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Stand-in captain hopes the young team will grow in confidence after notching a win in challenging conditions in Mirpur

Firdose Moonda24-Oct-2024

Ten years and six tours is how long South Africa have waited for a Test win in the subcontinent, which is something none of their current squad have experienced until now. Only five members of the playing XI in Mirpur have featured in a Test match in the subcontinent before and though eight of the 15-man squad have toured Asia, no one was part of the South African team that last enjoyed success on the continent, in Galle in 2014.The long period between victories was marred by massive losses and breaking the drought is what stand-in captain Aiden Markram hopes could be the start of something new. “It’s special. We’re a pretty young, slightly inexperienced group, so to come to the subcontinent and get a win is great for us and the environment,” Markam said at the post-match press conference. “This win does a lot for us and gives us a taste of what playing cricket in the subcontinent is like, and it excites us for the challenges that we possibly face here.”It also may spark some memories of a time, not that long ago, when South Africa were superior in the subcontinent. Between 2007 and 2014, they played 15 Tests in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and the UAE and lost only three, racking up series wins over everyone except India, against whom they drew twice. In the same period, Australia won just one out of 15 Tests in the subcontinent and England won three out of 16. Apart from India and Sri Lanka, South Africa were, by far, the most successful team in Asia over that period of time.Related

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That ended in 2015, when South Africa were outspun 3-0 in India in a series which started a significant slide. After their win in Galle in 2014, South Africa played 14 more Tests in the subcontinent before this one, and lost ten. Six of those defeats were in India but they were also blanked 2-0 by Sri Lanka in 2018 and Pakistan in 2021.All those occasions were marked by how poorly South Africa played against all kinds of spin, from the left-arm spin of Noman Ali, Ravindra Jadeja and Rangana Herath to the offspin of R Ashwin and the legspin of Yasir Shah. In Bangladesh too, spin proved the biggest threat as South Africa lost five of their top six to Taijul Islam in the first innings and at 108 for 6, looked like only gaining a marginal advantage. It was thanks to Kyle Verreynne and his second Test hundred that South Africa took a healthy, and ultimately match-winning lead.Verryenne called the innings the “best” of his Test career, because it came in “the toughest conditions I have played under.” He cited the heat and humidity as one of the challenges and facing “long periods of spin bowling,” as the other.Of the 144 balls delivered to Verreynne, 115 were from spinners, which amounts to 80%. The work Verreynne has done on the sweep shot was evident as ESPNcricnfo’s ball-by-ball data recorded that he scored almost half his runs, 49, with sweeps – conventional, reverse and slog – and maintained a strong scoring rate too.Kyle Verreynne is all smiles after getting to his second Test century•AFP/Getty Images

Overall, Verreynne struck at 79.16, and against Taijul, he was particularly aggressive with 49 runs off 53 balls.”Kyle sweeps really well, swept for a lot of his innings and he ended up doing well,” Markram said. “So it’s nice to see the guys backing those sorts of strengths. He’s a good player of spin and for him to score a hundred in his first Test match in the subcontinent is a really special feat.”While Verreynne traveled with the South African squad to Pakistan in 2021, he only made his debut later that year in West Indies. He competed with Heinrich Klaasen for the role of South Africa’s first-choice wicket-keeper but Klaasen’s Test retirement in January has meant Verreynne has the opportunity to make the spot his own. “He’s had a bit of backing now from the management, and he just looks really comfortable now in the environment,” Markram said.Having Verreynne’s spot fairly secure ramps up competition with reserve keeper Ryan Rickelton, who has gone six Tests with a top score of 42. If regular captain Temba Bavuma recovers from an elbow niggle in time to play the second Test, one of Rickelton or Matthew Breetzke will have to make way and both could end up sitting out if South Africa opt for a fifth frontline bowler.They went into the Mirpur game with a four-man attack and there were times in Bangladesh’s second innings when it seemed lacking. Still, they’ll be heartened by the way their champion quick Kagiso Rabada, who combined well with Wiaan Mulder in the first innings and then took a six-for in the second, registered his best figures in the subcontinent.Rabada’s wicket-taking ability is second to none, literally, as was documented when he became the only bowler to take 300 Test wickets in under 12,000 deliveries, and doing it in the subcontinent only makes him stand out more. On a surface with good bounce, Rabada’s hard lengths made him difficult to get away and dangerous and Markram hailed him as a “superstar.”Having Rabada fresh and firing also vindicates CSA’s decision to rest him between August and now, and leave him out of white-ball series in the UAE, and it shows how the two national coaches are working together. Test coach Shukri Conrad and white-ball coach Rob Walter jointly plan selections so that each of them has the best players available when it matters most.For the next two-and-a-half months Test cricket is the focus and Rabada, and to an extent Markram, who was released from the UAE early, have been allowed to focus on that.South Africa, despite limited Test matches in the calendar, remain in the running for the World Test Championship final but they cannot afford many (or any) slip-ups. They have five matches left to play – one next week in Chattogram, and four at home. They must win at least four to give themselves a chance to make the final in this cycle and this victory has shown them they can do that.It has also given them confidence ahead of their return to the subcontinent next year to begin the next cycle with two Tests against each of Pakistan and India, where even tougher challenges await.”The biggest thing we take from it is the belief and the confidence that we actually can do well here as a team,” Markam said. “I believe that’s where a lot of the game is played, from a confidence and belief and a mental side of things. It will help the team a lot as far as moving forward and seeing if we can put back-to-back performances together goes.”

Edson Álvarez limped off with a hamstring issue that could sideline him for a month.

Mexico will face South Korea on TuesdayHirving Lozano came on in the 60th minuteAguirre admitted his side didn’t deserve to winGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Mexico settled for a goalless draw against Japan in a friendly at Oakland Coliseum, leaving head coach Javier Aguirre with more questions than answers as the 2026 World Cup cycle continues.

The “Vasco” was blunt in his post-match remarks, admitting the Asian side deserved the result. 

“It was a preparation game, but we weren’t better than our opponent,” Aguirre said. “We didn’t deserve to win. They made it difficult, pressed with intensity, and the draw was fair. It wasn’t spectacular, but matches like this help us evaluate where we are.”

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Japan dictated much of the first half, forcing goalkeeper Luis Malagón into key saves and even requiring Johan Vásquez to clear a shot off the line. Mexico’s night worsened in the 28th minute when captain Edson Álvarez exited with a hamstring injury, later replaced by Erik Lira.

Although Hirving Lozano’s introduction in the second half injected energy, Mexico still struggled to break down Japan’s organized back line. To make matters worse, César Montes was shown a red card after VAR review, leaving to finish the game with 10 men. Despite the numerical advantage, Japan couldn’t find a breakthrough either, and the score remained 0-0.

Getty Images SportWHAT JAVIER AGUIRRE AND HIRVING LOZANO SAID

Aguirre acknowledged Japan’s superior pace and physicality. 

“They surprised us with their speed and intensity. Most of their players are in Europe, so their rhythm is different. We gave away the first half, not because of attitude, but because they outplayed us," he said. 

Still, he noted positives in the second half, pointing to missed chances from Lozano, Germán Berterame, and Lira.

Meanwhile, San Diego FC forward Hirving Lozano shared his thoughts on returning to the Mexican national team. 

“I really wanted to come back to the national team. Thank God I was given the opportunity, Javier gave me the opportunity, and I have to make the most of it. I need to work hard, perform well, and keep pushing forward,” he said.

It had been over a year since Lozano last featured for , with his previous appearance coming in 2024. 

“This is a very good squad, it has very important and very talented players. I think we’re facing a team that is always at the World Cup and that now has some great players,” he added.

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Mexico will now turn their focus to South Korea on Tuesday, while Japan will face the United States that same day.

Newcastle United supporters will be filled with relief after seeing Eddie Howe secure his first major signing of the summer transfer window.

A move for Anthony Elanga was finally confirmed on Friday, but this deal has been weeks in the making.

The Swedish winger cost the Toon around £55m, but Howe will be hoping that this fee eventually turns into a bargain.

“Elanga is an exciting talent with attributes that make him a unique attacking threat,” said Howe upon Elanga’s arrival at St James’ Park.

“His pace, energy and ability to create and score goals will strengthen us and complement the way we want to play.”

Champions League football will take centre stage next season and Howe will be aiming for his side to do better than when they were last in the competition. Newcastle finished bottom of their group during 2023/24, despite claiming a famous 4-1 win over PSG.

With Elanga now signed, it should be the catalyst for the manager to land another couple of signings in the coming weeks.

The former Nottingham Forest star has plenty of Premier League experience, but what exactly will he offer the Magpies next term and beyond?

What Anthony Elanga will offer Newcastle

Since making the move from Manchester United to Forest in the summer of 2023, Elanga has been at the forefront of their recent success.

Across these two seasons, the winger has scored 11 goals in the Premier League, while chipping in with 20 league assists in that time.

He doesn’t just offer a clear-cut threat in front of goal either. According to FBref, when compared to his positional peers in the Premier League last term, Elanga ranked in the top 3% for crosses (6.66) per 90, along with ranking in the top 10% for goal-creating actions (0.65) and in the top 27% for carries into the opposition penalty area (1.73) per 90.

While signing the 23-year-old is a boost for the team, plus giving Howe an excellent attacking option for the next few years, was signing another player in this area a priority for the club?

Jacob Murphy was excellent on the right flank last term, tearing it up for the Magpies in the top flight. Indeed, across 35 top flight games last season, the Englishman scored eight goals while recording 12 assists for the Magpies.

If comparing him to fellow wingers Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, who registered 12 and 14 goal involvements in the Premier League, Murphy was by far the best-performing wide man in the squad.

Of course, he won’t be around forever, and some competition would be ideal, but in terms of improvement, the right flank shouldn’t be Howe’s priority ahead of next season.

The defence is an area which requires strengthening, notably at centre-back and between the posts.

Howe is certainly making inroads to bolster both positions and he has been given an exciting update regarding a transfer target recently.

Newcastle’s search for a defender

Marc Guehi still looks like a target, although it remains to be seen exactly how far Howe is prepared to go in order to sign him.

Elsewhere, Malick Thiaw and Leonardo Balerdi are both defensive targets, with Howe expressing interest in both centre-backs recently.

The one player he appears to be most keen on is Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini. The Italian could be set to leave the Serie A side this summer, but they have placed a £50m price tag on his head.

According to The i Paper, the Toon have ‘carried out preliminary work on a possible deal’, but there are a host of clubs keen on securing his signature, including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus.

Scalvini has reportedly stated he is intrigued by the prospect of playing in the Premier League, while also gushing about both the club and manager when on international duty of late.

Could this help Howe get a deal wrapped up sooner rather than later? Only time will tell.

Why Newcastle must sign Giorgio Scalvini

Newcastle must add at least one centre-back to their squad this summer. Last season, Howe mainly relied on Dan Burn and Fabian Schar. Both are excellent players, but they are both 33 and won’t be around forever.

Indeed, the only centre-back in the current squad who is under 30 is Sven Botman, but he has missed 59 games since the start of the 2023/24 season.

As such, a move for Scalvini is a must for the club. He missed the majority of last term due to injury, but throughout the 2023/24 campaign, he was superb.

Accurate passes

37.8

Tackles

1.6

Interceptions

1.8

Clearances

2

Total duels won

4.8

Balls recovered

4.9

Hailed as a “top talent” by Fabrizio Romano in 2022 – as well as a “world-class” centre-back by talent scout Jacek Kulig – Scalvini ranked highly across a range of metrics in Serie A during 2023/24.

Compared to his peers, he ranked in the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90, along with ranking in the top 11% for touches in the attacking penalty area, the top 4% for interceptions and in the top 16% for aerials won per 90.

If he is able to replicate those types of performances at Newcastle, then Howe would have landed an excellent signing for the club.

The best thing is, Scalvini has yet to even reach his peak, indicating that the next few years could see the Italian defender only going from strength to strength.

Although Howe has just spent £55m on Elanga, there is no doubt that a deal to sign the Atalanta starlet would be viewed as a more important signing, especially with concerns about the defence.

Scalvini has showcased his talents in Europe before, impressing during the 2024 Europa League final as his side defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0.

Performing in the Champions League will be a massive step-up for the youngster, but if he wishes to take his game to the next stage, this is the level he should be playing at.

The next few weeks will be interesting for the club. That much is certain.

Elanga's new Gibbs-White: Newcastle leading race for £40m "magician"

Newcastle are hoping to make more signings after landing Anthony Elanga.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 12, 2025

Manchester United’s front line is in desperate need of an overhaul this summer, with such a department massively holding them back from any success under Ruben Amorim.

The side only managed to net 44 times in their 38 Premier League outings last campaign, with no player in the first-team squad managing to register double figures.

Departures are to be expected in such an area, with academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho one player likely to be sacrificed in the coming months, after hitting out at his lack of action in the Europa League final.

Rasmus Hojlund could be another to leave the Red Devils during the off-season, with any sales massively helping Amorim in his quest to land new stars at Old Trafford.

As a result of the pending futures of the aforementioned players, targets have already been drawn up, with the hierarchy appearing to be making moves in the transfer market.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

The 3-4-2-1 formation utilised by Amorim at United requires specific players to be signed if they are to fit into the current system and be a success at the Theatre of Dreams.

A striker has been one of the main priorities in recent weeks, with the likes of Dušan Vlahović, Victor Osimhen and Hugo Ekitiké all firmly remaining on the club’s radar.

However, a new twist has emerged, with Sporting CP talisman Viktor Gyokeres still seen as their number one target for the position, according to TEAMtalk.

They claim that the Red Devils remain confident of a deal to land the 54-goal forward despite the Swede claiming that he’s only interested in a move to join fellow English side Arsenal.

It also states that the board at United believe his previous spell under Amorim in Portugal could play a huge factor in the deal, with the attacker wanting a move to England this window.

Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s answer to Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé is a forward who has constantly tormented backlines across Europe in recent years, cementing himself as one of the best attackers in world football.

The 26-year-old joined Real Madrid last summer on a free transfer from PSG, after enjoying a six-year spell in Paris, which saw him net 235 goals in his 264 appearances.

His move to Spain has seen him continue his tremendous run in front of goal, registering 43 efforts in his 56 outings for the LaLiga giants, forming a deadly partnership with Vinícius Júnior.

Every team across the continent must wish they had a version of the forward, with his form in front of goal something which is extremely hard to find in the modern game.

However, United could be about to land their own version of the superstar, in the form of Gyokeres, with the Swedish international a force to be reckoned with in front of goal.

He’s been labelled as a similar player to Mbappé by FBref, managing to match or better the Madrid talisman in numerous key areas, highlighting how much of a sensational signing he would be for the Red Devils.

The Swede, who’s been labelled “the best striker in Europe” by The Athletic, has outscored Mbappé, whilst averaging a better goal per shot on target rate – handing Amorim the clinical edge he’s been lacking as of late.

He’s also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted whilst registering more carries into the opposition box, having the ability to create an attacking opportunity out of nothing.

Gyokeres’ dominance is also reflected in his higher percentage of aerials won, with his ability in the air offering the side the needed focal point they’ve often lacked.

Given the interest from elsewhere this summer, the hierarchy must work quickly to secure the Sporting CP star’s signature, with the forward a talented all-round option.

His comparisons to Mbappé highlight the threat he carries, with the 27-year-old having the skillset to end their long-standing pursuit of a new talisman at Old Trafford.

More exciting than Mbeumo: Man Utd in talks to sign "very special" talent

Manchester United could be about to land a star who could thrive under Ruben Amorim.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 18, 2025

Manchester United have held talks with the entourage of a “world-class” striker, who is now keen to seal a move to the Premier League, according to a report.

Man Utd set sights on new striker

Man United have already signed Matheus Cunha, while Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo remains of interest, but there is clearly a determination to bring in a new out-and-out centre-forward this summer, with an approach being made for Viktor Gyokeres.

That is according to Sky Sports, with United now said to be exploring the conditions of a potential deal, given that manager Ruben Amorim is a “big fan” of his former player.

Reports from elsewhere have suggested the Red Devils are preparing a bid for Gyokeres, but it remains to be seen whether the 27-year-old would be keen on a move to Old Trafford, considering European football will not be on offer next season.

The Sweden international is not the only option on the shortlist either, with Man United also holding talks with the entourage of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to a report from The Boot Room.

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Osimhen is said to be determined to seal a move to the Premier League this summer, having rejected a move to the Saudi Pro League, and Amorim’s side engaged in discussions to bring the Nigerian to Old Trafford last month.

The centre-forward has no future with his current club, meaning he is expected to move on this summer, with Liverpool also in the race for his signature. The 26-year-old is protected by a relatively hefty £63m release clause, however, Napoli could accept an offer in excess of £50m.

"World-class" Osimhen could be real coup for Man Utd

The former Galatasaray loanee’s track record speaks for itself, having scored goals wherever he’s been over the past few seasons, most recently leading his side to the Turkish Super Lig title with a phenomenal return.

Season

League appearances

Goals

2020-21

24

10

2021-22

27

14

2022-23

32

26

2023-24

25

15

2024-25

30

26

The Lagos-born striker has been lauded as “world-class” by football writer Matt Barlow, and he picked up six goals and two assists in the Europa League last season, indicating that he has a lot left to give in Europe, so it is little wonder he turned down a move to Saudi Arabia.

Rasmus Hojlund has recently suggested he is going nowhere this summer, saying: “I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United. I’m looking forward to going on a summer vacation, and then I’m fully dedicated to the project that’s underway.”

However, with the Dane scoring just four Premier League goals last season, it would make sense to bring in an upgrade this summer, and Osimhen has proven he could be exactly that.

With Graham Potter already thinking ahead to the summer transfer window, West Ham United have reportedly entered pole position to sign a relegated star ahead of Newcastle United.

West Ham's tough start under Potter

When Julen Lopetegui left West Ham following a failed stint at the London Stadium, there would have been plenty of hope that Potter would be the man to turn things around. Throughout the opening months of his reign, however, the former Chelsea manager has struggled to make his mark – only sparking more concerns and making the summer transfer window all the more important.

To that end, the rumours have already been coming thick and fast too. Names such as CJ Egan-Riley and Yann Bisseck have been two names particularly threatening to steal the headlines as the Hammers look to fix a leaky backline. The latter would be especially impressive, given his role in Inter Milan’s Champions League role this season.

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Whether West Ham are in a position to lure such players to the London Stadium remains to be seen, however. Unlike under David Moyes, they no longer have European football to offer. Now, coming off the back of a season in the bottom half, their ambitions may need to be adjusted slightly.

What hasn’t helped the West Ham boss in recent weeks is Niclas Fullkrug’s outburst following a frustrating draw at relegated Southampton. Potter responded to his forward’s anger, telling reporters: “I think he [Fullkrug] wears his heart on his sleeve. I would disagree with him in some things and agree with him in others.

“But he’s entitled to his opinion. As a senior player, we’ve had lots of honest conversations. And I think for me it’s better to have the conversations in private, not in public.”

West Ham in pole position to sign Ramsdale with £20m bid ready

One way that the Hammers could avoid the frustration of missing out on top targets whilst matching their ambitions is signing relegated stars. According to Caught Offside, West Ham are now leading the race to sign Aaron Ramsdale ahead of Newcastle United and are preparing an offer worth €23m (£20m) this summer.

Whether Southampton deem that offer acceptable is another question, however. Reports suggest that the goalkeeper has a release clause worth £25m, meaning that anything offered below that is likely to be rejected.

It was during his time at Arsenal that the England international was arguably at his best before David Raya ultimately earned his place. Receiving plenty of praise as a result, Gunners legend David Seaman told reporters when asked about Ramsdale in 2023: “People forget he’s only 24. So that is amazing for me because I didn’t join Arsenal until I was 26 – what he’s doing now at 24 is just phenomenal.

“He’s making big saves all the time. There was one on Saturday at 1-0 that was world-class. It wasn’t like a flying save or anything like that but it was a really technical piece of goalkeeping, which he did brilliantly, and he’s been doing that all season.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ fortunes have been transformed under the leadership of Vitor Pereria.

Indeed, since being appointed on December 19 last year, the former Porto boss has guided the Old Gold away from the relegation zone, securing another season in the Premier League.

Wolves have defeated Manchester United (twice), Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur during that time frame.

Premier League

Manchester United

Won 1-0

Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur

Won 4-2

Premier League

Ipswich Town

Won 2-1

Premier League

West Ham United

Won 1-0

Premier League

Southampton

Won 2-1

Their recent victory over the Red Devils meant it was the first time since the 1970s that they had completed the league double over them.

Several players shone, but Marshall Munetsi was one player who failed to contribute much for the Old Gold.

Wolves must drop Marshall Munetsi

The midfielder only arrived at Molineux in the winter transfer window and has featured 11 times for the club, scoring and assisting once apiece.

Against United, he was once again deployed as an attacking midfielder alongside Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian was impressive in what looked like a potential audition, but the January signing struggled.

He completed only 13 passes while winning just two of his 12 contested ground duels, being bullied in one-on-one scenarios.

The midfielder failed to register a single shot during the game, while failing to either make a key pass or create a single big chance in what was a poor performance overall.

As such, he was even awarded a rating of just 6/10 for his display by 90min and, against Leicester this afternoon, he must be dropped from the starting XI.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

After his match-winning goal against the Old Trafford side, Pablo Sarabia is certainly deserving of a start against the Foxes.

Why Pablo Sarabia must start for Wolves

Sarabia may have only played 16 minutes of the clash against United, but he made the most of his time on the field. With just over ten minutes left in the game, the Spaniard scored with a delightful free-kick, which sealed all three points for the away side.

The former PSG star has only played 19 league games for the club this season, yet he has still managed to score three goals, record two assists, create two big chances, and succeed with 67% of his dribbles in that time.

The “technically gifted” gem, as so dubbed by writer Charlie Gregory after the Old Trafford victory, has proven time and time again that he has the ability to create plenty for the Old Gold.

Leicester have conceded 73 goals this season, the second-worst record in the entire top flight. With the club secure in their Premier League status, now is the time to unleash Sarabia, who could run amok against this poor defence.

The 32-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, but as shown against Man United, he is still able to deliver when it really matters.

Pereira must give him a spot in the starting XI against the Foxes this weekend. Another positive showing might just go a long way in securing the maestro an extension on his current deal.

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Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli do what was expected of them and more, and will now disappear from view as the focus turns to T20Is again

Alagappan Muthu07-Dec-20253:11

A 10/10 for Kohli, but how did the rest fare?

He’s given that look before. “, and Samaira and Ahaan would have prepared their father for Saturday, when Kuldeep Yadav saw something shiny – Lungi Ngidi’s wicket – and wanted it even though he hadn’t entirely earned it.The ball seemed to be turning too much. To Rohit Sharma, it was just so obvious that for those moments India spent deliberating – which is a kind word – whether or not to review, he stared at Kuldeep like the left-arm wristspinner was one of his toddlers throwing a tantrum. “””Obviously, you know, in DRS, I’m someone who’s very bad and he [Rohit] is someone who keeps pulling my leg all the time” Kuldeep told the host broadcaster between innings. “As a bowler, you feel like every not out is out so you have to have those people around you to just guide you, you know calm down, we only have two reviews.”Related

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The 2-0 loss in the Test series had the dressing room wired for this decider. India finally won a toss and KL Rahul was desperate to push home that advantage. He was very particular about which end Prasidh Krishna would bowl from – to take down Aiden Markram and Matthew Breetzke – and eager to have a word with everyone at the start of their spell, ironing out plans. His attention to detail with field placement was also pin-point. Once, he asked Virat Kohli to move to his left at long-on and Marco Jansen hit the next ball straight down that path.But by that 43rd over, with South Africa 252 for 8, all the tension had dissipated. Rohit, in particular, was feeling . The leaner part of him had already been on show. He pulled off a sharp stop to prevent Dewald Brevis from getting a boundary at backward point. Kuldeep woke up the meaner part of him.Rohit, from the 2023 World Cup to the 2025 Champions Trophy, was a violent presence at the top of India’s batting line-up. Only 24% of the shots he attempted in the first ten overs were defensive. Since the Australia ODIs – by which point he had retired from every other form of cricket and was chasing the 2027 World Cup dream – he has been rather more sedate. Forty per cent of his shots in the first ten overs had become defensive.Obviously, that requires context. Conditions in Perth, Adelaide and Sydney weren’t easy and against South Africa, Yashasvi Jaiswal seemed comfortable taking those early risks so that the rest of the batting line-up could focus on and post dew-proof totals batting first. Rohit used to play like this a lot, back when he kept churning out daddy hundreds. Has he reverted to type given where his career is at and the goal he has set for himself?Rohit Sharma checks his bat after falling to the sweep•Associated PressIn the two half-centuries he scored this week, Rohit caught up with the rate in the blink of an eye. He was dismissed for 75 off 73 in Visakhapatnam looking to go big when the required rate was less than five. That doesn’t look like someone preoccupied with their own needs. Rohit left the field looking down at his bat, at the spot that caused the mis-hit, almost unaware of a crowd of over 27,000 applauding him off, who, about midway through, realised they needed to set a different vibe.Kohli was walking in.India had knocked off too much of the target for a hat-trick of centuries to be viable. But just like in 2018, when he was 29 and at his peak scoring 140, 157* and 107, this sequence of 135, 102 and 65* highlighted his problem-solving ability. His understanding of what shots to play and what not to – particularly in Raipur – when conditions weren’t so straightforward to score quickly. His shepherding of his batting partners. His increasing comfort in hitting sixes whether he’s set or not.”I don’t think I’ve played at this level for a good two-three years now and I feel really free in my mind and just the whole game is coming together nicely, [it’s] very exciting to build on,” Kohli said after collecting his Player-of-the-Series award.5:03

Kohli, Kuldeep or toss – who bossed the ODI series?

Except now that India have won this series 2-1, both he and Rohit will disappear into the background. Focus will shift to the T20I team and their preparation for the World Cup. The coaching staff can breathe a sigh of relief. They don’t have to answer questions about whether their two superstars can last the next two years playing as little as they do. It is to their credit they haven’t stuck their fingers in their ears and gone la-la-la-la-la every time they have been asked to gaze into that crystal ball.”They are world-class players in this format and their experience is really important in the dressing room,” Gautam Gambhir said. “And they are doing what they do. They have been doing it for such a long time for Indian cricket. And hopefully they can continue doing the same, which is always going to be important, come the white-ball format and the 50-over format.”Six-hundred-odd days to 2027 is a long time. Too many things can happen – injury, dips in form. Some others need to happen. Kohli and Rohit will be playing domestic cricket again, at the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting January 3 to keep themselves in contention for the ODI side. Then there’s the New Zealand series – again only three matches because we are in the T20 World Cup cycle – and then… and then… and on… and on… almost everything has to go right.And it did here, with Rohit showing the time he still has against fast bowling, the ease with which he throttles up and down, the 360-plus ODI sixes and 20,000-plus international runs, and Kohli bossing all that he sees as soon as he steps up to the crease, including Saturday’s chase. Real life made friends with fairy-tale logic this series.

England’s tour of India ended with another thumping to leave Bazball in the crosshairs again. Miller, Vish and Karthik joined Alan to wrap the series

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Mar-2024The end came quickly in Dharamsala, as India romped to an innings win and a 4-1 series victory. England were left to pick out the positives, which included James Anderson’s 700th Test wicket. On this week’s podcast, Alan Gardner was joined by Andrew Miller, Vithushan Ehantharajah and Karthik Krishnaswamy to discuss where it all went wrong for the Bazballers. How significant was Anderson’s achievement? Will Jonny Bairstow’s 100th Test appearance also be his last? And what changes might be on the cards when the Test team reunite in the summer?