Olympic medalist wouldn't steal the same headlines that Zubimendi would have, but he'd arguably be of similar importance in the long term.

As the Premier League season gets going and the Reds remain without a single incoming, Truffert could quickly become one to watch, having shown all the hallmarks of a player that those at Anfield should be looking at in the next two weeks.

MS Dhoni is likely to remain part of the Chennai Super Kings set-up at IPL 2022, according to the franchise’s CEO, Kasi Viswanathan. Viswanathan also confirmed that allrounder Ravindra Jadeja, who left India’s tour of Australia early with a broken thumb and hasn’t played since then, is “looking good”.”I don’t think it is going to be his final year. This is my personal view and I don’t think we are looking at anybody now,” Viswanathan told the .This is not the first time Viswanathan has come out with such a statement. With doubts over Dhoni’s future in the game swirling ever since the end of the 2019 World Cup, he had said last August, “We can expect MS Dhoni to be part of both [IPL 2020 and 2021] and probably for even the next year – 2022.”Four days later, Dhoni retired from international cricket, and the Super Kings went on to have a woeful run at the 2020 IPL, finishing seventh out of eight teams in the UAE. Dhoni himself managed only 200 runs from 12 innings at a strike rate of 116.27 in the tournament. Questions of a complete overhaul of the Super Kings set-up naturally followed, prompting the question to be put to Viswanathan.On the topic of Jadeja, who had fractured his left thumb during India’s epic draw in the New Year’s Test in Sydney, Viswanathan said that while he might not have played cricket since that game, he has been training with the team and they are hopeful of him being fully match fit for their opening game, against Delhi Capitals on April 10. “See, Jadeja has been cleared [to play] by the NCA [National Cricket Academy],” he said. “He has joined our team for practice. He is looking good. He is working hard. And we are hoping that he will be fully fit by the time the IPL starts.”Viswanathan also said the Super Kings’ decision to pick Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara at the auction – his first IPL gig since 2014 – was partly down to wanting to “honour him” following his fine showing in Australia, but also because of his “calibre” as a batsman. The bid – at his base price of INR 50 lakh (USD 69,000 approx.) – drew attention given the tempo and style of his batting: his T20 strike rate stands at 109.35.”We also wanted to honour him, that’s for sure. But at the same time, I can tell you one thing, a person of his calibre with such good technique, he can adapt to any format,” Viswanathan said. “That is our view. He can be a player who can contribute a lot to CSK. That’s what we felt and that is the reason why we picked him.”He will certainly have a role to play, but I cannot say whether he will play the first game or the second game.”The Super Kings’ top officials throwing their weight behind Dhoni is not new. Last year, N Srinivasan, the vice-chairman and managing director of India Cements, owners of the Super Kings, had also indicated that Dhoni would be retained at the next mega auction, at the time scheduled for the lead-up to the 2021 edition. As part of the fallout of the pandemic, that has now been postponed by a year, and it remains to be seen whether Srinivasan’s opinion stands then.

Batter scores 37* from 278 balls but draw means Surrey almost certain of missing out on Division One

ECB Reporters' Network07-Jul-2021

A dogged batting display for the ages from Hashim Amla staved off defeat for Surrey and thwarted Hampshire’s push for victory – and their quest for a top-two finish in Group Two of the LV= Insurance County Championship.Resuming on 6 for 2, Surrey held on for an unlikely draw, reaching 128 for 8, with former South Africa batter Amla batting all day to be unbeaten on 37 from 278 balls.Amla demonstrated incredible restraint to repel an attack that bowled an incredible 64 maidens and more than 500 dot balls in an innings where the hosts were made to pay dearly for three dropped catches.Despite Amla’s heroics, the result almost certainly ended any chance of Surrey being one of six teams to qualify to play in Division One later in the season and the opportunity to win the title.Hashim Amla’s blockathon•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Hampshire now require victory over Gloucestershire starting on Sunday, in a potential winner-take-all clash at Cheltenham, to keep alive their season, with Surrey facing leaders Somerset at the Kia Oval.Amla scored just three runs from the first 100 balls he faced and did not find the boundary rope until the 125th ball of his brave vigil, where he took three heavy blows to the body that had many traditionalists at the Ageas Bowl purring. Hampshire’s attack bowled tirelessly but were left to rue the dropped chances – including a simple opportunity grassed by Ian Holland at leg slip 17 overs from the close when Amla was put down off the admirable Keith Barker, who finished with figures of 3 for 9 from 22 overs. Barker had an economy rate of 0.40 during his 22-17-9-3, the most economical effort in a first-class innings since 2001 (minimum of 20 overs).Following-on after being bundled out for just 72 in response to the home side’s 488, the visitors scored just 18 runs in the first session with nightwatchman Amar Virdi the only wicket to fall.Ryan Patel should have joined Virdi back in the pavilion before lunch but was given two lives after being dropped by Kyle Abbott, off a caught-and-bowled chance, and Joe Weatherley’s second slip spill.Although those missed opportunities cost only 14 runs, they crucially allowed Patel to soak up 85 balls before his off-stump was uprooted by Abbott after lunch.Felix Organ took Hampshire’s third wicket of the day when Jamie Smith’s inside edge looped into the hands of Holland, before first-innings centurion Colin de Grandhomme bowled debutant Ben Geddes for 15.Barker got his third wicket when Jordan Clark was trapped lbw for four, before Organ raised hopes of a home victory when he bowled Jamie Overton.However, Amla and fellow fellow veteran Rikki Clarke held firm for the final nine overs to see out the draw.”I did enjoy it,” Amla said. “Every batter that went out there had a plan and [we] tried our best to just block it out. You don’t know how far you can go but we managed to go all the way. We had some nervous moments but the way the youngsters played was fantastic.”It was a real battle. Everyone wants to score runs, but we had a cause. You need a lot to go your way especially on this wicket. It was up and down and there was quite a bit of rough from the off-spinner.”The game dictated that we have to save the game. The last thing you want to do is play a couple of bad shots and the game is over by lunchtime. But the way everyone played today we managed to pull it back after being outplayed on days two and three.”

Obafemi Martins was somewhat of a modern hero for Newcastle United after many years of discontent on and off the pitch.

The Nigerian forward arrived at St James’ Park back in the summer of 2006 from Italian side Inter Milan, going on to have a huge impact on the Magpies squad.

He registered a total of 30 goals in his 88 appearances for the club, including 17 in his debut campaign, helping Newcastle register a 13th-placed finish in the Premier League.

Martins would leave the Magpies in 2009, three years after his arrival, following the relegation to the Championship, with the Nigerian moving to German side VfL Wolfsburg.

However, 15 years on from his departure, the club have been presented with the opportunity to sign one player who could follow in his footsteps on Tyneside.

Newcastle could sign £25m talent this summer

In recent weeks, Newcastle have been touted for a move with various options in the final third to help bolster Eddie Howe’s side.

However, as of yet, no deal has been agreed with any of their transfer targets, with the club potentially needing to reopen talks to sign one star.

Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto has previously been on the Magpies’ radar earlier this month over a potential move to the club, but despite their rumoured interest, no deal has been explored for the 20-year-old Italian.

The forward enjoyed a successful campaign in the Championship last season, scoring eight and assisting two, however, it wasn’t enough to secure an immediate return to England’s top flight.

After Leeds’ failure to return to England’s top flight, Daniel Farke’s side are willing to part ways with the youngster for £25m, potentially providing an alternative for another player who’s recently caught the of Magpies boss Howe.

How Gnonto compares to Noni Madueke

Over the weekend, it was reported that Newcastle had agreed personal terms with Chelsea winger Noni Madueke over a potential move to St James’ Park ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The 22-year-old has failed to nail down a regular first-team spot at Stamford Bridge last season, with a potential move on the cards to allow him to gain regular first-team minutes.

Despite the interest, Howe could prioritise a move for Gnonto, with the youngster producing some impressive stats, albeit in a slightly lower-quality decision.

Games

23

36

Goals + assists

7

10

Goals per shot on target

0.3

0.5

Crosses completed

1.9

3

Aerials won

41%

47%

Tackles won

0.9

1.3

The Italian, who’s previously been dubbed “the new Obafemi Martins” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, managed three more goal contributions in 2023/24, averaging a higher goal per shot-on-target rate than the English winger.

He also averaged nearly double the amount of crosses per 90, potentially benefitting the likes of Alexander Isak who could further improve his goalscoring tally of 21 Premier League goals from last season.

Although they’re both attacking-minded players, Gnonto has also bettered Madueke defensively, winning 1.3 tackles per 90, compared to Madueke’s tally of just 0.9 over the same period.

Whilst Madueke would undoubtedly provide a great option on the right-hand side for Howe, Gnonto is a younger and potentially cheaper alternative to the Englishman, while the hope will be that he can follow in the footsteps of that man Martins.

The club need to act quickly to secure his services, however, with the Leeds man currently a man in demand amid interest from fellow Premier League side Everton.

Newcastle can land dream signing for Madueke in “relentless” PL star

Newcastle looking for Kieran Trippier replacement.

1 ByConnor Holden Jul 28, 2024

Sean Dyche has done an excellent job in charge of Everton since his appointment back in 2022, especially considering all the off-the-field issues surrounding the club.

From failed takeovers to points deductions, the Toffees have been through it all, causing numerous moments of doubts surrounding the club’s ever-present Premier League status.

The Everton boss led them to survival last season by a staggering 14 points, despite being hit with a combined eight-point deduction for breaching the league’s PSR rules.

He relied on key players to help his side survive the scare, with the likes of James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana all playing key roles in their end-of-season form that saw his side win five of the remaining eight matches.

However, he’s not content with another relegation battle in 2024/25, targeting multiple talents to help propel the Toffees to a mid-table finish and look to build on their terrific performances towards the back end of the previous campaign.

Everton preparing £30m bid for sensational talent

According to French outlet Ferveur Lyonnaise, Everton are preparing a bid to sign Lyon’s Irish centre-back Jake O’Brien this summer.

However, the Toffees aren’t the only side interested in the 23-year-old, with fellow Premier League sides Nottingham Forest and West Ham United both in the race for his signature, one that could cost around £30m.

He’s enjoyed a tremendous breakout season in Ligue 1, featuring 27 games, scoring four times and assisting twice – a fantastic record for a centre-back in his first full season of senior football in France.

However, O’Brien isn’t the only youngster linked with a move to Goodison Park this summer, with Dyche’s side also keen on a move for Hull City forward Jaden Philogene.

The 22-year-old has been subject to a £16m bid from the Toffees, but journalist David Ornstein has confirmed that he’s set for a move to newly promoted Ipswich Town instead, after an £18m deal was agreed for his services.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances around a deal for Philogene, the club are in a solid place to land centre-back O’Brien this summer, potentially joining as a replacement for an outgoing Toffees star.

Why O’Brien could be the man to replace Branthwaite

In recent days, Manchester United have offered a fresh deal for defender Branthwaite, but the bid was immediately rejected, with Dyche’s side still holding out for at least £65m to part ways with the youngster.

It’s previously been reported that the defender has already agreed personal terms with Erik ten Hag’s side, with Branthwaite the Red Devils’ number target to partner Lisandro Martinez at Old Trafford.

However, Everton fans shouldn’t worry, with O’Brien producing some excellent stats that could see him become the perfect player to fill the boots of the 22-year-old next season.

The “unbelievable” defender as dubbed by Irish Football host Paul Nealon, managed to contribute with double the number of goals and assists from the back, despite featuring in eight fewer matches in 2023/24.

Games

27

35

Goals + assists

6

3

Pass accuracy

88%

80%

Progressive carries

15

2

Defensive errors

1

2

O’Brien has been much better with the ball at his feet, managing to achieve an 80% better pass accuracy over the last 12 months, also completing over seven times more progressive carries – allowing Dyche’s side to play a more expansive system next season. Furthermore, with the Lyon star standing at 6 foot 6 to Branthwaite's 6 foot 5, they'd also be gaining a player of a similar profile.

Branthwaite would undoubtedly be a huge loss for the Toffees in 2024/25 and beyond, but their improved recruitment could see them sign a like-for-like replacement who also has the potential to improve further in his career.

He’s yet to play in the Premier League, but his stint in Ligue 1 has shown he’s capable of making his mark in the biggest league in world football.

He rejected Barca: Everton want "special" signing who's better than Gnonto

The club are continuously looking to bolster their forward line.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 9, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

Mudanças no elenco do Botafogo. O clube anunciou, por meio de comunicado via assessoria de imprensa na noite desta quarta-feira, as saídas de Diego Cavalieri e Alexander Lecaros, jogadores que não atuaram nenhuma vez pelo Alvinegro na temporada 2021.

+ Choro, apresentação e trabalho: o primeiro dia de Rafael como jogador do Botafogo

O clube passa por dificuldades financeiras e ainda não tem recursos nos cofres para manter todos os salários em dia até o fim do ano. Por isto, resolveu cortar valores de jogadores que não estavam sendo utilizados para diminuir a folha salarial. O Alvinegro, agora, discutirá de forma individual com cada um para pagar o valor que deve no futuro.

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Diego Cavalieri chegou ao Botafogo no começo de 2019, atuando em 42 partidas pelo clube. Ele não jogou na temporada 2021 por uma lesão sofrida ainda no último Brasileirão. Vale ressaltar que ele já havia evoluído na recuperação e liberado para treinar.

Lecaros, por sua vez, foi uma aposta da última gestão que comandou o clube. O peruano chegou ao Alvinegro no ano passado, mas pouco atuou: foram apenas 14 jogos, sem gols marcados e com uma assistência.

Manchester City have been handed something of a boost as one of their targets seems increasingly likely to leave this summer, with the Citzyzens among those credited with an interest should he do so.

Summer of change for Manchester City

It is shaping up to be a big summer for Manchester City despite having won their fourth Premier League title on the bounce under Pep Guardiola. Kevin de Bruyne is being regularly linked with Saudi Arabia, and has revealed that he has "to be open to everything", fanning the flames of his rumoured departure.

Meanwhile, fringe duo Sergio Gomez and Kalvin Phillips are both likely to depart, with the Spaniard being tracked by clubs in La Liga and Phillips returning from a dreadful spell on loan with West Ham.

In addition, there has been speculation around the futures of Julian Alvarez and Bernardo Silva, with the latter having a £50m release clause in his contract in Manchester. Between the posts, Stefan Ortega has ended speculation surrounding his future by penning a new contract at the Etihad stadium, which will keep the German at the club until 2026.

However, there remains significant speculation over the future of last season's no.1 Ederson, who is thought to be subject to interest from Saudi Arabia and could yet depart this summer, with the club not set to stand in his way should he choose to do so.

Man City eye "exceptional" manager as Guardiola successor, Pep loves him

He could be the next man to dominate English football.

By
Ben Browning

Jun 11, 2024

If he does leave, they will need to move to find a new shot-stopper, with veteran Scott Carson the only other recognised goalkeeper on their books. Now, they may have been handed a boost in their chase.

City target likely to move on

That comes in the shape of FC Porto and Portugal no.1 Diogo Costa, who is set to start the EURO's as Roberto Martinez's first choice. The 24-year-old has long been linked with a move to the Premier League but for the majority of the time it has been with cross-city rivals Manchester United.

He still has three years left to run on his £23,000 a week deal at the Estadio de Dragao, but there remains a 75m euros (£63m) release clause in his contract, something that has prevented his departure until now.

As per reports in Portugal [via Sport Witness], departure this summer is becoming an 'increasingly real scenario' as it has been claimed that Porto may need to make a big sale this summer to balance their books.

City's interest is matched by Arsenal and of course Chelsea, who are not content with the two goalkeepers signed last summer and would reportedly like to add another.

He won't be available for nothing though, with Porto still keen to receive a fee close to the release clause, though anything less will surely be considered if there is a real need to sell the goalkeeper.

He remains a work in progress, but has been hailed for his "world class" potential by compatriot and Man City rival Diogo Dalot: “I grew up with him, he’s my friend, there’s a great relationship between us and I know perfectly well that he has the capacity to one day be world-class.”

If City make a move, the friends will be facing off next season.

Liverpool have been treated to shovelfuls of Jurgen Klopp’s energy and enthusiasm over the past nine years or so but the German’s iconic Merseyside journey is now at its end.

Emotion were be high, tears were spilt and memories for a lifetime flooded through Anfield’s walls as Liverpool hosted Wolverhampton Wanderers to close out their Premier League campaign.

Meanwhile, Arne Slot will be preparing to jet to England as he succeeds Klopp in the Liverpool dugout, recently confirming the open secret that he will be the club’s head coach next season.

Slot has big boots to fill but he will take the reins at an outfit brimming with quality and solidified through a steely infrastructure, with a rich wave of academy talent at his feet.

In many ways, succeeding Klopp is an unenviable task but Slot has the smarts and the style to captivate the Reds, especially if he makes good use of the teenage hopefuls at his disposal.

Slot could find his own Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool

It’s no coincidence that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s rise to prominence at Liverpool is synonymous with Klopp’s trophy-winning success, with Gary Neville even remaking that the 25-year-old “has the material to be the very best right-back of all time”

Playing under Klopp’s guidance is all the Three Lions star has ever known, making his debut aged 18 and since completing 310 appearances, scoring 19 goals and providing 81 assists.

He is one of the best in the business, ranking among the top 12% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 3% for assists, the top 1% for shot-creating actions and the top 2% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

The bond between Klopp and Alexander-Arnold strengthened the manager’s connection with Liverpool, with the city, with the fans, and Slot now needs to ensure that he does the same, and he could find his very own prodigy in the Reds’ Stefan Bajcetic.

How Bajcetic could thrive under Slot

Bajcetic entered the fray with a bang last season, promoted to the first team in the Premier League as Klopp fought to stop the rot that had ruined his team’s 2022/23 campaign.

The 19-year-old Spaniard featured 11 times in the league, scoring an impressive goal against Aston Villa to confirm a much-needed victory in December and showcasing his energy and enthusiasm by succeeding with 64% of his dribbles.

1.

Michael Owen

Wimbledon

17y 143d

2.

Raheem Sterling

Reading

17y 317d

3.

Stefan Bajcetic

Aston Villa

18y 65d

4.

Robbie Fowler

Oldham Athletic

18y 190d

5.

Jamie Carragher

Aston Villa

18y 356d

Writer Leanne Prescott even said: “Staggering that Liverpool look most in control this season when 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic is playing.”

Wataru Endo, aged 31, has done an impressive job at the base of Liverpool’s midfield after completing a surprise £16m move to Anfield last summer, but one analyst projected that “he would struggle” away from Klopp’s system, and Slot might find that his brand of football thrives with Bajcetic featuring as the No. 6.

The Japan international has completed 28 Premier League matches this season, starting 19 times, and while he’s completed 88% of his passes and offered an industrious and committed presence in the centre of the park, he’s also only averaging 1.6 tackles per game, winning just 45% of his contested duels.

This speaks of Endo’s weakness in mobility and athleticism, two things that Bajcetic boasts in abundance. The teenage talent is also blessed with elite composure, maintaining his cool in chaotic circumstances at times last term, but he’s also fuelled with robust life, covering so much ground and completing defensive actions across the pitch.

His all-action, age-belying blend of qualities have only just scratched the surface of what could be a wonderful career at the height of the European game, and his incoming Dutch manager will surely fall for this exceptional starlet.

Indeed, Slot enjoys aggressive, front-footed football that bears a semblance to Klopp’s style but there is an emphasis on midfield control that isn’t found in the German’s system, with wide overloads prominent on Merseyside’s red half.

Bajcetic has already demonstrated his powers of control and influence in age-belying style, and while injuries and setbacks have limited him to only three senior appearances in 2023/24, the future phenom appears to have reached the light at the end of the tunnel after playing 25 minutes off the bench in Liverpool’s recent 4-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Fit and firing once again, Bajcetic must now use the summer break to prove himself to Slot, impressing in pre-season and suggesting that he deserves a regular place in his senior squad.

He already has the squad on his side: last season, Mohamed Salah said that “since he started playing for us, he has been our best player maybe so hopefully he keeps that confidence and keeps going.”

Alexander-Arnold’s link to Klopp won over a proud footballing city, and now Slot must ensure that he finds his own version of the creative genius to prove his suitability with the seat at the head of the table.

Luckily for him, Bajcetic is poised to make a real impact next season.

Liverpool looking to hijack Man Utd target to sign £80m+ Matip replacement

The Reds are looking to replace the Cameroonian after his exit was confirmed.

ByTom Cunningham May 18, 2024

Two wickets for veteran seamer puts hosts on top despite Abid Ali half-century

The Report by Valkerie Baynes13-Aug-2020James Anderson repaid England’s faith, doing all he could to demonstrate he was back in rhythm even if a rain-hampered opening day of the second Test against Pakistan was far more erratic.Anderson’s two wickets on a day when a heatwave-breaking storm allowed only 45.4 overs helped England close in a comfortable position after a frustrating start, caused by their own poor fielding rather than the weather.Anderson played the role of starved attack dog to perfection, snaring a wicket with his eighth ball of the match to remove Shan Masood for a seventh time in five Tests. Masood top-scored in a losing cause for Pakistan at Old Trafford, while Anderson had a torrid time with match figures of 1 for 97, which he said left him hungry for wickets to put things right.England believed Anderson, their veteran seamer who is now just eight away from claiming 600 career Test wickets, deserved every opportunity to do so and he was effectively the first name on the team sheet if Joe Root’s pre-match comments were anything to go by. He responded almost immediately with a curving inswinger that left Masood with no alternative but to lay bat on ball and, when he failed, he was out plumb lbw for just 1.A tough period for England ensued as the bowlers beat the outside edge several times for no reward and, worse, watched two chances go down in the slips cordon and another couple of near misses.With Pakistan having won the toss, opener Abid Ali received two lives, first on 1 when he was dropped by Dom Sibley at third slip off the bowling of Stuart Broad, and then on 21 when Rory Burns made a meal of a juggled catch at second.Sam Curran, in the side for a resting Jofra Archer but also to bolster England’s batting in the absence of Ben Stokes, almost had Azhar Ali out for 11 but the edge failed to carry to Root at first slip.James Anderson celebrates the wicket of Azhar Ali•Getty ImagesAfter rain brought an early lunch, Anderson then lured Azhar, unbeaten on 20, into an extravagant drive, and appeared to find an edge for caught behind but England declined to review. When replays indicated a small spike on UltraEdge, it looked like another opportunity lost.Azhar and Abid put on 72 runs together but their luck finally ran out. Anderson broke through when Burns held on to an edge and Azhar departed for 20, extending a lean run for the Pakistan captain who has managed just one score of note – a century against Sri Lanka – in 17 innings since late December 2018.The storm that was expected to end southern England’s week-long swelter duly arrived and play was held up for 80 minutes with Abid stranded on 49. He brought up his fifty shortly after the resumption with an edge off Anderson that pierced the cordon and went for two.Curran removed Abid for 60 with an excellent ball that jagged away after shaping into the batsman and found a thick edge, again snapped up by Burns.As if to prove he was well and truly back, Anderson put his 38-year-old body on the line to stop Babar Azam’s drive off good mate Broad, diving to his left at mid-on. Broad bowled very well and and claimed his reward when he had Asad Shafiq caught low by a bending, relieved Sibley at third slip.Shafiq’s departure brought Fawad Alam to the crease for the first time in a Test since 2009. But his long-awaited return was so very short-lived when he fell for a four-ball duck, lbw to Chris Woakes via the DRS after umpire Richard Kettleborough gave him not out but Hawk-Eye showed that the ball, which pitched just on leg stump, was going on to strike the top of middle.Fewer than two overs followed with Azam not out 25 and Mohammad Rizwan on 4 when the rain returned and bad light ultimately brought about stumps with half the overs for the day bowled.