يخوض اليوم الإثنين، فريق الهلال السعودي، مواجهة قوية أمام نظيره استقلال طهران الإيراني، ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا للنخبة.
ويلتقي الهلال مع استقلال طهران، على ملعب المملكة آرينا في جدة، ضمن منافسات الجولة الرابعة من دوري أبطال آسيا للنخبة، في نسختها الأولى.
ويسعى الهلال، لمواصلة عروضه القوية تحت قيادة البرتغالي خورخي خيسوس المدير الفني، ومواصلة الانتصالات على المستويين المحلي والآسيوي.
طالع أيضاً.. رياض محرز: حالتي مع الأهلي ليست كما كنت مع مانشستر سيتي لهذا السبب
ويتصدر الهلال، الترتيب بالتساوي مع الأهلي برصيد 9 نقاط من 3 مباريات، حيث حقق العلامة الكاملة مسجلًا 13 هدفا وتلقت شباكه 5 أهداف.
بينما يقع استقلال طهران في المركز السادس برصيد 3 نقاط من 3 مباريات، حيث حقق الفوز في مباراة وخسر مرتين وسجل 3 أهداف وتلقت شباكه 3 أهداف. موعد مباراة الهلال واستقلال في دوري أبطال آسيا
وتقام مباراة الهلال واستقلال اليوم الإثنين، في تمام الثامنة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والتاسعة مساءً بتوقيت المملكة العربية السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة الهلال واستقلال في دوري أبطال آسيا
ومن المقرر أن تنقل قناة beIN Sports AFC المباراة. معلق مباراة الهلال واستقلال في دوري أبطال آسيا
ويعلق عبد الله الغامدي على المباراة بين الهلال واستقلال.
ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا.
The management has given him the “heads up” that he would bat at No. 4 in T20Is for the time being, he says
ESPNcricinfo staff11-Nov-20192:33
The over in which I hit three sixes changed the momentum – Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer came into the T20I series against Bangladesh in decent, but not spectacular, form from the Vijay Hazare Trophy. But after two cameos – 22 off 13 balls and 24* off 13 balls – in the first two T20Is, he changed the complexion of the decider with 62 off 33 balls in Nagpur, and feels the innings “really stated that I can bat under pressure as well”.The 24-year-old from Mumbai has been in the mix as a middle-order option for India in white-ball cricket for a while, and pressed his claims to a regular spot in ODIs with innings of 71 and 65 in Port-of-Spain (from No. 5) in August this year, and might now have done the same in T20Is.ALSO READ: The night everything changed for Deepak Chahar”There is a lot of competition currently going on in the team, and I personally feel that I compete with myself. I don’t want myself to be judged with anyone or when you say this position is empty in the team. I am really open-minded and I can bat at any number at a given point,” he said at the press conference after the match-winning effort on Sunday. “So I just like to back myself in tough situations, and today’s innings I think really stated that I can bat under pressure as well. So, yeah, it was really important for me, and the team.”Iyer has a huge reputation in the Indian domestic circuit, and has been talked up as a potential first-teamer for the national team at least in white-ball formats, for the long term. He said that he had the backing of the team management to go strut his stuff.”It has been a really important last few series for me, to set the benchmark at the No. 4 position, which all of us are competing [for] at the moment,” he said. “I think, for me personally, they (team management) have given me a heads-up that, you know, ‘you’ll be there at No. 4, so just back yourself and really believe in yourself; we need someone who, even if [Virat] Kohli or Rohit [Sharma], when they get out, we need someone to finish the game and bat till the end’.”And I think that role is of a No. 4. That’s what I was trying to replicate today, and it worked out really well for me, I am really happy on that.”On Sunday, Iyer walked out at 35 for 2 in the sixth over after Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan had fallen and he was expected to play a big part if India wanted to set Bangladesh a substantial target. KL Rahul (52 off 35) and Iyer added 59 for the third wicket before Rahul was dismissed, and Iyer carried on till the 17th over, having set the platform for Manish Pandey to tee off.The highlight of Iyer’s innings was when he hit offspinner Afif Hossain for three sixes in a row in the 15th over of the Indian innings, all of them down the ground.Asked if that changed the script of the game, Iyer said, “Yes, I would say that, because the over in which I got three sixes, I think that changed the momentum completely, otherwise we would have finished at 150 or 155, which would have been a really tough total to defend on this wicket, when there was a lot of dew and the wicket was getting really better in the second innings after the roll.Shreyas Iyer bunts one away off the back foot•BCCI
“So, yeah, I would really give myself credit for playing that role, and also KL gave us the start. It was really important [for] one of the top three batsmen to stay till the 15th over, and he played his role really well.”Iyer had scored nine runs from the first 12 balls he had faced before opening up, smacking legspinner Aminul Islam for a straight six, the first of five he hit in the game, to go with three fours.”We have planned, as a team, the support staff and everyone, they have given me the freedom – not only me, but all the batsmen – that you need to have that intent when you go in there, and you should feel very positive when you’re batting. And I feel personally that if the ball is pitching in my area, I am not going to control myself, I am going to let my instincts back me. And yes, it turned out really well,” he said.”First few balls, it was really tough for me to get to know the wicket, it was playing a bit quicker than the pitch reacted. So I took a little bit of time, I said I am going to take at least ten balls to get settled in, and after that I am going to back myself and… when you really believe that you’re going to score in the later half of the innings, it really works out well for me. So I backed myself.”What happens when Virat Kohli returns to the side remains to be seen, but Iyer might have done enough in his last few international innings – 62, 24*, 22, 5, 16*, 65 and 71 since going to the Caribbean – to make a strong case for himself for the ODI side, as well as, with a T20 World Cup coming up, in that XI.
It's been a rough season for Chelsea fans this year, with the draw at home to a ten-man Burnley side over the weekend just the latest in a long line of embarrassing results.
Mauricio Pochettino has been unable to create a coherent and effective team out of the plethora of talented youngsters at his disposal, and it's looking increasingly likely that he won't be given another chance next year.
While some of the youngsters in the team, such as Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto, have impressed this campaign, Raheem Sterling, who is meant to be one of the senior stars, has not, and off the back of recent transfer news of his time in the team could be coming to an end.
Latest Chelsea transfer news
According to a recent report from Football Insider, Brazilian winger Raphinha is set to be moved on by Barcelona in the summer as the Catalan club looks to raise more funds to help their dire financial situation.
The report has revealed that the former Leeds United star is still a transfer target of Premier League sides Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea, who are eyeing up the left-footed dynamo ahead of the summer transfer window.
Barcelona star Raphinha.
However, with the massive finances involved, clubs from the Saudi Pro League are also keen to bring the tricky winger to the Middle East.
An earlier report from last month revealed that Saudi side Al-Hilal were willing to offer a £86m package – inclusive of the fee and wages – which may be too good to turn down for the Blaugrana.
Yet, the player wants to remain in Spain, so while that might not be possible, a move back to the Premier League, with Chelsea, for example, might become his most appealing option.
How Raphinha compares to Raheem Sterling
The first thing to clear up is that, yes, Sterling has primarily played as a left winger at Chelsea, and Raphinha has primarily played as a right winger throughout his career. However, the 22-capped Brazilian has also played plenty of games out on the left, 82 games to be exact, so it should be much of an issue for him to adapt at Stamford Bridge.
That said, how have the pair performed this year? Well, in his 37 games for the Blues this season, the former Manchester City ace has scored eight goals and provided 11 assists, meaning he has averaged a goal involvement every 1.9 games.
Raphinha vs Sterling this season
Player
Raphinha
Sterling
Appearances
29
37
Goals
6
8
Assists
10
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.55
0.51
All Stats via Transfermarkt
In comparison, the former Peacocks star has scored six goals and provided ten assists in just 29 appearances, giving him a slightly better average of a goal every 1.8 games.
How about their underlying numbers, then? Well, unfortunately for the Englishman, he once again comes out second best, and this time, it's by quite some way.
Raphinha vs Sterling
Stats per 90
Raphinha
Sterling
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists
0.94
0.51
Non-Penalty Goals
0.43
0.30
Assists
0.60
0.20
Progressive Carries
3.68
5.47
Progressive Passes
4.36
3.50
Progressive Passes Received
12.5
11.4
Shots
4.09
2.26
Shots on Target
1.45
0.84
Passing Accuracy
74.9%
73.2%
Shot-Creating Actions
6.31
3.74
Goal-Creating Actions
0.85
0.59
Successful Take-Ons
1.88
1.97
Aerial Duels Won
0.77
0.10
All Stats via FBref
Aside from successful take-ons and progressive carries, the "brilliant" Barça ace, as talent scout Jacek Kuilg described him, comes out on top in a host of key attacking metrics, from expected goals and assists to passing accuracy and shot volume.
Chelsea eyeing a "better prospect than Endrick" in £51m Palmer rival
The youngster is one of the most exciting talents in world football.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 2, 2024
Ultimately, Sterling has been a fantastic Premier League player for over a decade now and likely still has several years left at the top, but based on his performances in West London, Chelsea would be getting a significant upgrade if they could sign Raphinha.
Therefore, the Blues must swoop to sign the former Leeds star, who experienced Premier League football at Elland Road, to come in and replace the England international.
O meia Emiliano Rigoni viajou com o elenco do São Paulo para a partida contra o Atlético-GO, neste sábado, ás 19h, em Goiânia. Ele ainda espera seu nome sair no BID (Boletim Informativo Diário) da CBF para estar á disposição.
A documentação precisa estar regularizada até estra sexta-feira para o meia ter condições de atuar.Caso não saia no BID, Rigoni deve ser relacionado na próxima rodada, contra o Atlético-MG.
Começou o Brasileirão! Baixe o aplicativo do LANCE!
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Vale ressaltar que, por ser uma transferência internacional, a burocracia tende a ser mais demorada do que uma negociação nacional. A mesma situação foi vivida pelo meia Benítez, que ficou duas semanas esperando ser regularizado para fazer sua primeira partida pelo Tricolor.
Novo camisa 77 do São Paulo, Rigoni afirmou que possui uma gama de posições e funções que pode executar.
🚌 Partiu aeroporto!
À espera da regularização, @Emirigoniok viaja com a delegação para Goiânia#VamosSãoPaulo 🇾🇪
– Me considero um jogador extremo direito, que pode jogar pelos lados. Gosto de jogar com espaços, com a bola em profundidade, gosto de dar assistências e nos últimos anos tenho jogado muito por dentro, de segundo ponta. Jogo mais por dentro quando tem três volantes no meio. A verdade é que tenho a variável por jogar por dentro ou por fora. Gosto muito de jogar nas linhas, de extremo atacante. Mas quando fui colocado no meio, me senti muito cômodo – avaliou o jogador do São Paulo, em sua apresentação.
O São Paulo se prepara para a segunda rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, quando enfrenta o Atlético-GO, às 19h, no próximo sábado. O Tricolor está sem vencer há duas partidas, com um empate sem gols contra o Fluminense, e uma derrota para o 4 de Julho-PI, por 3 a 2.
Chattogram Challengers ensured themselves a second crack at the BPL final by beating Dhaka Platoon in the Eliminator match
Mohammad Isam13-Jan-2020
Rubel Hossain is over the moon•BCB
Chattogram Challengers ensured themselves a second crack at the BPL final, after they beat Dhaka Platoon by seven wickets, in the Eliminator match. Rayad Emrit, Rubel Hossain and Nasum Ahmed set up their win, picking up seven wickets in the first 12.4 overs, before Imrul Kayes and Mahmudullah completed the chase with 14 balls to spare.Chris Gayle played the anchor role for a change as Ziaur Rahman and Kayes hit five sixes and four boundaries between them, to power Chattogram to 91 in the first 12.3 overs, before Mahmudullah hammered four sixes in his unbeaten 34 off just 14 balls to complete the chase.But Chattogram would have to thank their bowlers for restricting Dhaka to a middling 144 for 8 in 20 overs, which ultimately gave them the easy chase.Rubel v TamimDhaka fell into early trouble when Rubel pinned Tamim Iqbal to the crease in the first over of the match. After surviving a caught-behind shout off the first ball, Rubel delivered a superb yorker as well nearly trapping the left-hander lbw. Rubel would have to wait until the following over to get his man as Tamim fell for 3 off 10 balls.Emrit’s two-wicket overWith Dhaka in early strife, Chattogram sensed the chance to take control of proceedings. Emrit, a BPL regular despite a lack of noteworthy performances, struck twice in his second over. First he removed the dangerous Mahedi Hasan, and followed it up with the dismissal of Jaker Ali next ball, caught behind for a duck. To top off a fine bowling performance, Emrit removed Mominul Haque to reduce Dhaka to 52 for 6 in the 11th over, before finishing with superb figures of 3 for 23 off his four overs.Shadab Khan continues to add to his credentials as an allrounder•BCB
Shadab’s late chargeDhaka have been sending Shadab up the order in many of the matches but it was only in this game when the Pakistan allrounder gave them a batting boost. When his compatriot Asif Ali fell in the 13th over, Dhaka were 60 for 7, but Shadab picked things up with a 41-ball unbeaten 64. He struck five fours and three sixes, most of them coming in the last three overs in which Dhaka took 51 runs.Shadab’s contribution, much of which came in the two 40-odd stands he had with Thisara Perera and Mashrafe Mortaza, gave Dhaka some breathing space with a 144-run total.Kayes faster than GayleIt was a remarkable sight: Kayes dominating a 49-run stand with Gayle. But by the time he fell to Shadab in the 13th over, Chattogram had set themselves a good platform in the chase. Kayes made 32 of the 49 runs, having struck three sixes and a four in his 22-ball knock. Gayle only contributed 13 runs to the partnership, before falling for 38 off 49 balls in an innings that wasn’t very Gayle-esque.Mashrafe’s one-handed catchFielding at short fine-leg, Dhaka captain Mashrafe must have hoped that none of Gayle’s swipes or sweeps come his way. Mashrafe had injured his left hand in Dhaka’s previous game, requiring 14 stitches. He had faced two deliveries during his 40-run unbroken ninth wicket stand with Shadab, and had bowled four overs.But for any cricketer with a hand injury, fielding must be the most traumatic experience. Mashrafe was at least lucky that the Gayle catch was off a top-edge, and struck quite tamely. He put out his right hand, and took it one-handed, much to the crowd’s delight.It was all too late though as his opposite number Mahmudullah took care of the business of chasing down the moderate total.
There’s no two ways about it: Watching Kobbie Mainoo stroll around the Manchester United midfield has been a breath of fresh air this season.
In truth, it’s extremely fair to say that without the 18-year-old wonderkid, Erik ten Hag and his team would be much worse off.
The number 37’s influence on the side was apparent the second he made his Premier League debut against Everton, and he just keeps getting better and better, notably making his England debut and scoring a sumptuous curling effort against Liverpool.
However, despite his quality, there’s obviously plenty of room for him to develop even further, and the signing of one target could just see him reach new levels next season.
Man United are keen to sign a centre-back
According to a report from Spanish outlet Sport via SportWitness, Man United are interested in signing Mikayil Faye from Barcelona.
The centre-back is set to be at the centre of a transfer battle between multiple clubs, including Arsenal and Juventus.
However, Faye is currently contracted to the Spanish giant until 2027, and he has an enormous £340m release clause.
The 19-year-old has "shown willingness" to leave Barca in an attempt to receive more game time, but the club is keen to keep hold of the promising gem.
Ratcliffe lines up Man Utd signing who could turn Garnacho into a monster
The Man United target has been one of the best creators in Spain this season.
ByTom Lever Apr 9, 2024 How Faye could supercharge Mainoo
Faye only joined Barcelona from Croatian side Kustosija last summer, and since then, he’s failed to make a single competitive appearance for the first team.
This season, the 19-year-old has played 22 matches in the Primera Federacion (Spain's third tier) scoring four goals, and he recently featured on the bench for Barca against Las Palmas towards the end of March.
The defender has amazingly made his first senior start for Senegal before making his club debut for the Spanish giant, but he’s still impressed enough in the Barcelona Atletic side to attract potential suitors.
Nonetheless, on his debut for his nation against Gabon in a recent friendly, Faye scored his first international goal, but it was during his cameo in a friendly against Club America in December that he really shined.
As you can see below, it's instantly clear that the number 41 is extremely composed on the ball, with his technical ability allowing him to retain possession for his side, which United have struggled with in spells this season.
Faye vs Club America
Stats
Faye
Touches
47
Pass accuracy
90%
Duels won
2/2
Tackles
1
Dribbled past
0
Interceptions
2
Via Sofascore
However, it’s his defensive dominance and athleticism that would inevitably make Mainoo much more impactful, with U23 football scout Antonio Mango labelling Faye one of “the biggest centre-backs in the world.”
That said, the 6 foot 1 defender is very physical and extremely difficult to get past due to his speed. The current issue for Ten Hag is the lack of dynamic defenders at the club, which often means that they are wary of playing a high line.
With the instruction for the midfielders to stay high with a man-to-man press, this often leaves huge gaps in the middle of the park, which is simply why they concede so many shots.
With the introduction of Faye, he could help decrease the space given to the opposition, in turn making Mainoo’s job so much easier from an out-of-possession perspective, which is scary considering he’s thriving while completing an impossible task.
Against Liverpool on Sunday, the United academy graduate was fantastic when undertaking his defensive duties, making five tackles, two interceptions, and being dribbled past on zero occasions.
However, that type of performance will only become more common with a profile like Faye at the back, with his signature potentially becoming a game-changer for United.
A atenção da Seleção Brasileira está totalmente voltada para a Copa América. No dia seguinte à equipe canarinha golear a Venezuela por 3 a 0, no Mané Garrincha, a delegação desembarcou na tarde desta segunda-feira no Rio de Janeiro, cidade no qual acontecerá o confronto com o Peru, no Grupo B do torneio.
Segundo a programação prevista pela CBF, logo após chegar à Cidade Maravilhosa, o grupo se deslocará para Teresópolis. A preparação dos comandados de Tite para o duelo com os peruanos (marcado para esta quinta-feira, às 21h, no Nilton Santos) acontecerá na Granja Comary. O estádio também será palco do duelo com a Colômbia, no dia 23 (uma quarta-feira), previsto para as 21h.
AINDA EM BRASÍLIA…
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O dia da Seleção Brasileira não teve movimentação só em solo fluminense. Mais cedo, reservas e atletas que entraram no decorrer da goleada por 3 a 0 sobre a Venezuela fizeram inicialmente atividades físicas. Em seguida, sob o olhar de Tite e de sua comissão técnica, houve um treino tático em campo reduzido no Estádio Defelê.
Os titulares da partida de estreia da equipe canarinha na Copa América fizeram uma atividade regenerativa.
كشف أحد الصحفيين المقربين من نادي ليفربول تطورات جديدة تخص مستقبل النجم المصري محمد صلاح، مع اقتراب عقده الحالي من النهاية.
وليس سرًا أن العقد الحالي لـ محمد صلاح مع ليفربول سينتهي في صيف 2025، أي نهاية هذا الموسم.
وسبق أن صرح محمد صلاح بعدم وجود مفاوضات بينه وبين مسؤولي ليفربول فيما يخص تمديد إقامته في ملعب “الأنفيلد”.
وأثار محمد صلاح المزيد من الغموض حول مستقبله بعد التغريدة التي نشرها بعد تسجيله هدف فوز ليفربول ضد برايتون، السبت الماضي، حيث رأى البعض وكأنه وداع للريدز.
من جانبه، أكد الصحفي ديفيد لينش، مراسل ليفربول، أن محمد صلاح حريص حقًا على البقاء في صفوف ليفربول ومواصلة مسيرته مع الفريق الإنجليزي.
تأتي رغبة محمد صلاح على الرغم من اهتمام الدوري السعودي المتزايد باستقطابه، إلى جانب أندية أوروبا المختلفة.
اقرأ أيضًا.. تقارير: وجهة جديدة غير متوقعة لـ محمد صلاح
وأضاف لينش، في حديثه مع شبكة “سبورتس مول” الإنجليزية، أنه لا يعتقد بكون رغبة محمد صلاح في الحصول على عقد جديد لمدة 3 سنوات هو أمر صارم، كما تم تصوير الأمر، ولن يغادر المصري لهذا السبب فقط.
وأوضح لينش: “أعتقد أن جميع تصرفات محمد صلاح تظهر لاعبًا يرغب حقًا في البقاء في ليفربول وأعتقد أنه يريد الاستمرار في تسلق قائمة هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي، وكذلك قائمة ليفربول أيضًا”.
واسترسل: “أعتقد فقط أنه عندما يكون لديك لاعب يائس بوضوح للبقاء، لا أعتقد أنه سيجلس هناك ويقول (إذا لم تمنحني ثلاث سنوات، فسأرحل)”.
وشدد: “أعتقد أن هناك انفتاحًا على التسوية من جانبه وهو ما يبشر بالخير حقًا بالنسبة لـ ليفربول”.
واختتم: “أنا واثق من أنه يمكن التوصل إلى حل وسط وأن الأمر لا يتطلب سوى مناقشة ذلك على مدى الأشهر القليلة المقبلة”.
Earlier, a Mitchell Starc five-for had knocked over New Zealand for 166
The Report by Alagappan Muthu14-Dec-2019Stumps An important half-century for Joe Burns, an inevitable one for Marnus Labuschagne, a five-wicket haul for Mitchell Starc and a lead of 417 runs. Australia had plenty going their way on the third day in Perth. New Zealand, meanwhile, braced themselves to fight against the current and they’re going to have to keep at it for another two whole days.As gutsy as Kane Williamson and his men are, that looks an impossible task, especially considering the vagaries of the pitch. Three days of wear and tear has introduced uneven bounce into play. When Steven Smith is beaten by one keeping low and another rearing up in the twilight session, you know the ball is doing tricks. And this, by the way, was a ball 46 overs old.Australia did excellently to earn the iron grip they have over this Test match. Such was the faith they had in their fast bowlers that they went out to the field on Saturday afternoon and immediately settled into a short-ball plan.Marnus Labuschagne uses the depth of his crease to go square off the wicket•Getty Images
Starc and Pat Cummins were the only ones left standing. Josh Hazlewood had already been sidelined with a hamstring strain. The heat was in the 40C range again. New Zealand were already five down, but their lower-order rarely ups and folds like a deck chair. There was a chance it could have gone all wrong, that the two big quicks would be bowled into the ground and Ross Taylor, who was well past fifty, could have marshalled the resources he had left to some semblance of safety.But what really happened was, after swaying out of the way of a ball that was coming for his nose, BJ Watling was slow to get in line with the follow-up delivery and was bowled. A man who had come into this game with Test scores of 77, 105*, 205 and 55 had been one-twoed by Cummins’ ruthless precision. He has 52 wickets this year, 14 more than his nearest rival.Taylor took on the short ball but his biggest test came at the hands of Nathan Lyon. The offspinner’s first over included a ball that scythed through the gap between bat and pad and nearly bowled Taylor. Ever since then, he began to look unsure of his scoring options because he was unsure how much the ball will spin. Eventually, a beautifully tossed up offbreak took Taylor’s outside edge as he played inside the line and he was caught for an otherwise flawless 80. With that being the only substantial score of the New Zealand innings, they were bowled out for 166.Mitchell Starc is applauded off the field by his team-mates after his 13th five-for in Test cricket•Getty Images
Having given up a lead of 250, there was very little New Zealand were in control of, but even there they were found wanting. Labuschagne was given a life when he was on 4 when a mis-hit pull shot against Neil Wagner was dropped by Colin de Grandhomme running back at square leg. For the next several moments, the fielder just lay there on the ground, face down, contemplating what could have been. This was a mere three overs after they had worked out David Warner for 19 off 63 balls. There was a moment to be seized there, just as there was late on the second day when they began batting under lights, knowing full well that if they could have survived that initial burst, batting in daylight would have been much easier. By the way, Labuschagne went on to make 50 off 81 and push his Test tally up to 1000 after only 12 Tests.New Zealand wouldn’t be faulted for the effort they have put into this Test match, especially considering they had only a handful of days to prepare for these conditions, but they haven’t been able to win the key moments in this game.Burns did though. He left the field in the first innings when he needn’t have and he played like a man conscious of that fact. Being stuck on 0 for 22 deliveries didn’t fluster him. Scoring opportunities drying up as the pink ball got soft didn’t affect him. There were a few balls outside off stump that had him fishing but outside of that he was solid for most of the time he spent at the crease to make 53 runs. His dismissal – a Tim Southee bouncer got too big on him and he could only fend it away to gully – only served as another reminder of the amount of life there still in this pitch.Umpire Aleem Dar receives treatment after hurting his knee•Getty Images
Banging it in was how Wagner got rid of both Labuschagne and Smith and then Australia went from 1 for 131 to 6 for 167 at stumps. Banging it in was also how Starc completed his five-for. He looked to have bounced de Grandhomme out – umpire Aleem Dar certainly thought so – but when the batsman took the option of DRS, replays seemed to indicate the ball might have just gone off the helmet on its way to Smith at second slip. HotSpot couldn’t catch the ball that high up. Snicko showed a flat line but the ball and glove were so close as they passed each other that third umpire Marais Erasmus felt the evidence he had wasn’t conclusive enough to overrule the on-field call.Pretty much the same thing happened when it was de Grandhomme bowling and seemed to have knocked out Warner with a bouncer, but umpire Dar didn’t give it out on-field and replays indicated the ball had bounced off the batsman’s shoulder and into second slip’s grasp. Dar’s time in the spotlight wasn’t done just yet as he found himself being tackled by Mitchell Santner who was trying to provide cover for a throw at the stumps in the 36th over. It really was a funny old day.
With just eight games remaining in what now looks like an impossible fight to seal automatic promotion, Southampton have been dealt a further blow in the form of the latest injury news.
Southampton injury news
There was a moment in time when Russell Martin's side looked destined to complete their promotion comeback and secure an automatic place. Now fourth and 12 points adrift of second place Leeds United albeit with two games in hand, the Saints look destined to turn to the Championship play-offs at the end of the campaign. It's there that Martin will hope to have as many of his stars available to seal eventual Wembley glory and an instant return to the Premier League.
Martin must now unleash Southampton machine who won 100% duels vs Boro
Russell Martin will want a response from his Southampton troops this Easter Monday.
ByKelan Sarson Apr 1, 2024
Before Southampton's last-gasp defeat at the hands of Championship leaders Ipswich Town, Martin's injury list looked relatively simple to deal with, as just Ross Stewart and Juan Larios – both due to return later this month – were missing. However, that loss had more consequences than first expected, with the Saints dealt a fresh injury blow.
Russell Martin confirmed to Adam Blackmore of BBC Radio Solent that Stuart Armstrong will now miss Southampton's game against Blackburn Rovers this weekend, revealing: "He took a massive whack on the head in the second half against Ipswich and started feeling groggy."
Forced into a change as they look to return to winning ways, Southampton's job against Blackburn just became that much harder.
Southampton need "great" Armstrong's experience more than ever
Navigating a way past the Championship play-offs is one of the most daunting tasks in English football. It's where upsets are born and Premier League dreams go to die. And Southampton, well on course to reach that daunting task, will be well aware that they, alongside one of Ipswich Town, Leicester and Leeds United, will be among the favourites to go up.
It's those moments when experience matters most and that's exactly why the Saints need Armstrong's return as soon as possible. Martin, who was a teammate of the 32-year-old's during his playing days, was full of praise for the midfielder in pre-season.
"I know how good of a player he is. He’s such a smooth footballer and is such a great athlete. He possesses everything he needs to play at the very top and I think we will give him a platform where he can really show what he can do."
Southampton manager Russell Martin.
With that said, the boss will be hoping to see Armstrong make a swift return to action following this weekend's clash against Blackburn.