All posts by h716a5.icu

At the halfway mark of the season, Everton have been a side desperately seeking improvements in recent campaigns, but things are different this time around. The Toffees, even after a ten-point deduction, look on course to avoid Premier League relegation and perhaps even rise up the table to hand them a comfortable few months under Sean Dyche, who deserves much of the credit.

The Toffees will now hope to continue their good form in the second half of the season, be that with or without January reinforcements. As things stand, Dyche is getting the best out of his current options, and what may help is the planning of Director of Football Kevin Thelwell, who has delivered his verdict on Everton's transfer plan.

Everton transfer news

Whilst those at Goodison Park didn't exactly splash the cash in the summer transfer window, they did at least welcome the likes of Ashley Young, Jack Harrison and Beto to hand Dyche some reinforcements.

And to the former Burnley manager's credit, he has taken full advantage of those additions. In fact, if it wasn't for the points deduction, Everton would be challenging for Europe this term, which is a place they may consistently find themselves in with the planning of Thelwell and the potential new owners.

Gomes returns and 4/10 star is benched in Everton's predicted lineup vs Man City

Andre Gomes could make his first start of the season as Manchester City visit Everton tonight.

ByAdam Scully Dec 27, 2023

The director of football told the club's official website: "As we look to January, I can assure you that, whilst there may not be a great deal of transfer business taking place in the coming weeks, it does not mean the hard work is not continuing.

"But hard work is ongoing to ensure a squad that has performed consistently well this season can continue to evolve and develop this season, in the summer and beyond."

Good news for Everton fans

The secret to success when it comes to recruitment is quite simple – proactive planning. The last thing a club needs is to be left panicking over transfers last minute without a list of options to replace star men. We've seen the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion become the best example of a side with a plan, often replacing stars with those who quickly become even better stars for another bargain deal. If Everton can reach that standard, then they may just find themselves enjoying a similar rise to Roberto de Zerbi's side.

The news that January is unlikely to be a busy month may be a disappointment to some at Goodison Park, but that's the luxury of the side's recent form. Dyche's side are not in desperate need of additions and can instead focus on finding players who would provide the manager with an instant upgrade for the long haul. As the season goes on, the Toffees could get more and more positives to look forward to ahead of a busier summer window.

Afghanistan recovered from 74 for 5 on the back of Najibullah Zadran’s maiden ODI hundred to post 256 for 8 but as it panned out, it wasn’t enough

The Report by Hemant Brar05-Mar-2019A brilliant hundred from Andy Balbirnie steered Ireland to a four-wicket win over Afghanistan in the third ODI in Dehradun. The convincing victory meant Ireland levelled the five-match series 1-1 after the second game was washed out.Chasing 257 on a sluggish wicket, Balbirnie smashed eight fours and as many sixes during his unbeaten 136-ball 145 to take his side home with one over to spare. Earlier, Afghanistan recovered from 74 for 5 on the back of Najibullah Zadran’s maiden ODI hundred and a composed 75 by captain Asghar Afghan to post 256 for 8. But as it panned out, it wasn’t enough.Ireland didn’t have a great start to their chase, though, losing William Porterfield to Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the third over before Dawlat Zadran dismissed Paul Stirling and Simi Singh in the eighth over to reduce the visitors to 29 for 3. Balbirnie and Kevin O’Brien took the side to 73 before O’Brien mistimed a juicy full toss from Samiullah Shinwari to Asghar at mid-on, and it looked like Afghanistan were cruising towards yet another win.Balbrinie and George Dockrell had other plans, though. The duo batted sensibly – Balbirnie doing most of the scoring, while Dockrell concentrating on rotating the strike – to put that chase back on track. Playing with only four frontline bowlers didn’t help Afghanistan’s cause either. While Shinwari picked up a wicket, his ten overs cost 60 when Ireland were on the back foot.Balbirnie used the sweep shot to good effect against the Afghanistan spinners, hitting 93 of his runs on the leg side. While the required rate kept increasing slowly during the partnership, it never really got out of the hands with Balbirnie finding boundaries at regular intervals.The 143-run stand came to an end when Mohammad Nabi got Dockrell stumped for 54 in the 43rd over. Ireland still needed 41 from the last seven overs, four of those overs belonging to Rashid Khan.Rashid conceded three and four respectively off the 44th and 46th over but with 16 needed off 16, Balbirnie swept the legspinner over deep midwicket for his eighth six of the match to dash any hopes of an Afghanistan comeback. In the next over, he crunched Dawlat through extra cover to level the scores before slicing him over short third man to take his side home.Earlier, the Ireland bowlers had Afghanistan in all sorts of trouble. While Mohammad Shahzad fell lbw to Murtagh, the incoming batsmen couldn’t adjust to the slow nature of the wicket. A big offbreak from Andy McBrine trapped Rahmat Shah in front, Hashmatullah Shahidi chopped Cameron-Dow onto his stumps, and Any Balbirnie took a brilliant hand-handed catch low to his right at first slip off Geroge Dockrell to send Samiullah Shinwari back. In between Hazratullah Zazai was run-out courtesy a direct hit from Murtagh.With score 74 for 5, Asghar stretched out to a James Cameron-Dow delivery, only to be beaten by the turn but Stuart Poynter fumbled behind the stumps and missed an easy stumping. Asghar was on 18 then.That proved to be the only chance Ireland would get in the next 25 overs as Asghar and Najibullah not only stabilised the innings but also set the base for a strong finish. Asghar who started slowly got to his fifty off 82 balls before hitting offspinner Simi for back-to-back sixes.Boyd Rankin eventually broke the 117-run stand in the 44th over when he dismissed Asghar for 75 but Najibullah’s fireworks ensured Afghanistan finished with a flourish. Najibullah was on 52 off 75 when Afghanistan lost their seventh wicket at the score of 193. But the left-hand batsman smashed three fours and four sixes in the next 23 balls to double his score and finished unbeaten on 104 off 98.The shift in momentum started with Najibullah reverse-pulling Simi Singh for a six off the last ball of the 45th over. In the next two overs, he heaved Boyd Rankin over square leg for another six while Tim Murtagh’s successive full tosses were smoked for a four and a six.Najibullah’s efforts, though, ended in vain as Balbirnie dissected the chase with surgical precision.

Manchester United appear to be keen to get deals over the line this window and are now reportedly willing to trigger the release clause of a key target at Old Trafford.

Man Utd look to secure new arrivals…

Differing verdicts have emerged over the potential Manchester United have to bring in players this window despite football director John Murtough hinting that business may be minimal at the Premier League giants over the course of the month as they look to comply with Financial Fair Play concerns.

Erik ten Hag clearly needs bodies in the door to rectify his side's erratic start to the campaign and Sky Sports News journalist Dharmesh Sheth has claimed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his associates will have had a say on potential incomings and outgoings.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

He told GIVEMESPORT: "So just going back to INEOS with regard to any kind of decision that gets made, even though the deal hasn't been formally ratified, they would have to be consulted about any deal that happens. I'm told that when they signed that agreement, even though as I said it hasn't been ratified, the transfer strategy was relayed to them. So, they would have had a say in what will be happening in this January transfer window."

This news may come as a relief to Red Devils supporters; however, there is still no clear indication of who could arrive in the North West this window as their side quietly ponder who to pursue according to their specific needs. Now, fresh information has emerged claiming that Manchester United are willing to meet the release clause of a talented midfielder this month, as per reports.

Man Utd ready Javi Guerra move

According to Catalan reports, Manchester United are keen on Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra and have already initiated first contacts regarding a move for the Spain Under-21 international this month.

Javi Guerra key statistics in 2023/24 (Sofascore)

Tackles per game

1.4

Clearances per game

1.2

Balls recovered per game

5.6

Accurate passes per game in own half

9.6 (85%)

Shots per game

1.2

Big chances created

2

The outlet claim that Guerra has a release clause worth in the region of €40 million (£34.4 million) that the Red Devils are willing to pay that sum to bring the playmaker to Old Trafford. Viewed as someone who could be very important to the future of Ten Hag's engine room, the Valencia-born man is seen as a value-for-money option and would be guaranteed a high salary in England should he move to Manchester United.

Labelled a "deep-lying orchestrator" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Guerra has made 19 appearances in all competitions this term for Valencia, registering three goals and one assist (Guerra statistics – Transfermarkt).

Manchester United may need more variation on the field to try and reverse their inconsistent form and Guerra could add a different dimension to their engine room moving forward, both in the short and long term, making this a deal to watch.

Cristiano Ronaldo tops the charts when it comes to Forbes’ run down of the 10 highest-paid athletes, with Lionel Messi having to settle for third.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Portuguese superstar out in frontEternal rival trailing in his wakeNeymar & Benzema also in top 10WHAT HAPPENED?

For the first time, every entrant on the star-studded chart is pulling in over $100 million (£79m) on an annual basis. It comes as no surprise to find that Portuguese icon Ronaldo occupies first place, as he is working on the most lucrative contract in world football.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ronaldo earns £157m ($199m) a year at Al-Nassr – where he has plundered 48 goals this season – while making up a further £48m ($61m) in a wide range of endorsement and sponsorship deals. His eternal rival, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, makes £107m ($135m) per year – with the Argentine superstar, who is now plying his club trade in MLS for Inter Miami, earning more away from the field than he does on it.

DID YOU KNOW?

Kylian Mbappe, who is expected to link up with Real Madrid this summer as he prepares to leave Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, occupies sixth spot on £87m ($110m). His former PSG team-mate Neymar, who is now in Saudi Arabia with Ronaldo at Al-Hilal, brings in £85m ($108m) while former Madrid striker Karim Benzema – another of those in the Middle East at present – fills eighth spot on £84m ($106m).

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT?

The biggest mover on the chart is golf star Jon Rahm, who now sits second on £172m ($218m) courtesy of his lucrative LIV deal. NBA greats LeBron James (£101m/$128m) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (£88m/$111m) occupy fourth and fifth respectively, while Golden State Warriors legend Steph Curry sits ninth on £81m ($103m). The top 10 is rounded off by Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (£79m/$100m), with a £57m ($72m) signing bonus received when penning the new contract that he negotiated – while acting as his own agent – in 2023.

Karunaratne, Sri Lanka’s Test captain, was granted bail, having been taken into custody at roughly 5:40am Sri Lanka time on Sunday morning

Andrew Fidel Fernando31-Mar-2019Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka’s Test captain, was arrested for drink driving in Colombo on Sunday morning after he was involved in an accident that put the driver of a three-wheeler in hospital. According to police, the injured driver has sustained only minor injuries.Karunaratne has been granted bail, having been taken into custody at roughly 5:40am Sri Lanka time on Sunday in the Borella neighbourhood. He is expected to appear in court some time this week – perhaps as early as Monday.Beyond the immediate consequences of the accident, particularly with regards to the condition of the injured driver, the arrest may also have professional ramifications for Karunaratne. Sri Lanka Cricket is likely to await further details, but may impose its own sanctions, depending on the outcome of court proceedings. In a press release the SLC said it will “follow the due process as per Karunaratne’s ‘Player Contractual Obligation’ and conduct an inquiry in order to take necessary action.”Karunaratne not only led Sri Lanka to an outstanding Test series win in South Africa in February, he was also being talked about by the national selectors as Sri Lanka’s prospective World Cup captain.Although the Sri Lanka team has been grappling with disciplinary problems over the last year, Karunaratne himself had avoided serious controversy.

Aston Villa are slowly making strides in the transfer window and now look close to announcing their first signing of the month after a fresh development, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

Aston Villa's transfer activity so far

January can be a laborious window for many teams looking to do early business as clubs around the world look to keep hold of their star players at the mid-way point in the campaign, although some countries may run to an alternative schedule to that of the Premier League. This month has yet to ignite regarding big top flight arrivals and Aston Villa aren't exempt from that fact, which is reflected in the reality that Unai Emery's men have yet to announce any new signings.

Aston Villa to launch bid to sign their most exciting talent since Grealish

Unai Emery is eyeing up a move for a Turkish prospect who has a bright future.

ByTom Lever Jan 17, 2024

The Villans are known to be in the market for additional bodies though and FootballTransfers claim that Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Giovanni Reyna has emerged as a target in the West Midlands. Jadon Sancho's arrival at Signal Iduna Park has cast doubt on his future in Germany. Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastien Kehl has already acknowledged that the United States international may be dissatisfied with his current situation at the club.

He stated: "Gio had a difficult time and was often injured. It's not easy because of the line-up we have in the middle. I can understand that he may be dissatisfied at the moment. But it's also important for him to step on the gas."

England Under-21 forward Jonathan Rowe, who plies his trade at Norwich City, is believed to be on Emery's transfer wishlist and is also being tracked by West Ham United. Now, white smoke has arisen and Aston Villa are close to completing their first acquisition of the January window, according to transfer guru Romano.

Aston Villa close to signing Kosta Nedeljkovic

Previously, reports suggested that Aston Villa were close to signing Red Star Belgrade full-back Kosta Nedeljkovic for a fee of just under €9 million after tracking the 18-year-old for a considerable period of time.

Kosta Nedeljkovic key statistics in 2023/24 – Mozzart Bet Superliga (Sofascore)

Tackles per game

1.5

Accurate passes per game

30.4 (86%)

Interceptions per game

0.9

Clearances per game

0.8

Errors leading to goal

0

Average match rating

7.04/10

Romano has now provided an exciting update on his prospective arrival and has given the Serbian defender the famous "here we go" treatment, signalling that he will indeed put pen to paper to join the Villans after his medical is completed, before returning to his homeland to see out the rest of the campaign.

The Italian journalist stated in full: "Kosta Nedeljković to Aston Villa, here we go! 2005 born right back will join the club from Crvena Zvezda! Medical tests will take place in the next days, travelling on Friday. He’s expected to stay at Serbian club until end of the season."

Labelled "aggressive" by Serbian Football Scout, the Serbia Under-19 international has made 26 appearances in all competitions this campaign, notching three assists (Nedeljkovic statistics – Transfermarkt).

Emery clearly has one eye on the future at Villa Park and NSWE now look to have got their man in an exciting transfer for all involved with the club.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has slammed the "false information" claiming he expressed doubts about Xavi's management before Barcelona decided to sack him.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Report said Ter Stegen expressed doubts over XaviAllegedly told Barcelona president over player discontentGoalkeeper slams rumours as "false information"WHAT HAPPENED?

A Spanish report said the goalkeeper went to club president Joan Laporta to express his concerns over the 44-year-old's management. He allegedly said some of the squad did not appreciate Xavi calling out players' mistakes, following Barcelona's loss to Girona. However, the 32-year-old has rubbished these claims on social media.

AdvertisementWHAT MARC-ANDRE TER STEGEN SAID

He posted on X, formerly Twitter: "The story published by 'Barça Reservat' directly attacks my personal values and I will not tolerate someone using my name to create bad vibes based on false information. If I ever want to say or report something, I will always be very direct with the person."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This comes shortly after the news that Xavi will be relieved of his managerial duties at Barcelona at the end of the season. The former Spanish international is set to be replaced by ex-Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick, as soon as next week.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT?

Xavi's two-and-a-half-year tenure at Barca, which yielded a La Liga title success and a Supercopa de Espana triumph, will come to an end on Sunday when they travel to Sevilla in the final game of the campaign.

Bowler takes ten wickets for the match to assure Lancashire of victory against his former side

Paul Edwards at Old Trafford16-May-2019
“Northamptonshire found me. They gave me the opportunity to play first-class cricket and I owe my career to them. If it hadn’t been for them, I could still be coaching in schools.”Richard Gleeson will never tire of saying what he owes to Northamptonshire. The unfortunate thing for his former muckers, though, was that he made a fine job of concealing his debt on the third afternoon and evening of this game when he took four wickets in 15 very fiery deliveries and collected 5 for 50 in the innings, thus leaving him with a career-best 10 for 113 in the match.Perhaps demolition is the sincerest form of gratitude. Far more likely, of course, what we saw at Old Trafford was simple professionalism. Alex Wakely and his players might be gratified to hear the first and will understand the second. Damn all else will console them this evening. Sometimes it is not the best idea to stay in a hotel overlooking the ground on which you are playing. For when Wakely and his players have dined, they will look out on the cricket field when they subsided for the second time in three days.Having managed only 200 in their second innings, Northamptonshire’s players will go out to field tomorrow with a total of only 15 to defend. Cricketers are fond of saying that a match will look very different if they “go bang-bang”, that is to say, if they take two very quick wickets. Tomorrow Northants need to go bang-times-ten. They know they have already lost the game and Wakely is the sort of rock-solid skipper who will not conceal his team’s failure.”We have been totally outplayed by Lancashire in this match,” he said. “There are ways to win and ways to lose. Even when you’re up against it, you want to put up a fight. You want to be competitive and we haven’t been today.”No one should dispute that judgement but they should give immense credit to Gleeson, who less than two years ago was an important member of the Northants side which came precious close to winning promotion from the Second Division. Last summer the Blackpool-born cricketer returned home to Lancashire – who were promptly relegated. This evening he showed why his home county were keen to lure him back.For the truth is that deep into the final session most spectators at Old Trafford were more or less reconciled to this game going well into the final day. Despite conceding a first-innings lead of 185 and then slumping weakly to 87 for 4, Rob Keogh and Josh Cobb were mounting a recovery in traditional Northants fashion: gritty, unfussy and effective.But Gleeson had other plans. He had earlier dismissed Wakely, who conspired in his own downfall when he slapped an innocuous delivery straight to Haseeb Hameed at cover. That brought the number of donated wickets up to two; Ricardo Vasconcelos had earlier done more or less the same to a ball from Tom Bailey.But Gleeson had not bowled that well and Lancashire’s attack was running out of puff. They needed a fourth morning we thought. But suddenly the ball was flying around the batsmen’s shoulders and it was doing so at pace. Cobb was expecting another chest concerto when a full length ball trapped him leg before for 30. Next over Keogh was caught by Dane Vilas down the leg side for 42. Six balls later Gleeson burst through Rob Newton’s defences and two balls later he brought one back off the seam to castle Jamie Overton.”I decided to try a little bit of short stuff to get the batsman’s feet not moving quite as much,” said Gleeson. “It came out nicely and the plan worked. I bowled a few short ones at Rob Keogh and that put a little bit of doubt in the other batsmen’s minds. They were maybe sitting back a little and a couple were caught waiting for the short ball.”Suddenly a three-day finish was in prospect. An extra half-hour was claimed and Liam Livingstone took two wickets in successive overs to end the innings. But by then, the lead was 15 and the day was done. The players, the support staff, the media and no doubt more than a few spectators will rock up to see a few overs’ cricket. Apparently entrance is free; once again Lancastrian generosity is unbounded.Vilas will turn up and hope he doesn’t have to bat. His 97 had ensured that Lancashire would build a mighty lead in the earlier part of this very long day. Mind you, he was helped by Bailey, whose career-best 68 offered another indication that his career is developing very pleasantly. But these were some of the finer hours in Gleeson’s career and we should return to him.A few years back he thought his future lay in coaching. Then that great cricket man David Ripley, the Northamptonshire head coach, rang and asked him if he fancied a few games for their second team. And now, as these words are tapped out in the gathering dusk of a wonderful day, Gleeson is buying a round of drinks for his Lancashire colleagues to mark his career-best performance on his home debut.”I’ve never had a ten-for before,” he told the press, his eyes gleaming with pleasure, “So I’m hugely proud and very happy that I don’t have to do any bowling tomorrow.”If you love this game, it will love you back.

Bruno Fernandes offered an emotional tribute to wife Ana Pinho as he recalled their cinema dates when he "didn't have much money".

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Fernandes looked back in nostalgiaReminisced about his struggle days with wife AnaExpressed his gratitude to her for being with himWHAT HAPPENED?

The Manchester United skipper walked down memory lane to revisit his teenage days when he romanced Ana on the streets of Portugal. They were classmates at a Boavista school and first met in 2012.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

When Fernandes signed with United in 2020, Ana shifted base to Manchester to support her husband. She is a regular visitor at Old Trafford and does not miss many opportunities to cheer her partner.

WHAT FERNANDES SAID

In his column for , Fernades wrote: "Ana has been with me on this ride since we were 16, 17, 18 years old. We met as teenagers, and when we first started dating, I wasn’t making any money as a footballer, and she had a nice job working as a futsal referee on the weekends. She used to do three or four matches in a row on a Saturday, and then we would always go to the cinema on Sundays.

"I personally didn’t have much money at the time so Ana was the one who had to pay for our movie tickets. Same with going out to dinner. Even at the pizza shop, she had to pay. When I moved to Italy at 17, I lived at the training ground for the first year, and then she followed me at 18 when she finished high school. From day one, we have pursued this dream together. So when I cried tears of joy, it was because of our entire history.

"[Ana, this memory is just for you…. Remember when the sporting director of Udinese called me when we were at the team dinner and told me that they didn’t want me anymore? Remember leaving the dinner, so embarrassed? Remember when I was crying in the hotel room? Remember what you told me? Keep going. This is your dream.] Look at where we are now…. The tough times, they have never broken us."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR FERNADNES?

Ana might make the trip to Wembley to cheer for Fernandes in the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25. It is a crucial game for the Red Devils as their European qualification hinges on the outcome of the match.

Pair of 22-year-olds dominate second day at Old Trafford while Keaton Jennings falls just shy of a century

Paul Edwards at Old Trafford15-May-2019
Nearly thirty years ago that fine writer Neville Scott collaborated with Geoff Cook on a book entitled . Subtitled “An Anatomy of Professional Cricket” it examined, among other things, the tests a player had to survive if he was to prosper in the county game. Despite the various revolutions and fandangos cricket has experienced since its publication Scott and Cook’s book retains its value. One has only to watch Rob Jones bat or Luke Wood bowl to be reminded of its wisdom and insight.Both Jones and Wood are finding their way in the game yet these 22-year-olds dominated much of this second day at Emirates Old Trafford. Jones’ 152-stand with Keaton Jennings had given Lancashire the opportunity to establish unassailable dominance until Wood, who had removed Joe Burns some five hours earlier, produced a couple of inswingers to account for Liam Livingstone, bowled for a third-ball duck, and Jones, who was leg before on the front foot for 67.But the wickets of Jones and Livingstone were no more than the filling in an unpalatable post-tea sandwich for Lancashire’s batsmen, four of whom fell to the second new ball. Their side’s collapse from 188 for 2 to 209 for 6 had begun Ben Sanderson produced a fine lifting delivery which brushed the shoulder of Jennings’ bat on the way to Ricardo Vasconcelos. Jennings had made 97 in over five hours and had shown typically firm resolve on a pitch which permits few liberties. Ten overs after his departure, Vasconcelos was called into action again when Steven Croft edged Jamie Overton wide to the keeper’s right.The flurry of wickets ceased when Tom Bailey joined Dane Vilas and this pair had shared an unbroken stand of 67 by the close. That gave Lancashire a first-innings lead of 46 with power to add on the third morning. But as spectators made their way home from Old Trafford this evening it would not be surprising if a few of them were reflecting on the technical excellence of Jones and Wood, two cricketers born three months apart who share a green and white dream.This is Jones’s 15th first-class match. He has been in and out of Lancashire’s team since making a brave century against Middlesex in only his third appearance in 2016. He won a regular place in the eleven about halfway through last summer but his place on the team-sheet is now secure. There is no case against selecting a player who makes a century and a 67 in successive games.Wood, who has a contract at Nottinghamshire, has played over twice as many top-level matches as Jones but has recently been loaned to both Worcestershire and Northamptonshire. His ability to swing the new ball testifies both to his ability and to the strength of seam bowling at Trent Bridge, whose coaches have given him the chance to play elsewhere. The ball which had Burns caught behind in the third over of the day was pushed across the Australian opener whereas that which bowled Livingstone curved in deliciously before plucking out the off pole.Jones also has the attributes of a formidable cricketer. His forward defensive is cricket’s equivalent of a government bond and his driving through the off side possesses the same technical accuracy as his less flashy strokes. Wood could have testified to the latter a few hours before he took his wicket. But this was a day on which batsmen had to wait for their opportunities against an accurate attack. Both Jennings and Jones did so during their 63-over stand and it was a particular shame that Jennings fell three runs short of his century. On the other hand, he would have been dismissed for five runs fewer had Sanderson accepted a simple chance at short fine leg off Rob Keogh just before tea.Jones still has much to learn. The coaches at Old Trafford will tell him as much and he will take it in. He was dropped on 47 when he failed to cover Overton’s bounce and Temba Bavuma grassed a two-handed slip chance many good club cricketers would describe as easy. Four overs later he reached his fifty off the same bowler with a scurried single which was immediately upgraded to a three by a couple of buzzers. And one wondered at tea whether Jones might make the most of his escape to score his second century in three championship innings.Wood put an end to such notions but the exploits of both these young players were a reminder there are times when we should set aside the easy allegiances of birth, upbringing or partiality. It is Maytime in England. Rob Jones and Luke Wood are attempting to cross the narrow line. The heart dances at the thought they might succeed.