The first Test went England’s way as India squandered their chances at Headingley. Alan Gardner hears from Andrew Miller and Sid Monga about another fourth-innings classic
ESPNcricinfo staff26-Jun-2025England pulled off another memorable fourth-innings run chase at Headingley to take a 1-0 lead in the series against India. But how good were they? And how unlucky were the visitors? On the pod, Alan Gardner was joined by Andrew Miller and Sidharth Monga to discuss Ben Duckett’s brilliant innings, Shubman Gill’s fiery baptism as captain and whether Jofra Archer should come straight into the England XI for Edgbaston.
Their fast-bowling or math tests, what would you rather face before you’ve even rubbed the sleep from your eyes?
Osman Samiuddin09-Jun-2023Good morning.Here is a postcard from hell.Hell is morning. Nothing good ever came from mornings. Bodies, slow, minds slower. Probably children somewhere, not being slow or mindful, the very accessories of hell.The day before this Test began Rohit Sharma arrived at a press conference at The Oval and, no lie, it took him a minute to begin to even compose a response to the first question. It was 9:15am. I’m pretty sure as the question began, Rohit was still in REM sleep. If we can ever know anything for certain about Rohit Sharma without knowing anything about him, it is that he is not a morning person. And no man should be attending to formal duties at this hour, let alone having to face questions from journalists.Related
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This Test has been starting earlier than usual for England. At 11am, we’re on the border between morning and afternoon, waiting to cross into noon. But at 10:30am, we’re rubbing the sleep from our eyes.But you know who else, apart from children, likes mornings? Fast bowlers.If children are the accessories to hell fast bowlers are the furniture. They love mornings. The rest of us are trying to string a two-word sentence together and failing, trying not to be like when the audio and video of your screen is all out of sync; meanwhile these heroes are catwalking in from 30 yards, bodies loose and lean, joints and limbs and muscles in biological harmony, hurling stuff at you at 90mph.First thing in the morning, Scott Boland. I mean. That’s like waking up straight into a math exam.Whatever else hell might be, ChatGPT will be there. And what is Scott Boland if not the ChatGPT response to the question of who is the perfect fast-medium bowler? Boland does fast-medium bowling exactly as it has been prescribed, except he does it so exactly that it can’t be real. It must be a likeness of real, that’s how good it is.Who bowls the ball he bowled second up this morning? KS Bharat is waking up, we’re all waking up really, and here’s Boland asking him to disprove the Riemann Hypothesis.”You what? Wait, what’s that sound? Is that my stumps?”It’s a ball you might not be able to keep out at 2pm, 5pm, 9pm or any pm. At 10:32am? No chance in hell.Next ball he raps Shardul Thakur on the gloves. This is a sign. Pain is incoming. Having brought balls back thus far, the last one holds its line and Thakur edges it, just beyond the slips. This is also a sign because fortune is also incoming. If fast-medium bowling as we’ve known it (Stuart Clark, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Abbas) is hell, then in the high 80s for speeds, Boland’s is Hell+.How can anyone who looks that good be so bad for you?•Getty ImagesThe greatest trick hell ever pulled is, of course, Pat Cummins, who’s up next. How can anyone who looks that good be so bad for you? How can anyone look that good this early in the morning? How can anyone be so considered and considerate, so full of empathy, and yet also be trying to crack your body open at least 120 times a day?First ball he’s in. Can’t drive it. Can’t not play at it. Can’t play it even when you can’t not play at it. It’s seaming away from Ajinkya Rahane. What coffee do they serve in hell? Cummins keeps pulling his length fractionally backwards or forwards of good length, allowing the variation in bounce in the surface to come in play for the rest of the over. Then, at the end, having fed Thakur all this heat, he throws him the illusion of a cold wet towel. A full ball. Outside off. Drive it. Seek relief. Thakur can’t see it from all the sweat in his eyes and misses.Boland got hit for his first six in Tests on Thursday. On Friday, he bowls his first ever bad delivery in Tests, four wides way down legside. India celebrate the runs. Humanity celebrates a glitch in the ChatGPT algorithm: there’s hope for all of us. Hold your horses though. Other than that ball, Boland’s over seams in, then holds, seams in, then holds again, then seams in. Thakur edges, but it scoots along the field past slips for four.Pat Cummins hit Shardul Thakur in the right forearm two balls in a row•AFP/Getty ImagesThe next over from Cummins has so many medical personnel on the field, it’s like a scene from Grey’s Anatomy which, of course, is the same thing as a scene from hell. Thakur is struck twice in two balls, on the exact same spot on his forearm, off two exact same deliveries. Not short but quick, bouncing but also seaming away. Hell is a life lived over. At the non-striker’s end, another truth bomb has struck Rahane. Hell is other people.Hell is also not over. Thakur pops a pill, puts on an extra arm guard (although at this precise moment, Tony Stark’s latest armour isn’t going to help him any) and gets hit on the glove, high up on the bat handle next ball. The last ball of the over is a conventional legbreak. At nearly 90mph.Rahane plays out an over from Boland which feels like, I dunno, maybe having a cigarette in hell. He takes six runs by opening the face of his bat but is beaten in between by one that jags away from very close to off. Smoking’s not good for your health. But it’s less bad for your health than hell.Thakur is dropped by Cameron Green at gully off Cummins. It is a dolly. He’s hit high on the pads the next ball and then in the midriff the ball after. It’s a no-ball too, so an extra ball to face. One nips in, almost rolls on to the stumps off Thakur’s bottom edge. At this point, the drop seems cruel and unfair on Thakur. ESPNcricinfo records his control percentage as 40%. It seems a lot on the high side.Boland is still going because AI never sleeps. Rahane defends solidly, then plays a nice off-drive and it might be that he’s getting the hang of this. Duly he drives, duly the ball shapes away and duly the edge falls just short of gully.It’s past 11 now, so creeping into non-morning territory. It might be that someone’s turned the AC on in hell, or at least turned the heat down. Rahane first gets lucky, jabbing at and edging a wideish length ball from Cummins for four. Rahane then gets classy, hooking the next ball, high and long for six and nearly, very nearly out of hell.There’s still time for Boland to have a whole over of fun with Thakur. Back of length, fuller, in, out, shake it all about. It leaves Thakur requiring more treatment, this time on his thumb. He may need to talk to someone about what his mind and soul have just been put through.But he’s gotten through it. It’s 11:22am. It’s not even been a full hour but my watch is telling me it’s been eternity. Morning has ended and as Mitchell Starc comes on, so too has hell.
The Royals captain looks ahead to the second half of the IPL season
As told to Nagraj Gollapudi20-Sep-2021Now that India’s selection for the T20 World Cup is done, at least that will not be a distraction any longer and I can now devote all my focus and energies towards the IPL. I will confess that it was very disappointing to not be selected. Playing for India and playing in the World Cup is a great dream for all players and I was very much looking forward to that.As the cliché goes, selection is not in a player’s control, so it is very important to stay focused on what you control and where you are as a player. You need to have that maturity in your thinking.We are resuming the tournament after a four-month break, so it feels like a new season. The mood in the Rajasthan Royals camp is like we are starting another IPL. We also have had a few changes in our squad. So that too makes it feel like a new tournament for us. Overall it is good to come in with that mindset regardless of what happened in the first phase.Related
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The break has also allowed us to not just recoup our energies but also review our ideas and strategy going into the second half. The key points me and Sanga have spoken about are mainly about the roles individuals can play and about the combinations.Playing this format, one has to understand the margin of error is very small. You can’t really blame your players or your team. The only things you can take care of are the mindset you go in with and the intent and attitude the players display in the games.I am aware that one of the areas that the Royals have been inconsistent in is the middle order, and the numbers will say as much. So we can’t deny that is a weakness.To score quickly in that phase, you need to have your best batters around. That doesn’t mean I’m saying that I want to drop anchor at one end. In T20 you have to show intent every ball and play your shots, and not think that you can sit back, play it safe in the powerplay and then score in the middle overs. You have to take good decisions as a batter to play a lot of overs, but equally, not miss scoring opportunities.Luckily, if I am not wrong – and you can look up the numbers – Royals have finished powerfully in the death overs with the bat. So if you have enough wickets in hand or your best batters around, you will more often than not come up with a powerful finish.ESPNcricinfo LtdKeeping that in mind, I am very happy and excited that we once again have got Liam Livingstone, who has been hammering bowling attacks off late. We have seen glimpses of his attacking strokeplay for Royals before but this time we would like to give him more opportunities, give him the freedom to express himself, without assigning him a specific role. For him and other batters, we want to keep options open. We’ll have chats with the players and figure what kind of role they want, and then the final call will be taken by the team management.One other potential weak area people from outside point at is our death bowling. The stats will say we are nowhere near the best, but I am not bothered by that. If you are only conceding ten or 11 runs in each of the final four overs, it is actually not a very bad run rate at the death.Last year in the UAE we finished eighth. So any improvement would be good. But in my first huddle with the Royals family this year I made it clear that while the goal is to win the championship, we need to focus on our process, on our preparation, and take it one match at a time. We give everything out there. I don’t mind if we end up at No. 8 again, but I want everyone to go all out. No matter who the opposition is, I want to see that attitude in your eyes and your body language. We are going for the kill – die or win. As simple as that. No one is holding back. I said that I wanted that commitment from each and every one.We are a young IPL team and the brand of cricket I want my team now to play is to fight and succeed. Of our remaining seven matches this season we have to win as many as possible. The goal is not to qualify for the playoffs but to win the championship.
يرى دينيسي سوندرز، النجم السابق لفريق ليفربول، أن كتيبة آرني سلوت ستتمكن من الاستفادة من فترة غياب النجم المصري محمد صلاح، نتيجة مشاركته في بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا.
وشارك محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وبرايتون، أمس، في الجولة السادسة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي كبديل في الدقيقة 26، وصنع الهدف الثاني.
وسيغيب محمد صلاح، على الأقل، طوال فترة مباريات منتخب مصر في دور مجموعات كأس أمم إفريقيا، أيام 22، 26 و29 ديسمبر الحالي.
ويحتل ليفربول حاليًا المركز السادس برصيد 26 نقطة، بفارق 10 نقاط عن آرسنال صاحب المركز الأول.
وكان آرسنال متأخرًا بفارق 12 نقطة عن مانشستر يونايتد في فبراير 1998، ولكنه توج في النهاية بذلك بلقب الموسم المذكور، ولكن دينيسي سوندرز يرى أن ليفربول لن يستطيع تكرار ذلك الإنجاز هذا الموسم.
اقرأ أيضًا.. كيف برر محمد صلاح تصريحاته النارية في غرفة ملابس ليفربول؟
وعندما سُئل سوندرز، عما إذا كان بإمكان ليفربول تكرار إنجاز آرسنال في موسم 1997-1998، أجاب في تصريحات لشبكة “سبورتس مول” الإنجليزية: “أعتقد أن الأمر صعب للغاية هذا الموسم، مانشستر سيتي وآرسنال بدآ الموسم بشكل جيد واحتلا مركزًا متقدمًا”.
وأضاف: “في هذه المرحلة من الموسم يتمثل التحدي في ضمان البقاء في المنافسة على اللقب، وليفربول خارج المنافسة بالفعل نظرًا لفارق النقاط الكبير بينه وبين آرسنال ومانشستر سيتي”.
وواصل: “بإمكانهم تحقيق سلسلة انتصارات متتالية، وغياب محمد صلاح بسبب مشاركته في كأس الأمم الإفريقية قد يساعدهم على تقديم أداء جيد، لكن من المستبعد جدًا أن يتمكنوا من تعويض هذا الفارق”.
اقترب النرويجي إيرلينج هالاند، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي مانشستر سيتي من تخطي كريستيانو رونالدو في ترتيب الهدافين التاريخيين لبطولة الدوري الإنجليزي.
ونجح الدولي النرويجي إيرلينج هالاند، مهاجم مانشستر سيتي في تسجيل الهدف الأول لصالح فريقه أمام كريستال بالاس ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي، (لرؤية الهدف اضغط هنا).
ويواجه مانشستر سيتي نظيره كريستال بالاس، اليوم، الأحد في إطار منافسات الجولة الـ 16 من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
ويحل مانشستر سيتي ضيفًا ثقيلًا على كريستال بالاس آملًا في أن يقلص الفارق بينه وبين آرسنال الذي رفع رصيده من النقاط إلى 36 نقطة بعد الفوز على وولفرهامبتون.
وفي الدقيقة 40، تلقى هالاند كرة عرضية متقنة من ماتيوس نونيز من الجهة اليُمنى وضعها هالاند برأسه قوية على يسار حارس كريستال بالاس.
بهذ ا الهدف، أصبح هالاند يملك 101 هدف في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي بفارق هدفين فقط عن كريستيانو رونالدو الذي سجل 103 أهداف وثلاثة أهداف عن النجم الإفريقي ديدييه دروجبا، الذي يمتلك 104 أهداف.
هذا الموسم يشهد تألقًا كبيرًا من النرويجي إيرلينج هالاند إذ خاض 27 لقاء مع مانشستر سيتي ومنتخب النرويج، استطاع أن يسجل 35 هدفًا، منها هدفين فقط من ركلات جزاء.
Arsenal are now seriously keen on signing Murillo, with Mikel Arteta personally an admirer, amid a new update on whether Nottingham Forest would consider a sale.
The Gunners are looking to bring in a new centre-back, with Gabriel set for a relatively lengthy spell on the sidelines, as confirmed by Arteta prior to the North London derby, with the manager saying: “Gabi unfortunately picked up an injury with the Brazil national team and he’s going to be out for weeks.”
“It’s clearly a blow because he’s our leader in our backline and, to me, it’s never a positive thing. The good thing is that we have very good options and we need to stand up now and do the job.”
As pointed out by Arteta, the Gunners have some quality back-up options, with Cristhian Mosquera, who has played a part in keeping five clean sheets this season, the natural replacement for the Brazilian at the heart of defence.
However, at 21-years-old, the Spaniard is still relatively inexperienced, and the north Londoners have now expressed an interest in signing a new centre-back ahead of the January transfer window.
Arsenal now seriously keen on signing Murillo
According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are now seriously keen on signing Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, with his current club willing to sanction a departure if they receive an offer in the region of €80m – €90m (£70m – £79m).
The Gunners believe the 23-year-old could make an instant impact in defence, despite already having Gabriel and William Saliba on the books, and Arteta is personally a fan of the Forest star’s progressive style of play.
However, there could be major competition for the centre-back’s signature, with London rivals Chelsea also being named as potential suitors, alongside La Liga giants FC Barcelona.
The Brazilian has been a key player for the Tricky Trees so far this season, making 12 appearances in all competitions, with arguably his best performance coming in the 3-0 victory against Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners’ chances of winning the Premier League title were further boosted when Forest emerged as shock winners at Anfield, with the one-time Brazil international opening the scoring, while also making a number of other key contributions.
Murillo’s performance vs Liverpool
Number completed
Clearances
13
Blocked shots
3
Duels (won)
6 (5)
Tackles
2
Lauded as “monstrous” by journalist Ryan Taylor, the Sao Paulo-born defender could have what it takes to become one of the best defenders in the world, but it would be very difficult for him to force his way into Arteta’s plans.
Gabriel and Saliba have formed a formidable partnership, with the Gunners maintaining by far the best defensive record in the Premier League this season, and Mosquera has proven himself as a solid back-up.
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The talented Arsenal star could be just the solution Arteta needs ahead of the North London Derby.
Singing the national anthem at a sporting event is no easy task. There are thousands of eyeballs fixated on you, and oftentimes millions more watching on television. And if the singer and anthem happen to draw attention, it's more likely because something went wrong than because it went right.
But the opposite happened on Friday afternoon before the start of the Chicago Cubs' home-opener at Wrigley Field against the San Diego Padres.
Singer John Vincent II did something so incredible and unbelievable that it warranted some extra attention for the right reasons. When he made it to the "Land of the Free" verse in the anthem, Vincent somehow held the note for a whopping 25 seconds in a remarkable display that has become commonplace for the Cubs fan favorite. It made for a perfect aesthetic with the flyover occurring during the duration of the note.
Of course, holding notes for long periods isn't a new thing for Vincent, who has been singing professionally since 2001 and was previously clocked holding the note at 21 seconds in a prior anthem.
But he may have outdone himself with this performance.
The good times keep rolling on for Arsenal this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side continued their winning run against Burnley on the weekend and remain seven points clear of Liverpool atop the Premier League.
It was another convincing performance from the North Londoners, and one in which Declan Rice once again proved that he is one of, if not the best, midfielders in the league.
However, the former West Ham United captain was not the only standout performer, as another of Arteta’s men continued the Ballon d’Or-level campaign he’s having this year.
Rice's sensational season
When Arsenal spent a club-record £105m on Rice in the summer of 2023, there was an awful lot of pressure on the Englishman.
Everyone knew that he was a sensational footballer at the time, but it’s a rare thing for someone to justify being worth more than £100m.
Fortunately for Arteta and Co, he has achieved that and more over the last two and a bit years, first shining as an out-and-out six and then transitioning more into a marauding eight.
His first two campaigns in North London were brilliant, with him producing 17 goal involvements in the first and 19 in the second, but this year, he has taken another massive step forward.
With Martin Zubimendi now in the side, Arteta has once again modified the 26-year-old’s role in the team, with him telling the press on international duty that the manager has “adjusted my position at Arsenal a bit this year to give me a bit more freedom to drop deeper but to also get in the box when I can.”
This has seen the “world-class” international, as dubbed by journalist Tom Marshall-Bailey, spend more time in the middle of the park breaking up opposition attacks, but also then bursting forward to help create opportunities for the team.
For example, according to FBref, he ranks in the top 13% of midfielders in the league for touches in the middle third, and also in the top 1% for progressive carries, the top 4% for expected assists, and more per 90.
Rice’s Scout Report
Statistics
Per 90
Percentile
Progressive Carries
2.80
Top 1%
Inswinging Corner Kicks
2.69
Top 1%
Total Passing Distance
1104.63
Top 4%
xA: Expected Assists
0.22
Top 4%
Dead-ball Passes
7.84
Top 4%
Crosses
5.82
Top 4%
Corner Kicks
4.03
Top 4%
Total Carrying Distance
304.48
Top 4%
Progressive Carrying Distance
143.28
Top 4%
Carries into Final Third
2.57
Top 4%
Shots from Free Kicks
0.22
Top 6%
Passes Completed
61.34
Top 6%
Passes Attempted
72.54
Top 6%
Progressive Passing Distance
281.08
Top 6%
SCA (Dead-ball Pass)
1.23
Top 6%
GCA (Dead-ball Pass)
0.22
Top 6%
Touches
80.93
Top 6%
Touches (Att 3rd)
22.28
Top 6%
% of Aerials Won
68.4%
Top 7%
Passes Completed (Long)
5.93
Top 8%
Live-ball Passes
64.48
Top 8%
Switches
0.67
Top 8%
Carries
48.69
Top 8%
All Stats via FBref
In other words, the Gunners’ monstrous number 41 is, in the words of Ashley Williams, an utterly “complete midfielder.”
Finally, on top of everything he does during open play, Rice has a shout for being the best setpiece specialist in the world, as whether it’s a corner or a free kick, he can and will drop the ball exactly where his teammates want it – just as he did against Burnley.
With all that said, there is another Arsenal star who is performing at a Ballon d’Or level this season.
The Arsenal star at a world-class level
With Arsenal doing so well this season, there are several players who could be described as playing at a Ballon d’Or level.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
For example, Zubimendi has hit the ground running, Jurrien Timber has been sensational in attack and defence, and Riccardo Calafiori is a joy to watch.
However, when it comes to picking Arsenal’s best player so far this year, it’s impossible to look past Gabriel Magalhães.
The Brazilian has almost entirely rid his game of the mistakes that led to some questioning him in the past, and has instead become one of the most reliable defenders in the league.
Whether the ball is in the air or on the ground, the former LOSC Lille ace always seems to know how to deal with it, and perhaps the most complimentary thing you can say about him is that William Saliba looks that little bit less assured without him in the backline.
Moreover, the 6 foot 3 “colossus,” as dubbed by Adam Keys, has made the Gunners a far more physically imposing team, as few, if any, opposition players can cope with his physicality.
So far this season, he has made 15 appearances for the North Londoners, 13 of which have been starts, playing a massive role in the side, conceding just three goals and standing a chance of beating Chelsea’s record of conceding just 15 in a league campaign.
Finally, it’s not just his defensive brilliance that makes the Brazilian a world-class talent, but also his offensive prowess.
For example, his assist for Viktor Gyokeres means no other defender in the Premier League has been involved in more goals than him since his arrival in 2020.
Moreover, just this season alone, the 27-year-old has been able to score twice and provide three assists, which would be a great return for a top-quality ten, let alone a centre-back.
Ultimately, due to his outstanding defending and exceptional attacking qualities, it has become increasingly clear that Gabriel is currently performing at a Ballon d’Or level this season.
Arsenal's "signing of the summer" has turned Rice into the best in the PL
Arsenal have hit the jackpot with one of Mikel Arteta’s latest additions at the Emirates.
Stumps Washington Sundar’s prize wicket-taking set India up for a 135-run pursuit on the final day of the third Test at Lord’s, but in a twist to an enthralling fourth day in which 14 wickets fell, they only have six wickets in hand.Brydon Carse removed Karun Nair and Shubman Gill cheaply for impressive figures of 2 for 11 from four overs and Ben Stokes bowled nightwatcher Akash Deep with the last ball of the day as three wickets fell in the last half-hour of play.Related
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Washington’s 4 for 22 included the key names of Joe Root, Jamie Smith and Stokes before he claimed the last England wicket to fall, Shoaib Bashir, as the hosts took a lead of 192. After scores were level on first innings, that meant India needed to chase down 193 for a 2-1 lead in the series.Jofra Archer broke through in the second over of India’s pursuit when Yashasvi Jaiswal attempted to pull a shorter, wider ball and sent a top edge into the air above wicketkeeper Smith.But it wasn’t until 30 minutes before stumps that England were able to make inroads again, Nair flummoxed by Carse’s nip-backer and offering no shot as the ball struck the inside of his back knee. Gill, on 6, failed to overturn his lbw dismissal after he was hit on the knee roll by one in line with middle stump.When Akash Deep entered still needing to don his arm guard and gloves, Root revved up the crowd to protest at any time wasting, which had been Gill’s bugbear in a heated exchange with Zak Crawley at the end of day three.1:20
Manjrekar: Lord’s Test 70-30 in England’s favour
The issue went from prickly to farcical to downright funny when Carse rapped Akash Deep’s pads. He survived England’s review on umpire’s call with impact on the top of leg stump and India sent the physio out to apply some strapping to the batter’s leg, chewing up more time.England managed to squeeze in another over, though, and Stokes struck with the fourth ball, flattening Akash Deep’s off stump.India’s bowlers started the day with great intent. Jasprit Bumrah caused Crawley all sorts of discomfort without being rewarded and Mohammed Siraj produced a miserly seven-over opening spell yielding two wickets.1:28
Washington: One of my best days with the ball
Ben Duckett was the first to go pulling to Bumrah at mid-on amid an impassioned send-off from Siraj that ensured the tensions of the previous evening remained high.Siraj then pinned Ollie Pope lbw, although it took an India review to confirm his dismissal for just 4 off 17 balls. Pope’s average in the second innings languishes at a mere 19.64 now.Nitish Kumar Reddy relieved Bumrah midway through the morning session and removed Crawley for the second time in the match, this time a loose drive outside off stump gathered by Jaiswal at gully.1:48
Manjrekar: Gill looked tentative
Harry Brook mounted a counterattack, ramping Akash Deep for back-to-back fours before launching him down the ground for six but it was short-lived. He fell for a 19-ball 23 when, attempting to sweep a full, straight one, Akash Deep flattened his middle stump in the perfect riposte.Enter Washington as India turned to spin after lunch and he rattled Root’s middle stump with one that slid under the attempted sweep and ended his fifth-wicket stand with Stokes at 67. Root’s 40 became England’s highest of the innings and his dismissal ended a run of four scores of fifty or above at Lord’s (including three centuries on the trot).Four overs later, Washington bowled Smith for just 8 with an excellent quicker ball that didn’t turn in the slightest but skidded past the outside edge and onto off stump.2:16
Trescothick: It’s going to be an amazing final day
At that point, England were 164 for 6 and they were subsequently becalmed as Stokes and Chris Woakes looked to avoid further damage.But Stokes added just six more runs after tea before Washington struck again, beating the slog sweep and clattering middle stump to send him on his way for 33.Bumrah was finally rewarded with the wickets of Carse and Woakes, the former to a stunning, pinpoint-accurate yorker on leg stump and the latter to one that expertly clipped the leg-side bail.Bashir’s was the 12th bowled dismissal by India for the match when Washington beat his defences to close out the innings, completing an England collapse in which they lost their last four wickets for 11 runs, and their last six for 38. Washington’s 4 for 22 is the best by an India spinner at Lord’s since 1974.
Owen Hargreaves has admitted he already 'loves' a player Manchester United signed over the summer. United invested heavily in their attack in the off-season to bring in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. The Premier League powerhouse also brought in a new goalkeeper as Senne Lammens arrived from Royal Antwerp. And Hargreaves has lavished praise upon a new attacking arrival.
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United extend winning run
United claimed a third successive Premier League win on Saturday evening as goals from Matheus Cunha, Casemiro and Bryan Mbeumo brace wrapped up a 4-2 win over Brighton. Danny Welbeck and Charalampos Kostoulas each netted late on to set up a nervy finish but United held out to claim a huge three points.
Wins over Sunderland and Liverpool has eased pressure on head coach Ruben Amorim and helped move United up towards the top of the table. The Portuguese boss has been linked with an early Old Trafford exit as his first year anniversary at the club nears.
However, three consecutive Premier League victories has gone some way to silencing Amorim's doubters. And Hargreaves has praised Cunha, whose opening strike midway through the first half against Brighton was his first in a United shirt.
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'I just love the way he talks and plays'
Speaking after United's win over Brighton on Saturday, Hargreaves told Premier League Productions via The Metro: "I don’t think the performances have been amazing but the results speak for themselves. If you think back to the first game of the season against Arsenal, that was a good performance but they somehow lost the game. The results are the most important thing.
"When you have players like Matheus Cunha who have a real personality… I just love the way he talks and plays. Cunha and Mbeumo along with Bruno Fernandes are guys that you can rely on and trust.
"Manchester United are scoring goals and look dangerous, I would say they’re conceding more than they would like, 14 is a lot after nine games. But I like the look of the team and the direction they’re going in. The goalkeeper [Senne Lammens] has made a difference as well."
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Amorim reacts to Brighton win
Amorim stated that he was pleased with United's win over Brighton, and added that Cunha would prove to be a 'massive' player for the club. The Brazilian cost £62.5m to sign from Wolves over the summer and has shown glimpses of his talent in the opening weeks of his time at Old Trafford.
On the win over Seagulls, Amorim said: "It is a good feeling. To listen to the crowd, the joy, it is important. We need to enjoy that today but then prepare for the next one. Everything can change really quickly, but if you have that feeling and still feel confident to work, we are going to be a better team."
And on Cunha, the United boss added: "He was struggling [previously]. He can hide that, but I understood that. It is not a surprise the way he responded at Anfield or played today with and without the ball, and that is going to be massive for us. He needs to score goals; he suffers when he doesn’t score, but he is a top player who decides games."
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Trip to Forest up next for United
Manchester United will look to make it four wins on the spin when they take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground next weekend. Forest won their first match under Sean Dyche last week as they beat FC Porto in the Europa League on home turf.
And United then travel to the capital to take on Tottenham before the November international break as they look to maintain their winning run. Frank Ilett is hoping that United can continue their fine form as he looks to finally have a first haircut in over a year.
Ilett pledged to not cut his hair until United won five games in a row last October and has gone over a year now without a trim. "It's been an absolutely crazy journey – I never expected my hair, or my following, to be as big as it has become," the United fan told the BBC last month.