There were wide eyes and a wide smile from Andile Phehlukwayo as he reflected on his second match-winning hand with the bat in a brief international career

Andrew McGlashan20-Feb-2017

There were wide eyes and a wide smile from Andile Phehlukwayo as he reflected on his second match-winning hand with the bat in a brief international career.With AB de Villiers, one of the game’s great batsmen at the other end, it was Phehlukwayo who hit the crucial boundaries late in the Hamilton chase. South Africa needed 22 off 12 balls, which became 21 off 10 at which point Phehlukwayo lofted Trent Boult over long-off. Then came an even sweeter blow in the final over as he drilled Tim Southee back over his head to virtually kill the game.”I just tried to watch the ball, swing really hard and hit straight,” he said. “The first one, I was just trying to play straight but the second one I definitely knew when it came off the bat that it was going for six.”New Zealand were marginal favourites when he arrived with 52 needed off 44 balls, on a tricky pitch and three frontline bowlers remaining in South Africa’s tail, but in Phehlukwayo they had someone who had already shown a calmness under pressure early in his South Africa career.Against Australia in Durban he partnered David Miller in an unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 107 as they hunted down 372. Miller took the headlines, but Phehlukwayo was anything but a silent partner as he hit 42 off 39 deliveries.This time he had de Villiers around, who was concentrating on rotating the strike because he was finding boundaries difficult to come by. “He was one of the very few guys tonight who could pick up the pace of the wicket,” de Villiers said of his junior partner.”From the side it looked like that, but I was just trying to watch the ball and pick what they were trying to do,” Phehlukwayo said. “A lot of information was given to me from AB, what the bowler was thinking and what he was trying to bowl so that helped a lot. It was really exciting, I’ve never batted with him before. Everyone knows his abilities but I’ve learnt a lot from him in terms of game plans and how I need to train.”He has also had his moments with the ball in his first 11 ODIs, including 4 for 44 in his second ODI against Australia, and on the domestic scene has a reputation for proficiency in the death overs. “On the bowling end I probably need to get my pace up and get more consistent with line and length,” he said. “On the batting side I enjoy pressure situations.”South Africa may yet consider the experience of Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander for the Champions Trophy, but Phehlukwayo’s finishing skills with the bat add to his value considerably when decisions have to be made over the final squad. Currently he is one of four pace-bowling allrounders in New Zealand – alongside Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell and Dwaine Pretorius – and there may not be room for all in the final 15.His performances could also help with CSA’s transformation targets because he would be a second black player in the squad – South Africa need to average two per XI throughout a season – with few arguments that he was not worth his place on cricket merit alone.

Manchester United have wasted no time trying to bolster other areas of the squad after finally agreeing on a £60m fee to sign Mason Mount.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

Unsurprisingly, the Red Devils are looking to splash the cash this summer and they have now lodged a bid in an attempt to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Serie A side Atalanta.

That's according to Corriere Dello Sport, who suggest an offer of €35m (£30m) has unfortunately been rejected.

Instead, it looks as though United will need to cough up a sum of €45m plus €12m in bonuses (£39m + £10m) to secure the player.

It's unclear whether Erik ten Hag's men will come back with a second bid.

Who could benefit from Hojlund's arrival at Man United?

Often compared to his fellow Norwegian forward in Erling Haaland, Hojlund would be a spectacular addition to the United frontline.

Still only 20 years of age, the youngster posted 16 goals in 42 games at club level last term, nine of which came in Serie A.

Such a tally in league football may not send pulses racing at Old Trafford but Man United could do with investing in future talent.

They have been there and done it before with ageing forwards with the likes of Edinson Cavani, Radamel Falcao, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and even Cristiano Ronaldo bringing the club little success.

Instead, it is time to plan for the future and by combining Hojlund – dubbed a "monster in the making" by scout Jacek Kulig – with the incoming Mount, the club's trophy-laden years could soon return.

In Mount, they are signing a phenomenal offensive talent. The England international may have only contributed to nine goals last season, but in 2021/22 he was on fire, posting 13 goals and 16 assists across 53 outings.

Such a record, should it be replicated in the north west, would no doubt benefit the budding Hojlund.

Last season, Atalanta's top assister was former Premier League man Ademola Lookman on eight.

The lively winger provided 1.3 key passes per game and created ten big chances across the league season. That is an impressive tally but actually, it suggests that had Hojlund been surrounded by a better chance provider, he would no doubt have scored more goals.

That is where a certain Mount comes in, with the Chelsea attacking midfielder providing 1.8 key passes per match last season and 2.4 key passes in 2020/21 with 13 big chances created.

This is a man who often brings a great deal of creativity to the side he plays for and with a rampant striker such as Hojlund ahead of him, it would surely benefit both to no end.

Last campaign, United scored the fewest goals (58) in the top six. On that note, they were perhaps fortunate to secure a top-fourth berth. However, it only goes to show why they need the likes of Hojlund and Mount in their squad.

Such a partnership could well elevate Ten Hag's men to performance levels unseen since the Dutchman's arrival in the Premier League.

تحدث حسن مصطفى، نجم الأهلي ومنتخب مصر السابق، عن مستقبل بعض لاعبي المنتخب الحاليين، وتقييمه لأداء أفشة ومصطفى شوبير، مُقدمًا نصائحه حول كيفية تطوير أدائهما، كما تطرق إلى العلاقة بين حسام حسن المدير الفني للفراعنة، وأحمد فتوح لاعب الزمالك.

وقال حسن مصطفى في تصريحات عبر برنامج “بوكس تو بوكس”، المُذاع على قناة “etc”: “هل محمد مجدي أفشة سيكون له دور مع حسام حسن؟ اللاعب بدأ الموسم بشكل جيد، ويلعب الكرة للأمام ويستكمل الهجمة ويُمرر كرات جيدة ونضج، كانت مشكلته أنه يُمرر تمريرات قصيرة، لكن هذا الموسم سجل أكثر من هدف، وعنده رؤية جيدة والجديد أنه أصبح يُدافع بشكل جيد”.

وتابع: “الفترات الماضية عندما لم يكن ينضم للمنتخب كنت أنزعج، لأن سنه صغير وطور نفسه كثيرًا، أرى أن المعسكر الحالي فرصة للاعبين كثيرين، وأتمنى أن المباريات القادمة يؤدون بشكل جيد”.

وأضاف: “أفشة لاعب كبير، لو شارك وأجاد في المباريات القادمة سيكون له دور بعد ذلك مع المنتخب، لكن الأمر يتوقف على توظيفه، إمام عاشور لا غنى عنه في خط وسط منتخب مصر، لأنه يدافع جيدًا ويتقدم ويُسدد بقدميه، فهل سيلعب حسام حسن بـ واحد واثنين أمامه، لو لعب بهذا الشكل لن يُشارك أفشة، ولو المثلث العكس سيشارك أفشة”.

وأشار: “أنا سعيد بـ مصطفى شوبير وانضمامه للمنتخب، لكن أنا انزعجت عندما شعرت أنه يشعر بنفسه الآن، لا زلنا نريد أن نرى منه المزيد، أتمنى الإعلام لا يتحدث عنه كثيرًا”.

طالع أيضًا | مدرب منتخب نيوزيلندا: مواجهة مصر فرصة عظيمة لنا.. وأعشق محمد صلاح

وأوضح: “هل توجد مشكلة سابقة بين حسام حسن وأحمد فتوح عندما كانا في سموحة؟ لا توجد مشكلة بينهما، كنا نلعب بثلاثي في الخلف وكان يلعب قلب دفاع ولاعب آخر ظهير أيسر، وهو كان لا يريد ذلك، وحسام حسن أقنعه، وبعد ذك لعب ظهير أيسر وأدى بشكل جيد وتمسك بأن يلعب في مركزه، لكن لم تحدث مشكلة، وحسام حسن من أسباب تألق فتوح وانضمامه للزمالك”.

واختتم: “فتوح من اللاعبين الذين لا يستمعون بسهولة ويُظهر غضبه، ولكن كنا نقومه في سموحة، وحسام حسن أوقفه قبل ذلك ولم يكن يشارك، لأنه في فترة من الفترات لم يكن ملتزم تمامًا وكان عبئ علينا، لكن في الموسم التالي التزم بشكل كبير”.

ويستعد منتخب مصر للمشاركة في بطولة كأس عاصمة مصر الدولية الودية، بمشاركة منتخبات كرواتيا وتونس ونيوزيلندا.

وتقام البطولة في مصر خلال الفترة من 22 حتى 26 من شهر مارس الجاري بمشاركة منتخبات مصر وكرواتيا وتونس ونيوزيلندا.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball details1:35

‘No foothold for New Zealand after Guptill wicket’

South Africa’s one-day side started in New Zealand as the No. 1 and they will end it there after an oscillating series went their way at a ground that now holds some good memories. There were a few jitters with the bat – there were bound to be, weren’t there? – but after a commanding performance in the field, which sucked the life out of New Zealand’s batting order, a target of 150 gave them breathing space.From the moment that the hero of Hamilton, Martin Guptill, was defeated by Kagiso Rabada there was never any let-up from South Africa with the ball. Rabada was high-class on a surface offering more carry than any other in the series. Imran Tahir, who New Zealand have played well this series, then reeled off the most economical 10-over figures by a South Africa spinner – and the best by any spinner in an ODI in his country – as the innings almost came to a standstill.Andile Phehlukwayo missed the Hamilton match with a minor groin injury and had a significant impact on his return with the wickets of Dean Brownlie and Ross Taylor. South Africa’s ground-fielding also conjured two wickets, including the major scalp of Kane Williamson, as New Zealand’s batting slumped for the second time in the series.But they did not let their unbeaten one-day home record, dating back to South Africa’s visit in 2014, go easily and for a moment mid-chase, another Eden Park classic was not complete fantasy. Jeetan Patel had snaffled two – and had an lbw against Faf du Plessis overturned by DRS – and when AB de Villiers was bounced out by James Neesham – not a dismissal you would have put your house on – South Africa were 88 for 4. But du Plessis, who reached fifty with the winning boundary, and David Miller, ensured against any further drama.It was a superb set-up from Rabada, a sharp bouncer which ensured Guptill had to be wary of planting forward, then a yorker which he tried to advance to but only got in a horrid position with his stumps exposed. As ugly as Hamilton was breathtaking.Williamson and Brownlie weathered the rest of the opening ten overs but a horror few minutes sent the innings into a spiral. It’s a period Brownlie will want to forget. Firstly he decided to chance de Villiers’ fielding at midwicket which left Williamson stranded when the South Africa captain dived and flicked in the blink of an eye. Williamson’s bat got caught in the turf short of the crease, but he would have been short regardless.Three balls later, Brownlie play round a full delivery from Phehlukwayo and almost walked before the finger was raised. Tahir’s first four overs cost just four; eventually overs 10-20 brought 31 for 4. As in Wellington, Phehlukwayo was key to that, bowling wicket-to-wicket at brisk pace, and was rewarded again when Taylor fell across a straight one.Luke Ronchi’s stay was never convincing and he gloved a short ball as he tried to sway out of the line. Neesham, yesterday recalled to the Test squad, had looked as comfortable as any of the top order but for the second time in the series was removed by a short ball from Rabada, although it needed the DRS to confirm the top-edge.The build-up to Mitchell Santner’s demise highlighted South Africa’s suffocating ground fielding. Three consecutive shots from Santner were intercepted sharply in the infield, then the fourth went to JP Duminy at backward point who slid and threw from the ground, hitting directly with Santner nowhere.Tahir, who did not concede anything other than singles, gained his reward against the lower order. In three of the five matches, New Zealand had played him as well as anyone of late – “respect” had been the word used by both sides – but they became almost strokeless this time. The pressure of the occasion, the pitch, or just a good day for him? Only they will know.Such was the swift end to New Zealand’s innings that South Africa batted before the interval. Patel again saw off Quinton de Kock – that change of tactic had worked a treat – and scoring wasn’t easy after the break. Hashim Amla completed a fifty-less series when he drove to cover as did Duminy – the latter far more of a concern – when he drove softly at Patel. Duminy had again been used ahead of de Villiers, but he has regressed during this series.De Villiers has been far and away South Africa’s best batsman and he was eager to finish things himself. He took a six apiece of Patel and Santner but was then surprised by the nip and angled of Neesham’s bouncer, which followed him and took the glove to the keeper. As a single moment it was a superb spectacle, but not enough to open the game for New Zealand.Du Plessis ticked over and for the first time in the series Miller played the type of forceful shots he has become known for. The target hurried into view. The sun had only just set. This time not on South Africa.

Aston Villa will "continue to pursue" Juventus and Italy star Federico Chiesa in the summer window as the Midlands club look to make further efforts to challenge the Premier League big six, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

Aston Villa transfer news – what's the latest on Federico Chiesa?

It has been a whirlwind ten months since Unai Emery took charge of Villa, from a dogged relegation fight to a completely different fight entirely, one for European football; it would be an understatement to say that the Spaniard has done an exceptional job at Villa Park thus far.

The uptick in form and glamour that has come with one of Europe's most famous managers being at the helm has also led to more prestigious names being linked with the club.

Earlier this month saw the signing of Leicester City's Youri Tielemans, a player that only a year ago was heavily touted for a move to Arsenal.

The newest name, however, is yet another step up in quality, Juventus star and Italian international Chiesa.

BirminghamLive have confirmed that previous reports suggesting that the West Midlands outfit were targeting the 5 foot 9 dynamo were, in fact, accurate, and he was high on Emery's wish list.

A stumbling block for a deal, however, might be the price that the Turin club want for their exciting winger, with FootballTransfers reporting it to be in the region of £51m, which would smash Villa's previous transfer record of £38m for Emiliano Buendia.

What has Dean Jones said about Chiesa to Aston Villa?

Jones was straight to the point regarding the Villain's pursuit of the Juventus wideman, explaining that he was exactly the kind of high-profile player the club were after.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "So I think that that is definitely a high-profile player, which I would expect Aston Villa to continue to pursue."

How good is Federico Chiesa?

This comes alongside Aston Villa already seemingly set to secure the big signing of Villareal star Pau Torres.

It was a mixed year in the famous Black and White of the Bianconeri for Chiesa last season, with WhoScored giving him an average rating of 6.59 across his 21 Serie A appearances.

He played well while on the pitch, but due to a series of injuries and fitness issues, he only started six league matches over the course of the season, appearing as a substitute in the other 15.

Despite the injury problems he has faced over the last year or so, his underlying numbers are still brilliant and indicate just how good he could be for Emery should he be able to play a season free of them.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, Chiesa is in the top 4% for assists, top 13% for tackles, top 15% for progressive carries, top 16% for successful take-ons and the top 19% for expected assists, all per 90.

With numbers like that, it's not hard to see why broadcaster Roger Bennett labelled the dazzling winger a "wizard" following one of his performances at Euro 2020, a competition he played a huge role in helping Italy win.

If Emery and Villa can convince Chiesa, who has been hailed as a "beautiful" player, that the project being built in the West Midlands is one he wants to be a part of, the top six could quickly become the top seven.

Liton Das’ maiden double-century set up East Zone’s nine-wicket win over Central Zone

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Jan-2017

Liton Das’ maiden double-century set up East Zone’s nine-wicket win over Central Zone in the opening round of the Bangladesh Cricket League first-class competition in Bogra.Liton made 219 off just 241 balls, including 26 fours and four sixes as East Zone made 367 in reply to Central Zone’s 224 all out which was hastened by Abu Jayed’s five-wicket haul. Only three other batsmen, apart from Liton, reached double-figures in the East Zone innings.Trailing by 143 runs, Central Zone were then bowled out for 198 in the second innings. Abul Hasan and Saqlain Sajib took three wickets each while Jayed and Ebadot Hossain picked up two wickets each.East Zone reached their target of 56 runs on the third afternoon, losing one wicket in the process.Liton was adjudged player-of-the-match for his effort, an innings that will keep him in the mind of the national selectors with so much cricket ahead of Bangladesh this year.

Tottenham Hotspur have instigated "conversations" with Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen over the services of the centre-half Edmond Tapsoba, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news – What's the latest on Edmond Tapsoba?

It's been a busy start to the transfer window for the Lilywhites, with the club confirming the signing of Italian international keeper Guglielmo Vicario from Serie A side Empoli earlier this week for a fee of £17m.

Not to be outdone by their free-spending neighbours, Tottenham went big themselves and announced the marque signing of England international James Maddison from the relegated Leicester City this week for a fee of £40m.

For as good as those signings are, the area of the team in desperate need of attention is defence.

With the side shipping a disastrous 63 goals in the Premier League last season and the departure of Clement Lenglet, who has returned to Barcelona, it's an area of the team that could cost them next season if not addressed as soon as possible.

However, Daniel Levy and Co. seem to be well aware of this and have identified 24-year-old Burkina Faso international Tapsoba as one of a few potential targets for the heart of the defence, per football.london.

A deal to sign the Leverkusen star could also be cheaper than one might first expect, with the Express reporting that Ange Postecoglou could land his man for as little as £25m this summer.

There have been two other defensive names linked to Spurs this window, the first being Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven, and the other Fulham's want-away Tosin Adarabioyo.

What has Dean Jones said about Tapsoba?

Jones revealed that whilst there have been links to van de Ven and Adarabioyo, Tapsoba was still the most likely of the three players to join the Lilywhites' defence this summer.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "Tapsoba is the one I've heard the most about in terms of the three of those."

The respected journalist also revealed that conversations between the sides have commenced, adding: "Conversations are open now, so it'll be interesting to see how those progress and whether Tottenham become convinced that he is the player that they want to go ahead and sign."

Would Tapsoba be a good signing for Tottenham Hotspur?

The 24-year-old has excelled during his time in Germany, playing 137 times for the Die Schwarzroten since joining just three years ago.

Last season was another great year for the 6 foot 4 "monster" – as once described by journalist Antonio Mango. According to WhoScored, across his 33 Bundesliga games, he averaged a good match rating of 6.64.

It was even better in European competitions, as in his eight games in the Europa League, he averaged a seriously impressive match rating of 7.28.

His underlying numbers are equally brilliant.

According to FBref, who comp[are players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, Tapsoba sits in the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 6% for successful take-ons, the top 8% for progressive carries, the top 10% attempted passes, and the top 15% for shot-creating actions, all per 90.

Those numbers highlight that alongside his defensive nouse, the defensive gem could also thrive in a more attacking set-up, something that would pair perfectly with Ange Postecoglou's footballing philosophy, one rooted in entertaining football.

If Spurs can get this deal over the line, it could prove excellent business for years to come.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is believed to have earmarked Bayer Leverkusen centre-half Edmond Tapsoba as the club’s prime target this summer.

What’s the latest on Edmond Tapsoba to Tottenham?

That’s according to renowned transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed on his Here We Go Podcast that Spurs have prioritised the signing of the 24-year-old after sending scouts to observe him in action.

With a purported transfer value of £45m, Tapsoba would not come cheap but could be an astute investment considering the significance of the current transfer window – Levy simply has to hit the mark and close the distance to those at the forefront of the Premier League.

Romano said: “I keep saying that Tapsoba is a priority target because they [Spurs] love Tapsoba. Tottenham scouts have been there many times this year to follow Tapsoba. So, he is a player they really love and they feel is perfect for Premier League football.”

“He is a leader. So, there are many factors in a deal and Tottenham think he is a fantastic option."

Should Tottenham sign Edmond Tapsoba?

Search under every nook and every cranny, and it will be difficult to find a Spurs supporter contented with the current state of affairs in the defensive third at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

After conceding 63 goals in the 22/23 Premier League season and suffering a disastrous close to the campaign that saw the fiery dismissal of Antonio Conte and an eighth-placed finish – meaning no European football next term – major surgery is needed.

So the time is now for a defensive force to waltz into London and galvanise the Lilywhites into action, and with the "dangerous" – as said by former Die Werkself sporting director Rudi Voller – Tapsoba's signature the coveted goal for manager Ange Postecoglou, he could look to emulate the deal for Heung-min Son eight years ago.

There might be a sense of incredulity at this claim. Son is a forward, Tottenham's malaise is woven into the defensive struggles – where is the applicability?

Well, arriving from Leverkusen for a reported £22m in 2015, the South Korean star arrived in the early phase of Tottenham's notable offensive fluidity, with Harry Kane's emergence, the acquisitions of Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen and indeed Son all coming in a two-year period (2013 – 2015).

Spearheaded by Mauricio Pochettino's positive brand of football, Tottenham's trophy cabinet remains absent of silverware as the elusive hunt for a major honour continues to evade the Premier League side, but the goals rained like shellfire, with the cub's 58-goal return in the season prior to Son's arrival bettered ever since – with the divisional top scorers awarded in 16/17.

Which is why, with the Lilywhites at a crossroads, returning to the same club to sign a defender who could catalyse the backline just like Son instrumentally contributed to the newfound offensive vigour, could be an auspicious road to traverse.

Said to be "solid as a rock" by Jacek Kulig, Tapsoba would have such an effect due to his dynamism and imposing stature, with the 6 foot 4 "sensation" – as he has been hailed by Raphael Honigstein – winning 64% of his ground duels in the German top-flight last term and averaging three clearances per game, as per Sofascore.

And his ball-playing prowess is a cut above the throngs of defenders in Europe, evidenced by FBref, with the £37k-per-week titan ranking among the top 15% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for passes attempted, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 8% for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90.

The 34-cap international would be a "monster" under Postecoglou, as dubbed by talent scout Antonio Mango, with the Australian manager's inclination to play free-flowing, possession-based football aligning with Tapsoba's aptitude on the ball.

Rebuilding the strength of the defence with 'monstrous' figures capable of dazzling with their passing is a surefire way to return to the top, and Tapsoba must be signed this summer to kickstart the new chapter down the N17.

Steve O’Keefe produced his second-best first-class figures, of 6 for 35, in a fine spell of spin bowling after lunch to lead Australia’s charge, and put his own career back on track

Brydon Coverdale24-Feb-2017Steve O’Keefe knew this Test was his big chance. He had played four Tests before, but never more than one in a series. One in Dubai, one in Sydney, one in Pallekele, another in Sydney. So when he saw a pitch that threatened to be a raging turner, he knew the pressure was on to perform. And, having been given the new ball to share with Mitchell Starc, O’Keefe went to lunch on day two with 0 for 23 from seven overs.He was disappointed with how he had bowled. He was not leaking runs, but nor was he threatening much either. So, O’Keefe spent some of his lunch break training with Sridharan Sriram, the former India allrounder serving as Australia’s spin consultant on this trip. And when O’Keefe was handed the ball for his first spell upon the resumption, he took three wickets in his first over to turn the match in Australia’s favour, and finished with 6 for 35 from 13.1 overs.”When I first started to bowl, my first six overs, I went probably back to my comfort zone, which is what I bowl in Australia,” O’Keefe said after play. “You probably won’t see it on camera, but I know how it feels. I was probably just going a bit over the top and whenever I tried to bowl quick it was too full, and it was ordinary bowling the first six overs.”I’d been working in the nets on some other variations, just changing the seam angle and arm angle and you probably don’t notice it, but for me it made all the difference. Sree was like ‘let’s go out and bowl it so you feel comfortable with it’.”It’s amazing how things can quickly change over here. I probably didn’t bowl very well at all in my first six overs. And then it all just happened really quickly. I guess that’s the sort of wicket it is. We played and missed at a lot of balls, and fortunately for us they nicked them and we caught them. It was a good day to be a part of and well finished off by the batters.”O’Keefe’s success should guarantee that, unless he suffers an injury like he did during last year’s Sri Lanka tour, he will play multiple Tests in a series for the first time in his career. At 32, he knew this tour was make or break for his international career, after the disappointment of being forced home from Sri Lanka, which had been followed by a drunken incident at a Sydney hotel that led to a fine from Cricket Australia.Steve O’Keefe returned the third-best figures by a visiting left-arm spinner in India•AFP”Going to Sri Lanka, I thought that was my big opportunity, and I sort of messed that one up,” he said. “To be honest, I always thought an India tour was there but that it was almost unreachable. To be given this opportunity – I’ve tried to make the most of it and I’ve prepared for it back home by giving away some of the Big Bash cricket to prepare solely for red-ball cricket … It means a lot to do well, but we’re day two in a four-Test series, so we’re not getting ahead of ourselves.”O’Keefe was well backed up by the fielders on day two in Pune – Peter Handscomb’s take at second slip to get rid of Ajinkya Rahane was particularly special, but also by his captain. Steven Smith trusted O’Keefe to take the new ball and then went to him again soon after lunch, despite his struggle for impact in his opening spell.”I think the important thing is I’ve been well backed up by Steve Smith, who I think is a brilliant captain,” O’Keefe said. “When you play under a captain who shows a lot of belief in you, it’s amazing what can happen.”O’Keefe’s final analysis of 6 for 35 was the third best by a visiting left-arm spinner in India, behind Hedley Verity’s 7 for 49 in 1934 and Michael Clarke’s 6 for 9 in 2004, and they were also the second-best figures of O’Keefe’s first-class career. And while he was still coming to terms with his triumphant performance shortly after play on day two, he knew it would count for little if Australia let India off the hook in the second innings.”It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” he said. “I think it will if that contributes to a win. Right now we’ll enjoy it, we had a good day, but that’s all it is. It’s just a good day’s cricket. We know this Indian team, how well they can bat, and even in spinning conditions they’re exceptional players. They’re all match-winners, all their top seven batters, you’d even argue the top eight. We’ve got our work cut out for us. We’re 300 ahead – let’s get more and let’s create 10 chances tomorrow and hold on to them.”

The mission for Manchester United is for the club to consolidate its top-four status.

Although Erik ten Hag’s outfit finished third last season, there were many nervy points and notably damaging losses, including a 6-3 humbling by Manchester City and a 7-0 thrashing by Liverpool.

This largely boiled down to the Red Devils’ thin squad as Ten Hag was forced into little rotation, as certain areas of his squad lacked depth and quality.

One player who has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford and would be an invaluable source of the two aforementioned attributes is Denzel Dumfries.

What’s the latest on Denzel Dumfries to Manchester United?

According to GIVEMESPORT, United are assessing the player's situation and keenly tracking the opportunity of bringing the full-back to the Premier League.

Reputable Journalist Dean Jones said: “I do think United are very much still looking at the right back situation and trying to determine whether Wan-Bissaka can take them to the level that they need to be at.

"Dumfries is definitely someone United might start to move in on, but what sort of sale are Inter Milan holding this summer?"

Reports have suggested that the defender could cost up to €40m (£34m).

Why are Manchester United interested in Denzel Dumfries?

The 27-year-old has been one of Inter Milan’s most reliable and popular assets, as he has notched 51 appearances in all competitions.

He started ten of the Nerazzurri’s 13 Champions League encounters, in which they painfully lost to Man City at the final hurdle.

The right-back also featured at the World Cup and began every game at the winter tournament, which included a 3-1 round of 16 victory over the USA in which he scored and assisted twice.

Described as a "monster" by journalist Alan Rzepa, the 44-cap international has demonstrated himself to be a well-rounded player as he ranks in the top 6% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for aerials won per 90, as well as the best 1% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, according to FBref.

Thus, if United secured this signing, Dumfries could mirror the consistency, power, and athleticism of Antonio Valencia, who enjoyed a glorious tenure at Old Trafford.

The Ecuadorian made 339 appearances for the club across ten years and eventually was shifted to the right-back position.

Due to Valencia’s earlier career as a winger and Dumfries’ experience as a right wing-back at Inter where he is expected to persistently get forward, these two titans play very similarly.

Both combined a ruthless offensive dynamism with a sturdy defensive acumen that meant they were always trustworthy options that could damage the opposition. This is shown as the former PSV star amassed seven assists last season while during his time at Old Trafford, Valencia provided a whopping 62 assists and 25 goals; not bad for a so-called defender.

Dumfries' repertoire means he is suited to English football and he would be a sensational addition, one capable of emulating a cult hero of days gone by.