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Ed Joyce is in the twilight of his career but is putting all his efforts into staying around to play Test cricket for Ireland

George Dobell03-May-20173:41

‘If I bowl to him, it’s another wicket’

Ed Joyce used to hide his cricket bat when he took the train into Dublin for nets.As a typically self-conscious teenager, he was painfully aware of what he calls “the stigma” surrounding a sport that was seen as “upper class” and, even worse, “English”.So it is, he says, “hugely significant” that England has, at last, welcomed the Ireland team to their home for a two-match ODI series and, equally, that much of Ireland will be gripped – and united – by their cricket team’s progress in England.These days, as you drive on the A5 from Dublin to Derry, you regularly see cricket clubs dotted along the side of the road. These days, cricket in Ireland claims 52,000 participants (as defined by ICC standards) – that’s up from 11,000 in 2007 and 25,000 in 2011 – and boasts crowds of up to 10,000 at home internationals (it seems they may well attract something close to full houses at Lord’s and Bristol). These days, Cricket Ireland’s statistics provide evidence that they are running the fourth-biggest sport in the land (based on a combination of commercial revenue, media coverage, attendance and participation figures) and the second biggest on social media. The ODIs against England will be broadcast live (on subscription TV) and the largest broadsheet newspaper carried a page of cricket last Sunday. These days, Joyce doesn’t hide his bat.But these games aren’t just a victory parade. While being welcomed to play a series in England is a watershed moment – arguably as much for the ECB who, under new management, have started to take their duties towards developing cricket nations seriously – Ireland have long stopped thinking of themselves as “plucky underdogs” who could surprise their big neighbours occasionally. They’re not here for selfies in the Long Room.Furthermore, the games come just as a judgement is made over their readiness for Test cricket. While it would be absurd to judge a team’s suitability for Test cricket on the snapshot offered by two ODIs, it would, their CEO Warren Deutrom admits, be “disingenuous to pretend that the results carry no influence”. Just as Bangladesh owed their elevation, in part at least, to that controversial victory over Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup, so Ireland could ease the wheels of their own promotion with a victory or two against a side rated by some bookies as favourites for the Champions Trophy. Equally, two drubbings might make the elevation – which is due to be ratified by the ICC in June – just a little more awkward.

The stumbling block is money. It’s going to cost us a lot of money if we’re to play Test cricket and we’re going to need the ICC’s helpEd Joyce on the challenge ahead

“We want the ICC to see our potential,” Deutrom, who is every bit as responsible for Ireland’s progress as any of the players, says. “We don’t have ten stadiums or a staff of 200.”But I think what the ICC are trying to do is take a broad, holistic view of Irish cricket. It’s not just the performance of the senior men or women’s team over the last six months they’re looking at: it’s the facilities; it’s the strength in depth; it’s the governance and coaching structure, and evidence that we can manage our budgets. It’s our potential.”We believe we offer a new commercial opportunity for the game. We’re not after a hand-out. But yes, of course these games could have an influence. This – the decision to grant us Test status – is a new process and nobody here is thinking it as a penalty kick. We are in no way complacent.”In some way, these ODIs come at a far from ideal time for Ireland. Their progress, as an international side at least, has slowed of late. While much is being achieved in the background – most notably, the introduction of a first-class competition, but also ever-improving facilities, a growing pool of players and, at last, some support from England and other ICC members – the fact is that teams are judged on their results on the pitch. And Ireland’s, of late, have been eclipsed by Afghanistan’s.One of the problems is that, the golden crop of players they had to pick from a few years ago has long since been harvested. Several (such as Trent Johnston) have retired, several (such as George Dockrell) have not yet kicked-on as hoped and, most worrying of all, several are claiming the extra half-hour at the end of their careers.Joyce is an obvious example in that last category. He is 39 in September and, as Leonard Cohen put it, aching in the places he used to play. He can, he says, still see the ball as well as ever – and this is a man who sees the ball well enough to have made an ODI century against a strong Australia attack in 2007 – but knee and hip problems are reducing his effectiveness and his sense of enjoyment in the field. Niall O’Brien and Tim Murtagh, who are both aged 35, can probably empathise. All of them are locked on to the target of Test cricket; all of them are hoping they have the range.”It’s getting to the point where I’m not sure I can put myself through a lot more rehab,” Joyce says. “And, yes, personal pride comes into it. Having Test cricket on the horizon may leave me with a difficult decision to make.”Ed Joyce knows his body may not allow him much longer in the game but he’s determined to help Ireland•SportsfileHe has, he admits, taken a “significant” pay-cut to leave county cricket. He would have had no problem winning a contract to play for another year or two, but he was keen “to put something back” into Irish cricket. He has, therefore, signed to play for Leinster in this season’s domestic competitions – incorporating the new first-class competition – and will supplement his playing role with the start of a transition into coaching.”I love county cricket,” he says. “And playing it was brilliant for me. But ultimately we want to create a system where our best young players don’t have to leave Ireland to progress their careers. We’re not there yet and I’d still like to see more of our guys go to England for a while. But the long-term goal is that it’s not necessary.”Joyce’s fear is that those hard-won gains of the past – all the work that led to memorable victories against England and Pakistan and West Indies, victories that forced the world to take them seriously – could be lost. And with Ireland so close to their long-term target – Test cricket – he felt it was time to commit to the fight. Nobody wants a repeat of Kenya’s rise and fall.”We’re not at the level we were,” Joyce admits. “We’ve been hit by four or five big retirements and that’s made life very difficult for us. And that’s happened just as people have started to expect more of us. We can’t be plucky underdogs any more. We have to prepare to win and we have to learn to live with a higher level of expectation. It’s not easy.”It’s vital we keep the level of performance up. The world seems a lot more receptive to our situation than it has been but the gains we have fought so hard for could be lost. We have to keep playing well. We can’t let things slip now just as it seems the door might be opening for us.”Ireland’s problem is not new. They need to play more games in order to improve, but until they improve other nations have been reluctant to grant them those games. It’s starting to change – Bangladesh and New Zealand visit shortly for a tri-series tournament – but they continue to be held back by those who claim their elevation to Test cricket will devalue the format. Hell, they might even lose five Tests out of seven in Asia or be whitewashed 5-0 in Australia. Ireland shouldn’t really have anything left to prove at this stage.”We just don’t play enough,” Joyce says. “We need to get into the limited-overs leagues the ICC are talking about to speed up the process. It’s a chicken-and-egg problem.

Whenever I doubt the progress we’ve made – and of course I have done at times – I look back on the team that qualified for the 2007 World Cup

“The stumbling block is money. It’s going to cost us a lot of money if we’re to play Test cricket and we’re going to need the ICC’s help. It has, in the past, been tough to get past the other national boards, but they have definitely changed. Tom Harrison at the ECB has been very helpful. It feels like there is much more acceptance of us.”But we deserve some of the credit for that. Ahead of the 2015 World Cup we decided that, if we won any games, we’d make a point of taking to social media or saying things in interviews that we might not have done in the past. We wanted to put the boards and the ICC under pressure. And we’ve done that by playing consistent cricket for the best part of ten years and taking every opportunity to point out the challenges we face.”He is adamant that the development of Afghanistan is positive for Ireland and world cricket. “It’s been good for us, I think,” he says. “They are helping make the same argument as us. They have players like Rashid Khan who demand to be seen on the biggest stage. It feels as if we’re pushing together in the same direction.”If elevation does come too late for Joyce, it will prove the second time he has laid foundations on which others could build. Joyce was part of the Ireland squad in 2005 that won World Cup qualification only to miss out on some of the most memorable moments in the team’s history as he made the understandable choice to switch to England in a bid to play Test cricket and earn a decent living; neither was achievable with Ireland at the time. But whether he misses out or not, he will take consolation from the progress made over a relatively short period of time.”Whenever I doubt the progress we’ve made – and of course I have done at times – I look back on the team that qualified for the 2007 World Cup,” he says. “The sport had almost no profile in Ireland and hardly anyone took it seriously. We had a good group of players back then – and yes, some good imports who brought an edge to the unit – and we shocked a few teams.”Yes, we’re in a transition right now. But Steffan Jones, the fast bowling coach, came over recently and said he reckoned we had as good a crop of young fast bowlers as he had ever seen. We just need to make sure these guys have the chance to fulfil their potential.”There’s always been talent in Ireland. But for a long time it wasn’t feasible to get any better. There weren’t any facilities; there wasn’t much coaching. These things are much better now. There’s far more awareness of the sport in Ireland than there was just a few years ago. We’ve made huge progress.”Ed Joyce was speaking at the launch of UK company Clear Treasury’s sponsorship of Cricket Ireland. Visit https://cleartreasury.co.uk/ for more information

Statistical highlights from the third day of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Galle

Bishen Jeswant19-Jun-20157 Times Azhar Ali has been dismissed by Rangana Herath, more than by any other bowler. Each of the six batsmen whom Herath has dismissed most often in Tests are from Pakistan, with Misbah-ul-Haq leading the list (nine times).14 Years since a Sri Lanka opener has faced 300-plus balls in a home Test. Kaushal Silva faced exactly 300 balls in the first innings to score 125 runs. The last time this happened was also in Galle, when Marvan Atapattu scored 201 off 536 balls, against England in 2001.4 Instances in the last 10 years of both Pakistan openers being dismissed for single-digit scores against Sri Lanka. Three of those four instances have happened in Galle – in 2009, 2014 and 2015.1087 Runs scored by Silva as a Test opener, making him only the 10th Sri Lankan opener to score 1000 runs. He went past his mark during his innings of 125 in the first innings. Silva’s batting average of 43.48 as an opener is the best for any Sri Lankan (min. 1000 runs).300 Sri Lanka’s first-innings score, their lowest in a home Test against Pakistan in the last five years. This is Sri Lanka’s sixth home Test against Pakistan in this period, and they have not suffered a single loss in the previous five.3 Consecutive scores of less than 20 for Angelo Mathews in 2015. He has scored 15, 8 and 19 in his three Test innings in 2015. Mathews had 12 consecutive 20-plus scores before that (all in 2014) and scored 1160 runs from 20 innings in 2014 at an average of 77.33, including two hundreds and eight fifties.33 Runs that Pakistan need to score to avoid the follow-on. They are currently 118 for 5, with the revised follow-on mark set at 151. Since this is effectively a four-day game as rain washed out the first day, Sri Lanka can enforce the follow-on if they have a lead of 150 runs after Pakistan’s first innings has ended, as opposed to the usual 200.

The South Africa fast bowler ended his international career at the age of 29, having played only 11 Tests, by signing a Kolpak deal with Hampshire

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jan-2017Kyle Abbott’s 7 for 29 are the second-best figures in an innings for South Africa on Test debut•Getty Images1. February 2013: Abbott takes 7 for 29 in the first innings against Pakistan in Centurion, and is Player of the Match on Test debut for his nine-wicket haul.He misses the next six Tests South Africa play.2. March 2014: Abbott’s three wickets are the best returns for a South African fast bowler in the Newlands Test against Australia. His workload – 42 overs – is also the heaviest for his team.He misses the next three Tests South Africa play.3. December 2014: Abbott takes 1 for 61 in the match as Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander raze West Indies in Centurion.He misses the next five Tests South Africa play.4. November 2015: Abbott’s fourth Test lasts only a day as rain ruins the match in Bangalore. He bowls six out of 22 overs in India’s first innings, taking 0 for 18.He misses the next Test of the tour of India, in Nagpur.5. December 2015: Abbott takes 5 for 40 in 24.5 overs in India’s first innings in Delhi, and 1 for 47 in 22 in the second.He is picked for South Africa’s next Test.6. December 2015: Abbott bowls 45.4 overs in the Kingsmead Test against England and takes 2 for 128.He misses South Africa’s next two Tests in that series.7. January 2016: Abbott returns figures of 21-9-46-0 in the Centurion Test against England, with Kagiso Radaba emerging as a force with a 13-wicket haul.He misses South Africa’s next three Tests.8. November 2016: Abbott takes 3 for 41 and 6 for 77 in Hobart to bowl South Africa to series victory in Australia.With Steyn injured, Abbott plays South Africa’s next three Tests. It is the first time Abbott is playing successive Tests in a series.9. November 2016: Abbott takes 3 for 49 and 1 for 26 in South Africa’s first day-night Test, at Adelaide Oval.10. December 2016: Abbott claims 3 for 63 and 2 for 38 against Sri Lanka in Port Elizabeth, conceding only 101 runs in 41.5 overs in the match.11. January 2016: Abbott goes wicketless against Sri Lanka after bowling 23 overs in Cape Town.It turns out to be his final Test for South Africa as he confirms he has signed a three-year Kolpak contract with English county Hampshire.

Aston Villa secured a top eight spot in the Champions League group stage, automatically putting them into the final 16 of the competition along with Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atlético Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Lille.

Morgan Rogers netted a hattrick against Celtic in their 4-2 victory to seal the three points needed to secure eighth spot, putting the Englishman on ten goals in all competitions this campaign, having also provided five assists.

With Jhon Duran set to be sold, Unai Emery could be armed with extra transfer kitty heading into the final days of the window, where he could obtain the perfect partner in crime for Rogers.

Latest Aston Villa transfer news

According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa have been in touch with Chelsea over not just Axel Disasi, but also Joao Felix.

Transfer Focus

However, the deal will depend on what Chelsea decide to do with Felix, which could be determined by their own business at the top end of the pitch.

With Duran on his way to Al Nassr for €77m (£54.4m) deal with add-ons, Emery’s side could have a busy final few days of the window, as they look to not only replace Duran, but use the funds to improve the squad ahead of a big second half of the season.

Felix has made 20 appearances for the Blues this season since joining in the summer, scoring seven goals, providing two assists and totalling 947 minutes played.

The 25-year-old can play a variety of positions across the front line, including attacking midfield, left-wing and even as a centre-forward.

Why Felix could shine with Rogers

By bringing another versatile forward to the club, Emery would have the capacity to play both Felix and Rogers alongside each other, two players who excel in creativity in the pockets/half spaces, can link play, arrive in the box and offer goal threat.

Stats (per 90 mins)

Felix

Rogers

Goals

0.67

0.34

Assists

0.17

0.17

xG

0.54

0.22

xAG

0.24

0.22

Progressive Carries

5.12

3.39

Progressive Passes

6.34

3.90

Shots Total

4.83

1.99

Key Passes

1.46

1.52

Shot-Creating Actions

4.39

3.43

Successful Take-Ons

2.44

2.45

When comparing the two players’ metrics this season, you can see how closely they rank in key areas, completing very similar key passes per 90, very similar take-on numbers and both offering output.

Felix has offered more in terms of progressive numbers and shot volume this season, but many of his minutes have also come in the UEFA Conference League against an overall lower standard, compared to Rogers in the Premier League and Champions League.

Felix is someone in the footballing sphere who has been labelled an “immense” talent by many experts, including Alex Barker (EuroExpert on X).

However, since his big-money move to Atlético Madrid from Benfica, coaches have struggled to get the best of him, usually due to his best work being done in tandem with a centre-forward to play off of, in something of a front two.

This is why Emery could fully unlock the potential of Felix, playing him behind a striker such as Ollie Watkins, moving Rogers over to the left, who can then drift inside alongside Felix, creating an excellent attacking triangle where Felix has the freedom to roam and do his best work.

With Duran seemingly out the door, snapping up the Chelsea man could represent the perfect attacking replacement.

Aston Villa about to accept £59m offer to sell "special" ace Ronaldo rates

This would certainly steal the headlines…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 29, 2025

With the January transfer window ticking away and Dominic Solanke sidelined, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly working on a deal to sign a forward who has already impressed their scouts.

Tottenham transfer news

The Lilywhites have welcomed just one fresh face in the form of Antonin Kinsky so far this month, and it’s that lack of activity which could quickly come back to bite them in the second half of the season.

Ange Postecoglou hasn’t shied away from his side’s need for reinforcements either, telling reporters as relayed by The Standard last week: “I have daily communication with Johan [Lange, technical director] in particular and he’s trying everything he possibly can to get the help we need.

“I don’t think I’m stating anything other than the obvious and for me to come here and say something else would be disingenuous: this playing group needs help.”

Sat in the depths of the Premier League’s bottom half, the rumours have been coming thick and fast as to the reinforcements that the Lilywhites could turn to this month, including Ajax star Brian Brobbey and now one other attacking option.

According to The Boot Room, Tottenham are now working on a deal to sign Hamza Igamane from Rangers this month after scouts were in attendance to watch the forward score a hat-trick against Hibernian earlier this year and then score once more in a 3-0 victory over Aberdeen.

With the forward hitting his best form at the perfect time, Spurs could yet welcome an ideal solution to their attacking problems as Solanke fights back to fitness in the coming weeks.

Tottenham interested in "decisive" ace who Arsenal are confident of signing

They could battle their North London rivals…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 26, 2025

With just one week left until the transfer window slams shut though, those in North London will have to act quickly if they want to lure Rangers into a January sale and welcome a much-needed fresh face in Postecoglou’s frontline.

Tottenham should take a chance on "rough diamond" Igamane

Whilst Igamane is still far from the finished product, there’s no doubt that he’s shown plenty of potential at Rangers – scoring 13 goals in all competitions which includes his effort against Spurs in the Europa League. Still just 22 years old, Spurs should take a gamble on the young forward who already showed exactly what he can do in front of the travelling Spurs fans earlier this season.

Earning plenty of praise as a result of his form, Rangers boss Philippe Clement told reporters when asked about Igamane, as relayed by The Daily Mail: “I spoke with a lot of people before bringing Hamza in to the club. People in Morocco I knew from before. I’m lucky in that way that people knew him. They said he’s a rough diamond.”

That “rough diamond” is now shining brighter than ever and could yet steal the show in North London if Spurs push on and seal Igamane’s signature before the deadline this month.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has told the Gunners they need to make changes after being beaten by PSG in the first leg of their Champions League tie.

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PSG win first leg in north LondonHold the advantage ahead of return in ParisHenry says French side were the better teamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Mikel Arteta's side face an uphill task if they want to qualify for the Champions League final after losing the first leg 1-0 of their semi-final tie at the Emirates on Tuesday night. An early goal from Ousmane Dembele did the damage, although the visitors also hit the woodwork twice in an impressive showing.

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Arsenal defender William Saliba has admitted PSG made the Gunners "suffer" but has said he's hopeful the team can turn things around. Former striker Henry feels Arsenal will have to make plenty of changes if they are to prevail in Paris and says Luis Enrique's side will be even stronger in front of their own fans at the Parc des Princes.

WHAT HENRY SAID

He said on CBS Sports: "PSG were much superior, for me, in this match. There are a lot of things that need to change for Arsenal to beat PSG. You never know what can happen. I think of PSG against FC Barcelona last season . Everyone thought it was over, but they [Paris] ultimately won the return leg easily."

DID YOU KNOW?

Only two teams have reached the final of the Champions League after losing the first leg of their semi-final tie at home – Ajax in 1995-96 and Tottenham in 2018-19.

A thrilling six, push-ups to celebrate victory, and an Afridi star-man celebration feature among our top 10 moments from the second season of the PSL so far

Danyal Rasool, Osman Samiuddin and Umar Farooq04-Mar-2017Grant Elliott on repeat0:33

WATCH – Elliott’s match-winning six and a bat drop

The six in Auckland against South Africa was certainly more iconic: a World Cup semi-final, a full house in front of a home crowd, and Dale Steyn steaming in. But the celebration after Grant Elliott nervelessly dispatched Islamabad United’s Mohammad Sami over the long-on boundary with Lahore Qalandars needing six to win and one wicket in hand was unmatched. As the ball soared into the stands, Yasir Shah came rushing towards his team-mate to give him a bear hug. Elliott barely noticed; he held his bat in the air out in front of him horizontally at eye level, before letting it fall to the ground. If there is a cooler variation of the mic drop, we are yet to see it.Mickey Arthur’s hairdryerSohail Khan struck twice in an over after a scolding from Mickey Arthur•PCB/PSLSir Alex Ferguson was feared by players across generations for his severe half-time dressing-downs, but at least he used to wait until his side were back inside the privacy of the changing rooms. When Karachi Kings’ head coach Mickey Arthur saw his players’ intensity levels drop dramatically in what looked like being an embarrassing defeat against Quetta Gladiators, he gave his players no such hiding place. Calling for a timeout after ten overs, he charged onto the field, his face like thunder. After getting his team into a huddle, he gave them the most public of admonishments; it was not unlike a headmaster speaking to a group of schoolboys who knew when they had been naughty. Poor Sohail Khan seemed to come off worst, but it seemed to have worked somewhat, given three wickets fell in the next over he bowled. It perhaps sent a message not just to Karachi’s players, but also the national team’s, that Mickey Arthur isn’t a man to be crossed.Baz or bust1:16

WATCH – Yasir Shah takes 4 for 7

Brendon McCullum as captain of Lahore was always going to be a delicious sub-theme this season. A naturally – perhaps recklessly – attacking captain, leading Pakistan’s most fun-loving city (sorry Karachi; not even close Islamabad) – what could possibly go wrong? Well, on days like this, plenty. McCullum began it himself, pulling the last ball of the first over when it wasn’t short enough straight to deep midwicket. Just over nine overs later, they were all gone, for 59, the second-shortest innings in T20 history. Game over right? Wrong. The defense of such a low total merely heightened McCullum’s attacking instincts. A brilliant, relentless spell from Yasir Shah sparked a Peshawar collapse from 47 for 3 to 51 for 7. Somehow, they scraped through but this was Lahore and McCullum at their most bewildering and brilliant.Sammy’s stunnerPlease line up behind me•PCB/PSLIt would be safe to lend Darren Sammy some money, because this PSL he proved if he has debts to pay off, he doesn’t wait around. In the tournament’s opening match, the Peshawar captain dropped a Dwayne Smith sitter in the slips, with Smith going on to score a half-century and winning his side the game. Less than 24 hours later, Sammy paid his dues off. Hasan Ali drew a thick outside edge from Karachi’s Babar Azam, with the ball seemingly racing to the third-man boundary. Sammy at first slip, however, threw himself to his right and flung out an arm. The ball nestled straight into his palm, and the catch, while outstanding enough, was superseded by the celebration. He got his team together, held out an imaginary smartphone at arm’s length, and snapped a selfie. The camera might have been imaginary, but the moment had been captured.Corruption scandal dents PSLPakistan cricket in the last three decades has been hit with many controversies and fixing scandals. Since the 2010 spot-fixing debacle, PCB had made extensive efforts to eradicate corruption from the layers deep down but the disease resurfaced to dent the second edition of PSL. On the second day of the second edition, it stunned the entire league when Islamabad players Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif were allegedly caught in a spot-fixing affair. Both were suspended with immediate effect and sent back home. Both were booked and could face a lifetime ban from cricket. Mohammad Irfan, Shahzaib Hasan and Zulfiqar Babar were questioned after the trio reported false approaches for fixing.Birthday boy Sami defends five off final overWhere’s the cake? Mohammad Sami made sure all focus was on him in the final over•PCBFew can manage to make their birthday as special as Sami did on his 36th. It was an inauspicious start to the day for Sami as he spent his afternoon vomiting in a hotel room with a stomach bug ailing him. But by the evening, he regathered himself for the game. A contest which Islamabad had virtually lost while Quetta were cruising to victory, requiring 17 off 18 balls with eight wickets in hands. But suddenly things started to slip away and it all came down to Sami needing to defend five off the final over. He stunned everyone by doing so successfully to make the impossible possible. “It was a game we had lost but I went with the plan without being complacent and the rest I left to chance,” he said later. “When you are defending five runs in T20, you only impose yourself and press batsman to make a mistake and that’s exactly we did.”Pollard takes ownershipDo I have to do 10? Kieron Pollard celebrates after hitting the winning runs•PCB/PSLTen to win off the last two balls and ten to stay alive in the PSL and at the crease, Kieron Pollard. He had had a quiet-ish tournament until then, emblematic of a Karachi side that had the individual parts but had not yet gelled into a unit. Even against Lahore, they had always looked slightly behind the asking rate and with 14 needed off the last over, were likelier to lose. With ten needed off two, Aamer Yamin missed an outside-off yorker by a few inches, which was all Pollard needed to get under it and loft over wide long-off. Four needed off the last ball and this time Yamin fluffed the line as well, going a little straighter and again not as full. Pollard shoveled it over square leg for a maximum and promptly set off in wild celebration, beginning with some push-ups. “I own Karachi,” he said later in a video from the team bus: he wasn’t wrong.The star-man shinesThat typical Shahid Afridi celebration•PCB/PSLIt has been a rich season for celebrations in the PSL. Elliott’s bat-drop was streets ahead of anything else. Rumman Raees’ elegantly posed mannequin caught the eye too, as did Mohammad Amir’s response when Karachi knocked Islamabad out. But one had been missing throughout – perhaps the most iconic Pakistani celebration of the modern age. Until the penultimate game of the league stages, Shahid Afridi had done little to warrant bringing out the patented star-man pose. There was a maiden PSL fifty in a losing cause against Karachi, but he had taken just two wickets until then. Then, in a low-stakes game against Quetta, he came in at 52 for 6, with 77 still needed on a sluggish surface in just over ten overs. He was a sedate 15 off 12 when Mohammad Hafeez fell and as he began to lose partners, he opened up to the extent that he hit 30 off his next 11; two fours from the first two balls of the last over sealed a two-wicket win, but more importantly, allowed him and us, one more time, that star-man pose.Nawaz holds his nerve0:50

WATCH – Nawaz’s unbelievable last over

Big-game pressure makes big-game players, goes the old cliché. Mohammad Nawaz was one of the finds of the first PSL, earning him a spot in the Pakistan side. His international experience has been underwhelming but here came a night that potentially could be the making of him. The conditions in the first qualifying game between Peshawar and Quetta were treacherous for bowlers. The surface was pristine for strokeplay and the dew, especially when Quetta bowled, was unmanageable. Gripping the ball was impossible, as Nawaz discovered while being dispatched for 46 runs in his first three overs. As he came on for the last over, Peshawar needed only seven, with Sammy on strike. A dot first up was cancelled out by a four next ball. And with half the over gone, only two were needed. Nawaz quickened his pace to dismiss Chris Jordan and then, after multiple discussions with captain and seniors, somehow gripped the ball well enough to bowl two inch-perfect yorkers which caused two run-outs. And so was sealed a remarkable win, and perhaps Nawaz’s graduation.Akmal senior rolls back the years1:47

WATCH – Kamran Akmal’s hard-hitting century

The Akmal brothers have been the butt of more than their fair share of jokes over the years, but Kamran ensured that it was only the Peshawar fans who were laughing by the time the third qualifier was over. After showing flashes of form over the course of the tournament, the diminutive wicketkeeper was at his free-flowing best in the must-win game against Karachi. His intent – and form – were apparent after the first two balls of the contest, both exquisitely-timed off-side drives for four. This wasn’t unusual; what really surprised was that he turned that elegance into substance, converting a promising start into a destructive hundred. He was unstoppable in the last overs, hitting sixes with an effortlessness that would have had bigger men envying him, wrenching the game away from Karachi. It was the PSL’s only century this season, and the acclamation he received upon being dismissed – by the opposition players and fans alike – said plenty about how impressive he had been.

Antonio Conte clashed with the Italian press after Scott McTominay inspired Napoli to a huge win in the Serie A title race over Monza.

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Napoli beat Monza 1-0 in Serie AMcTominay scored the winnerConte criticised by Italian press Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Conte has repeatedly lamented the lack of reinforcements since Napoli sanctioned the January sale of star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain. The Georgian’s departure left a gaping hole in Napoli’s attack, and Conte has been vocal in pointing out the lack of like-for-like alternatives available to him.

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The absence of quality has been particularly noticeable in matches where Napoli have struggled to create chances. Though Saturday's game yielded a win through Scott McTominay, the manager pointed to the overall performance as further evidence that the squad lacks the necessary depth and balance to sustain a title challenge. Conte was also seen exchanging heated words with Napoli supporters in the stands after McTominay’s winner, as fans voiced their own opinions from the terraces.

WHAT THE MEDIA SAID

Despite Conte’s complaints, Italian media outlets have challenged his assessment of the squad. notably highlighted the game-changing influence of Giacomo Raspadori, who came off the bench to deliver the decisive assist for McTominay’s goal.

“The link-up between Mathías Olivera and Leonardo Spinazzola didn’t work, and not even Billy Gilmour was convincing,” journalist Sebastiano Vernazza wrote in his player ratings.

“Conte saved himself with Raspadori, the living proof that the reserves are not so bad.”

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR NAPOLI?

Despite the drama surrounding the win, the result propelled Napoli to the top of the Serie A standings, albeit temporarily. They now sit level on 71 points with Inter, who have a game in hand and face a potentially tricky test away at Bologna on Sunday.

The stories of the people who worked against a cyclone to try and make the final Test of the series between India and England possible

Sidharth Monga in Chennai14-Dec-2016It is little over a year since R Ashwin went in to rescue India’s innings against South Africa in Delhi, while his hometown Chennai was ravaged by flood. His wife was trying unsuccessfully to get in touch with his parents, who were stranded, and he was feeling helpless, away from his beloved city and unable to help in its hour of need.Now, even as Ashwin’s side sealed another emphatic series win, cyclone Vardah hit Chennai, leaving in its wake destruction visible through felled trees, broken houses and uprooted electricity poles. This time, Ashwin and his team help, in their own way.A Test match begins on Friday. We tend to attach too much meaning to sport at times, but the successful hosting of this Test will mean a bit of a return to normalcy. Nothing represents normalcy in Chennai more than getting off at Chepauk train station and walking into MA Chidambaram Stadium for a Test match.Two days out, inside the stadium, the groundstaff works hard to make that happen. Inside the groundsmen’s shed, PR Viswanathan, BCCI’s south zone curator and formerly MA Chidambaram Stadium’s own, directs traffic. In a cart next to him lie two trays full of burning coal that have just been used to dry the pitch. They were kept on stumps so as to not burn the pitch.This is not the most unnatural drying act Viswanathan has overseen. Last year, in Bangalore, he put up a tent and used an actual iron and hair dryer to get the pitch ready during incessant rains. Sanjay Bangar, the India batting coach, will remember how in 2002-03 Viswanathan poured diesel on the bowlers’ run-up and burnt it to make sure it dried out in time for the Test against West Indies. India won by eight wickets.Lockers of the groundstaff at MA Chidambaram stadium•Sidharth Monga/ESPNcricinfoFive years ago, Viswanathan rolled out an admittedly ordinary surface for the Ranji Trophy final between Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan. Rajasthan scored 621 runs, and took away the title. That was the last pitch he prepared at the Chidambaram Stadium. His father played in the first-ever Ranji Trophy match, which ended in one day; he says he will take to his grave the regret of a match that looked good to last 10 days.Of all the gin joints in all the towns, Viswanathan is back at Chidambaram Stadium at a time of crisis. Quite possibly for one last time. He doesn’t want to hang on for too long; he wants youngsters – better trained scientifically – to take over, but what redemption it will be for him if he can stage a successful Test in such trying circumstances.Viswanathan, who was once a seam bowler who spent four matches with the Tamil Nadu squad without making the XI, has the support of a brave and committed groundstaff. They are the people who do all the hard work, he says. The people who come up with improvisations before the chief curator can. The people who sat through the cyclone on Monday to make sure the covers stayed in place.Gates fell, roofs were torn, sight screens were ravaged, bulbs flew out of the flood lights, but these can all be repaired. The playing surface, though, to be protected. The practice pitches were uncovered and the damage was such that they were unfit for training and will allow for only a few throwdowns, if at all, before the match.Thanks to the groundstaff’s bravery through the cyclone, and the modern drainage system, this is not even the biggest crisis Chidambaram stadium has gone through. The sight screens are erected and floodlights repaired through the day.The groundstaff’s shed is an oasis in the harsh Chennai sun. Their 25 lockers are adorned with images and cut-outs of gods and goddesses. A trunk and a rich blue cabinet stand at the other end. Statues and photos of more gods and goddesses sit there. Just before the Visakhapatnam Test earlier in the series, the groundstaff worshipped the pitch. Viswanathan says this groundstaff also does its best and then leaves the rest to the gods. And they carry out their worship at such early hours that you won’t even notice. “You are not in control once the match starts,” he says.Behind the shed, Vairamuthu, in his 50s, guards the deserted practice pitches. The only thing they might now be used for is a fitness test for Stuart Broad; you can bowl on them but batting can be unsafe. During the cyclone, a neighbour’s roof fell onto his house. Some things are more important than a fitness test, but it is also important to get back on your feet. Vairamuthu is on his feet.Baskaran, the cobbler who once fixed MS Dhoni’s pads•Sidharth Monga/ESPNcricinfoNot on his feet is Baskaran the cobbler, who sits cross-legged 50 metres past the Pattabhiraman Gate. Past trees fallen outside. Past the posters of Jayalalithaa handing a yellow flower to friend Sasikala, which have suddenly emerged in the week after the death of the iconic chief minister, a symbol of moving on, of handing over the reins.Baskaran sits on a plastic mat, tattered cricket gloves at one side and his photo with Sachin Tendulkar on the other. He claims to be a specialist in emergency repair on cricket equipment, especially those that need stitching. He began doing this for local matches, and over time he has become almost a dressing room attendant. The last time he was required in an international match was when MS Dhoni’s pads needed a quick fix.After the Test, Baskaran will go back to fixing shoes of the common public, but right now the cyclone and the destruction don’t matter. He is there is his place – maybe 50 metres to the left because of fallen trees.Over at Chemplast Cricket Ground in the IIT Madras campus, Vijay wouldn’t move from his place despite a landfall. He lives in the pavilion-style structure with his three “hounds” – rescued street dogs Andy, Laddoo and Prabhu Deva.Vijay sat in his veranda through the cyclone, looking at the beloved ground he takes care of, safe in the knowledge that there were no trees around it or tall structures that could fall. On Wednesday morning, at around 7am, he received a call from his employers if he could get the ground ready by 4pm. No other cricket ground in the city was available, and England needed one for Broad, who has been out with a foot injury, to run in and a pitch for him to bowl on. Vijay felt this was the least he could do two days before a Test. Perhaps the England team will understand and do without training, but somehow he had to help with the fitness test.Vijay got down to the job, and at 4pm, out came England bowling coach Ottis Gibson and Broad, in a tempo traveller. Andy, Laddoo and Prabhu Deva are on guard as Broad bowls 36 deliveries in his fitness test. They both leave happy, hoping they can get such a damp pitch offering seam and uneven bounce for the Test too. They have been away from home for close to two months, they have not won anything on this tour, which makes you miss friendlier environs even more. Before they leave, though, they – along with the Indian team – have one final act left: help a ravaged city attain a semblance of normalcy.

Crystal Palace have struggled to score goals this campaign, scoring 25 goals in 22 games so far this season, making them the joint fifth-lowest goalscorers in the Premier League.

This is despite taking 13.9 shots per game (10th most in the division) with their average xG per shot being 0.12.

With their striker options being Jean Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah -who was a big-money signing in the summer – the Eagles could instead look to add goals to their squad behind the striker, aiming to replace the output of Michael Olise who left in the summer window.

Crystal Palace looking at new forwards

According to reports from Italian outlet Firenze Viola in recent days, Crystal Palace have emerged as potential suitors for Botafogo winger, Luiz Henrique.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Other interested clubs include Fiorentina, who made an offer of around €20m (£16.8m) to Botafogo, but the Brazilian side have not been convinced by this bid.

The reports suggest a fee of around €30m (£25m) would be needed to prise the 24-year-old winger away from the club in the January window. However, it is unknown whether Palace would be willing to meet such an asking price.

Henrique has made 55 appearances since joining Botafogo in 2024, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists.

How Henrique compares to Romain Esse

On Saturday it was confirmed by the Eagles that they had officially signed Romain Esse from Championship side Millwall.

He has made 26 appearances so far this season, scoring five goals, providing one assist and totaling 2,165 minutes played.

Esse is, of course, five years younger than Henrique, and would demand a lower fee, but you would also be gambling on him making the jump from Championship to Premier League football seamlessly. That being said, Henrique has played in LaLiga and the Brazilian Serie A, so he would also be making a change and could potentially struggle with the physicality to begin with.

Goals

0.30

0.21

Assists

0.14

0.04

xG

0.29

0.10

xAG

0.13

0.20

Progressive Carries

2.94

1.65

Progressive Passes

2.66

3.26

Shots Total

2.14

1.38

Key Passes

1.21

1.21

Shot-Creating Actions

3.52

3.13

Successful Take-Ons

2.91

2.28

When comparing the two wide player’s metrics this season, Henrique has much better output, both with goals and assists. However, Esse has shown his ability to create chances for his team, with a higher xAG (expected assisted goals) which could lead to his assist numbers being higher when surrounded by better finishers.

Henrique and Esse both average 1.21 key passes per 90, as well as over three shot-creating actions per 90, showing their ability to create chances. The 24-year-old (Henrique) does offer more potency and goal threat though, having a higher shot-volume to go alongside his higher goals per 90.

The Brazilian was labeled an “absolute sensation” by scout Jacek Kulig, when playing for Brazil in the World Cup qualifiers. The quality of Henrique is clearly huge, but the biggest challenge would be settling into one of/if not the most physical league in the world.

The aim for either one of these players if they both arrived this January would be to replace some of the assets that Palace lost in the summer, specially when one of their jewels in the crown, Michael Olise, left the club. Both players have elements to their game, adding attacking spark, but whether they can provide enough output straight away remains to be seen.

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