Shamar Joseph is unfit and Alzarri Joseph has chosen the ILT20 over the Test series in Pakistan
ESPNcricinfo staff23-Dec-2024Trinidad & Tobago batter Amir Jangoo has earned a maiden call-up to the West Indies Test squad for the two-match series against Pakistan, which begins on January 16 in Karachi. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie returns to the side, having missed the two Tests against Bangladesh at home last month as he was playing at the inaugural Global Super League in Providence.Motie will be leading West Indies’ spin-bowling contingent, which also has Kevin Sinclair and Jomel Warrican.Jangoo and Motie replace the fast-bowling duo of Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph. While Shamar is suffering from shin splints which forced him to miss the ODI series against Bangladesh earlier this month, Alzarri is unavailable because of a clash with the ILT20 in the UAE, where he will be turning out for MI Emirates, which CWI termed as “other engagements” in their release.Jangoo was rewarded for his consistent performances in the domestic four-day competition in 2023-24, when he scored 500 runs in five matches at an average of 63.50, with two centuries and a fifty, to be Trinidad & Tobago’s highest run-getter. Jangoo also recently smashed a century on ODI debut against Bangladesh to help West Indies ace their third-highest chase in the format.”Motie rejoins the squad to bolster the spin attack, while Jangoo’s selection comes on the back of his consistency across formats in regional cricket, as well as his demonstrated high level of competency against spin bowling,” West Indies head coach Andre Coley said. “For the Test series against Pakistan in January 2025, the focus is on building on what we have done well, and transforming the learnings from 2024 into tangible results.”The rest of the squad remains on expected lines. Kraigg Brathwaite will lead the side, with wicketkeeper-batter Joshua Da Silva as his deputy. Mikyle Louis, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty and Justin Greaves will form the crux of the batting unit.On the fast-bowling front, Kemar Roach will lead the attack, and will have Jayden Seales and Anderson Phillip for company.Next year’s tour of Pakistan will be West Indies’ first Test series there in more than 18 years. They had last played Tests in Pakistan in November 2006, although they did play Pakistan in a Test series in the UAE in October 2016.The 15-member West Indies squad will depart on January 2, and arrive in Islamabad on January 6. The first Test will run from January 16-20 in Karachi, before the teams depart for Multan, where the second Test will be played from January 24-28.West Indies squad for Pakistan TestsKraigg Brathwaite (capt), Joshua Da Silva (vice-capt), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican
An exchange of words late on day one has added more spark to one of the series’ most compelling duels
Andrew McGlashan03-Jan-2025Sam Konstas was at the centre of a fiery exchange with India’s stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah amid a dramatic finish to the opening day of the final Test at the SCG, which has set up another compelling duel when play resumes on Saturday.Australia’s reply started with just 15 minutes of the day remaining, and first ball Konstas walked down the crease at Bumrah and whipped him through midwicket. Konstas then exchanged words with Bumrah before what became the penultimate ball of the day after Usman Khawaja had pulled away from the strike, seemingly to try and eat up time to ensure there wouldn’t be another over.Related
Rohit did the decent thing, so why cloak it in intrigue?
Boland leads the charge as Australia dominate on green pitch
India's day of futility, until Bumrah catches fire
Great Scott Boland, the supersub calling the shots for Australia
Konstas turned to Bumrah and appeared to say something, which prompted umpire Sharfuddoula to step in. The next delivery passed through outside off stump. Then, with the final ball of the day, Bumrah had Khawaja edging to second slip, and immediately turned and locked eyes with Konstas at the non-striker’s end and took a couple of steps towards him, before being joined by several team-mates, including Virat Kohli, in exuberant celebration.”I feel they had a little chit-chat,” Rishabh Pant said of the exchange. “They wanted to waste some time. I feel that’s the reason he had a conversation with Jassi [Bumrah]. He [Konstas] said something, I didn’t hear it, but I feel that’s the only thing which he wanted to do to just waste some time so we don’t bowl one more over.”The India players were animated as they left the field, having a few minutes earlier been bowled out for 185, while Konstas walked off a few metres behind Khawaja, with Australia 9 for 1.”It was an interesting one,” Beau Webster said of how Australia’s innings started. “I was sitting next to Heady [Travis Head] in the rooms watching on the TV and the first ball he [Konstas] ran down and clipped him over midwicket. There almost wasn’t surprise anymore, it was like there he is, he’s away.”Sammy’s a very confident young man, it’s what they do these days, those youngsters, they get after it and put themselves out there. He’s got all the skills and all the talent to back it up so hopefully he has a really good day tomorrow and puts a few runs on the board.”Usman Khawaja walks back after being done in by Jasprit Bumrah•Cricket Australia via Getty ImagesKonstas’ selection in the latter part of the series has had a dramatic impact. He struck 60 off 65 balls in his debut innings at the MCG, where he scooped Bumrah on a regular basis, and in the process of his stay was shoulder-barged by Kohli between overs. Bumrah struck back against Konstas in the second innings by removing him for 8.In the field, Konstas was heavily engaged with the packed MCG crowd and in the final innings, as Australia pushed for victory, was a vocal presence around the bat.”He’s playing with a lot of flair,” Scott Boland told . “He’s definitely under their skin. You can see that in the last few moments there.”Speaking ahead of the SCG Test, Konstas’ mentor Shane Watson said he had been surprised by how outgoing the 19-year-old had been.”My experience of dealing and working with Sam has been a very quiet, reserved personality,” he said. “[He’s] a very deep thinker and certainly not an extrovert. But obviously what we saw in the Test match is that he absolutely is a showman.”Bumrah’s late strike will raise India’s hopes that he has one more huge performance in him to cap an outstanding series with the visitors needing to win to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.”Think there’s definitely a method to go about batting on this wicket, but Jasprit is a world-class bowler and no doubt he’s going to challenge our whole batting group,” Webster said. “He’s phenomenal with his lengths and lines, it is going to be tough on a wicket that will offer a fair bit for him.”Pant acknowledged India would have liked a few more runs but was confident in India being able to stay competitive in the match.”I think I wouldn’t say it’s a par score, I think anything over 220 to 250 would be a par score,” he said. “But still a very competitive score because the way ball is moving now I think there’s a lot of help for the bowler and hopefully we can capitalise on that.”
Former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has finished ahead of big names such as Arsenal's Declan Rice, Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings. The Scotland international is ranked in 18th place after a stellar season that saw him score 12 Serie A goals and help deliver the Scudetto for Napoli.
Ballon d'Or rankings revealed
The 2025 Ballon d'Or rankings are being revealed ahead of Monday night's glitzy ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris where the winner of the Golden Ball will be announced. McTominay's stellar season with Napoli has been acknowledged as the former Manchester United star has finished inside the top 20 after a dream first year with Napoli in Italy.
AdvertisementAFPMcTominay ahead of Haaland & Bellingham
McTominay's 18th place finish puts him ahead of Rice (27th), Haaland (26th) and Bellingham (23rd). He is the first Scottish men’s player to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or since Ally McCoist in 1987 and finishes just behind Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski in 17th and Vinicius Jr in 16th spot. Denis Law remains the only Scottish player to win the prestigious award.
Napoli star is Serie A's finest
McTominay's heroics last season saw him pick up Serie A's MVP award as well as the league title. It's perhaps no surprise therefore to see McTominay become the highest-ranking Serie A player at the 2025 Ballon d'Or awards. Inter star Denzel Dumfries ranked in 25th place and Lautaro Martinez in 20th.
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Getty Images SportMcTominay in action on Ballon d'Or night
The winners of the Ballon d'Or will be announced on Monday, but McTominay will not be at the ceremony as he will be in Serie A action for Napoli against Pisa.
Manchester United’s midfield continues to dominate transfer headlines, with Ruben Amorim intent on reshaping the heart of his side before the transfer window closes.
The club have already committed over £200m this summer on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško, but despite this heavy spending there remains a glaring gap in midfield.
Amorim’s tactical blueprint demands an athletic, technically secure player to complement captain Bruno Fernandes.
So far, the Portuguese coach has opted for 33-year-old Casemiro, with mixed results.
United narrowly fell to defeat against Arsenal on the opening weekend before following up with a frustrating 1-1 draw at Fulham, leaving Amorim with just four Premier League wins since taking charge last November.
Midfielder pushing for Man Utd move
The club’s lack of European football this season adds further pressure to get domestic results right.
With last year’s disastrous 15th-place finish and Europa League final defeat to Spurs still fresh in the memory, United cannot afford another season of underachievement.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Amorim knows the answer lies in midfield, and the search has become increasingly urgent.
According to reporter Ross Harwood, Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is now waiting for a deal to be finalised, hopeful that his long-anticipated move to Old Trafford can be sealed before the September deadline.
The journalist noted: “Baleba is eager to get this move before the window closes – he feels now is the only chance.”
Brighton & Hove Albion's CarlosBalebain action with Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic
The 21-year-old, described as “colossal” by journalist Aden-Jay Wood, has emerged as United’s primary midfield target.
However, there is also interest in Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Sevilla’s Lucien Agoumé.
Baleba was visibly distracted during Brighton’s 2-1 defeat to Everton at the weekend, withdrawn at half-time following conversations with manager Fabian Hürzeler.
Reports suggest the player is not in the right frame of mind, desperate for the switch to materialise as he feels this window could represent his best chance.
United’s pursuit, however, is complicated by Brighton’s valuation. The Seagulls are holding out for £100m, a figure comparable to Palace’s price tag for Wharton.
Why Baleba fits better than Mainoo
The deal, if completed, would cap off another transformative summer for United’s squad.
But it is also a gamble, one that comes amid a backdrop of criticism regarding the club’s recruitment, with some questioning whether such heavy investment is sustainable without the cushion of Champions League revenues.
To understand why Amorim is pushing so hard for Baleba, it is necessary to look at United’s current midfield balance – and in particular, the situation surrounding academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo.
The 20-year-old remains a fan favourite, scoring a famous goal in the FA Cup victory over Manchester City and earning a starting role for England in the Euro 2024 final.
Yet under Amorim, opportunities have been limited.
Mainoo has started just 15 of the manager’s 44 games in charge, and this season has been an unused substitute in both league fixtures so far.
The reason lies in Amorim’s system, something he outlined over the weekend.
Preferring to deploy an attacking-minded player alongside his defensive midfielder, Amorim has little room for another deep-lying option unless Fernandes shifts into one of the number ten roles currently occupied by Cunha and Mbeumo.
With Fernandes unlikely to be dropped, Mainoo finds himself caught in a tactical squeeze.
Baleba, by contrast, offers qualities that fit directly into the Portuguese coach’s demands.
Aged 21 and under contract at Brighton until 2028, the Cameroonian midfielder made 34 league appearances last season, contributing three goals and one assist.
His athleticism, work rate and progressive tendencies stand out when compared with Mainoo’s more measured style.
The numbers underline this difference.
Carlos Baleba 2024-25 stats (timeless)
According to FBref, Baleba made more tackles (2.67 to 2.51) and blocks (1.59 to 0.87), highlighting his greater presence without the ball.
In terms of possession, the pair are evenly matched. Mainoo averaged slightly more touches (58.0 per 90 compared to Baleba’s 57.3 but trailed in pass completion rate (86.5% against 87.4%).
The statistics suggest both are technically secure, but Baleba’s edge in carrying, passing progression and defensive activity point to a midfielder more suited to Amorim’s high-energy, dual-pivot approach.
Matches Played
25
34
Starts
19
31
Shot-Creating Actions
34
66
Progressive Carries
22
43
Progressive Passes
65
118
Mainoo’s situation is not necessarily terminal. His talent is undeniable, and he could still evolve into a central figure at Old Trafford.
But in the here and now, Amorim requires an engine capable of covering ground, breaking lines, and complementing Fernandes’ creativity. That profile aligns more closely with Baleba than with the academy product.
Brighton & Hove Albion's CarlosBalebain action with Newcastle United's Joe Willock
Of course, there are risks. A £100m outlay would demand consistent excellence from the Cameroonian, and Brighton are renowned for extracting maximum value from departing players.
There is also the question of squad balance – investing heavily in yet another attacking-minded player while defensive reinforcements remain limited could backfire.
Yet the logic behind the move is clear. If Manchester United are to restore control and consistency in midfield, they need a player capable of combining technical quality with physical dominance.
Baleba, by all accounts, is eager to be that player.
Whether United can meet Brighton’s demands before the window closes will determine whether Amorim gets the midfielder he craves.
Perfect for Cunha & Mbeumo: Man Utd lead race to sign £69m English star
Manchester United could be about to make a move for another big-money signing this summer.
Newcastle United have made some late-window headlines and have put forward a proposal to land a new frontman before the close of play.
Newcastle United keen on acquiring late arrivals
Eddie Howe will realise he has his work cut out for him after a goalless stalemate against Leeds United on Saturday evening, which has put the cat among the pigeons regarding their lack of a goalscorer.
Seeking a clinical edge at the top end of the field, Nick Woltemade has arrived at Newcastle from Stuttgart, but had to make do with a place in the stands at Elland Road while William Osula earned a rare start through the middle.
Delivering an honest assessment of his side’s performance in Yorkshire, Howe admitted their lacklustre nature in the final third left a lot to be desired, even if the Geordies showed resilience to come away with a point.
He told BBC Radio Five Live: “I thought there was a lot of commitment from the players. This is a tough place to come to and I think we stood up to it really well. Defensively it was a very strong performance. I thought we looked organised, put our bodies on the line, blocked shots really well and stopped their main threats.
“We’re disappointed the other way that we didn’t cause them more problems. We had a few moments that you think could’ve led to more. We’re just in that moment where the goals aren’t flowing and that cost us today.”
When to expect announcement of Isak agreement between Liverpool & Newcastle
Alexander Isak and his proposed move from Newcastle to Liverpool keeps on heating up.
BySean Markus Clifford Aug 30, 2025
Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo is a late target for Newcastle who could offer a level of dictation in midfield, though it appears that Howe is after a striker, and he may now be moving closer to securing an arrival.
Newcastle United submit verbal offer for Yoane Wissa
Taking to social media platform X, Ben Jacobs confirmed Newcastle have put forward a ‘verbal’ offer of £45 million overall for the Democratic Republic of Congo international, though the Bees delayed giving a response due to not finding a suitable alternative.
Furthermore, Keith Andrews and the Bees are said to want £60 million before being tempted into a sale due to their struggles to bring in a replacement, potentially creating a scenario where the Magpies need to fork out considerable money to acquire his signature.
Labelled “incredible” by Thomas Frank, Wissa scored 20 times and laid on five assists in 39 matches last term and has since been at the centre of vast speculation, which may favour Newcastle at this late stage.
Ultimately, a potent finisher is needed to supplement Woltemade’s arrival, and the former Lorient man would be more than capable of stepping up to the challenge.
Former Paris Saint-Germain star and fan-favourite Presnel Kimpembe has revealed how his injury played a part in him bidding farewell to the French club. The initial signs of the injury appeared before the 2022 World Cup and later on forced him to stay out of action for two years. After signing for Qatar SC, the defender has finally opened up on his struggles.
Kimpembe knew he would suffer the injury
A PSG youth academy graduate, Kimpembe was tipped for a lengthy career at the top of the game as he cemented a starting XI spot and even went on to wear the captain's armband on occasion. However, the centre-back was hit with frequent injuries ahead of the 2022 World Cup, ruling him out of the competition and eventually keeping him sidelined for two full years. Having lost his place in Luis Enrique's side, he opted to leave for Qatar SC this summer.
AdvertisementAFPKimpembe dragged his pain
Speaking in an interview on the show 'Clique', the 30-year-old said: "Everything happened quickly. I spoke with the club about my situation and how we could move forward. I knew there would be no war with Paris. There was never a problem. I simply want to play. I spoke with the coach [Luis Enrique] and the president [Nasser al-Khelaifi]. I explained to them that I couldn't do a third year like that. They want to see me play. And I want to play football again. I dragged my pain out for two and a half to three years. I suffered a lot."
Kimpembe has many years left
After signing a one-year contract with the Stars League heavyweights, he made his debut on September 21 in an eight-minute cameo against Al-Shahania SC. The 2018 World Cup winner left PSG having made 241 appearances in all competitions.
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AFPWhen will the former PSG star play next?
Qatar SC have their upcoming game scheduled for September 27 against Al-Shamal, and Kimpembe is expected to get more minutes in this game, if not a start.
Another defeat will put UPW on the brink of elimination, but they have home advantage on their side
Hemant Brar05-Mar-20255:00
How do Warriorz contain Nat Sciver-Brunt?
Who’s playingUP Warriorz (UPW) vs Mumbai Indians (MI) Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, 7.30pm ISTBig picture: UPW at critical junctureAfter their Super Over win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UPW have faced two back-to-back defeats. That has left them with just four points from six games and at a critical juncture in the tournament. Given their net run rate is by far the worst among all teams, another loss will push them to the brink of elimination.MI are in a much better position with six points from five games and a net run rate in the positive. But they have their own share of concerns, the biggest being their opening pair. Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews have added just 73 runs in five innings at an average of 14.60 and a run rate of 5.03. Three times they were separated with less than ten runs on the board. While Matthews did score a half-century two games ago, Bhatia has managed just 38 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 84.44.When the two sides met last month, in Bengaluru, Nat Sciver-Brunt’s all-round performance – 3 for 18 and 75 not out – decimated UPW. Can UPW find a way to stop her?Form guideUP Warriorz LLW (last three matches, most recent first) Mumbai Indians LWWIn the spotlight: Chinelle Henry and Amelia KerrChinelle Henry was not part of UPW’s original plan. She was drafted in only when Alyssa Healy pulled out of the tournament. But she has emerged as their MVP, especially with the bat. Despite batting mostly at No. 8, and never higher than No. 7, she is the leading run-getter for UPW with a tally of 138 at a strike rate of 209.09. Given UPW lack firepower in the middle order, it would only be prudent to promote Henry a couple of slots.Should Chinelle Henry bat higher up the order?•BCCIAmelia Kerr was one of the key batters for MI in the first two seasons. But this time she has had a lean run so far. In four innings, she has scored just 47 runs at an average of 11.75 and a strike rate of 88.67. With the openers also not clicking, that has left MI being overly reliant on Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur. Kerr would like to rectify that.Team news: Ishaque for Gupta?Despite losing their last two games, it is difficult to see how UPW can improve their XI. Perhaps they could bring in Rajeshwari Gayakwad for Gouher Sultana, who did not bowl a single over in the previous game despite Gujarat Giants piling up 186 for 5.UP Warriorz (probable): 1 Grace Harris, 2 Kiran Navgire, 3 Georgia Voll, 4 Vrinda Dinesh, 5 Deepti Sharma (capt), 6 Shweta Sehrawat, 7 Uma Chetry (wk), 8 Chinelle Henry, 9 Sophie Ecclestone, 10 Gouher Sultana, 11 Kranti GoudWith UPW likely to have only one left-hand batter in their XI, MI could consider bringing in left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque for offspinner Sanskriti Gupta.Mumbai Indians (probable): 1 Yastika Bhatia (wk), 2 Hayley Matthews, 3 Nat Sciver-Brunt, 4 Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), 5 Amelia Kerr, 6 S Sajana, 7 Amanjot Kaur, 8 G Kamalini, 9 Saika Ishaque/Sanskriti Gupta, 10 Jintimani Kalita, 11 Shabnim IsmailStats and trivia: The Sciver-Brunt show Teams winning the toss have opted to chase in all 15 games so far this season. They went on to win 13 of those. Sciver-Brunt is MI’s leading run-getter and joint-leading wicket-taker in the tournament. In WPL 2025, Sciver-Brunt has more half-centuries (three) than the whole UPW team combined (two). UPW are the only team with no player in the top five run-getters or the top five wicket-takers in WPL 2025.
Finishing with aplomb, Sunderland have now reportedly reached an agreement to sign another impressive star from a Champions League club.
Chelsea recall Marc Guiu from Sunderland
One of the many impressive deals that Sunderland struck earlier this summer was an agreement to take Marc Guiu on loan from Chelsea. The young forward is full of potential and was ready to challenge for a place in Regis Le Bris’ side until Liam Delap’s injury caused a frustrating domino effect.
Now, having only just started working his way into Sunderland’s Premier League plans, Guiu must compete for a place in a dressing room that is filled to the brim with young talent. Sunderland, meanwhile, have been forced to turn their focus back towards the transfer market.
On that front, it looks as though the Black Cats are in for a frantic deadline day. Despite already spending big this summer, Reports now suggesting that they’ve reached an agreement with RB Leipzig to Lutsharel Geertruida in yet another impressive move for a player from a European club.
Meanwhile, when questioned on potential deadline day moves, Le Bris told reporters: “The last couple of days are always a crazy period. I think every club waits until the last minute to decide.”
RB Leipzig's LutsharelGeertruidain action
After such a strong start to their Premier League return – winning two out of their opening three games – any added reinforcements will be an even further boost for those at the Stadium of Light. With Geertruida agreed and Guiu heading back to Chelsea, Sunderland have also shifted their focus towards a Champions League ace.
Sunderland reach agreement to sign Brobbey
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland have now reached an agreement to sign Brian Brobbey from Ajax on deadline day. The forward has benefitted from Cheslea’s Guiu decision and a deal worth around €25m (£22m) with add-ons has now been struck. With a medical scheduled, the Dutchman looks poised to seal his move.
Granit Xhaka was an excellent coup earlier this summer, but Sunderland will arguably top that by signing both Geertruida and Brobbey on a fantastic double deadline day deal. The forward, in particular, would be a major upgrade on the more inexperienced Guiu.
Dubbed “powerful” by U23 scout Antonio Mango last year, Brobbey scored seven goals and assisted another six in all competitions last season as Ajax struggled, but it was the season prior that he showed his true potential.
Sunderland now "keen" to sign rapid £35m star similar to Vinicius Junior
The Black Cats are ready to make a late swoop…
1 BySean Markus Clifford Aug 31, 2025
After scoring 22 goals and assisting 11 more in all competitions in the 2023/24 campaign, it’s clear that Sunderland are signing a player that is capable of taking the Premier League by storm.
Donny van de Beek's injury-blighted career has taken another devastating blow with reports he's suffered an Achilles injury during his first match back for Girona after five months on the sidelines. The Dutchman's time at Manchester United was hampered by a series of injuries and he was allowed to leave, but his injury luck has not improved since leaving Old Trafford.
Getty Images SportVan de Beek's worrying injury
Van de Beek suffered a serious injury in Girona's match against Athletic Club where the midfielder, making his first start in five months after returning from surgery, was forced off the pitch in the 33rd minute, clutching the back of his ankle, clearly in considerable pain. Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports he has damaged his Achilles.
AdvertisementDutchman's injury woes continue
Van de Beek signed for Manchester United in 2020 for a fee of £40 million (£54m), but struggled to secure a place under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and was loaned out to Everton where he suffered a serious of injuries. Back at United, under new boss Erik ten Hag he suffered a serious knee injury against Bournemouth and was sold to Eintracht Frankfurt the following season.
Girona fear 'worst news' over Van de Beek
Girona boss Sanchez, told Mundo Deportivo: "We'll see after the tests, but it could be the worst news of the match."
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AFPWhen will the Dutchman return?
There's no update on Van de Beek's injury as yet, but the injury comes as a massive blow for the Dutchman's hopes of rebuilding his career, coming six years after he was nominated for a Ballon d'Or award, while he was playing for Ajax.
The pair added 215 for the fourth wicket, helping Vidarbha recover from 24 for 3
Shashank Kishore26-Feb-2025Stumps Danish Malewar and Karun Nair at are different stages of their careers.At 21, Malewar, a heavy run-getter in the age-group circuit, is in his maiden season. At 33, Nair, a two-time Ranji Trophy winner with Karnataka, has overcome a form slump to enjoy a second wind which has the potential to turn into something bigger, possibly an unlikely Test call-up eight years after he last played in one.On Wednesday, Malewar and Nair were at the forefront of an incredible Vidarbha fightback on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy final against first-timers Kerala in Nagpur. The pair added 215 for the fourth wicket as Kerala’s bowling reserves were severely tested.Vidarbha recovered from 24 for 3 in the first hour and looked primed to take the opening-day honours when Nair’s run out late in the day for 86, after being sent back by Malewar as they tried to steal a bye, gave Kerala a late lift.Vidarbha went into stumps on 254 for 4 on a VCA Stadium surface that flattened out as the day progressed, with Kerala at the receiving end of a slow-burn kind of treatment they meted out to Gujarat in the semi-final.Malewar and Nair superbly negated Kerala’s major threat – spin – as Jalaj Saxena and hometown hero Aditya Sarwate, who made the switch from Vidarbha ahead of the 2024-25 season, proved ineffective.The spin twins had combined figures of 0 for 92 off 26 overs, although Saxena was the only bowler who induced a possible opportunity when he managed to induce the outside edge from Malewar after he was beaten in flight and drift while on 110. The resultant edge as he pushed at the delivery that didn’t turn as much flew past a vacant slip that had only a few overs earlier been taken out.That was the only genuine wicket-taking delivery all afternoon; the Nair dismissal was entirely down to Rohan Kunnummal’s presence of mind and pinpoint accuracy as he ran to his right from the slips to stop the ball that deflected off the keeper’s pad.Then he fired a flat throw to the stumps to catch Nair well short after he was sent back by Malewar. Yash Thakur was sent in as a nightwatcher and remained unbeaten on 5 alongside Malewar, who was 138 not out – his highest score yet.The partnership between Malewar and Nair not only denied Kerala for large parts of the day but also covered up for a slightly unconventional move from Vidarbha that may have been scrutinised had they collapsed.Vidarbha promoted Parth Rekhade, a lower-order batter to open in place of Atharva Taide, who had been left out. And after he was out two balls into the game – courtesy an lbw decision Kerala overturned through DRS – they sent in Darshan Nalkande, a seam-bowling allrounder who bats in the lower-order, at No. 3.That move backfired too as Nalkande mistimed a pull to deep square as Nidheesh picked up a second wicket.Eden Apple Tom celebrates the wicket of Dhruv Shorey•KCAKerala’s boisterous energy and keenness to take the game on had them burn an lbw review off Dhruv Shorey, the only genuine top-order batter in the top three. Shorey looked assured for the brief while he was at the crease but nibbled at a short and wide delivery from 19-year-old seamer Eden Apple Tom to the wicketkeeper to leave Vidarbha in choppy waters.Malewar and Nair joined hands at a time of crisis and slowly rebuilt the innings, not through denial but by picking runs whenever the bowlers erred. Malewar left the ball well outside off, forcing the bowlers to attack the stumps. And as they went full, Malewar brought out some incredible wrist work – at times picking length balls from middle-and-off through midwicket and mid-on. He was equally impressive off the back foot, while tucking deliveries off his hip.Malewar got to his half-century in style as he stepped out to launch Sarwate over the long-on boundary. The first real rash stroke he played was to get into the 80s when he chased a short and wide Nidheesh delivery to slash it towards third man.Nair occasionally kept pepping Malewar every time he erred, and was the more industrious out of the two – sweeping spinners off their lengths, on a couple of occasions reverse sweeping Sarwate to prevent him from settling into a rhythm.Nair’s driving through the covers was imperious – especially off rookie Apple Tom who was playing in only his third game, three years after debuting as a 16-year-old. Nair’s defence was compact, as he negated Kerala’s tactic of attacking the stumps and looking to get some reverse swing with a short midwicket in place.Like he raised his fifty, Malewar showed no sign of nerves in the 90s either, stepping out to launch Sarwate over long-on to get to 99, and then whipping him through midwicket for a boundary to raise his century.Nair, meanwhile, brought up his half-century off 125 balls and then feasted on some tired bowling to charge towards what would’ve been his fourth hundred of the season, and 23rd overall, in the final session. Before his run out had him uncharacteristically flinging his bat in disappointment as he walked back to a dressing room that stood up to applaud a rescue.