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It’s a shot that will make you go weak in your knees and then propose marriage to it

Firdose Moonda21-Feb-2022In February 2021, the ICC put out a poll on Twitter asking cricket fans to vote for the best cover drive in the game. Their nominees were Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli, Babar Azam and Joe Root (Babar won with a 0.1% lead over Kohli, in case you were wondering) but Australia’s Megan Schutt had another candidate: Laura Wolvaardt, and she posted a photo of the South Africa batter in full flow.In it, Wolvaardt’s back knee was bent and she leaned forward into the shot, her head over her hips to distribute the weight evenly, her top elbow high as she held the pose. The ball was out of sight, but it’s fair to assume it had found its way across or over a fence somewhere. If there was an award for the most aesthetically pleasing finish to a cricket shot, Wolvaardt would win that too.

@LauraWolvaardt pic.twitter.com/z1dWxP3gBJ

— Megan Schutt (@megan_schutt) February 3, 2021

There are a host of players who can shine over the next few weeks, but this collection could be right at the top

Annesha Ghosh20-Feb-2020Ellyse Perry (Australia)A great of the game, the former England captain Charlotte Edwards, believes Perry is “the greatest female player we’re ever going to see”. The assessment may put into perspective just how enormous the buzz might be around the leading women’s allrounder in a home World Cup, and how immense the pressure is for her to take Australia to the March 8 final at the MCG.A two-time ICC Cricketer of the Year and the 2019 Belinda Clark Medallist, the awards and accolades consolidate Perry’s ever-growing stature as a generational star as much as her incisive swing bowling at north of 115kph and the ability to wed power and technique with consistency in a line-up that boasts genuine depth down to No. 10.Besides, there’s the insatiable appetite for excellence: on some days, a one-legged Perry is all it takes to win a World Cup; on others, record figures of 7 for 22 show her at the peak of her powers. A key contributor in Australia’s tri-series title win last week at home, much of how Perry performs in the league stage may determine if the MCG will see two Perrys in action in the final, or if the record attendance the ICC has set out to attract will be a reality.Harmanpreet Kaur (India)The Harmanpreet Kaur India need in a World Cup season•BCCIWhat could dampen hosts Australia’s spirits in the tournament opener? What should New Zealand be wary of going into their face-off against India? The short answer is: (A) Harmanpreet (En)Kaur.Harmanpreet’s unbeaten 171 knocked Australia out at the 2017 ODI World Cup and, within the first 90 minutes of the 2018 T20 World Cup, New Zealand were on course for a league-stage exit, thanks to Harmanpreet’s maiden T20I ton. A third straight Harmanpreet blockbuster in as many world tournaments, against Australia or New Zealand in Group A, could decidedly ease India’s entry into the semi-finals for the second time in a row.India’s most-capped T20I player, and their first line of defence for their uncertain middle order, Harmanpreet heads into the T20 World Cup with scores of 12, 20*, 14, 28, 42* in the tri-series. A veteran of three WBBL seasons, her two unbeaten knocks at No. 4 were pivotal to India’s two wins in the tri-series en route to their runners-up finish. And it is this finisher’s role that the India captain will need to play to perfection at this World Cup, where a string of brisk 30-plus unbeaten knocks from Harmanpreet might be enough for India to go the distance.Sophie Devine (New Zealand)Sophie Devine pulls powerfully through the leg side•Getty ImagesThe New Zealand allrounder’s chart-topping 769-run tally and 19 wickets underpinned first-time finalists Adelaide Striker’s runners-up finish at the 2019-20 WBBL. Named Player of the Tournament and then captain of New Zealand in the absence of Amy Satterthwaite, Devine carried her rich vein of form into the Super Smash, the domestic T20 competition in New Zealand, where she averaged 52 in Wellington’s title-winning campaign.In the recently concluded home T20I series against South Africa, she smashed four 50-plus scores in the four games she played – the last one being a maiden T20I hundred – to become the first batter, male or female, to make five fifty-plus scores in a row in T20I cricket, having preceded that run with a 72 against India.Trailing Perry and compatriot Suzie Bates at No. 2 on the ICC T20I allrounder and batting rankings respectively, Devine is one of only three players to achieve the career double of 2000 runs and 50 wickets in both women’s T20Is and ODIs. Her imperious form augurs well for New Zealand, who could be unstoppable in Australian conditions, if opener Devine gets support from the rest of the line-up, especially #SmashSister Bates.Heather Knight (England)Heather Knight sweeps during her career-best•Getty ImagesAt the heart of England’s recent world tournament successes – the 2017 ODI World Cup win at home and the runners-up finish to Australia in the T20 World Cup the following year – has been the astute leader, key spin-bowling option, and middle-order lynchpin that is Heather Knight.In what’s set to be her third World Cup – across formats – as captain, and first one under new head coach Lisa Keightley, Knight remains key to England’s chances of making the semi-finals from a group that also features 2016 world champions West Indies, the formidable South Africa, T20 World Cup debutants Thailand, and Bangladesh.In the tri-series, Knight’s rotation of her bowlers was arguably the best among the three captains. With the bat, her dominance of India’s spinners and Australia’s pace attack was equally emphatic; she bettered her career-best in T20Is twice in as many days, with 67 against India and then 78 against Australia.Since the start of the 2019 Kia Super League, where she led Western Storm to their second title and finished with the third-most runs, Knight’s appears to have found a new gear in her batting. England will also rely on her to tap into her WBBL experience, with Knight having topped the run-charts for the Hobart Hurricanes this season.Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)Marizanne Kapp punches through the offside•Getty ImagesThe leader of South Africa’s highly regarded pace attack, Marizanne Kapp’s stocks as a batter have been on the rise for a while now. She was the leading run-scorer for South Africa in the 2018 T20 World Cup and had an impressive WBBL where she struck two half-centuries for the Sydney Sixers, averaging over 33. Her ability to score at a brisk rate and innovate is at the heart of her knack for chipping in with momentum-changing cameos.A sharp fielder, Kapp’s athleticism stems from dabbling in multiple sports, having represented her province in netball, athletics, biathlon and lifesaving. She is the only South African with a T20I hat-trick, and her new-ball partnership with Shabnim Ismail makes the South African duo arguably the most feared pace-bowling combination in women’s cricket.The Sixers’ leading wicket-taker 2019-20 season, Kapp specialises in applying the brakes and, save for this WBBL edition, has been the most economical bowler in all preceding four seasons of the tournament. At the World Cup, keep an eye out for the way Kapp sets up batters for the rest of the pace attack to snack on.

Tottenham Hotspur fans are running out of patience with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after the Italian produced another error-strewn performance in his side's 3-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest. Vicario was booed by his own supporters in last month's loss to Fulham and is unlikely to win back the trust of the Spurs faithful after yet another disappointing display at the City Ground.

Forest run rampant over Spurs

With Spurs boss Thomas Frank under severe pressure, the last thing he needed was his goalkeeper to have an off day in a tricky away trip to the Midlands. With the scores level at 0-0 after 28 minutes, Vicario put his team-mate Archie Gray in a difficult spot with a bobbling pass to the edge of the area. The teenager was robbed by Ibrahim Sangare, who unselfishly squared to Callum Huson-Odoi to tap into an empty net and put Forest ahead.

The Italian’s day did not get any easier either and shortly after half-time, he was caught out by Hudson-Odoi again. The former Chelsea youngster picked the ball up by the left touchline before cutting back and sending a looping cross towards Igor Jesus at the back post. Vicario, unsure whether to remain on his line or to come and claim the cross, was caught in no-man's land and ended up missing the ball completely. The flailing goalkeeper was unable to stop the cross from curling all the way in and putting the hosts two goals ahead.

Sangara and Hudson-Odoi combined once again after 79 minutes to put the game beyond all doubt. Vicario could do little to stop Sangare's stunning strike into the far corner, but had played more than his fair part in causing the preceding damage.

After the game, Frank said to Sky Sports: “Of course, the first two goals are two mistakes, that happens. We need to work to be more consistent. It's two steps forward and a step back today.”

He added that he understands the fans’ disappointment, saying that “if you don't perform that's more than fair enough their frustration”.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSpurs fans fume at Vicario

TSpurs fans took to social media to lambast Vicario, with many demanding the Italian be replaced by deputy Antonin Kinsky. The young Czech keeper has been largely overlooked for a starting berth by Frank since his appointment, but may now come into the team.

On X, @xAlexTHFC called Vicario a “complete disaster”, adding that “no serious team has a keeper like this.”

@thfcjorro tweeted: “Vicario might actually be the worst keeper in the league you know.”

On a similar vein, @owenthfc__ posted that “Vicario is a f*cking abomination” and @KrazeeOfficial said that “this guy is shit man”.

One Spurs fan is even beginning to consider switching sides following the disappointing result against Forest. @101Usman said that they were "slowly losing my love for Spurs this season" before adding: "A repeat of last season with loads of fuck ups. Vicario is a clown. Spurs are a bunch of let downs. Thomas Frank hasn’t got a clue. I’m supporting Manchester City."

Another erroneous day for Vicario

Vicario was at the centre of another Spurs defeat this season, having gifted Harry Wilson a chance to score an open goal from distance in the club's 2-1 defeat by Fulham last month. Spurs had found themselves 2-0 down to the Cottagers after just six minutes and it did not take much longer for the crowd to turn on the players – with Vicario taking much of the ire.

The Italian was the subject of jeers from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and after that game, Thomas Frank slammed his own fans for their supposed lack of respect. The Dane had said: “I didn't like that our fans booed at him straight after and a few times he touched the ball. They can't be true Tottenham fans because everyone supports each other when you are on the pitch.”

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AFPA refresh at Spurs?

Vicario may be relieved to have not been playing in front of his own supporters against Forest, but will count himself lucky if he remains in between the sticks for the club’s next game against Liverpool.

After another humiliating performance that has dented Tottenham's European aspirations, it's not beyond the realms of possibility that a new manager and goalkeeper find themselves lining up against Arne Slot next weekend.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após um jogo cheio de emoção no final, o Corinthians conseguiu vencer o Santo André na Neo Química Arena, com direito a gol de Pedro Raul aos 49 minutos. Apesar de ter dominado o primeiro tempo, o rendimento da equipe corintiana parece ter caído no início do segundo, e o time acabou sofrendo o empate. Para o técnico António Oliveira, no entanto, o Timão seguiu em alta, mas o time do ABC estava forte no jogo.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

– A equipe finalizou mais vezes no segundo tempo do que no primeiro: foram 12 vezes e cinco chegaram à meta, então temos de fazer uma análise honesta, o Corinthians não deixou de jogar. Foi uma equipe muito equilibrada do início ao fim e o adversário também joga, eles empataram com o atual campeão brasileiro (Palmeiras), nós não jogamos contra um adversário qualquer, não jogamos sozinhos – disse o técnico do Timão.

– Acho que os números são significativos. Em alguns momentos erramos na técnica, passe ou finalização, mas o Corinthians finalizou muito mais na segunda parte do que na primeira – completou.

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António Oliveira também afirmou estar satisfeito com o que foi entregue dentro de campo diante do Santo André, apesar do time ter feito 2 a 0 e sofrer o empate, antes da vitória.

– Sempre disse que as contas faríamos no fim. Desde que assumi, já estamos contra o tempo e nunca dependemos de nós mesmos, e mais uma vez eu digo que o importante é fazermos nossa parte, e fizemos. Apesar de ter sido sofrido, não tira o brilho da vitória do grupo que nunca desistiu. Os jogadores estão de parabéns – finalizou.

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O Timão ainda sonha com a classificação para a fase mata-mata do Paulistão, mas não depende apenas de suas forças para avançar, já que é o lanterna do Grupo C.

Tudo sobre

Campeonato PaulistaCorinthiansFutebol Nacionalsanto andré

Former Manchester United, Newcastle, and Tottenham Hotspur striker Louis Saha has warned Lamine Yamal that he won't match the legacy of Lionel Messi because he doesn't have the same "obsession" with football as Cristiano Ronaldo. The Barcelona youngster has often been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons this season, with Saha the latest to fear that his potential could be wasted.

• Lamine listless as Barca slump to defeat at Chelsea

  Yamal lost his duel against Spanish national team-mate Marc Cucurella comprehensively on Tuesday evening at Stamford Bridge, with the left-back keeping his word. "I'll try to make things as difficult as possible for him," the left-back joked in September when talking about the matchup. 

  Even with his steady return of goals and assists, there’s been a subtle – but unmistakable – dip in the influence Yamal exerts on games this season. Granted, his performances have been affected after being diagnosed with pubalgia, with has prevented the 2025 Ballon d'Or runner-up from gaining the necessary rhythm. 

  However, over the past four months, he has made headlines for the wrong reasons more often than the right ones. He received severe backlash for his wild 18th birthday bash in July. Then, he accused eternal rivals Real Madrid of stealing and complaining.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Yamal warned of wasting his talent

  Saha, a Premier League icon, recently spoke to and warned that Yamal's "talent could be wasted because we are starting to see too many things in the papers about him."

  “I think only PSG or Man City could afford to pay £300m for Lamine Yamal. I still think that if you look at his trajectory, it would be sad to see him go so early for a big move," said Saha.

  “For the sake of the football we love, we want to see him develop in Barcelona, do well for Barcelona and be stable in Barcelona. I'm scared that this talent could be wasted because we are starting to see too many things in the papers about him.

  “That's going to be a sad story because he's such a big talent for the next 15 years and I want to see the best from him so I want to protect this kid. Moving around is not good. I think Neymar left Barcelona for this kind of hype. He wanted to be the one big player at PSG.

  “Neymar is such a waste because I think at Barcelona he will have really enjoyed himself and show that there was a complementary way to play with Messi over the years. Sometimes the management it's not easy to do because you have ego and you can find yourself dragged into something that is not very useful to your game.”

• Yamal won't reach the heights of Messi & Ronaldo, says Saha

  Yamal's meteoric rise to superstardom, all while being only 18, has drawn comparisons to Barcelona legend Messi. Recently, former Netherlands international Wesley Sneijder even claimed that it was "possible" for Yamal to supersede the heights scaled by Messi. However, Saha disagrees, explaining that it's likely he will follow the footsteps of a Neymar rather than a Messi or a Ronaldo.

  “Could Lamine Yamal one day overtake Lionel Messi? It would be good for him but I don't think so," the ex-Manchester United forward opined. "I doubt that he can achieve that because I see Lamine Yamal’s quality as a player but I don't see an obsession where you really focus on your football that Cristiano Ronaldo also has.

  “These guys are absolutely insanely obsessed. Some distractions are already around Yamal, that's not good. I think you’ll find him dragged away from the game like Neymar, who has, for me, maybe better quality.

  “Over the years, I've never seen anything like Neymar. Even if Yamal is incredible, I think Neymar was just at another level but he did not have the best lifestyle and over the years he got injuries and was dragged into things that are not helpful for his career.

  “This is where I'm very scared that Yamal will try to choose the same kind of trajectory. That would be sad for football.”

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  Yamal in it to win it all

  While onlookers and naysayers may try to diminish Yamal's light, the youngster continues to remain a highly ambitious and motivated individual. The Barca academy graduate has laid the gauntlet for himself, targeting a treble of Champions League, World Cup, and the Ballon d'Or. "I want it all. I hope I achieve it all, and as long as we can play, it's possible," he stated to .

  "All the individual titles indicate that it has been a great season for the team. For me, it brings me happiness and pride. Accumulating awards at my age is very positive. I'm going to keep working and fighting to achieve things like this."

There comes a time when a club must face the thought of one of their superstars leaving. Not in hostile, bitter circumstances, but because age has caught up with them, and it is the right time to close the door on their glittering stay.

Steven Gerrard’s departure from Liverpool a decade ago was very much representative of this, but now, the Anfield side are beginning to understand that Mohamed Salah is likely into his final stretch at the club, having signed a new £400k-per-week contract in April that will take him to the end of next season.

Last year was Salah’s. The Egyptian forward decided one Premier League trophy wasn’t enough and embarked on a record-breaking journey toward his second title with Liverpool, scoring 29 goals and supplying 18 assists across the top-flight term.

The decline since the summer has been steep, and though there are a number of circumstances likely impacting his performance, Salah is 33 years old and claims that he is suffering the inevitability of a late-career wind down are justified.

Liverpool need a new right winger by the end of 2026/27, but they also need more energy and athleticism, with Salah not the only player culpable of lacking those elements this season.

Liverpool ready to search for Salah successor

There’s been a statistic floating about regarding Liverpool’s running metrics, and it’s concerning, to say the least. Only once across Liverpool’s past seven Premier League matches have they outrun their opponent.

Salah has been at the epicentre of this struggle. The veteran winger’s defensive work rate has decreased over the past several years, but his insane levels of prolificness have eased any frustration over this foible.

But now that his sharpened edge has been dulled, it’s becoming clear that Salah is a weak link, ranking among the bottom 4% of Premier League positional peers this season for tackles won and the bottom 15% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

The sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich hasn’t helped things, with the Colombian among the most electric and tenacious forwards out there. Liverpool did not directly replace Diaz, who chalked up 25 goal contributions in all competitions for Arne Slot last year.

But Liverpool could find their new version of the 28-year-old in his Bayern teammate Michael Olise. According to Spanish sources, the France international is in Richard Hughes’ sights as Liverpool plan for the future, and the Reds are even believed to be preparing a British-record package worth €200m (about £177m).

Olise, 23, has been a revelation in Germany since joining from Crystal Palace over a year ago, and FSG know they need to replace Salah with an elite winger when the time does come.

What Olise would offer Liverpool

Since signing for Bayern in a £50m deal, Olise has scored 27 goals and supplied 30 assists across 72 matches. Widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in England, called a “magical footballer” by content creator HLTCO, he has established himself as a superstar.

An elegant and intelligent wide forward, Olise is not a clinical goalscorer, but he boasts so many athletic and technical qualities that could see him thrive as Salah’s successor, especially as he wouldn’t be trying to mimic the club legend’s playing style, rather, bring his own flavour.

In the Bundesliga this season, for example, the Les Bleus talent has averaged 1.9 key passes, 1.7 successful dribbles and 4.2 duels per match, as per Sofascore, with seven goal involvements from just eight starts.

Looking at the potential addition through a wider lens, we can see that Olise is actually outstripping Salah over many important metrics across the past year, and with Liverpool’s talisman seemingly declining in front of goal, that gulf will only stretch over the next 18 months.

Mohamed Salah vs Michael Olise (past 12 months)

Stats (per 90)

Salah

Olise

Goals scored

0.62

0.38

Assists

0.33

0.50

Shots taken

3.08

3.55

Shot-creating actions

3.96

6.60

Touches (att pen)

8.64

6.48

Pass completion (%)

70.1

80.7

Progressive passes

3.78

7.15

Progressive carries

4.13

4.90

Successful take-ons

1.28

2.53

Ball recoveries

2.77

3.95

Data via FBref

Olise is not so much of an out-and-out goalscorer as Salah, but in this, Liverpool could strike the jackpot.

With Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike both signed this summer, Liverpool have revamped their central attacking options. Olise would be the perfect add-on, bringing Diaz-esque dribbling and peerless playmaking back to the Premier League, helping Slot’s side’s overall fluency.

Though the Reds ostensibly have the parts to fashion stunning attacking play and sustain it, there’s no question that something is missing. When Salah leaves, that will only become clearer, with the struggles for form up top now that he is not on his A-game already being felt. For so long, Liverpool have been reliant on the iconic winger’s brilliance, and now they need new solutions.

It was a mistake on FSG and Slot’s part not to have added a direct Diaz replacement to their ranks this season, and the ramifications are certainly being felt, stretched and accentuated by Salah’s own woes on the right.

Were a younger iteration of Salah in this struggling Liverpool side, the sale of Diaz would not be so keenly felt. Now, it’s vital that Liverpool and Hughes get it right in sourcing a replacement.

You won’t find many better than Olise, and he has the perfect style of play to stand in the space that Salah will eventually vacate, not an imitation but his own, world-class player.

Related Not Wirtz: Slot's own Firmino proved he can end Gakpo's Liverpool stay

One of Liverpool’s star men proved he has what it takes to play in a number of positions under Slot’s wing.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Nov 14, 2025

Overseas star carries his bat in 144-ball 143 to give his side four wins from four

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay15-Aug-2025Gloucestershire 289 for 5 (Bancroft 143*) beat Glamorgan 288 for 9 (Byrom 94, Northeast 52, van Buuren 3-33) by five wicketsCameron Bancroft scored a superbly-judged unbeaten hundred to guide Gloucestershire to a convincing five-wicket victory over Glamorgan and extend their winning start to the Metro Bank One-Day Cup campaign to four games at Bristol’s Seat Unique Stadium.Set 290 to win and retain top spot in Group A, Gloucestershire were indebted to their overseas star, who carried his bat in posting 143 from 144 balls, striking 17 fours and two sixes and sharing in stands of 72 and 84 with Ben Charlesworth and Graeme van Buuren for the third and fifth wickets respectively as the home side reached their target with 20 balls to spare.Recalled to the team, allrounder van Buuren had earlier claimed 3 for 33 with the ball to ensure Eddie Byrom’s outstanding innings of 94 from 108 balls was made in a losing cause. Byrom staged a stand of 127 in 22.1 overs for the second wicket with Sam Northeast, who raised a 59-ball 52 after Gloucestershire had won the toss. Dan Douthwaite weighed in with a hard-hitting 43, but seamers Matt Taylor and Josh Shaw took three wickets apiece to restrict the Welsh county to 289 for 9.Gloucestershire remain the only side to boast a 100 percent record after four matches, but 2024 competition winners Glamorgan are still seeking their first victory and will have to win all of their remaining fixtures if they are to stand any chance of making the knockout stages.Gloucestershire inserted their neighbours on a flat surface and Matt Taylor struck an early blow, luring Asa Tribe into driving low to mid-off in the second over.Initially tied down by nagging line and length, Byrom and Northeast eventually broke the shackles, both heaving Taylor over the mid-wicket boundary rope as their alliance raised 50 in 49 balls.Gloucestershire engineered an opportunity with the advent of Ollie Price’s off-breaks, Northeast hitting to deep midwicket on 19. Although Zaman Akhter took the catch, his momentum carried him over the boundary and the batter enjoyed a fortuitous escape. There were no such issues for Byrom, who moved smoothly to a 46-ball half-century with his seventh four, a fluent straight drive off Craig Miles.The hundred partnership occupied 16.4 overs as Gloucestershire’s seamers struggled to contain the second-wicket pair, who were further aided by some uncharacteristically loose fielding from the Group A leaders. Making good his earlier escape, Northeast posted 50 from 57 balls, only to give van Buuren’s slow left arm the charge and be stumped by James Bracey immediately afterwards with the score 135 for 2.This was the breakthrough Gloucestershire had been wanting and experienced allrounder van Buuren then removed the in-form Kiran Carlson for nine in his next over, Glamorgan’s captain nicking behind as the visitors slipped to 151 for 3 at the halfway stage. Welsh ambition required Byrom to bat on and register a substantial score, but the Zimbabwe-born left-hander fell to a superb catch by Tommy Boorman on the deep square leg boundary as van Buuren struck another potentially crucial blow.Byrom had provided the innings with a solid platform but with the score 194 for 4 in the 35th, Gloucestershire felt they were back in the game, an impression confirmed when Will Smale edged a catch behind off the bowling of Matt Taylor and departed for 26.Just when Glamorgan looked as though they might fall short, Douthwaite launched a counter-attack, including four sixes and dominating a stand of 52 in 7.2 over for the sixth wicket with Zain-ul-Hassan before falling to the returning Shaw.Bracey afforded Gloucestershire’s chase a super-charged start, raising 34 from 25 balls in an opening stand of 43 in 5.3 overs with Bancroft. But Ned Leonard redressed the balance in his first over, taking two wickets in three balls to reduce the home side to 43 for 2. Bracey was caught at the wicket and then Price was out slashing at a delivery outside off stump, Northeast palming the ball into the air for Tribe to complete the dismissal at first slip.Bancroft and Charlesworth responded to adversity in positive fashion, finding the gaps and running hard between the wickets to add 50 in 10 overs and rebuild the innings without taking undue risk. Having contributed 37 to a stand of 72 for the third wicket, Charlesworth then lost concentration, lofting Carlson to wide long-off where Douthwaite took a superb catch on the run to reduce the home side to 115 for 3 in the 20th.Undeterred, Bancroft went to 50 from 59 balls and he and Jack Taylor advanced the score to 145 for 3 at halfway, at which point Gloucestershire were required to score a further 145 at 5.8 an over. The home side’s task was rendered more difficult when Taylor was deemed to have feathered a catch behind off the bowling of Harris in the 26th.Guiding the pursuit thereafter, Bancroft moved to his sixth career List-A hundred off 100 balls by lifting Andy Gorvin over the long-on boundary. He found an able ally in van Buuren, who proved especially strong off the back foot, scoring at a run a ball to ensure the rate stayed below six an over.Glamorgan lost wicketkeeper Alex Horton to a hand injury and he was replaced behind the stumps by Smale, but Gloucestershire’s fifth-wicket pair were already in control, combining deft placement with quick running to keep the scoreboard moving. Harris returned to pin van Buuren lbw for 36, but Boorman contributed a brisk 27 not out to an unbroken stand of 57 for the sixth wicket with Bancroft to calm any nerves and render the outcome a formality.

Let’s scale back two years. Liverpool had completed their midfield rebuild under Jurgen Klopp and were primed for a new chapter, putting that bleak 2022/23 campaign to bed.

Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and co had gone past their sell-by dates, and FSG went full ham as they countered the midfield exodus with four interesting signings: Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.

Those additions led Klopp’s side back into the Champions League and saw the German cap off his Anfield dynasty with one final slice of silverware, beating Chelsea against injury-hit odds in the Carabao Cup final.

Arne Slot approached the recent summer market with a similar need for change.

Well, similar insofar as much money needed to be spent, but Liverpool had just won the Premier League and were supported by the many years of Klopp’s labours. This is supposed to be a successful season for the Reds.

And it still could be, but so much has gone wrong for Slot’s tactically imbalanced team, who have lost four matches in a row and lack any sense of confidence or coherence.

We could pick at any area of the field, but the midfielders have certainly left something to be desired in recent months.

Liverpool need a new midfielder

Two years on, FSG may need to shop once again for a high-level midfielder. While the Merseysiders have talented options in the engine room, the woes of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai’s new role at right-back suggest more physicality and press resistance could be added to ease Gravenberch’s burden.

The 26-year-old Mac Allister, in particular, has been dreadful this term, lacking his typical coolness and energy on the ball, that rare ability to marry technical elegance with combative physicality.

That simply hasn’t been there, with one Premier League noting that the Argentina international is “not up to scratch” at the moment, winning only one tackle per game and losing 57% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

It hasn’t been good enough, and while, candidly, part of Mac Allister’s struggle is down to mismanagement, there’s a sense that an upgrade is needed to add a much-needed dimension to the midfield.

Well, that man could arrive in the form of Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga, with Spanish sources confirming this week that the France international could be on the move in 2026, an update which has certainly put Anfield’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, on alert.

Valued by Los Blancos at around €80m (equating to £69m), Camavinga is no longer considered untouchable by Xabi Alonso, and those in Spain believe an audacious January bid could be staged by the Premier League champions.

The 22-year-old has been in Madrid for over four years, but injuries and Alonso’s vision have opened the door for potential suitors. Manchester City and Manchester United both expressed interest this summer.

Why Camavinga could be an upgrade on Mac Allister

Camavinga was regarded as a wonder-kid when he first took steps onto the professional stage. Joining from Rennes for around £35m in 2021, he has since featured 186 times for the Spanish giants, winning two La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues.

Though the past year has been an effort to maintain regular fitness levels for Camavinga, he remains a world-class talent, a “duel-monster” in the words of analyst Raj Chohan, who could benefit from a change of scenery, joining a Liverpool team where he could foster his skills for many years to come.

His arrival would not knock Mac Allister from his prominent position, but it would give him competition, to be sure, and Camavinga might even come to be an upgrade down the line, with the statistics drawn from the past year certainly suggesting he has what it takes to outstrip him.

Goals

0.12

0.18

Assists

0.06

0.18

Touches

76.36

63.29

Pass completion (%)

90.1

82.7

Shot-creating actions

2.51

4.01

Progressive passes

5.07

5.64

Progressive carries

2.04

1.37

Successful take-ons

1.11

0.53

Recoveries

6.30

4.69

Tackles won

2.91

1.63

Interceptions

1.40

0.89

Aerials won

1.52

0.50

As you can see, Camavinga has played with a touch more completeness and energy than his Argentine counterpart over the past year, and that having suffered with injury problems all the while. He might actually boast a higher standard of quality than Mac Allister, and that is not to the Liverpool man’s discredit.

There is also the matter of age. Camavinga is only 22 years old, and with a wealth of elite experience at that.

He might be struggling for minutes and fluency at Real Madrid, but he’s so young and clearly such a talented midfielder, an expert on the ball and relentless in the challenge.

These are attributes shared with Liverpool’s No. 10, though there’s a case to be made that the Frenchman is even more complete in his midfield game, hailed for his “extraordinary qualities” by former Real boss Carlo Ancelotti, who went on to claim his young star could “play anywhere on the pitch”.

Similar praise have been laid at Mac Allister’s feet in the Premier League. Shortly after the South American’s £35m transfer from Brighton to Liverpool, TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole described him as a “superstar” signing for the Reds, drawing attention to his own ability to “play anywhere” his manager wants him to.

Such dynamism. Though Liverpool would want to retain Mac Allister’s services for as long as they can, it’s clear he plays a role unlike any other in the Liverpool squad. To put that another way, he provides a dimension his teammates cannot mimic.

And, with that in mind, adding Camavinga to the fold might prove a stroke of genius on Hughes’ part. Real Madrid might want something in the ballpark of £69m, but Liverpool could take advantage of his injury struggles and seat on the Santiago Bernabeu fringe over the past 12 months.

Looking at how it could all transpire in the long run, Liverpool might strike a player who could yet grow into one of the best in the world, eclipsing a star in Mac Allister, who has already provided the club with a higher brand of technical midfield play than they had been treated to in the years before his signing.

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Steven Smith and Beau Webster make half-centuries as bowlers dominate at Lord’s

Andrew McGlashan11-Jun-20252:55

Hayden: Australia won day one because of SA batters’ lack of intent

Stumps Australia’s quicks followed what Kagiso Rabada started as the defending champions hit back strongly on the opening day of the World Test Championship final. The contest had been billed as a battle between two attacks and 14 wickets fell on the first day at Lord’s to suggest the destination of the mace could be decided sooner rather than later.Rabada’s 5 for 51, the second time he has got his name on the Lord’s honours board, kept Australia to 212, before Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood struck back in the final session to leave South Africa tottering on 43 for 4 and looking towards their captain, Temba Bavuma, for inspiration.Related

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Australia’s reshaped top three had fallen before lunch after Bavuma was pleased to bowl first under overcast skies. But at 146 for 4, with Steven Smith set despite the flu, and 192 for 5 with Beau Webster having cashed in on a reprieve on 4 when South Africa didn’t review an lbw, they had an opportunity to recalibrate, only to lose their last five wickets for 20. Aiden Markram removing Smith was up there with one of the more unexpected wicket-taking combinations on offer in this match. “I’m still trying to fathom how I’ve done that,” he later said.Australia needed a response and Starc provided it in the first over (again) when Markram dragged on an inswinger. Starc should quickly have had a second, but Alex Carey dropped a regulation outside edge off Wiaan Mulder, although he didn’t have to wait too long when Ryan Rickelton nicked a drive to first slip.Mulder, batting at No. 3 for just the third time in Tests, laboured to 6 off 44 balls before being beaten on the drive by Cummins. South Africa could barely score: between them, Mulder and Bavuma made 8 off 81 deliveries. In the closing moments of a day that was never short on action, Hazlewood, back in the side after an injury, produced a gem of a delivery that nipped back through Tristan Stubbs. Concerns about South Africa’s batting order were ringing true, not that Australia’s had looked convincing.The day ended in bright sunshine but had started under a heavy cloud cover with the floodlights on. After three consecutive maidens to start the Test – the first time by Australia since 2020 – the opening runs off the bat came from the 21st delivery.1:11

Steyn: When Rabada smells a bit of blood, he goes for it

Marnus Labuschagne, starting his life as a Test opener, produced what early scoring there was, but Khawaja couldn’t open his account before edging the 20th ball he faced. Rabada came around the wicket, forced Khawaja to play, and David Bedingham did well to hold on at first slip with Markram nearly distracting him from second. It continued a familiar mode of dismissal for Khawaja, who, since the start of 2024, has averaged 18.63 against quicks from around the wicket compared to 43.80 from over.Cameron Green’s first delivery as a Test No. 3 was a gift on the pads, but his third took the edge and was brilliantly held by Markram who, this time, had to contend with Mulder diving across in front of him at third. It meant that Smith walked out, on what he termed his second-favourite ground in the world, with Australia 16 for 2.Labuschagne nearly fell in the next over, flicking Marco Jansen just short of leg gully, a mode of dismissal he has been vulnerable to before, but he and Smith started to rebuild the innings before Labuschagne edged Jansen from around the wicket the ball after being struck by a short delivery.2:13

Smith: We’re in a pretty good position

Two years ago, against India at The Oval, Smith and Travis Head came together at 76 for 3; this time it was 47 for 3. And there was no match-changing partnership. Instead, Head fell to what became the final ball before lunch when he glanced Jansen down the leg side.On resumption, there was a change in tempo, and a feeling Australia were taking the initiative. Smith took 11 off Rabada’s first over of the afternoon and, shortly after reaching fifty, became the leading overseas batter at Lord’s, surpassing Warren Bardsley. He is also the first visiting batter to face three different Test opposition at the ground: Pakistan (on debut), England ,and now South Africa.It looked like Smith was writing another significant Lord’s story, batting with more ease than anyone else had managed, while Lungi Ngidi was struggling to support the good work of Rabada and Jansen. But out of nowhere Smith drove at Markram’s offspin – only introduced to allow a change of ends – and edged to slip where Jansen made good use of his long reach to hold the catch after two juggles.2:41

Day 1 review – what did Rabada do right?

Webster, meanwhile, had been anything but secure on his first appearance at the ground. He narrowly survived an early lbw appeal against Jansen when he was fractionally outside the line, and then had a huge dose of fortune when, on 8, Bavuma opted not to review an lbw shout off Rabada; Bavuma indicated he thought there was an edge, but it was two pads and hitting halfway up middle.Webster continued to live a charmed life with his inside edge getting a regular working over but he kept his composure and was quick to latch on to any poor deliveries. As if trying to make up for the earlier mistake, South Africa reviewed for another lbw against him only for it to have come off the middle of the bat.Webster brought up the second fifty of his brief career from 69 balls as, either side of tea, he and Carey started to forge what felt like a threatening stand. But South Africa were gift-wrapped another wicket for spin when Carey attempted a reverse-sweep and played over the top of Keshav Maharaj’s delivery.From there, the tail folded and the last five fell in 35 balls. Cummins was cleaned up by a beauty which straightened down the line from Rabada while Webster’s innings ended when he pushed off the back foot and edged to slip. Sadly for South Africa, the wickets didn’t stop coming.