Ousmane Dembele has been paid a special tribute by adidas in the wake of his Ballon d’Or triumph, with a nod being offered to the Paris Saint-Germain star’s Steph Curry-inspired goal celebration. The France international, who is clearly a big fan of NBA icons, has been named the best player on the planet in 2025 – allowing a place in the history books to be secured.
Dembele joins exclusive trophy club
Dembele now forms part of an exclusive group of players that have won the Golden Ball, Champions League and World Cup. He claimed a global crown with France in 2018, before helping PSG to land the most prestigious prize in European football last season.
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Dembele named best player on the planet
The 28-year-old hit 35 goals in 2024-25, as PSG picked up three trophies, and said exploits have allowed him to fend off competition from Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal in the Ballon d’Or stakes.
Messi also forms part of adidas talent stable
His success has been acknowledged by adidas, who boast eight-time Golden Ball winner Lionel Messi in their endorsement stable. They have paid tribute to the “Man of the Year” in football circles.
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Celebration borrowed from NBA icon Curry
Dembele is pictured striking his favourite goal celebration pose, which has been borrowed from basketball superstar Curry – with the Golden States Warriors icon taking to hitting ‘sleep’ mode after scoring crucial points and winning major honours.
Looking to spend big once again this summer, Manchester United are now reportedly preparing a “formal bid” to sign an attacking reinforcement who’s just as quick as Erling Haaland.
Amorim: Man United look like "different team" in pre-season
It’s been a summer full of positives so far for Manchester United, who have welcomed both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to Ruben Amorim’s side. Off the pitch, the Red Devils have spent well and have the potential to spend more. On the pitch, meanwhile, things are beginning to come together under Amorim.
His side particularly impressed in their most recent pre-season outing when they defeated Bournemouth 4-1 in the Premier League Summer Series. Goals from Rasmus Hojlund, Patrick Dorgu, Amad Diallo and Ethan Williams sealed an impressive victory just two weeks out from the start of the campaign.
Amorim lauded his side for how different they’ve looked in pre-season, telling reporters: “Of course, scoring first in the beginning of the games can change the confidence of the team. We changed some positions, and you feel that they know what to do in different positions.
“It was a good test. We controlled quite well the runs of Evanilson and Semenyo one against one. Luke Shaw was also really strong. So it was a good day.
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“It was just a pre-season game but the feeling with the same players, even being a pre-season game, if you look at the same players now playing, it looks like a different team and that is a good sign.”
Things could be about to get even better for the United boss too, with reports suggesting that those at Old Trafford are now readying a formal bid to land their answer to Haaland.
Man Utd readying "formal bid" for Sesko
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are now readying a “formal bid” to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. Looking to welcome the forward, who reportedly favours a move to Old Trafford rather than Newcastle United, the Red Devils have been told to pay as much as €75m (£65m) for his signature in their biggest deal of the summer.
Whether Manchester United match Leipzig’s hefty price tag with their opening offer is now the big question. Of course, it’s clear to see why the German club are keen to make a hefty profit on their star striker.
Dubbed “special” by former Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell, Sesko scored 21 goals in all competitions last season and clocked a top speed of 36 km/h to match Haaland’s explosive record.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann
The last powerful speed demon took to the Premier League with ease and now Manchester United will be hoping to welcome Sesko before watching him enjoy the same fortunes as the world-class Haaland.
Manchester United are honing in on targets to strengthen under Ruben Amorim and could now turn to a star with top-flight pedigree to put pressure on Andre Onana between the sticks, per a report.
Manchester United narrow down hunt for new additions
Without a doubt, news that Manchester United have narrowed down their striker shortlist to Benjamin Sesko or Ollie Watkins has sparked mass debate among supporters over who would be the best fit for their forward line.
Speaking on the Devils’ Advocate podcast, Gaz Drinkwater believes Sesko would need to prove himself at Old Trafford, albeit he also noted he is a better alternative than Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee to fill the attacking void.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann
He stated: “He is absolutely better than what we have got, but whether he can transfer what he has done before into the Premier League is a totally different question.
“He is young as well – maybe we need a bit more experience up front. I’m not talking about someone like Jamie Vardy, but someone with a bit more experience I would like.”
Intriguingly, Manchester United had been known admirers of Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani. However, it now appears he won’t be headed for Old Trafford after successful loan spell at Juventus.
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Either way, addressing the need for a striker isn’t the only priority Amorim has to consider, especially when factoring in Andre Onana’s precarious position at the club.
Competition for places is key if Manchester United are to have a revival season after a dismal showing last term, and they may now have identified a candidate to push the Cameroon international for a starting slot.
Manchester United plotting surprise Nick Pope move
According to talkSPORT, Manchester United could turn to Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope in the event Aaron Ramsdale moves from Southampton to St James’ Park this window.
The latter is reportedly close to swapping the South Coast for the North East, leaving Pope ‘vulnerable’ as he enters the last year of his deal under Eddie Howe.
Nick Pope’s Premier League statistics – 2024/25 (FBRef)
Save percentage
71.7%
Matches played
28
Goals against
35
Post-shot expected goals against
34.8
Earning £60,000 per week at Newcastle, the 33-year-old is said to fit the ‘profile’ needed to offer a genuine challenge to Onana. Leeds United were also keen on the England international before they opted to sign Lucas Perri from Ligue 1 outfit Lyon.
Dubbed a “top-class goalkeeper” by Howe, Pope kept nine clean sheets in 32 appearances across all competitions last term, though he has caught fire for his distribution from a section of Magpies’ supporters.
Nevertheless, the former Burnley man is likely an affordable addition for Manchester United and still has plenty to offer in the Premier League should Amorim opt to roll the dice.
What was looking like a rather dull summer for Arsenal fans just a week or so ago has since burst into life.
Kepa Arrizabalaga might be the only signing to have been officially announced as things stand, but that doesn’t look likely to remain the case.
The paperwork for Brentford star Christian Norgaard has reportedly been signed, and Martin Zubimendi is expected to be unveiled before the end of the week.
On top of that, Mikel Arteta looks to finally be getting some attacking stars in, with Eberechi Eze looking like a likely addition, and now reports linking the club to someone who’d be the perfect teammate for him.
Arsenal target dream Eze teammate
While the start of the window was dominated by stories linking Arsenal to one of Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres, Eze has now taken centre stage.
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Stories touting him for a move to the Emirates started to gain traction midway through last week, but then really gained momentum in recent days, with some claiming that Arteta had been involved in positive talks with him over the weekend.
Then, in yet more good news, some of the most recent reports have stated that the Englishman is now “desperate” to join the Gunners.
That desire to move to N5 might only increase now that the North Londoners have also been linked with someone who’d be the perfect teammate for him: Ollie Watkins.
That is according to insider Team news and ticks, who, on the latest episode of The Inside Foreward podcast, revealed that Arsenal have once again made contact with the Aston Villa player.
They claim that even though the Englishman is not currently the club’s priority striker signing, he is high up on the list, and that, as a boyhood fan, he would personally “love to play” for them.
In terms of the money involved, other stories from this summer indicate that a fee of around £40m could be enough to tempt the Claret and Blue into selling.
At that price, this potential transfer feels like a no-brainer, especially as he’d be an incredible teammate for Eze.
Why Watkins would be perfect for Eze
Unsurprisingly, the first and without a doubt the most significant reason Eze would love playing alongside Watkins at Arsenal, or anywhere for that matter, is his output.
For example, since the start of the 23/24 season, the often unplayable “nightmare,” as dubbed by Conor Coady, has scored a staggering 44 goals and provided 29 assists in 107 appearances in all competitions, totalling 7901 minutes.
In other words, the former Exeter City gem has averaged a goal involvement every 1.46 games, or one every 108.23 minutes, which really has to be considered world-class.
Appearances
53
54
Minutes
4323′
3578′
Goals
27
17
Assists
15
14
Goal Involvements per Match
0.79
0.57
Minutes per Goal Involvement
102.92′
115.41′
Now, just imagine how much better Eze’s already impressive numbers of 25 goal involvements in 43 games last season would be next year if he were playing just behind a striker as effective as the Villa ace.
Moreover, another reason the Palace star could love playing alongside the 29-year-old is that they are both now England internationals.
Therefore, they could have the chance to further develop their partnership at both the domestic and international levels, which in turn could help them secure more game time under Thomas Tuchel.
Ultimately, the best players in world football want to play alongside the best, and based on his performances for Villa in recent years, we expect Eze would be thrilled to start alongside Watkins at Arsenal.
Therefore, Andrea Berta and Co should be doing all they can to sign both of them this summer.
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The issue is not money, but that youngsters want to play on the big stage, Russell argues
ESPNcricinfo staff13-Aug-2024It’s not the money. According to Andre Russell, premier West Indian cricketers are “just not interested in playing Tests.”The issue has been simmering forever, with cricketers popular with T20 leagues around the world – like Russell – often staying away from West Indies cricket, particularly the longest format. Sometimes, they have been called mercenaries. Most recently, in December 2023, Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran and Kyle Mayers turned down West Indies central contracts, but made themselves available for T20Is. Holder, though, has since played Tests.Even though observers say that is due to the lack of money in West Indian cricket, Russell disagrees. “I don’t think it’s the money, I don’t think money is the issue,” he told recently. “Based on the amount of T20 and leagues around the world, I think a lot of players are just not interested in playing Tests.”Russell’s remarks came after West Indies – placed bottom of the nine-team World Test Championship table at the moment – were swept 3-0 in England. They have since drawn the first Test in Port of Spain against South Africa, a Test they were behind in for the most part but, following rain and an attacking South Africa declaration, got to a competitive position when time ran out.Related
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Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Pooran, Rovman Powell and Kieron Pollard were among the West Indians playing in The Hundred when the last Test against England was being played in late July. Among the highest-paid players in the league, they are still playing The Hundred while the Test series against South Africa is on. Pollard, Powell and Pooran have never played Test cricket. Russell played one, in 2010. Hetmyer has played 16, the last of them in 2019.
“Red-ball cricket is not my cookie, I don’t think my body will keep up with Test cricket”Andre Russell
“I’m always excited watching the other West Indian batters, especially when they’re hitting boundary after boundary,” Russell said. “As long as you can do well from contracts outside your nation I think they are going to grab that opportunity but everyone wants to play on the big stage.”So, if the big stage comes in Test cricket, I know youngsters will be happy to play. I just don’t think it’s about money or anything like that.”Russell, now 36, has managed to stay at the top of his game in short-format cricket despite a succession of injuries over the years, especially in the legs. A knee injury forced him out of the 2019 ODI World Cup after a few games. Test cricket, he said, was not on the table for him.”Red-ball cricket is not my cookie, I don’t think my body will keep up with Test cricket,” he said. “But those in the team at the moment are fit enough and taking on the challenge. They had a few moments in the Test series [against England] where they could have turned things around. Playing England at home is always going to be hard for the West Indies.”
Celtic are beginning to probe in the summer window and could turn to someone who is a familiar face in the eyes of Brendan Rodgers as they strengthen from middle to front, according to a report.
Celtic return for Kieran Tierney kickstarts summer business
The Bhoys have already recruited Kieran Tierney as a statement addition this month and more signings are expected to follow as building for next campaign enters full view.
Speaking after confirmation that the Scotland international is back in Glasgow, Scott Brown believes Tierney could become the next Celtic captain if he manages to hit the ground running during his second spell.
kieran-tierney-celtic
He explained: “It’s probably the best move Celtic’s made. Looking at Kieran, Brendan Rodgers got the best out of him before, he knows what he’s like.
“I’m sure he probably tried to sign him when he was down at Leicester as well. You can see longer term, Kieran will probably be next Celtic captain.”
Ending a long wait for what will become an emotional reunion, Rodgers could look to bring Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller to Celtic as links continue to persist following the 18-year-old’s sparkling debut for Scotland against Liechtenstein.
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Fulham striker Callum Osmand will also arrive at the Bhoys for training compensation, emphasising the Bhoys’ commitment to landing value for money in the market.
Free or nominal transfers may not be the most glamorous mode of operation, but there are plenty of exciting stars out there who don’t cost the earth in the grand scheme of things.
Leaning into that theme a little further, Celtic have now turned their attenton to a versatile star who is known to Rodgers that could strengthen their pool of options.
Celtic plotting move for Fousseni Diabaté
According to Africa Foot, Celtic are tracking Lausanne Sport star Fousseni Diabaté amid his availability on a free transfer once his contract expires at the Swiss Super League outfit.
Intriguingly, the Mali international was previously at Leicester City and was labelled a “talent” by Hoops boss Rodgers despite being out on loan while the Irishman was in charge at the King Power Stadium.
Fousseni Diabate in 2024/25 – all competitions
Appearances
40
Goals
8
Assists
9
Capable of playing on either flank or as an attacking midfielder, newly-promoted Ligue 1 outfit Paris FC have emerged as another serious contender for his signature, though they will be joined by several other European clubs in the hunt for his services.
Lausanne have offered a two-year extension to Diabate in an attempt to retain his services. Nevertheless, he isn’t keen on penning a new deal, which could pave the way for a bargain swoop from the Bhoys to land the 29-year-old.
One or two wingers will be necessary after Jota was ruled out for several months due to injury, so it is intriguing to see that Celtic are doing their due diligence on that front.
An “incredible” £60m player wants to join Manchester United ahead of rival suitors Arsenal this summer, with talks over a deal now set to be opened, according to reporter David Ornstein.
Man Utd eyeing new forward despite Cunha and Bruno boosts
Man United endured a torrid 2024-25 campaign, finishing 15th in the Premier League, but Bruno Fernandes was one of their shining lights, regularly providing goals and assists in all competitions.
Bruno Fernandes 24/25
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Premier League
36
8
11
Europa League
17
7
4
EFL Cup
3
2
1
FA Cup
3
2
2
Despite Fernandes’ impressive performances throughout the season, there have been some suggestions that United should cash-in on the attacking midfielder this summer, with Paul Scholes saying: “They are talking about £100m for him, Man United cannot say no to that. I know he has been brilliant and carried the team on his back, but where does he actually play, what is his position?”
However, it now appears as though the Portugal international could be staying put, with Fabrizio Romano taking to X to provide a new update on his future.
Fernandes may be set to remain at Old Trafford, but the Red Devils still remain keen on bringing in additional attacking firepower this summer, winning the race to sign Brazil forward Matheus Cunha despite interest from Arsenal, who of course have the bonus of being able to offer Champions League football.
Cunha stats
And Ornstein has now revealed they’re not finished there, as Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo “wants to join Man Utd” this summer. Mbeumo has also attracted interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, but he would prefer to join United if a deal can be agreed, with talks now set to be opened.
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Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been left impressed by the forward in recent times, lauding him as “incredible”, and it is clear to see why, with the Cameroonian reaching the 20-goal mark in the Premier League, while also providing eight assists.
In the past, United have perhaps made the mistake of taking risks on players unproven in England, with Rasmus Hojlund failing to deliver after arriving from Atalanta, so it makes sense to pursue a new forward with a track record of success in the Premier League.
A deal for the France-born forward will not be cheap, with reports from elsewhere revealing Brentford could look to hold out for £60m, but his recent exploits for Brentford indicate he could be a fantastic addition to a Man United squad in desperate need of a reliable goalscorer.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee netted just 17 goals between them in all competitions last season, a figure Mbeumo eclipsed by himself, despite not playing in Europe.
Nottingham Forest have endured a season that the supporters will remember for a lifetime, still having the opportunity to secure Champions League football with four games left of the season.
The Reds have gone from relegation strugglers to European hopefuls in just one campaign under Nuno Espírito Santo’s guidance, which has undoubtedly been one of the stories of the year.
Their low-block and counter-attacking style has taken countless Premier League sides by storm, allowing them to produce the performances and results that have catapulted them to huge success.
Nottingham Forest managerNunoEspirito Santo is seen before the match
No one could’ve predicted the rise endured by the club in the last few months, with many pundits across the United Kingdom predicting Nuno’s men to get relegated before a ball was kicked.
Numerous players have stepped up to the plate in the last few months, aiding their unlikely ambitions of securing a place in the Champions League and looking to be worth every penny of the fee paid for their signature.
Sangare & Anderson’s stats for Forest in 2024/25
Ibrahim Sangare joined Forest in a £30m deal from Dutch side PSV, looking to nail down his place at the heart of the midfield, but nearly two years on, it’s safe to say things haven’t gone as planned.
The Ivorian has massively struggled with injuries, making just 30 appearances in his two seasons, 12 of which have come this term after missing six months with a hamstring issue.
The same can’t be said for £35m signing Elliot Anderson, who’s been a crucial player to Nuno this campaign, featuring in all but one Premier League outing to date.
He’s managed to notch eight combined goals and assists during his first season at the City Ground, leading to admiration from Liverpool – highlighting his development in the East Midlands.
At just 22, Anderson has bags of time to improve further throughout his career, potentially having a huge role to play in any European tour endured throughout 2025/26.
Despite the aforementioned pair being the two most expensive additions in their history, one other first-team member is now worth more than the duo, showcasing his own rise under Nuno at the City Ground.
The Forest star who’s now worth more than Sangare & Anderson
The next couple of weeks are vital to Forest, with the financial benefits of securing Champions League football massively boosting their ambitions of recruiting top-level talent.
Such a qualification would also boost their current PSR standing, pulling them further away from any form of breach, which would result in yet another points deduction.
However, any chances of finishing within the top five could rely on winger Anthony Elanga, with the Swedish star producing countless moments of magic in recent times to help the side reach their current standing.
The 23-year-old joined the club from Manchester United for just £15m back in the summer of 2023, looking to be an absolute bargain given the levels produced since his transfer.
He managed to achieve a total of five goals and nine assists in all competitions during his debut season on Trentside, before notching six goals and ten assists in the current campaign – leading to journalist Simon Stone labelling him as “superb”.
Arguably, his most iconic effort of the year was his 85-yard run and goal against his former employers, helping Nuno’s side secure a 1-0 victory in the East Midlands back in April.
He’s only played a maximum of 45 minutes in four of the Reds’ last five outings in all competitions, with the four losses during that time appearing to be no coincidence.
Games played
34
Goals & assists
15
Pass accuracy
77.4%
Chances created
1.8
Dribbles completed
0.96
Fouls won
1.47
Recoveries made
3.44
Crosses completed
1.34
As a result of his impressive showings since his transfer, Elanga is now valued at £30m by Transfermarkt, doubling the fee they paid for his signature in 2023, highlighting his rise since joining the club.
Such a figure is higher than those of Sangare and Anderson, who are now both valued at £23m and £25.5m respectively – with the latter being extremely harsh given his impressive season in 2024/25.
His tally of 30 combined goals and assists for Forest showcases how threatening he’s been in the final third, having the ability to play a key role in their potential Champions League campaign next year.
However, if they are to finish the job in the next couple of weeks, Elanga must start each one of the remaining fixtures, with his inclusion massively increasing the club’s chances of ending their fairytale season on a high.
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Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is walking a tightrope at Spurs right now, following what could end up being the club’s worst ever Premier League season, with the 59-year-old heavily relying on their Europa League campaign to sway critics who want him gone.
Ange Postecoglou's future in "serious doubt" at Tottenham
The former Celtic boss started his tenure in excellent fashion, making the best-ever start by a new manager in Premier League history at the beginning of last season, but fortunes have dramatically changed for Postecoglou since then.
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A combination of injuries to key players and poor performances overall have left Spurs 14th in the table with 16 league defeats, which is unacceptable for a big six side, and this has resulted in calls for Postecoglou to be shown his P45.
The tactician has also done himself no favours thanks to some confrontations with supporters this term, most recently when he was pictured cupping his ear to Spurs supporters over Pape Sarr’s disallowed goal during their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea last week, which he later claimed was actually just a normal celebration.
Wolves (away)
April 13th
Nottingham Forest (home)
April 21st
Liverpool (away)
April 27th
West Ham (away)
May 3rd
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
Postecoglou also came to blows with a fan at Craven Cottage before that, following Tottenham’s 2-0 loss to Fulham, which could be a result of the immense pressure on his shoulders amid a very disappointing campaign.
“The pressure has been building up on him for sure,” said former Brentford manager Martin Allen on the incident to Tottenham News.
“His reaction to someone shouting at him from the stands will be disappointing to himself. I’m also disappointed in his staff for not taking him into the dressing room and away from the public’s opinion. His staff should have got him out of there so he wasn’t in that situation.”
Reliable media sources claim that Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham is in “serious doubt”, while Fabrizio Romano believes it is Europa League or bust to save his job, as the Lilywhites prepare for an all-important quarter-final clash with Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday.
Ange Postecoglou tenure "irreparable" with Tottenham in manager talks
However, former Premier League CEO Keith Wyness is under the impression that Postecoglou’s tenure at Tottenham is “irreparable” – explaining to Football Insider that the club will “already” be in new manager talks.
“Postecoglou seems to have lost the plot. Lovable old Aussie Ange has become Grumpy Ange,” said Wyness.
“The relationship has broken down with the fans and it now seems irreparable. He knows it, everyone knows that Spurs will be moving for a new manager. I’m sure there are talks already going on behind the scenes.
“We’ve discussed previously about [Andoni] Iraola or [Marco] Silva at Bournemouth or Fulham. Both of those sides still have something to play for, so there won’t be any moves immediately.
“That move will give the club a chance to catch their breath and mend the relationship with the fans.”
According to reports, Bournemouth’s Iraola is Tottenham’s top target to replace Postecoglou if they go in that direction, while Fulham’s Silva is also believed to be on Spurs’ managerial shortlist.
Both tacticians have performed impressively, but following Antonio Conte, Nuno Espírito Santo and José Mourinho’s failed tenures at Spurs before Postecoglou’s arrival, something may also have to change nearer boardroom level for the club to end their long wait for silverware.
All the best-laid plans of England’s campaign couldn’t prepare them for a day in the blender
Vithushan Ehantharajah25-Feb-20242:08
Did Kuldeep’s slower pace help him be more dangerous?
This was the sort of day that teams visiting India dread. The kind they warn you about before you even set foot in the country.It’s the kind England have experienced plenty times before, including many of these players under a previous regime back in 2021. When a game you seemed to be getting along with just fine suddenly turns around and punches you in the face and robs you of your possessions.It’s nothing personal – this is just how Test cricket in India goes sometimes. And this England side experienced that for the first time on this tour, at the worst possible time.On paper at least, they seemed well equipped to deal with it. You cannot necessarily ride out the storm of turn, variable bounce and relentless accuracy that surges towards you on such days. But if you have established a firm footing and are as proactive as reasonably possible – which this team are – you can ensure you come out the other side of the maelstrom relatively intact. Arriving on day three with a 134-run lead and just three Indian first-innings wickets left to take on a rapidly devolving pitch – the perfect surface for this kind of chaos – they seemed well insulated.By Sunday evening, that paper was lost beneath the debris. India have already chipped 40 runs off their 192 target, and now have the fourth Test and the series within their grasp. After a moment behind closed doors to consider the trauma that had just unfolded, England’s default optimism prevailed. The talk is that Monday has the potential to be another memorable day in this group’s short history. Belief, right now, is a must.England’s faces told a different story, however, as they were rag-dolled in their second innings for 145. Shoaib Bashir’s maiden five-wicket haul in professional cricket gave them a nice walk back into the dressing room earlier. Sure, Dhruv Jurel had almost single-handedly cut their lead down to 46, but that was still a decent buffer in these conditions.The capitulation within 53.5 overs across the second session and most of the third shifted the mood, and sucked out what had been a well-earned air of contentment as far as where this match was headed 24 hours previously. The away balcony was a sea of furrowed brows, fixed stares, and kissed teeth, particularly from those who had just returned to the pavilion from the eye of the storm.Dhruv Jurel’s catch to dismiss James Anderson wrapped up England’s innings•BCCIBen Duckett and Ollie Pope were taken out in successive balls – the latter, who flayed 196 on a similar surface in Hyderabad, nursing a pair across just three deliveries in the match. Joe Root, having finished a masterful 122 not out the previous morning, was done and dusted for 11.Zak Crawley, after a majestic 60, completely missed one from Kuldeep Yadav that turned through a vast gap between bat and pad. Ben Stokes, the talismanic leader of all this, was essentially LBW and bowled at the same time. Jonny Bairstow, chest out and up for a scrap, tamely lobbed the first ball after tea to short cover with what might rank as the worst shot of the tour. Just like that, a top six who have spent close to two months bracing themselves to fight against the tide in this manner found its magnitude too great to withstand.Related
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Joe Root: 'It means the most when you really have to work for it'
Spinners put England in sight of huge lead
The period that summed up the futility of England’s endeavour came in an 11-over stunting of the flow of this match. Ben Foakes and Bashir, like protagonists in a post-apocalyptic novel, were thrust together by circumstance. Tom Hartley and Ollie Robinson had gone in the space of four deliveries to close out the 41st over.England were eight down, the score (133) and lead (179) as it had been for the previous 22 balls. They had been brought to a standstill, their world itself, ironically, no longer spinning.Foakes and Bashir, by their very nature, are survivors. Their routes into the team and sport, respectively, are evidence of that. As they travailed through the barren wasteland of this innings, Foakes foraged for a single an over, while Bashir’s task was to keep out, at most, two out of every six deliveries.They were neither any closer to a safe place that did not exist, nor escaping the inevitable. And it was typical of this sub-genre that Foakes, the protector, fell first. Three balls later, England were all out.It is important to remember this was not simply a naturally occurring phenomenon. For the first time on this tour, England felt the full force of India’s spinners and their ability make it feel like you’re batting in a blender rather than on solid ground.Zak Crawley’s fifty kept England ticking but his dismissal opened the floodgates•Getty ImagesGo forward, go back, block, sweep, reverse-sweep, paddle or charge all you want. You’re still getting cut up into a thousand pieces. R Ashwin and Kuldeep, five and four wickets each once it was all said and done, were the ones spinning the blades.Ashwin, utilising what looks to be a more comfortable version of his action, finally posted his first masterclass of the series. The lesser-spotted carrom ball squared up Pope, and was used again to end Foakes’ 80-minute vigil on 17 when a leading edge led to a return catch. Prising out Root LBW from around the wicket, whatever the furore it elicited from DRS sceptics, was high class.Kuldeep, meanwhile, is bowling as well as he ever has done. Initially underused on a pitch both India and England thought would favour finger-spin, his left-arm wrist-spin from a shorter, flatter trajectory threatened all challengers. He seemed to be into the crease quicker, allowing greater purchase off the deck, which, combined with prodigious turn, did for Crawley when it looked like the opener was going to achieve his one-man mission of giving India a target beyond their reach. It ended Crawley’s productive stand of 45 with Bairstow and opened the floodgates.England can rue the moments they let slip. They were perhaps guilty of being too passive in the morning session, and if Robinson had caught Jurel on 59 – he went on to reach 90, with 41 added overall before the keeper-batter was the last man dismissed – they might well be favourites at this juncture.Whisper it … but could they have been more attacking? Easier said than done. Whatever your ethos, whatever your best-laid preparations, everyone has a plan until they find themselves on a challenging track against the best spinners in the game.What will sting is England did not see it coming. And despite going toe-to-toe with India during large parts of the series so far, they may be about to watch it slip away with a Test to spare.