Tag Futebol

MatériaMais Notícias

Cinco minutos. Esse foi o tempo que durou a persistência do São Paulo em atacar com grande ímpeto o Fortaleza no empate sem gols entre as equipes no Castelão, quinta-feira (11), pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. Tão logo Juan Vojvoda, o consagrado técnico dos cearenses, se tocou do que o adversário tentava fazer, tratou de travar as válvulas de escape pelos lados de campo. E aí Dorival Júnior respondeu, reforçando a marcação no meio-campo e deixando Calleri ainda mais isolado.

O jogo de xadrez travado entre o comandante do time paulista e do Leão do Pici se por um lado deixou a partida feia para quem queria fortes emoções, do outro escancarou o que se esperar de Dorival no Morumbi para a sequência desta temporada.

RelacionadasSão PauloATUAÇÕES: Com ‘mistão’ pouco inspirado, São Paulo faz jogo sonolento contra o FortalezaSão Paulo11/05/2023São PauloMistão do São Paulo cumpre missão, amarra Fortaleza e garante o empate sem gols pelo Brasileirão em jogo de 2 expulsõesSão Paulo11/05/2023São PauloSem viajar com o São Paulo para Fortaleza, Jandrei sofre fratura na mãoSão Paulo11/05/2023

+ ATUAÇÕES: Com “mistão” pouco inspirado, São Paulo faz jogo sonolento contra o Fortaleza

Sem medo de ser feliz, o treinador não tem receio nenhum de fazer o que o antecessor Rogério Ceni mais temia: mandar seu time não jogar. Sim, parece uma antítese clara, mas vale ressaltar que o novo São Paulo não tem vergonha nenhuma de mandar a bola para o mato quando necessário, se fechar quando o adversário mais forte ataca e jogar dentro de suas limitações.

Parece pouca coisa. De fato pode ser. Mas é um avanço inestimável a um time que antes perdia pontos bobos com empates e derrotas após abrir o placar. O São Paulo de Ceni era facilmente encaixotado quando sofria um gol logo cedo. Não tinha alternâncias necessárias de jogo para reverter um quadro muitas vezes favorável a si mesmo.

O estilo mais pragmático chegou para ficar no Tricolor… Se o torcedor são-paulino vai gostar? Às favas, ora bolas. Dorival continua ostentando uma invencibilidade no clube. Falava-se em ‘feijão com arroz’ quando ele foi contratado. Porém o simples, muitas vezes, é muito complexo para quem estava acostumado a um estilo de jogo que, por ora, não há espaço no Morumbi, sejamos francos.

E talvez o retrato mais fiel do peso da balança tricolor seja exatamente esse. O São Paulo começou o campeonato ameaçado pelo fantasma do rebaixamento. Exagero? Difícil dizer. Na edição mais difíceis dos últimos anos, com todos os ‘grandes’ jogando (entre eles o Fortaleza, importante ressaltar), o clube de Ceni perdia de virada para o Botafogo nos últimos minutos. O de Dorival arranca empates salvadores contra Coritiba, no Castelão e vence o Internacional.

Pontos mais do que fundamentais para, acima de tudo, manter o sonho vivo. Qual sonho? O tempo irá dizer. Mas seguiremos jogando como time pequeno, pode indagar o torcedor mais corneta… Sigamos o conselho de nossas vovós: às vezes vale dar um passo para trás para depois avançar. Ihhhhh, 45 pontos qualquer dia tamo aí…

+ Confira os jogos e classificação resultados da Brasileirão-23 na tabela do LANCE!

A foreign club are “weighing up an approach” for an “incredibly strong” Newcastle United player this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

Shearer bemoans "nightmare" summer at Newcastle

The Magpies have had a summer to forget, with the Alexander Isak saga looming large over them, and many transfer targets moving to other clubs instead.

It has been a period that has sapped the life out of Newcastle supporters, with club legend Alan Shearer admitting it has been a “nightmare” in his column for BBC Sport.

“So far, Newcastle’s pre-season has been a nightmare. There is no other way of describing it. They have had a disastrous transfer window, missing out on every one of their top targets they went for, and on top of that they have got Alexander Isak’s situation hanging over them as they get ready for the opening weekend.

“One way or another they have to resolve it, but that won’t be easy. Isak clearly wants to leave St James’ Park and join Liverpool, but he cannot be sold if they don’t get anyone in to replace him.It’s not just one new striker Newcastle need, either. Callum Wilson moved on earlier in the summer so the reality is that if they don’t get two centre-forwards in, Isak does not go anywhere.”

While much focus is on keeping hold of Isak this summer, it now looks as though another Newcastle player is the subject of strong interest from another club.

"Incredibly strong" Newcastle ace wanted by Monaco

According to Downie on X, Monaco are “weighing up an approach” for Newcastle right-back Kieran Trippier, with the Ligue 1 side “very keen” on signing him this summer. The Magpies want him to stay, though, seeing him as a “key player” for Howe.

At 34, Trippier isn’t quite the force of old, but he still has plenty to offer Newcastle, which is why losing him to Monaco this summer would be a blow.

The Englishman can continue to be a good backup option to Tino Livramento, battling him for minutes, and Eddie Howe loves him as a player, hailing his character.

“Tripps is an incredibly strong character,. As I’ve said many times he’s a transformative signing. Someone that’s taken the group onto a totally different level. He’s been the heartbeat of that. So when he’s given us so much now it’s our turn to support him and look after him the other way and that’s what we’ll do.”

He'd replicate Isak: Newcastle make enquiry to sign "complete" £80m striker

With Alexander Isak still hoping to force a move to Liverpool, could Newcastle target a “complete” striker valued at £80m who’d replicate the Swede?

ByBen Gray Aug 12, 2025

Hopefully, the £120,000-a-week Trippier turns down any potential advances from Monaco and sees his future at Newcastle.

Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi among South Africa players up for grabs

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Sep-2024Fast bowlers Shamar Joseph, Naseem Shah, Josh Little and Josh Hull are among the overseas players who will be up for grabs in the upcoming SA20 auction. Nearly 200 players, including 115 South Africans, have made the shortlist, but only 13 spots are to be filled up by the six franchises.Paarl Royals have the biggest purse of R11.95m to spend at the auction. MI Cape Town are next with R8.275m, followed by Pretoria Capitals’ with a purse of R4.575m.Joburg Super Kings have R3.925m while back-to-back champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape have R2.845m in their bag. As for Durban’s Super Giants, they have R2.35m remaining in their purse.Related

Markram unfazed by lean patch with bat: 'That's just the nature of the beast'

Sunrisers Eastern Cape sign Bedingham, Crawley and van der Merwe for upcoming SA20 season

Stokes, Omarzai join MI Cape Town's star-studded roster for SA20 2025

Conway offered casual contract, Allen declines New Zealand deal

SA20: Sunrisers begin title defence at home

New Zealand opener Martin Guptill, Sri Lanka allrounder Kamindu Mendis and Afghanistan wristspinner Qais Ahmad are among other overseas attractions in the shortlist.”Some of the biggest names on the international T20 circuit have already signed up for season 3 and I am looking forward to see how the teams finalise their squads from this competitive auction list of players,” Graeme Smith, the former South Africa captain and current SA20 commissioner, said.Reeza Hendricks, who was released by Super Kings, is perhaps the most high-profile South African in the shortlist along with fellow opener Tony de Zorzi.All squads are required to have 19 players, with a minimum of ten South African players, a maximum of seven international players, a rookie, and a wildcard player.Barring Super Kings, all franchises have announced their wildcard picks. Notably, Paarl Royals picked former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik as their wildcard. Having retired from Indian and international cricket in June earlier this year, Karthik will become the first Indian to feature in the SA20.Super Kings have until December 30 to lock in their wildcard player.The SA20 2025 auction will take place on October 1 and the tournament will begin on January 9, clashing with Australia’s Big Bash League, UAE’s ILT20 and New Zealand’s Super Smash.ESPNcricinfo LtdSquads ahead of SA20 auctionDurban’s Super Giants: Brandon King (West Indies), Quinton De Kock, Naveen Ul Haq (Afghanistan), Kane Williamson (New Zealand), Chris Woakes (England), Prenelan Subrayen, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Noor Ahmed (Afghanistan), Heinrich Klaasen, Jon-Jon Smuts, Wiaan Mulder, Junior Dala, Bryce Parsons, Matthew Breetzke, Jason Smith, Marcus Stoinis (Australia)Joburg Super Kings: Faf Du Plessis, Moeen Ali (England), Jonny Bairstow (England), Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka), Devon Conway (New Zealand), Gerald Coetzee, David Wiese (Namibia), Leus Du Plooy (England), Lizaad Williams, Nandre Burger, Donovan Ferreira, Imran Tahir, Sibonelo Makhanya, Tabraiz ShamsiMI Cape Town: Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Ben Stokes (England), Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult (New Zealand), Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan), Dewald Brevis, Ryan Rickelton, George Linde, Nuwan Thushara (Sri Lanka), Connor Esterhuizen, Delano Potgieter, Rassie Van der Dussen, Thomas Kaber, Chris Benjamin (England), Corbin BoschPretoria Capitals: Anrich Nortje, Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand), Will Jacks (England), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan), Liam Livingstone (England), Will Smeed (England), Migael Pretorius, Rilee Rossouw, Eathan Bosch, Wayne Parnell, Senuran Muthusamy, Kyle Verreynne, Daryn Dupavillon, Steve Stolk, Tiaan van VuurenPaarl Royals: David Miller, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afghanistan), Sam Hain (England), Joe Root (England), Dinesh Karthik (India), Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Van Buuren, Keith Dudgeon, Nqaba Peter, Andile Phehlukwayo, Codi Yusuf, John Turner (England), Dayyaan Galiem, Jacob Bethell (England)Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Aiden Markram, Zak Crawley (England), Roelof van der Merwe (Netherlands), Liam Dawson (England), Ottneil Baartman, Marco Jansen, Beyers Swanepoel, Caleb Seleka, Tristan Stubbs, Jordan Hermann, Patrick Kruger, Craig Overton (England), Tom Abell (England), Simon Harmer, Andile Simelane, David Bedingham

The first ever day of Test cricket at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground was abandoned due to a wet outfield. The weather was fair all day, with the sun out, but the drainage facilities could not dry the playing area entirely, leaving New Zealand and Afghanistan to wait at least another day to begin their first ever Test encounter.There has been significant rain over the past few days and the challenge, according to chief curator Amit Sharma, was to keep the outfield fit for play if the wet weather continued. However, on Monday, there was not a single cover on the ground all day and the super-soppers were at work, but wet patches on the outfield and the bowlers’ run-up remained a concern.Multiple inspections took place, with the last one scheduled at 4.30pm local time, but the day was abandoned at 4.05 pm. The toss has been scheduled for 9am tomorrow and the remaining four days will have 98 overs each starting at 9.30am, instead of 10am.Related

• Greater Noida under the weather ahead of Test debut

The match is not part of the World Test Championship cycle but gives New Zealand an opportunity to acclimatise to subcontinent conditions, with two Test series against Sri Lanka and India lined up in the next couple of months.Afghanistan have played two one-off Tests in this year so far, both in different countries against different opponents, and are looking for their first win since 2021.

India are going into the one-off Test against South Africa on the back of successive white-ball series sweeps – T20Is in Bangladesh and ODIs vs South Africa at home – but head coach Amol Muzumdar believes there’s scope for improvement in every department for the team.”We do have the momentum – we won in Bangladesh, we won against South Africa,” Muzumdar said two days out from the Test in Chennai. “They are different formats, but at the same time, we are trying to focus on every game as it comes. The demands [of playing a Test] are different. I think the team is up for it, and I think as far as improvement is concerned, I think all three departments – batting, bowling, and fielding, and fitness – four departments [can improve].”India last played a Test in December, beating Australia in Mumbai by eight wickets. That came on the back of another one-off Test at home, against England, which also India won. Also, most of the top players were also part of the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal Multi-day Trophy in Pune in March-April.Related

• Sneh Rana: 'Test championship will be a big boost for women's cricket'

• Laura Wolvaardt: 'Incorporate red-ball into domestic cricket or we must leave it'

• India head into Chennai Test with an eye on 2025 Women's ODI World Cup

• Wolvaardt on Tests: It's like last-minute studying for an exam

• Beaumont, Devine, Wolvaardt on the case for women's Tests

The teams got only five days to prepare for the upcoming Test against South Africa following the conclusion of the ODIs on June 23, but Muzumdar feels the players are aware of the challenge of switching formats, considering red-ball cricket is part of their long-term plans.”In December, we played against England and Australia; we played back-to-back Tests,” he said. “We are aware that red-ball cricket will be a part of women’s cricket going forward, and hence I feel that the inter-zonal, which happened in March-April, was very critical. So that the players also get the message that it’s not just white-ball cricket or just T20s that we are focusing on. We are also focusing on the red-ball stuff, and I think they are aware and they are ready and raring to go in the multi-day format. To adjust to that is a different story.”Those are the demands of modern-day cricket. You know you cannot escape that as a team. So we try to cater to all the demands. It’s not easy, but at the same time it’s a challenge and we accept it as a challenge to adapt to different formats.”While the core of the team won’t change as India switch formats, the likes of Shubha Satheesh, Sneh Rana, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Meghna Singh, who did not play the ODIs, will be coming in for the Test.”I think those four players are very important players. We did have a camp that happened at the NCA about 15 days back, and they were specifically given red-ball stuff to be done in the camp,” Muzumdar said. “So they’ve already had the workload. The workload has been shared to them, and also when they went back home, they were told a few things to do. Their weekly chart was organised and given to them. So they’re completely fresh and raring to go. Even when they’ve come here and [are] in the squad, we just had a practice session yesterday with those four players, and they look absolutely fine.”India won back-to-back Tests against England and Australia late last year•Getty Images

While the ODIs against South Africa were part of the Women’s Championships, Muzumdar said he wouldn’t mind a men’s style World Test Championship for women to add more context to the format. However, only four teams – Australia, England, India and South Africa – currently play Test cricket.”It’s not a bad idea to have Test Championships,” he said. “That’s something to look forward to, but that is for the board to decide. And if it happens, it’s even better for the game. Test cricket is always special. We like to keep it that way, that you know every game is important [regardless of the context] – whether it’s ODI, T20 or Test match. I know there is no Test Championship to look forward to, but at the same time, every game is important. We take part to win them.”Muzumdar also said that Shabnam Shakil, the 17-year-old uncapped medium-pacer, was brought into the side for all three formats so she could get a feel of the team culture. Shakil was part of the U-19 World Cup-winning India team last year, and also made an impression at WPL 2024 for Gujarat Giants, especially when she took 3 for 11 against Mumbai Indians.”She’s definitely a superb talent, and that’s the reason she is here,” he said. “We’ve made a conscious decision of including her in the team so that she gets a feel of the dressing room, and also the atmosphere and the culture that we’re building. She gets a first-hand experience to that. She’s definitely a good talent, and we will hear more about her in the future.”

Tottenham Hotspur supporters can expect a much more intriguing summer transfer window after they sealed qualification for the Champions League via their Europa League conquest last week, with chairman Daniel Levy set for a recruitment boost.

Tottenham transfer plans after winning Europa League

Spurs are set for a significant financial windfall after confirming their place in Europe’s most prestigious competition next season, and their pull in the transfer market has also dramatically increased as a result.

Tottenham will let Tel go if they can sign £242k-p/w forward with ties to Levy

They’re apparently “unlikely” to sign Tel permanently in that scenario.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 30, 2025

Tottenham have suddenly become genuine contenders for Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane as the German’s contract ticks down towards expiry on June 30, despite genuine interest from Arsenal (The Times), and Bundesliga insider Christian Falk insists that his arrival woud likely to have an effect on their plans for Mathys Tel.

A big-name with plenty of experience at the highest level, at both Bayern and Man City, Sane is exactly the type of player who Spurs are arguably crying out for.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Tottenham chiefs believe that they need to sign more experienced players to balance out their very youthful squad (Sami Mokbel), and Sane’s status as a soon-to-be free agent opens the door for Levy to provide Ange Postecoglou (or any new manager) with that calibre of signing at zero transfer cost.

The main obstacle would be Sane’s extortionate wage demands. Sky and Sport Bild, via Tribuna, believe they equate to a £192,000-per-week fixed salary, plus £2.5 million in performance-related bonuses and a signing-on fee.

This would make Sane their highest-paid player above Son Heung-min, and if they don’t fancy agreeing to terms of that nature, Tottenham’s need for experienced players could push them to other targets.

Another player of a similar mould to Sane, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, has also been heavily linked in the build up to June 1.

The 26-year-old guided Palace to their first ever major trophy, scoring the FA Cup final-winning goal against Man City at Wembley, and his rise to the top suggests that he’s a player with an elite mentality following a previous spell at Arsenal’s acadmey as a youngster.

His contract includes a £68 million release clause, and according to TEAMtalk, these are tempting figures within the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham prepared to trigger Eberechi Eze £68m release clause

Other reports have previously claimed that Spurs are ready to trigger Eze’s clause, but TEAMtalk state they’re also prepared to go further.

The outlet states that Tottenham remain prepared to fork out the £68m necessary for Eze, but they may even propose a ‘player plus cash’ deal for his services, which would seemingly bring his overall cost down.

It is unclear which Lilywhites players would be offered up in this scenario, but Spurs’ serious interest is worrying Palace, who are trying to tie Eze down with a new contract.

Postecoglou is already well aware of the attacking midfielder’s quality, with Eze scoring both goals in a 2-0 Palace win away to Tottenham towards the end of 2024/2025 and giving them nightmares throughout that game.

Alongside Spurs, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Bayern Munich are named as contenders for the ex-QPR star, so he isn’t exactly short of suitors. Privately, though, Eze is reluctant to force a move, given how content he’s been at Selhurst Park.

A £50 million-rated Crystal Palace star has now told club chiefs that he is ready to leave this summer amid interest from Manchester United and others, according to a recent report.

Crystal Palace chasing midfield reinforcements

Whether Palace win the FA Cup and therefore secure Europa League football or not, it looks as though the South Londoners are going to be very busy in the summer transfer window.

New target: Crystal Palace interested in signing "fantastic" £9m "monster"

The Eagles have set their sights on a midfielder, who is set to be available for a bargain fee this summer.

ByDominic Lund May 1, 2025

A couple of weeks ago, Palace announced that midfielder Will Hughes agreed a new contract until 2027, but it is still clear Oliver Glasner and co. have their eyes on adding to their options in the middle of the park. Highly-rated Sunderland pair Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham have been linked with moves to Selhurst Park, but they are not the only options under consideration.

Palace are now interested in signing Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City, as the midfielder can leave the Foxes for just £9 million, given that he has a relegation clause.

However, they are not alone in the race, as Everton and Fulham from the Premier League are also interested in a deal. Palace are also in the running to sign midfielder Rayan Cherki from French side Lyon. However, the Premier League side are considered ‘dark horses’ in the race, given that there are many other teams from England also looking to snap up the exciting attacker.

£50m Crystal Palace star tells chiefs he wants out

Signing players like Ndidi and Cherki may become a top priority for the Eagles, given the fact they could be about to lose a key player. According to TBR Football, Eberechi Eze has told Crystal Palace he wants to leave the club this summer amid interest from Premier League teams.

TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey has now reported that Eze feels it is the right time for him to leave Palace. This news comes amid significant interest from teams in the Premier League – Manchester United are hopeful of signing Eze, while Spurs consider signing Eze as a replacement for Son Heung-min and Liverpool are considered the frontrunners to secure a deal.

Bailey said on Eze’s situation: “Much will depend on Palace’s demands around his release clause; very few are needed to be paid in one lump sum, and I don’t believe that Palace will do that to Eze either. Tottenham love the player; we know that – but they are not alone – Manchester City like him a lot. I am told that Pep Guardiola is an admirer.

“City are looking at bolstering their attacking midfield ranks, but Florian Wirtz is ahead of him in that regard, and I believe so are Lucas Paqueta, Charles De Ketelaere and Francisco Trincão, but I would not dismiss it totally. Newcastle and Aston Villa also admire him, and if he does go – it will be a team playing in Europe.

Apps

142

Goals

30

Assists

23

“Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all fully aware of him and are fans of his talents, but I don’t believe he is a priority for them as it stands. Eze, for his part, feels the time is right to move and has expressed this to Palace.”

Eze, who has been dubbed “frightening” by teammate Joel Ward, would cost teams a minimum of £50 million this summer.

After watching on as Andre Onana endured another evening to forget against Lyon in midweek, Manchester United have reportedly sent scouts on a fresh mission in pursuit of replacing their goalkeeper.

Onana makes one mistake too many

Whilst the former Inter man was full of confidence in the build-up, exchanging a war of words with Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic, that confidence was not enough for the goalkeeper to avoid a nightmare evening.

First flailing at Thiago Almada’s wide free-kick to concede the opening goal, Onana then spilt an effort straight into the path of Rayan Cherki for Lyon’s late equaliser – proving Matic right in the process.

The former Old Trafford midfielder ruthlessly responded to Onana’s verdict that Manchester United are a better side than Lyon – telling reporters: “You know, I respect everyone but to say that then you need to give the answer.

He's better than Delap: Man Utd in talks to sign "sensational" PL star

Manchester United could forget about Liam Delap, with another striker firmly on their radar.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 12, 2025

“If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history, you need to take care what you’re talking about. If it was [Edwin] Van der Sar, [Peter] Schmeichel or [David] de Gea saying that, then I would question myself. But you need to have cover to say something like that.”

The numbers don’t exactly help the Red Devils shot-stopper in pursuit of shutting that criticism down, with the two Lyon mistakes the latest in a growing list of errors at Manchester United.

With rumours now emerging that the Red Devils are ready to part ways with Onana following just two seasons, those at Old Trafford have seemingly turned their attention towards Serie A.

Man Utd step up chase to sign Zion Suzuki

According to talkSPORT, INEOS have now sent Man Utd scouts on a fresh mission in pursuit of Zion Suzuki. The Parma shot-stopper has impressed once again this season and is now reportedly valued at as much as £40m ahead of the summer transfer window.

Whether United are willing to pay such a price remains to be seen, and it must be said that the numbers suggest that Suzuki is one for the future rather than next season.

Starts

29

31

Clean sheets

4

9

Save percentage

66.9%

69.8%

Saves per 90

2.68

2.74

Whilst the Japan international is a rising star at just 22 years old, what he is not is a player ready to become Manchester United’s Premier League No.1. There will perhaps become a time when he is, but the Red Devils must first target one of the world’s best to replace Onana this summer.

Dubbed “exciting” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the last thing that Suzuki needs at this stage of his career is to take hold of the poisoned chalice of Manchester United’s No.1 shirt. With plenty to think about, Manchester United must get it right this summer.

The major takeaways for India from their T20I series against South Africa in Chennai

Srinidhi Ramanujam10-Jul-2024The shared T20I series at home against South Africa, on the back of the victory in Bangladesh, has given India several positives to think about ahead of two major upcoming tournaments – the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka later in July and the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh this October. Here are the major takeaways from India’s most recent performance:

India’s batting puzzle

Jemimah Rodrigues used to be India’s No.3 in T20Is until her recent back injury gave others an opportunity.Returning to India’s T20I squad after two years, D Hemalatha was promoted to No. 3 in the T20Is in Bangladesh following a successful WPL season. She scored 109 runs in four matches at an impressive strike rate of 141.55. She made only 14 off 17 balls in the first T20I against South Africa, though, and was left out of the next two games because Richa Ghosh was out with concussion and India needed S Sajana’s power-hitting in the middle order. Sajana, however, did get a chance to bat in the series.After the third T20I, India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana said playing Hemalatha at No. 3 was a “calculated move”, which means Rodrigues could remain at No. 5, the position she batted at in the first T20I against South Africa. Rodrigues displayed great adaptability down the order, scoring an unbeaten 53 off 30 balls.In this scenario, Sajana is likely to be the back-up – either as No. 3 or as finisher. Similar to Hemalatha, she has a strong bottom-hand game and can attack spin to score quickly. Both of them also offer the team an over or two of offspin.All this leaves Yastika Bhatia in limbo. She was the No. 3 in the first T20I in Bangladesh, and scored 36 off 29 balls, before a niggle ruled her out of the rest of the series, giving Hemalatha her opportunity. The seriousness of Bhatia’s injury is unknown but if she recovers in time for the T20 World Cup, she might be picked as a back-up keeper to Ghosh and not necessarily be in the starting XI.In such a scenario, Mandhana may be the only left-hand batter in the top six.Shreyanka Patil is one of two candidates for the third spinner’s spot•BCCI

Third spinner – Asha or Shreyanka?

Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav’s recent rise means she and offspinner Deepti Sharma are India’s first two choices in the spin department. She played all eight T20Is since her return in Bangladesh, taking 16 wickets with an economy of 5.86 per over. Her 3 for 6 helped India level the T20I series against South Africa in Chennai.Radha’s performance has left legspinner Asha Sobhana and offspinner Shreyanka Patil competing for the third spinner’s spot. Patil played five out of eight games in the last two series and Asha three. In the T20Is against South Africa, Patil took 1 for 19 and 1 for 37 in her two appearances, while Asha had figures of 0 for 39 in her only game. India could pick just one of them for the two major tournaments, based on whether they want Patil’s batting depth or a wristspinner depending on the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses.

Reddy’s successful return

Allrounder Arundhati Reddy made a promising return to T20Is and is shaping up as a reliable third-seamer option after Pooja Vastrakar and Renuka Singh. Coming back stronger and calmer after three years, Reddy was expensive in the washed-out second T20I against South Africa when Renuka was rested. However, she rectified her line and length to bounce back with 1 for 14 in three overs to help India level the series. Her excellent fielding makes her a compelling all-round package.

India’s fielding in the spotlight

“Fielding and fitness are the cornerstone.” Amol Muzumdar has emphasized the importance of these two aspects since taking over as India’s head coach last October. They started poorly against South Africa, dropping four catches in the first T20I. However, they improved in the next two games, taking 11 catches and dropping two. As they gear up for two global events in the next couple of months, this is one discipline to watch out for.

London Spirit’s bowling coach on pushing for the knockouts, future ambitions and doing it for Warne

Matt Roller29-Aug-2022How would you evaluate your bowlers’ performance this season?
We’ve got some good ones, haven’t we? They’ve performed really well. They do their own scouting and we come up with plans for each batter, but at the end of the day, we try and keep it simple: we bowl our best balls for as long as we can, and that has been working. We can still get a lot better at the death – I don’t think our death bowling has been great – but we’ve performed consistently up front.Related

• From risk consulting to a Lord's debut: Peter Hatzoglou takes Warne's advice into Hundred chance

• Sam Curran, Will Jacks keep Oval Invincibles' qualification hopes alive

• The Hundred play-off scenarios: Five men's teams in contention, Brave and Invincibles eye women's final

There is a Hampshire flavour to your squad – and your bowling attack in particular. Is it fair to attribute that to the fact you’ve been involved?
I think it’s a little bit of a coincidence. Being a Hampshire person, I probably know those bowlers a bit better than other guys around the country. That’s helped with securing them. We brought Chris Wood back and had retained Brad Wheal and Mason Crane. We targeted Liam Dawson in the draft as well because we know how well he’s been bowling at all stages of the game. Those guys won the Vitality Blast this year as well, so they came in with a lot of confidence.Nathan Ellis was part of their Blast-winning team as well. He’s only taken five wickets but has been the tightest regular death bowler in the competition.
He’s had a little taste now of international cricket and you can see that in the way that he prepares. He’s a tough trainer: he works really hard and is always looking to get better. He’s got a really good white-ball skillset. He nails his yorkers as good as anyone, and he’s got a really gun slower ball.Dimitri Mascarenhas has held coaching roles with Melbourne Renegades, New Zealand and Essex•Getty ImagesWhat have you made of Jordan Thompson? He’s the joint-highest wicket-taker in the competition.
I’ve been very impressed. I hadn’t seen a lot of him, other than in the Big Bash last year where he had a pretty tough time of it. It’s good to see him getting some rewards. He’s worked really hard on his death bowling where it’s always tough, so hopefully he can play a big part in the final stages.What has your role been as bowling coach?
I do a fair bit of scouting myself, look at all the footage and come up with ideas. But at the end of the day, it’s up to them; I’m just a sounding board. If they need anything, I’m there to offer any help I can. Sometimes they take that information, sometimes they don’t, but what can you do? They’re the ones out there, and they’ve been brilliant. My philosophy is to keep it as simple as possible.Do you have any other coaching roles lined up?
I’ve had a taste of international cricket with New Zealand but I’d love to do a bit more franchise stuff over the next little while. It was good to play in the IPL during my career and it’d be nice to get back there at some stage. That’d be awesome. I was at Melbourne Renegades for three years and have had stints over here with Middlesex and Essex, which I loved, but I’m not doing much else at the minute.How have you enjoyed working with Eoin Morgan, your captain? Has he changed much since his international retirement?
You don’t see a noticeable difference but it’s been nice to see him go out there and get some runs. All the lads are loving his captaincy style, especially the bowlers. He gives them a lot of rope to do what they want to do. You know how Morgs likes to work: very relaxed, go about your business and play some positive, aggressive cricket, and have some fun.Mascarenhas poses with Shane Warne•AFP/Getty ImagesYou were close friends with Shane Warne, who coached Spirit last season but passed away earlier this year. Can you tell us about your relationship with him?
I’d known him for 20-odd years and we became really close, pretty much from the start. We had a lot of common interests: golf, poker… I spent a lot of time with his family as well, so I’m really close to all his kids. They’ve all been over here at some stage over the last three weeks. Warnie was an absolute legend. Everyone misses him dearly.Has he been discussed much throughout the Hundred?
Not a lot, to be honest. Darren Berry, who was very close with Warnie as well, is over here from Victoria [working as an assistant coach] and we mentioned it at the start. He played a huge part in setting up this team and the lads know that. He’s still here with us.How would it feel to go on and win the tournament for him?
We’ve got to try and make the finals first. His eldest daughter, Brooke, will be here tomorrow night. It’ll be nice to have her in the stands watching for what is a crunch, knockout game for us: we could finish top if we win; if we lose, we could be out. Warnie was desperate to come back and make amends for last year but I think we’ve done him proud so far: one more big game to go.