Phil Parkinson considers his ‘The Boss’ mural to be “humbling”, with Wrexham enjoying a “special” journey under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
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Experienced coach arrived in 2021Returned Red Dragons to the EFLLooking for back-to-back promotionsWHAT HAPPENED?
When Parkinson arrived at SToK Racecourse in the summer of 2021, he could never have imagined how things would play out from there. He has become the man that returned the Red Dragons to the Football League after a 15-year absence, while seeing his stock – alongside that of the club – soar as a result of the award-winning ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary series.
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Parkinson has won 96 of his 157 games in charge of the Welsh outfit, endearing him to a loyal fan base, and is now immortalised on the gates of The Turf pub that sits next to Wrexham’s famous ground. Local artist Liam Stokes-Massey delivered a nod to his achievements in the dugout, which the Red Dragons boss described to as "humbling".
Getty ImagesWHAT PARKINSON SAID
Parkinson has added to on buying into a unique project in North Wales: “I feel how special this is. The plan was always for me to move over. The kids are grown up, so that makes things easier. I’m a big believer in living locally because managing is a fully committed job. Being close to the ground is great for cutting down on any travel but it also gives you an insight into a place you wouldn’t get if you were just commuting. It made me understand just how passionate these fans are about their club — and not just now because of the documentary and the profile it brings. I’m talking about people who have followed this club for years and years; home and away, season after season in the National League. For a club like Wrexham to be down there for 15 years is something I’m sure people will look back at in the future and think, ‘How did that happen?’.”
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Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?
Having clambered back into the EFL, Parkinson is now taking aim at another promotion. Wrexham are riding high in League Two, despite wobbling slightly of late, and have eight games left in which to try and wrap up a top-three finish.
The Bangladesh batting consultant believes their batsmen can’t be expected to muscle balls like West Indians, but they can bring their own skills to the fore whenever they have to hit big
Mohammad Isam03-Sep-2018Replicating match situations during training sessions may not be easy, but Bangladesh batsmen have attempted to structure their Asia Cup preparations around final-over scenarios in limited-overs cricket. Mashrafe Mortaza, Mehidy Hasan, Mosaddek Hossain and Ariful Haque were among several batsmen who batted to set fields at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Monday, simulating last-over situations with a view to out-think bowlers in the tournament proper.Ariful, who earned his maiden ODI call-up, was given several opportunities to understand his role, which he did with considerable success during the 2017 BPL. Mashrafe, Mehidy and Mosaddek are also likely to bat during the slog overs, and hence need to train themselves for these tricky phases.Neil McKenzie, Bangladesh’s batting consultant, explained that the scenario practice not only enlivens the training session, but also gives the younger players, including bowlers, a chance to prepare themselves for more challenging occasions during an official match.”I think it is just about preparation and putting the guys under a lot of pressure in a training session,” McKenzie said. “A lot of the times you can practice, go through the motions and there’s nothing on it. You get caught on the boundary and nothing really happens. So the coach Steve Rhodes [head coach] has put them under pressure. Most of the ODI sides in the world are quite similar so it comes down to the last ball or the last over.”The younger guys, after being in these situations, will know better in bigger occasions. It is a good exercise for the bowlers, see his field setting, what’s his best ball. It is for the players to report back and get their thinking on. They know each other, so they know a guy is strong over covers or against the short ball.”McKenzie said that Bangladeshi batsmen can’t be expected to muscle balls like West Indians, but they can bring their own skills to the fore whenever they have to hit big. Bangladesh have been among the teams with low run rates (6.92) in the last 10 overs since April 2015 whereas teams like England (8.32), South Africa (8.08) and Pakistan (7.78) have done significantly better. McKenzie said that an impressive big-hitter like Mahmudullah could bring power to the slog overs.”Technically you can get into better positions. We are not going to be competing against the West Indians, the way they hit the ball,” he said. “But we can be very competitive in our skilled hitting, targeting the four inner-ring guys, going over cover, point, midwicket and 45 degrees (fine leg). There are some big hitters in the side. [Mahmudullah] Riyad just got 28 off 11 balls in the CPL. Technically you can become a better hitter, commit to a better position to hit,” he said.McKenzie, who was appointed the batting consultant during Bangladesh’s tour of the West Indies in July, said he wanted to gain the trust of the Bangladesh batsmen in order to bring the best out of them.”It is more about getting to know the guy and gaining the trust. Even if I am no longer in the system, they can call me and send me some footage to chat about it. It is not my way, it is the players’ way.”
France forward Kylian Mbappe is expecting to be booed by his own fans when Les Bleus take the field in Marseille's home ground.
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France captain anticipating hostile reaction at VelodromeFans of rival club Marseille likely to react badlyLes Bleus face Chile in international friendlyWHAT HAPPENED?
Les Bleus take on Chile in an international friendly on Tuesday night, the two sides set to feature at the Stade Velodrome, the home of Ligue 1 club Marseille. Mbappe, France's captain, has conceded that he might not be welcomed by fans.
AdvertisementGettyTHE EXPLANATION
Mbappe, the star of the PSG project, has historically faced hostile responses in the Velodrome, given the intense rivalry between his club and Marseille. Both he and the rest of Les Bleus' Parisian contingent are set to receive nothing less this evening – despite wearing the colours of the national team.
WHAT MBAPPE SAID
In a press conference, Mbappe admitted it might be an uncomfortable evening: "If I am not whistled, I will be pleasantly surprised. I know very well that I am not on conquered territory there! But I don't have a problem with it, I don't take it personally. I understand too. Even if it's the selection, I remain a PSG player, I don't expect the red carpet to be rolled out for me. They know very well that this is not going to change the way I play."
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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?
The forward figures to be in the XI for Didier Deschamps' side this evening. After that, he will return to club duty, where the Parisians take on Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday.
What Chelsea want in the transfer market, they usually get, with the Moises Caicedo transfer saga last summer a case in point. But, on the pitch, the Blues have found it harder to realise their desires, having failed to get off to a blistering start under new boss Mauricio Pochettino. Things are at least looking up however, after wins over Burnley and Fulham were followed by a 2-2 draw against champions-elect Arsenal, albeit in a game that saw Chelsea take a 2-0 lead.
If they can get some kind of consistent run going, then those at Stamford Bridge stand every chance of returning to Champions League action, which would make their transfer business all the more interesting next summer. It would certainly help towards welcoming one particular dream signing, that's for sure.
Chelsea's dream signing
Following the incredible number of changes at the club over the summer, it was always going to take time for Pochettino to make his mark at Chelsea. The likes of Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, and Mateo Kocacic all swapped Stamford Bridge for a move to other top six Premier League clubs, making room for the likes of Caicedo, Nicolas Jackson, and Christopher Nkunku.
That's far from where Chelsea's spending will end in the next year or so, however, especially after the latest Jamal Musiala transfer news. According to Simon Phillips on his Substack, the Bayern Munich midfielder is a dream target for the Blues after the success that he has enjoyed in the Bundesliga. Things could have been far easier for Chelsea, of course, had they kept hold of Musiala in 2019, when the German left their academy in favour of a move to Bayern.
They have welcomed back academy departures in the past, with the likes of Romelu Lukaku making a return, and now it seems as though they are keen on doing the same when it comes to Musiala.
"Brilliant" Musiala is "different" to Bellingham
Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala.
Musiala's stats show exactly why he is Chelsea's dream target. The 20-year-old scored 16 goals and assisted a further 16 last season in what was an incredible campaign, which ended in yet another title win for Bayern in the Bundesliga. This season, meanwhile, Musiala has already been involved in five goals in ten games, finding the back of the net twice and assisting a further three times. When compared to Chelsea's current options, he stands out even more, as per FBref.
Player
Progressive Passes Per 90
Take-ons Completed
Goal-Creating Actions Per 90
Jamal Musiala
4.55
18
0.61
Conor Gallagher
5.53
7
0.24
Raheem Sterling
3.5
17
0.37
It comes as no surprise, then, that the midfielder has been praised so highly, including by Michael Owen, who told TNT Sport: “I think he is exceptional, really exceptional. It’s such a shame he chose Germany over England! I thought he was brilliant in the last major tournament (2022 FIFA World Cup).
“There’s lots of people comparing him to Bellingham but I think he is a different type of player. He’s a brilliant runner with the ball. I think he’s unbelievable when it comes to dribbling. He’s got the lot this lad."
Nottingham Forest have verbally agreed their first signing of 2024, however, he may not be available to Steve Cooper for the second half of the season.
Nottingham Forest summer singings
The Reds have made a solid start to their second season in the Premier League, currently sitting on 13 points after 11 games. The club weren’t as busy in the transfer window as their first season back in the top-flight, however, a number of new players still arrived at The City Ground.
Nottingham Forest summer signings
Former club
Deal
Ibrahim Sangare
PSV Eindhoven
€35m
Anthony Elanga
Manchester United
€17.5m
Chris Wood
Newcastle United
€17m
Andrew Omobamidele
Norwich City
€12.85m
Murillo
Corinthians
€12m
Nicolas Dominguez
Bologna
€10m
Matt Turner
Arsenal
€8.15m
Odysseas Vlachodimos
Benfica
€4.9m
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Chelsea
€3.5m
Nuno Tavares
Arsenal
Loan
Ola Aina
Torino
Free
Andrey Santos
Chelsea
Loan
Divock Origi
AC Milan
Loan
Gonzalo Montiel
Sevilla
Loan
Of those new additions, it is centre-back Murillo who has recently been hitting the headlines, with journalist Tom Collomosse stating he’ll be “amazed” if the defender isn’t in the Champions League in the coming years.
However, more additions at the back seem to be on the agenda, with a development now emerging.
Nottingham Forest agree first 2024 signing
One player who has been heavily linked with a move to the club is Fluminense captain Nino, although the player was recently coy on his future following rumours of a move to England.
“I also found out about the interest on the day before [the final]. My agent already knew that my focus was on recovery, on being able to play this game 100%.
“I did it, thank God. I met with them this morning, they gave me all the possible situations, nothing is certain yet, what is certain is what I’ve always said, that I have a great affection for Fluminense, I’m very happy here, and if one day I leave, I want to leave in a way that’s good for me and for Fluminense.”
Now, according to journalist Konstantinos Lianos, Forest have “verbally agreed” to sign the “talented” Nino in a deal worth just over £6m, although due to the club’s centre-back options, an immediate loan away from The City Ground cannot be ruled out, possibly to sister club Olympiacos.
“Nottingham Forest have verbally agreed to sign Fluminense captain Nino for about £6.1m. Seems a very talented centre-back but Forest already have seven CBs. This comes as Olympiacos are desperate for a top central defender. Can't completely rule out another loan.”
Nino is 26 years of age and has gone from strength to strength in recent years, currently holding a career-high €7m market valuation. (Nino profile – Transfermarkt)
The Fluminense captain has made a whopping 228 appearances for his current employers and as even won an Olympic gold medal with Brazil. (Nino stats – Transfermarkt)
Therefore, Forest may feel they can repeat their promising move for Murrilo, although as mentioned, Forest have Murrilo, Felipe, Willy Boly, Scott McKenna, Joe Worrall, Moussa Niakhate and Andrew Omobamidele as centre-back options. It will be interesting to see what they initially do with Nino due to Cooper’s current options, but by the looks of things, he will be on Forest’s books in 2024.
Real Madrid are among the favourites to secure the signature of highly-rated Lille centre-back Leny Yoro this summer.
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Yoro regarded as top prospect in French footballHas refused to pen new deal, current one expires in 2025Madrid have put in groundwork on transferWHAT HAPPENED?
Yoro, 18, is expected to try to force a move this summer. And with a number of top clubs circling, Los Blancos are among the favourites, according to .
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Lille have repeatedly offered the teenager a new contract, but he has turned them down at every juncture. With his current deal set to expire in 2025, the French club are preparing for the reality of having to sell Yoro this summer.
DID YOU KNOW?
Les Dogues were expected to demand a massive fee for Yoro, telling suitors that they wanted at least €100 million (£85.6m/$108m) in order to secure his services. This summer, though, they may be forced to drop their asking price, giving Los Blancos and others hope that a move might be workable.
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Los Blancos seem set for a busy summer. They are expected to complete the long-awaited Kylian Mbappe transfer, and will also welcome Endrick to the Santiago Bernabeu ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. Before then, focus turns to the Champions League, where they will take on Manchester City in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on April 9.
Jack Leach advances claims for a Test berth, but does Joe Denly’s struggle open a door for Ben Foakes?
George Dobell in Colombo02-Nov-2018Johnny Nash probably wasn’t thinking about England’s selection for the Galle Test when he sang ‘There are more questions than answers’ but, as the selectors sit down to pick their side in the coming days, it would make a suitable soundtrack.With the warm-up games now over, England’s plans are far from clear. They have choices to make on the identity of their keeper, whether to play two spinners or three, who should bat at No. 3 and which seamer – or seamers – should play alongside James Anderson and Ben Stokes.A couple of weeks ago, it seemed they had pencilled Joe Denly in as their No. 3. Joe Root had confirmed he would bat at No. 4 – a decision that could now be rethought – and Moeen Ali had confirmed he would not bat at No.3.But Denly has struggled in these red-ball warm-up games. After an unconvincing 25 in the first warm-up game, he was out second ball here pushing half-forward to a full, straight delivery.The hope that his legspin might be useful at this level have been diminished, too. While his bowling may have a role to play in T20 cricket, here the batsmen were able to sit in and wait for the bad ball. They didn’t have to wait long, either, as he conceded three sixes and two fours in five overs that cost 43 runs. A relatively simple dropped chance in the first warm-up game didn’t do him any good, either.As a result, his chances of making a Test debut in Galle have diminished. And, because of that, he could well have opened the door to a debut for Ben Foakes instead.Jack Leach finally got the chance to press his case•Getty ImagesIt’s not a like-for-like change by any means. But with Jonny Bairstow most unlikely to be considered for Galle – he didn’t take any part in this match and England do not want to jeopardise his availability for the second Test – they must pick from either Foakes or Jos Buttler.It’s no secret that Trevor Bayliss is a fan of Foakes – or that Foakes is the superior keeper – and would like to find a way to slip him into the side. And, on a surface that is expected to spin, his excellence in standing up to the stumps could be crucial. Buttler will certainly play, but he could do so as a specialist batsman and allow Foakes to slot in at No.7. It may be relevant that England said before play they expected Buttler to keep throughout the innings but that after 25 overs, Foakes took over.It does look, however, as if the batting will be opened by Keaton Jennings and Rory Burns. While Burns fell early here – he was beaten by the lack of pace in this sluggish surface and pulled to midwicket – he was impressive in the first game, while Jennings looked more solid this time. While he seems over-reliant upon the sweep and reverse-sweep to combat spinners, England are not flush with other options and his 45 in 33 overs here – he retired to provide others with opportunities – settled the debate for now.Other performances provoked equally tricky dilemmas. Sam Curran, skipping down the wicket to the spinners, batted beautifully and claimed an early wicket when Stokes and Root combined to pull off an outstanding slip catch. But unless his control is immaculate and he can find some swing, he looks worryingly innocuous. At one stage here he conceded 28 – two sixes and four fours – in eight deliveries. Given the prospect of playing him as one of a three-man seam attack, that is a concern.Stuart Broad, by comparison, offered control and could yet prompt a rethink of his absence for this game. But he cannot offer what Curran can with the bat, which perhaps leaves Chris Woakes as a compromise candidate. Despite the slow surface, Olly Stone made a couple of batsmen look uncomfortable, too. It’s hard to see a way in for him, but he does offer a point of difference.Jack Leach, at least, enjoyed a fine day. If the highlight was the wicket of the left-hander Kamindu Mendis, bowled by a beauty that deceived him in the flight, then turned and hit the top of middle, there were several other pleasing moments. He conceded only one boundary – and that came in a nervous first over – and made a compelling argument for his Test selection.Earlier Stokes batted nicely after England had collapsed from 28 without loss to 28 for 3 in ten deliveries. Ollie Pope, pushing at one on off stump, was unable to press his claims for a place and Buttler fell to a forcing shot off the legspin of Jeffrey Vandersay. At one stage, England’s massage therapist had to sprint to the nets on the ground over the road – where England’s middle-order were training – to get them to pad-up. But Stokes, who looks a fine player of spin these days, waltzed to fifty before retiring.For the Sri Lanka side, Avishka Fernando (who took Curran for successive sixes) looked a fine player, while Shehan Madushanka swung merrily and took a shine to Denly, in particular. Lahiru Kumara again looked a fine seamer, too, and took three wickets – all of them top-order batsmen – in five balls at one stage.At no stage was this treated as a serious game. Batsmen and bowlers came and went throughout and there was never any intention of either side defending or chasing a total. It was all about warm-up and preparation. But while England suddenly grew warm, they still have a lot of thinking to do before settling on their side for the first Test.Meanwhile it is understood that the number of tickets bought by England supporters for this series has dropped sharply since the the last series here between these teams in 2012. Perhaps due to the scheduling – the entire tour is being played during monsoon season – and perhaps due to a perception (it may well be more than a perception) that England supporters are being charged far than home supporters, it is understood that around 2,500 Test tickets have been sold to overseas visitors. That number was at least 2,000 higher in 2012. Talk of the possibility of a tropical cyclone developing in the coming days will encourage few last-minute arrivals.
Norwich City went into this season with the aim of winning promotion back to the Premier League at the front of their minds, a subdued middle-of-the-road 13th-placed finish last season hopefully written off as a minor blip on the road to success.
However, the Canaries are languishing in 16th spot at the time of writing with eight defeats already to their name and a sinking feeling engulfing the club.
David Wagner remains as manager in the dug-out, hoping he can buy some time in order to get to January and potentially add some new recruits to the building to turn the difficult situation at Carrow Road around and alleviate pressure on his shoulders.
Here's what a predicted XI could look like at Norwich come the end of the January transfer window…
1 GK – Angus Gunn
Norwich goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
Sidelined at the moment due to injury, Wagner will hope he has his number one goalkeeper back at his disposal sooner rather than later.
The Scottish shot-stopper had started every Canaries match this season until succumbing to a knock versus Leeds United, with back-up goalkeeper George Long failing to fill in adequately since.
Long hasn't kept a clean sheet in the wake of Gunn's absence from the team, the homegrown talent turned first-team keeper slotting straight back into the Norwich first-team when back up to full fitness.
2 RB – Jack Stacey
Featuring for AFC Bournemouth and Luton Town before signing on the dotted line at Carrow Road, Stacey is a figure who has the know-how to be a success at this level.
It was clear in Norwich's recent comeback win at Cardiff City how important Stacey is to the Canaries at right-back – coming on at half-time to replace the inexperienced Kellen Fisher, and helping his side come out as victors from the closely fought contest.
Only losing possession a meagre six times in total as per Sofascore, the 27-year-old's no-nonsense approach in the second 45 minutes also thwarted Cardiff attackers who lost confidence as a result with four out of five ground and aerial duels attempted won by the full-back.
3 CB – Shane Duffy
Norwich defender Shane Duffy.
Boasting similar experience to Stacey – Duffy previously a Championship regular with Blackburn Rovers in his career – hasn't quite performed to the standards expected of him in Norwich yellow yet this season.
However, the 31-year-old hasn't suddenly become a poor defender overnight and has shown this season in flashes that he's more than a competent defender built for the cut and thrust of second-tier action still.
In a 1-1 draw away at Coventry City at the start of October, Duffy was crucial in helping his side get over the line to gain a point – clearing the ball away from danger nine times as per Sofascore, clearing off the line at one stage too to the dismay of the Sky Blues.
4 CB – Liam Moore
Wagner could utilise the free agent market effectively this January, Liam Moore a seasoned defender at EFL level who has found himself without a club since leaving Reading this year.
Amassing 284 Championship appearances over his career to date and a further 24 in League One, the Jamaican centre-back could be a useful addition to the Norwich group especially with young defender Jaden Warner way off the pace versus Cardiff.
5 LB – Dimitris Giannoulis
Norwich's recipient of September Player of the Month is up next in this starting eleven, Giannoulis a fan favourite at Carrow Road from left-back.
The Greek defender got back to his best against Cardiff last time out after two sub-par displays beforehand, entering into the fray at half-time to shore up the leaky Canaries backline.
Successful with two of his dribble attempts as per Sofascore, he helped Norwich push forward in attack to claim a dramatic win in Wales.
6 CDM – Gabriel Sara
Going under the radar arguably compared to Jonathan Rowe further forward, Sara has been equally as tantalising to watch from a Norwich perspective this season.
Scoring five times and assisting five times from a holding midfield role, the Brazilian has averaged a fantastic 7.78 Sofascore rating from his 16 matches in total.
Wagner will just pray that Sara isn't tempted to move on when the transfer window opens, the 24-year-old a constant bright spark for his side.
7 CDM – Lewis Fiorini
Lewis Fiorini
Similar in playing style to his potential teammate in Sara, Fiorini could be a welcome loan addition this January in midfield for the Canaries.
Loaned out to Lincoln City and Blackpool before by Manchester City, the Scotsman has obvious pedigree and the skill-set required to drop back to a holding midfield role when asked to whilst also equally capable of playing as an attacking midfield.
Wagner could do with more options in the centre of the park, with Fiorini one name he ought to consider.
8 RM – Jonathan Rowe
Breaking into the first-team with the Canaries just this season, Rowe feels like he's been around the first-team quarters for an eternity now with his qualities exceptional for a 20-year-old in a demanding division.
Rowe has managed to score eight times for Wagner's men this season, leading to frenzied interest from Premier League clubs such as Aston Villa emerging.
Everyone involved with proceedings at Carrow Road will hope Norwich can hold onto their homegrown talent past January, a key player for the under-pressure Wagner currently.
9 CAM – Marcelino Núñez
Norwich's Chilean number 26 slots in at attacking midfield in this predicted eleven, playing there in the last few contests under Wagner.
Despite losing 3-1 at home versus Blackburn in the last contest at Carrow Road, Núñez stood out in attack for the Canaries.
The 23-year-old continually peppered the Rovers goal with shots, unable to score but always trying his best to spearhead an unlikely comeback.
10 LM – Tarique Fosu
The second free agent transfer Wagner could look to make is bringing in former Brentford man Fosu to Carrow Road, the Ghanaian attacker last featuring for Rotherham United on loan before the Bees eventually released the winger.
With Christian Fassnacht the only other real winger option down the left-hand side currently in the Canaries group, adding Fosu – who would arrive with no real risk attached on a free deal – feels like a no-brainer move for Wagner to make.
The chaotic 38-year-old was caught red-handed on video pointing a neon green laser at the Rayados players during their Liga MX clash.
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Tigres & Monterrey clashed in Liga MX actionInjured goalkeeper Guzman caught pointing laserArgentine to face repercussions from disciplinary committeeWHAT HAPPENED?
The Argentine missed the match against rivals Monterrey due to injury, and was seated in a club-issued suite for the match instead. Midway through the game, the 38-year-old was caught on video pointing a laser at his opposition in an attempt to blindside them.
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Guzman's theatrics on and off the pitch are widely known across North American soccer. In 2023, after being sent off, he hid under a stadium tarp behind the net to watch the remainder of a match. In the inaugural Leagues Cup, he even did a magic trick in net during a penalty shootout in an attempt to throw off the spot kick taker.
The 38-year-old is nothing short of an entertainer, but Saturday's theatrics could land him in hot water with the federation. However, he did own up to his actions, while also apologizing to .
WHAT GUZMAN SAID
The 38-year-old wrote an apology on social media, saying: “As I already did privately and in coherence with the values of the institution that I represent, I want to take advantage of the reach of social media to publicly offer my apologies to Esteban for what occurred last night during first half of the Clásico Regio."
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Further repercussions may arrive for the Argentine, as Monterrey are set to address it with the disciplinary committee this week, per ESPN.
Tigres, meanwhile, take on Necaxa in Liga MX action next weekend.
Sri Lanka collapsed like an origami skyscraper in a Godzilla attack, losing seven wickets in the space of 53 runs after tea, and 8 for 67 overall
The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando24-Nov-2018Sri Lanka collapsed like an origami skyscraper in a Godzilla attack, losing seven wickets in the space of 53 runs after tea, and 8 for 67 overall, as Ben Stokes delivered a searing spell of short-pitched bowling, and Adil Rashid spun it large from the other end – the pair collecting eight wickets between them in the innings.The hosts had, at one stage of the game, been looking at a score of more than 400, when Dhananjaya de Silva and Dimuth Karunaratne were at the crease. And yet, from the relative safety of 173 for 1, they managed to plunge swiftly, dramatically and at times flamboyantly to 240 all out. In the face of sustained attacking pressure from the fastest bowler in this match, and perhaps the biggest turner of the ball, their defences were meek, and their minds were muddled. Six batsmen did not get into double figures. Rashid’s figures were 5 for 49, and Stokes’ 3 for 30. The lead Sri Lanka conceded was a substantial 96.Karunaratne had been the first to depart after tea, having his inside edge sought out by a Rashid legbreak, for a catch to pop up to short leg, where Keaton Jennings easily snaffled it. Jennings has been immense at short leg all series, and perhaps now has had his best day in the position. Having earlier caught opener Danushka Gunathilaka brilliantly in the first session, following the batsman down the pitch in order to put himself into the best possible position to intercept the inside edge, he’d later also take two reflex catches to dismiss de Silva and Roshen Silva, taking his tally for the innings to four.Four of Rashid’s five wickets were via close catches, while all three Stokes’ victims were caught by Ben Foakes, having faield to control short balls. Angelo Mathews got a toe-end to a bouncer he tried to pull; Niroshan Dickwella was caught down the leg side off a ball aimed at his ribs, and another bouncer brushed Dilruwan Perera’s gloves.Rashid even effected a run-out late in the innings, to dismiss Lakshan Sandakan.Having seemed behind in this game at tea, England are suddenly bossing it.