O mês de setembro pretende testar o torcedor palmeirense. Além das decisões da semifinal da Libertadores, diante do Atlético-MG, a equipe alviverde fará três jogos seguidos contra o Corinthians em menos de uma semana, somados os encontros das equipes masculina e feminina.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasGustavo Gomez deve retornar ao Palmeiras antecipadamentePalmeiras06/09/2021PalmeirasPalmeiras empata com Fluminense e permanece na quarta colocação do Brasileiro Sub-20Palmeiras06/09/2021PalmeirasTitular na final do Paulistão, Danilo Barbosa soma 45 minutos nos últimos dois meses pelo PalmeirasPalmeiras05/09/2021
O primeiro deles será válido pela 6ª rodada do Paulistão Feminino, no dia 22 de setembro, às 15 horas (de Brasília), no Allianz Parque. Atualmente, as equipes ocupam a primeira e a segunda colocações e, portanto, será um confronto direto pela ponta da tabela do nacional feminino.
Três dias depois, no dia 25 deste mês, Palmeiras masculino visita o rival, em duelo válido pela 22ª rodada do Brasileirão, na Neo Química Arena, às 19 horas (de Brasília). No dia seguinte, as equipes começam a disputa pelo título do Brasileirão A1 Feminino – as Palestrinas vão em busca do título inédito diante das atuais campeãs.
Fast bowler emboldened by displays from Archer, Nortje, Rabada in the UAE this year
Andrew Miller03-Nov-2020Mark Wood says he is looking forward to spending more time out in the middle and less time “counting pictures on the walls”, after being named in both squads for England’s forthcoming limited-overs tour of South Africa – a trip on which he hopes to reaffirm the value of raw pace in T20I cricket, following the stand-out performances of Jofra Archer, Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada at this year’s IPL.Wood, 30, endured a frustrating home summer in 2020, in which he featured in just the first of England’s six Tests against West Indies and Pakistan, and was subsequently overlooked for a Test contract at end of September. Addressing that issue last week, he warned that he may have to consider becoming a white-ball specialist in order to manage his priorities in the latter part of his career, especially given his long history of ankle injuries.However, speaking at the launch of #Funds4Runs, a new ECB and LV= grassroots initiative, Wood insisted he was relishing the return to England bubble life – with the players set to arrive in South Africa on November 17 ahead of three T20Is and three ODIs from November 27 to December 9 – and that he was still committed to all three formats despite missing out on a red-ball deal, particularly with England’s next Ashes tour looming in just under 12 months’ time.”I obviously love playing for England,” Wood said. “But at the minute, that’s the route they’ve gone down, and I’ll have to prove again that, if selected, I can do the business. Hopefully in the future the rewards come, and if they don’t, then I’ll reassess and see where my cricket lies.”I’d like to play all three formats, but [white-ball only] is something in the future I might have to think about,” he added. “Looking at my body … I’ve got a young family, spending time away from home … things like that. But growing up, I always wanted to play for England across all formats, no matter what it was, so I’m still trying to chase that dream.”Although there was never much doubt that Wood would get the call for South Africa, he did admit to a degree of relief when the selection was announced, given that his last white-ball display in the country, back in February, didn’t go entirely to plan. Coming off the back of his successful return to the Test team, in which he was named player of the match after a rapid nine-wicket display in the series decider at Johannesburg, Wood’s four wickets in the T20Is came at a cost of almost two runs a ball as he struggled to make the adjustment from red ball to white.”Sometimes you have to sacrifice little bits of training because, if you’re solely focused on one format, then you can put all your effort into that,” Wood said. “I didn’t bowl well in South Africa last time, so I’ve got a point to prove this time and, hopefully, I can keep up with the battle-hardened players that have been in the IPL.”Few are as battle-hardened as the trio of quicks who have lit up the tournament in the UAE. With a focus on speed over variations at this year’s event, Rabada and Nortje have formed an at-times irresistible alliance for Delhi Capitals in their run to the play-offs, claiming 25 and 19 wickets respectively, while Archer has taken 20 wickets at an economy rate of 6.55, a return that kept Rajasthan Royals competitive to the bitter end despite them finishing at the foot of the table.And while Wood opted out of any involvement in this year’s IPL, due to his lengthy time in the English summer bubbles, he admits he has half an eye on the next event in the New Year, and recognises that a big performance this winter could well earn him a lucrative call-up, given how in vogue 90mph-plus bowlers currently are.ALSO READ: Archer, Curran, Stokes rested for England ODIs in South Africa”To have two English lads come across, me and Jofra, against the two South African lads in the upcoming series, I think it’ll be quite exciting to see how we both combat each other,” he said. “The game has moved on so much. You need the variations but ultimately, if you get it right at that speed, then it’s hard to deal with. Of course, if you get it wrong at that speed, it can go very wrong, so it is fine margins, but it’s nice to see it’s not just the spinners that can have a massive impact on T20 cricket.”Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje compare notes•BCCIWood’s only previous involvement in the IPL was a one-off outing for Chennai Super Kings against Mumbai Indians in the 2018 event – he conceded 49 runs in four wicketless overs and did not feature again. But given that the 2021 IPL may yet have to take place in the UAE as well due to Covid-19, he knows the franchises could yet come calling in the new year.”The pace lads have had a great impact this IPL,” he said. “I had a small chance to go this year but the timings didn’t quite fit. But if it comes around again, I can maybe prove my worth better than the one game I had for Chennai a couple of years ago.”It’s very hard to get into the IPL because there’s so many good local players, never mind international players,” he added. “It is the hardest competition, but if I can get in, it’ll only help me for England as well, because it’s all about pressure situations. Regardless of whether it’s in India or the UAE, it’s still a fantastic competition to be a part of and one which I hope I can be.”However, any such ambition further down the line will doubtless depend on Wood making his mark for England once again, as he braces for a return to life in the bubble.”We were looked after brilliantly in Southampton and Manchester, and I’m sure South Africa will be just the same,” he said. “Mental health is very important, but now we know what it’s going to be about, we can hopefully cope with it. It will help being in sunny weather in a nice hotel, I’m sure, but if we see someone struggling, the support network is there.”I’m ready to go back in, I think,” he added. “Previously it was a bit into the unknown, but you get used to it. I know now what to take, and what will keep us occupied, so I’m looking forward to getting back out there and trying some cricket, and hopefully not counting too many pictures on the walls this time.”#Funds4Runs is a £1million investment pot jointly funded by ECB and LV= General Insurance which will help support grassroots cricket communities impacted by COVID-19. Register your interest at ecb.co.uk/funds4runs or more info at https://www.lv.com/gi/cricket
Manchester United are leading the race to sign a teenage gem this summer, it has emerged, as new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to continue his overhaul of the club.
Man Utd biggest earners
There is set to be wholesale changes at Old Trafford this summer after another disappointing Premier League season.
With two games left to play, Erik ten Hag's side need to win both to have any chance of playing European football next season, though they could still reach the Europa League by winning the FA Cup, where they will face Manchester City in the final.
A key part of the summer could be trimming the wage bill, with the club's highest earners rarely justifying their massive salaries. Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane are on course to leave for free, while there is interest in Casemiro from Saudi Arabia, which could see him leave after a string of poor outings.
Man Utd's highest earners
Player
Wages (per week)
Contract until
Casemiro
£350,000
2026
Raphael Varane
£340,000
2024
Marcus Rashford
£300,000
2028
Anthony Martial
£250,000
2024
Mason Mount
£250,000
2028
At the other end of the spectrum, there is also set to be an increased focus on signing young high-potential stars, and with that in mind, Ratcliffe seems to already be plotting his move.
Man Utd readying bid for midfielder
Now, it has emerged that despite their struggles, Manchester United are leading the race to sign Championship gem Chris Rigg, who has been impressing viewers at Sunderland.
The teenage talent has appeared 21 times in England's second tier this season, scoring twice in the process despite starting just eight of those games.
Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg.
During his time in charge of the Black Cats, former manager Tony Mowbray admitted that Rigg was a special talent. "He’s still a young boy but he has wonderful qualities and wonderful attributes", he explained. “He knows where the goal is and wants to run forward, he’s got energy to burn and can keep running all day.
And his outings have caught the eye of a whole host of top clubs, including Newcastle United, Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen. However, The Northern Echo's Scott Wilson has revealed that it is Manchester United who leads the race for his signature as things stand, with Ratcliffe keen to make him the poster boy for their overhauled academy following his arrival at Old Trafford at the start of the year.
Done deal: Man Utd agree to sign new teenage left-back for Ten Hag
He has undergone a successful trial at Old Trafford.
By
Henry Jackson
May 14, 2024
One of his objectives is to restore Carrington as the place for the best young talent in the country, an accolade which currently belongs either to rivals Manchester City or London giants Chelsea.
To achieve this, it is claimed that "United have had a scouting presence at the vast majority of Rigg’s games" across the past two seasons, and are now ready to table a formal offer for the talent this summer, though they will have to wait until he turns 17 in June.
For their part, Sunderland are hoping that "his positive development to this point will persuade him to commit the first part of his professional future to the Black Cats" instead of seeking pastures new, but know that they will not be able to match any offers from bigger sides financially. With that in mind, United could well swoop in.
Sunderland will hope next season in the Championship is a drastic improvement on the one that just slammed shut, finishing in a dire 16th spot in the final league standings after once being talked of as promotion hopefuls.
There have been no real concrete developments on who will be in the dug-out at the Stadium of Light next season, however, with a lack of activity on the transfer front only adding to the quiet nature of the Wearside outfit currently.
Mike Dodds certainly won't be in charge after his time as interim boss came to a natural end after the final game, despite the 37-year-old coach's insistence to play young gems at Sunderland paying off at points, with 16-year-old Chris Rigg netting another senior goal during his short-lived tenure.
Whoever is the next Black Cats boss could do far worse than attempting to bump up more academy prospects to the first-team ranks when given the reins, potentially ignoring the opportunity to splash the cash during transfer season, with one promising defender potentially ready for senior opportunities.
Academy gem ready to step up for Sunderland
Described as being a "strong" defender by Academy manager Robin Nicholls when putting pen to paper on a new Sunderland deal last year, Oliver Bainbridge could well now be viewed as mature enough to be given chances in the first-team picture.
The 18-year-old has been linked with a loan move away to Bradford City as of late, but with past rumours also linking him with a switch to the Premier League with Sean Dyche's Everton, he might well be more suited to Championship action over the lower reaches of the EFL at the Bantams.
Starring in the U18 and U21 fold for some time now, with nine goals managed from down the left flank from 57 games for the U18s, Bainbridge has been largely everpresent in the Premier League 2 this season too by missing just four clashes.
The teenager could now feel he's outgrown the youth set-ups at the Black Cats, therefore, and when viewing how well the likes of Rigg have taken to the leap of the men's football, he could be chomping at the bit to be in the next manager's plans.
Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg.
Bainbridge will also be eager to leave a lasting impression knowing the lack of numbers Sunderland have available in this spot, with serious injuries seeing Dennis Cirkin and Niall Huggins sidelined for some time, alongside new recruit Leo Hjelde looking shaky in defence.
Sunderland's left-back situation
With Huggins and Cirkin only making a combined 30 appearances between them last campaign, Bainbridge will fancy his chances that he can unsettle the status quo and become Sunderland's starting left-back soon.
Hjelde has arguably also failed to settle, with his last appearance against Bristol City seeing him win zero duels, before being benched or out of the team completely for his side's last five Championship clashes.
Matches played – 23/24
Matches missed since signing
Weekly salary
8
234 days
£10k
22
230 days
£3.8k
Sourced by Transfermarkt & Capology.
Bainbridge's inclusion in the first team could also result in Sunderland becoming a far more exciting team going forward, having only scored 52 goals last season from 46 games with just two managed in April alone. As such, the 18-year-old's direct approach – hence his high goalscoring numbers playing out from defence – could be a huge help.
The promising 18-year-old could be perfect for Jack Clarke down the left flank consequently, with Sunderland desperately wanting their 15-goal star to stay put for hopefully a far more successful campaign coming up.
As much as messing around with the squad personnel could unearth an absolute gem, Sunderland know getting this next manager appointment spot on is equally as crucial to try and right the wrongs of a dreadful season just finished.
Next Sunderland manager: Who could replace Mike Dodds?
With Mike Dodds’ interim spell as Sunderland’s boss coming to an end, who is in the running to be their next manager?
Since Todd Boehly’s reign as Chelsea owner began in May 2022, they have spent a fortune to overhaul their squad and make it what we see today. In total, the Blues have spent an outrageous £1.1b on signings under Boehly in just under two years.
On two occasions, Chelsea have broken the British transfer record to add to their midfield. Firstly, they signed the 2022 World Cup’s best young player of the tournament, Enzo Fernandez, from Benfica for £107m, on deadline day in the 2023 winter transfer window.
They then smashed their own record by signing Brighton and Hove Albion and Ecuador midfielder Mosies Caicedo. The 22-year-old joined the Blues last summer for £115m, electing to move to Stamford Bridge instead of joining Premier League rivals Liverpool.
However, this expensive midfield overhaul has resulted in some fan favourites being moved on from the club last summer. Mason Mount was the notable sale. He left Chelsea to join Manchester United for a fee of £55m, although injuries have ruined his debut season at Old Trafford
Former Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.
Despite all the money Boehly has invested in Chelsea’s midfield, he might not be done there. The Blues are linked with one of the most exciting Europe’s midfielders ahead of the 2024 summer window.
Chelsea's midfielder shortlist
The player in question is Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The 23-year-old joined the French champions last summer for his release clause value of £51.1m from Sporting and signed a five-year deal at the club.
However, according to reports from The Boot Room, Chelsea are hoping to tempt the Uruguayan away from the Parc des Princes this summer and convince him to switch to London and Stamford Bridge, instead – with the Ligue 1 side seemingly willingly to sanction his departure.
sporting-cp-manuel-ugarte-man-united-transfers
The Blues were previously interested in Ugarte last summer too. Chelsea went head to head with PSG to try and sign the midfielder from Sporting CP, prior to his eventual from to Paris.
Indeed, a move for Ugarte in 2024 would likely only happen for Chelsea if they were to sell Conor Gallagher, as per the report. The England international has been a key player under Mauricio Pochettino this season, playing 49 times in all competitions, but a move away from the club this summer cannot be ruled out.
How Ugarte would fit in at Chelsea
To paint a picture of the type of player Ugarte is, he was described by Zach Lowy on X as being like a "younger [N’Golo] Kante". The former Chelsea midfielder – who notably won the Premier League and the Champions League during his glittering spell in west London – is renowned for his tireless work in midfield, having been lauded as "a defensive hoover" by Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne.
That is something which Lowy pointed out is also a strong element of Ugarte’s game, explaining he is “relentless” in midfield, and does "the defensive work of two players".
As far as ball-winners in midfield go, Ugarte is one of the very best around, according to FBref. The 23-year-old makes 6.09 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the top 1%, and wins an average of 2.34 tackles per 90, placing him in the top 2%. Not only that, Ugarte averages an incredible 8.18 ball recoveries per 90, which places him in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe.
Where Ugarte struggles is in his ball progression. The Uruguay international averages just 3.91 progressive passes per 90 minutes this season, which places him as low as the 30th percentile. With that being said, he does look after the ball well, averaging a pass completion rate of 91%, ranking him in the top 5% of midfielders.
Ugarte has certainly had a prominent role in the centre of the park for PSG this season. He has featured 36 times in all competitions, with 24 of those appearances coming in Ligue 1. However, he was on the bench for both legs of PSG’s Champions League semi-final defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
Competition
Apps
Mins
Ligue 1
24
1,843
Champions League
8
392
Coupe de France
4
124
Trophée des Champions
N/A
N/A
There is no doubt that, as a pure ball-winner, Ugarte could be excellent in a midfield three along with Caicedo and Fernandez. Given Boehly’s past interest in signing the 23-year-old, and the fact he is not afraid of spending significant funds on his midfield department, this is certainly a deal that could happen this summer.
Having seen the success that Kante – who notably put in a Man of the Match display in Chelsea's Champions League triumph in 2021 – enjoyed in a Blues shirt, the hope will be that Ugarte can follow suit in the centre of the park.
Chelsea must sell their ”flop” who's worth £43m less than Gallagher
The Chelsea player became a record breaker when he signed.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has handed Spurs employees a transfer mission behind-the-scenes, as a "fantastic" player is tipped to leave N17.
Postecoglou reveals the type of player he wants at Tottenham
Speaking to the press recently, Postecoglou made clear his desire for players who are 100 per cent committed to joining Spurs for their long-term project – and not just because they may or may not be in the Champions League next season.
Ange makes Tottenham promise to 18-year-old as he sets out debut condition
The Australian has pledged to give him a chance.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 9, 2024
“I signed Micky van de Ven this year — he’s not a bad player, is he? And we were in the Champions League? No," said Postecoglou on Europe affecting Spurs transfer business this summer.
“That’s a beautiful discussion for me to have. That’s one of the discussions I have: Why do you want to come to Tottenham? Because if you want Champions League football and that’s all you want, you don’t want to come to Tottenham; you just want to go to a Champions League club.
“I want people to come to Tottenham who know this club, know the challenge we’ve got — and we do have a challenge, we’re different to other clubs in that we haven’t had success for a while.
Newcastle United (away)
April 13th
Arsenal (home)
April 28th
Chelsea (away)
May 2nd
Liverpool (away)
May 5th
Burnley (home)
May 11th
“I’m looking for a certain type of character that’s going to say: ‘You know what, they’re not in the Champions League but if I win something with them, that could mean something for my career and to me. So I’m up for that fight’.
In terms of the positions they could look to strengthen, there are many to have been reported. Reliable media sources have consistently claimed that Spurs are aiming to sign a new forward to chip in with goals and assists, who would come in even if they sign Timo Werner permanently from RB Leipzig.
Now, GiveMeSport have shared an intriguing bit of detail on this.
Postecoglou hands Spurs employees transfer mission as Richarlison could quit
GMS claim Postecoglou has personally told Spurs scouts to profile forward targets ahead of the summer window, and they add that Richarlison could seek a fresh challenge despite his fine form this term.
The Brazil international is attracting rumoured Saudi interest amid his rejuvenated form at Spurs, where he's bagged 11 goals in all competitions and stands as their second-highest scorer behind Son Heung-min.
Richarlison for Tottenham
“Richy is a fantastic player," said Postecoglou on Richarlison earlier this season.
"I said before he’s got some really strong attributes that fit in well with the way my team is set up. He’s a hard worker for the team and apart from doing the stuff he needs to in front of goal, there are other aspects of his game.
“He’s represented his country at a World Cup, which is not an insignificant thing and sometimes when things like this happen, opportunity exists and it’s up to somebody to step through that door. That’s Richy or anyone else."
O TikTok acaba de anunciar uma parceria com a Série C do Campeonato Brasileiro para 2021 e 2022. A terceira divisão do Brasileirão, que promete fortes emoções para as 20 equipes que buscam o título e uma vaga na segunda divisão da competição, vai até o dia 21 de novembro.
+Veja a tabela da Série C do Brasileirão!
RelacionadasFora de CampoCristiano Ronaldo expande rede de hotéis e inaugura ‘Pestana CR7’ na Espanha; veja fotosFora de Campo17/06/2021BotafogoBotafogo volta a interagir com Rafaella, irmã de Neymar: ‘Muito bom vê-lo no estádio do Fogão’Botafogo17/06/2021Fora de CampoCruzeiro pede doação via ‘CruPix’ aos torcedores após vitória na Série B e ‘comove’ o ‘pior time do mundo’Fora de Campo17/06/2021
– Com essa parceria, o TikTok consegue trazer esse conteúdo de futebol tão buscado em todo o país ao vivo e gravado e se reafirma como um lar para todos os fãs. Estamos muito animados com as possibilidades que esta parceria nos trará e com o que ela representa – afirma Harish Sarma, head global de Desenvolvimento de Negócios de Conteúdo do TikTok.
Para a atual temporada, o TikTok se junta às plataformas de streaming DAZN e TV NSports e o canal de TV Band na transmissão ao vivo dos jogos do campeonato. A cada final de semana, uma das principais partidas será transmitida ao vivo, gratuitamente, para todo Brasil, pelo TikTok.
Como detentor dos direitos de transmissão da Série C, o DAZN continua oferecendo grande parte dos jogos de forma exclusiva na plataforma de streaming por assinatura. Através de um acordo, o DAZN vai sublicenciar parte dos jogos ao vivo para o TikTok e será responsável pela produção e narração das partidas no TikTok. A primeira transmissão será neste sábado, 19 de junho, com a partida entre Paysandu e Volta Redonda às 17:00.
Além dos destaques dos jogos ao vivo, o TikTok também transmitirá entrevistas e alguns conteúdos exclusivos para os usuários do aplicativo, com acesso aos times, jogadores e fãs da série C. O TikTok lançará, ainda, uma funcionalidade exclusiva para integrar o conteúdo ao vivo dos jogos do campeonato com as reações dos fãs durante a partida.
Os usuários poderão votar pelo aplicativo no melhor jogador da partida, momento do jogo, dentre outras opções que serão apresentadas ao longo do campeonato. Todos os jogos ao vivo e outros conteúdos serão publicados no canal oficial da Série C no TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brasileiraoc
– A Série C é um produto que tem evoluído como competição e produção de conteúdo. O perfil no TikTok, com vídeos e transmissões relevantes, será uma virada de chave importante para seguir com essa jornada. É fundamental ter uma presença digital sólida e relevante para os torcedores – afirma Douglas Lunardi, diretor de Comunicação da CBF.
O conteúdo sobre futebol tem crescido muito no TikTok em todo o mundo, com mais de 150 bilhões de visualizações em hashtags como #football #soccer, além de cerca de 10 bilhões de visualizações da hashtag #futebol.
No começo deste ano, o TikTok anunciou uma parceria com a UEFA Euro 2020 – a primeira vez que uma plataforma de entretenimento digital patrocinou um dos principais torneios da UEFA; e com os times norte-americanos, Portland Timbers e Portland FC.
Ainda este ano, no Brasil, a plataforma firmou também uma parceria com a Copa do Nordeste, maior competição regional do mundo, com o Campeonato Carioca, onde fez sua estreia em campeonatos do Sudeste e no estádio mais icônico do futebol brasileiro, o Maracanã e com a Copa do Brasil, que contou com ativações nos estádios a partir da terceira fase da competição, desafios no aplicativo e lives exclusivas na conta oficial do campeonato.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers didn’t bowl tight enough. Aside from Lahiru Kumara, they also failed to build pressure and bowl in partnerships. This was the verdict of assistant coach Rumesh Ratnayake at stumps on the third day, in which Sri Lanka conceded 338 runs and claimed only two wickets.Pakistan progressed at a run rate of 3.76 through the 90 overs they faced on Saturday. In the morning session their run rate had been as high as 4.54. Ratnayake said that although his team expected the surface to become better for batting, they had hoped to keep the rate of scoring in better check.”Each session we had a target – we wanted to keep them to 70 to 80 runs,” he said. “But we couldn’t do that. Some of the plans were very simple – keeping it tight in line with the stumps. Also, keeping it on the right length. Those were not hard plans to adhere to. Some of the guys did it, but some didn’t. Those partnerships didn’t happen when bowling, which I felt was a big miss.”Lahiru Kumara celebrates a wicket•AFP
Kumara, the 22-year-old quick, was the only one to claim wickets on day three, bowling quicker than 145kph at times. In fact, for large portions of the day, no other bowler appeared capable of breaking through. He had also taken four wickets in the first innings, along with left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya, who went wicketless on Saturday.”Apart from Lahiru Kumara, no one else stuck to a plan well enough. They didn’t create those partnerships with him. Our target tomorrow would be to restrict them as much as possible. It’s up to the bowlers – not only Kumara and Embuldeniya – to come into the game and bowl tightly.”Ratnayake did state that the Karachi surface had become substantially flatter than it had been earlier. Both teams had extracted seam movement through the course of the first innings. But lateral movement was not seen on day three, nor was the bounce and carry that had contributed to the bowlers’ effectiveness on days one and two.”There might have been a little bit of moisture. But as time went by it started drying out and the heavy roller was used by Pakistan, because of which it became a placid wicket. Saying that there was a little bit of turn at the end of the day. The fourth day will be interesting.”
New Zealand 375 (Latham 105, Mitchell 73, Watling 55, Broad 4-73) and 241 for 2 (Williamson 104*, Taylor 105*) drew with England 476 (Root 226, Burns 101, Pope 75, Wagner 5-124) Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor capitalised on an end-of-term vibe on the final day at Hamilton, racking up a brace of centuries in an unbroken 213-run stand to ensure that New Zealand claimed the spoils in this two-Test series, thanks to their innings victory at Mount Maunganui last week.Having gone to lunch on 96 and 84 not out respectively, Williamson and Taylor resumed after the break with an urgent mindset, knowing full well that a heavy band of rain was sweeping in from the west and that the contest was bound to be stopped sooner rather than later.Sure enough, Williamson hurtled to his century in the third over of the session – though not before he had all but run himself out on 97 with a suicidal single to mid-off – before Taylor converted in style with spots of rain already in the air, dropping to his knees to flog Joe Root over midwicket for four, six, six in consecutive balls, to secure his 19th Test hundred in the nick of time.The match was interrupted two balls later, and finally called off after a two-hour delay that redefined the parameters of futility. Nevertheless, the context of the finish couldn’t undermine New Zealand’s fine achievement, as they secured their second home series win against England in consecutive visits, and extended England’s barren run of Test results in the country to seven matches and counting.Kane Williamson plays a shot•AFP / Getty Images
There had never been much doubt that the final day would be a stalemate, but Williamson and Taylor had begun with their side in a small amount of strife, still trailing by five runs overnight and knowing that a flurry of early wickets could yet have given England a chance to put their foot in the door on the final day of the series.That prospect never materialised, as the combination of a lifeless wicket and a tired England attack combined to give both men a chance to bed in from the outset. In the course of his innings, Taylor became the only the second New Zealand batsman, behind Stephen Fleming, to pass 7000 runs, and he also racked up his 1000th at Seddon Park alone.Apart from the chance to close out a notable series win, the partnership was a vital chance for New Zealand’s two senior batsmen to get time in the middle before their next big encounter – the first Test against Australia in Perth that gets underway in just over a week’s time.England opened their day’s work with Sam Curran and Ben Stokes in harness, the latter opting for a short-pitch assault from round the wicket to cramp both batsman for room. That tactic might have reaped an early reward in the fourth over of the day, when Williamson – on 39 – gloved a lifter down the leg side. Unfortunately, Ollie Pope behind the stumps was too flat-footed to take advantage, tumbling late to his left and shelling the opportunity.If that was a bad miss, however, it was nothing compared to the incomparable low-light of the morning – a dropped catch so ghastly that it is sure to be replayed in Christmas compilations and Twitter memes for evermore.The moment came in Jofra Archer’s third over of the morning, with Williamson by now on 62 and easing sweetly through his gears. Archer, who has endured a tough campaign with just a solitary wicket in each of the two Tests, decided the time was ripe to roll out his variations, rather than beat a hole in the middle of an unresponsive wicket and attempt to challenge the speed gun.So out came a superbly subtle knuckleball – Archer even changed his grip midway through his run-up, then dropped his front arm in his delivery stride to add a further layer of bafflement to what was about to come. Williamson responded with a startled prod to midwicket, raising his hand in apology to his team-mate as the bowler set off on a victory gallop, arms outstretched and smile as wide as it has been all match.But moments later, he was obliged to look back in horror and disbelief, as Joe Denly made an unfathomable Horlicks of an chance that an Under-8s fielder would have been embarrassed to let through his fingers. The ball had lobbed to him as if being returned from the slip cordon at the end of an over – and it slipped like a buttered crumpet clean through his grasp.It was an iconically desperate moment – quite possibly the easiest chance dropped by an England fielder since Mike Gatting shelled Kiran More at Madras in 1992-93, a lob off the splice that he tried to blame on the sun in his eyes. And the reactions were priceless. Stuart Broad threw his hands to his mouth in horror, Stokes at deep midwicket turned on his heel mid-celebration and averted his gaze. Williamson himself raised a quizzical eyebrow and allowed himself a wry grin.And the effect of that let-off on what remained of England’s competitive juices was like a drawing pin on an inflatable dinghy. Denly entered the attack soon afterwards for an apologetic (but actually quite serviceable) six-over spell of legspin, and Chris Woakes came and went in another economical but fruitless burst.Aside from a Stokes bouncer that rattled Williamson on the helmet, and another iteration of the pair’s sketchy running between the wickets, the only real jeopardy for either batsman concerned the encroaching bad weather, and their own quest for milestones. Williamson suddenly upped the ante with lunch approaching, pulling a brace of boundaries through square leg to race to 96, and was grateful to get just enough cricket in after the break to complete his 21st hundred, and ensure he’ll set off for Australia next week with form and confidence soaring.
Manchester United could pull out of the race to sign Benfica star Joao Neves this summer due to the rise of Kobbie Mainoo.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Man Utd could leave Neves transfer raceWant to focus on developing MainooPSG remain interested in the Benfica starWHAT HAPPENED?
United have been linked with a move for Joao Neves, who is one of the most in-demand young players in Europe. However, the rise of Mainoo may prevent the Red Devils from pursuing a move for the 19-year-old.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
With Mainoo's progress in the upcoming season being the utmost priority of the Red Devils, journalist Christopher Michel reports that the English side could pull out of the race to sign Neves. The club reportedly feels that if Neves arrives at Old Trafford it could hamper the English midfielder's development.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Red Devils reportedly offered Benfica €60 million (£50m/$65m) for the youngster. However, PSG made a higher offer worth €70m. The Liga Portugal club continue to demand €100 million for the 19-year-old.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR KOBBIE MAINOO?
For now, Mainoo remains focused on Euro 2024 as the Three Lions are gearing up to face Spain in the final on Sunday.