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Everton didn’t have an ideal start to their Premier League campaign at Goodison Park yesterday with a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, but it wasn’t just the score-line that will leave Frank Lampard with a headache today.

What’s the latest?

Ben Godfrey suffered a nasty looking leg injury in the early exchanges of the game at Goodison on Saturday evening and was stretchered off while given oxygen during a lengthy stoppage.

However, he wasn’t the only Toffees defender to pick up an injury.

Indeed, Yerry Mina also suffered an issue during the game against Thomas Tuchel’s side, and in his post-match interview, Lampard gave an update on the current situation of his defensive duo.

The Everton boss told reporters after the game: “It [Godfrey’s injury] feels like it is a small fracture of his leg.

“We are assessing that. He will be out for a while, Mina is an ankle injury and could be out for a while.

“When it rains, it pours.”

Lampard should be frustrated

As Lampard says, when it rains it well and truly pours. Everton have had a tough summer and after failing to bring too many players to Merseyside, there is no doubt that he will be incredibly frustrated with the news that two of his centre-backs could be out of a while following the first game of the season.

We are only a match into the new campaign but it looks like the problems of 2021/22 are presenting themselves once again and Everton cannot afford to face another relegation scrap.

The pair of defenders join their teammate Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the injury table, with the striker currently out for six weeks with a knee injury weakening the forward line with Lampard having to start Anthony Gordon in the centre-forward role for the Chelsea clash.

As well as having very few offensive options, Lampard is also now rather crippled at the back with Godfrey and Mina’s injuries leaving James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate. Considering the final two were part of a defence that was dubbed “Championship level” last season, it’s easy to see why Everton’s start to the season will frustrate Lampard.

There is a silver lining though as despite the injury complications the transfer window is still very much open for the next few weeks, and the Toffees are already linked with a move for a new centre-back, a move that will likely accelerate exponentially following the injuries to Mina and Godfrey.

It was reported that Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Conor Coady is of interest to those at Goodison, and the speculation surrounding a move has only further heightened after Bruno Lage left him on the bench against Leeds United yesterday.

Lampard likes to deploy a back three, a defensive set up he presented against Chelsea last night and a set up that Coady has thrived in at Wolves over the last few seasons, but now that Lage has opted for a 4-3-3 formation, it could be that the club captain does not fit into his plans for the future of the team.

With that being said, the powers at Goodison Park must start addressing the areas with little to no depth as Lampard will be desperate to start tallying up points and putting out a team he can trust in the Premier League.

Leeds United have been one of the busiest clubs in the Premier League in terms of the business they have done during the summer transfer window.

Along with bringing in a plethora of new faces such as Tyler Adams, Marc Roca and Luis Sinisterra, among others, the Yorkshire club have also seen some big players make moves away from Elland Road such as Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.

With a few weeks still left before the transfer window shuts, this would give the Whites the chance to strengthen any area of the squad where it may be necessary.

Taking into account how Andrea Radrizzani recently spoke about the club’s aim to bring in a striker before deadline day, one man who has been linked with a move to Elland Road and who could be just what the Whites need is Bamba Dieng.

Having made 42 senior appearances for Marseille, the 22-year-old – who is reportedly valued at €18m (£15m) – has scored nine goals and delivered three assists in the process.

The majority of those appearances and goals came during the 2021/22 season with Les Olympiens, during which he also showed his versatility by playing with near-equal regularity as a centre-forward and as a left-winger.

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To further highlight his attacking talent, in his 25 Ligue 1 appearances last season, the Senegal attacker took 37 shots at goal, with 18 of those being on target, leaving him with the highest percentage for shots on target (48.6%) at the Stade Velodrome.

Hailed as an “explosive player with great potential,” by his former manager Jorge Sampaoli, Dieng also ended the campaign with the fourth-highest rate of goal-creating actions per 90 minutes (0.55) at Marseille.

In terms of what sort of player he is or could become in the future, the youngster has been likened to former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba by El-Hadji Diouf in terms of his ability to score goals.

Bearing in mind how the Ivorian scored 104 goals in 254 top-flight appearances for the Blues and earned himself a place in the Premier League Hall of Fame, the prospect of seeing Victor Orta unearth what could be Leeds’ own version of Drogba would certainly be a mouth-watering prospect for the Whites and their supporters.

With transfer deadline day coming into view, securing a deal for the young striker could be just what Leeds need in order to top off what has undeniably been a very busy transfer period for the club.

West Ham United have submitted a third transfer offer for Lille midfielder Amadou Onana, believed to be worth £32.5m.

That is according to a report from the Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Third time lucky?

The Hammers have been nothing if not persistent in their pursuit of the 20-year-old, with two bids having already been rejected by the Ligue 1 club.

An initial €23m (£19.4m) offer was turned down in early July, while an improved bid of €30m (25.5m) was also given short shrift by Les Dogues.

David Moyes, who watched the youngster in action when Lille took on Chelsea in the Champions League earlier this year, had initially believed that the 6 foot 5 Belgium international would be out of the Irons’ reach, although GSB are not prepared to give up the fight easily following this latest offer.

The Latest: West Ham make improved Onana offer

The Daily Mail reported on Saturday night that West Ham have lodged a £32.5m offer for Onana and are now awaiting Lille’s response.

The report stated that the Ligue 1 outfit are ‘mulling over the bid’, which appears to suggest that they might be willing to take the matter a bit further this time around.

The Verdict: Don’t go any higher

Considering that Onana has a modest Transfermarkt valuation of £9m, West Ham could justifiably feel that Lille are trying to fleece them if the Irons’ £32.5m bid is also rejected.

Although the 20-year-old’s stock is ‘rapidly rising’, according to the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones, he is still quite unproven at a high level, with just one season of top-tier football under his belt.

Onana could certainly be useful for squad depth if the Hammers are unable to keep hold of Tomas Soucek, who has been linked with an exit from the club recently.

However, if Lille shut down West Ham’s latest offer, GSB may be better off admitting defeat in this transfer pursuit and look to other midfield targets instead.

Everton will only sell Anthony Gordon if an ‘absolutely ridiculous’ offer arrives this summer, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Exit links

The 21-year-old was a rare bright spark in a disappointing Toffees outfit last season, featuring 35 times for the first team in the Premier League in a breakout season with four goals and two assists.

As a result of his stunning form in helping the Blues escape the drop, a number of rumours have emerged linking the winger with a move away from Goodison Park.

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte is said to be interested in a move for the youngster, after seemingly having secured the signing of Blues star Richarlison for an initial £50m fee.

The Latest: ‘Ridiculous money…’

Having faced so many issues over the past year, Jones believes that Gordon’s departure is the last thing Everton need ahead of the new season, claiming Spurs or any other suitor will have to break the bank.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he said: “Everton have had so many problems over the last couple of seasons, especially with the relationship between the club and the fanbase.

“So, if they were to get rid of Anthony Gordon there would be uproar, so I don’t believe they will sell Anthony Gordon unless they get absolutely ridiculous money for him.”

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The Verdict: Keep at all costs

When looking at the 21-year-old’s underlying stats, it is easy to see how he so quickly became a fan-favourite at Goodsion Park.

Compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the Toffees winger ranks in the 99th percentile for blocks, the 96th percentile for tackles and the 94th percentile for pressures (via FB Ref), leading from the front with his exceptional work rate.

With such dire performances from the team last season, it was a breath of fresh air for Blues fans to see the youngster giving it his all on the pitch.

Looking at the long-term, Gordon will surely be a staple in Frank Lampard’s plans, so an exit for the player would be awfully received by everyone at the club.

Wolves are finally on the cusp of signing Sporting CP midfielder Joao Palhinha, having been linked with him countless times in the past six months.

The Lowdown: Palhinha a long-time target

Wanderers are expected to make a number of new signings in the summer transfer window but no player has been tipped to move to Molineux more often than Palhinha.

Links dating all the way back to last June have suggested that Bruno Lage would make a move for the 26-year-old, eyeing him up as Ruben Neves’ natural replacement in Wolves’ midfield.

Now, the deal looks like it is closer than ever to going through, after transfer reporter Pete O’Rourke confirmed earlier this week the midfielder is a ‘long term target’.

The Latest: Transfer set to go through?

According to Correio da Manha on Thursday evening, Palhinha will be a Wolves player next season, with the transfer on the verge of being completed.

An agreement is believed to have been reached over a €20million (£17m) move, with another €5m (£4.2m) in achievable add-ons.

Wolves have already secured their first summer signing in the permanent capture of Hwang Hee-chan, so Palhinha looks set to become addition number two.

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The Verdict: Perfect Neves replacement

Neves is clearly going to leave a gaping hole in Wolves’ team if he goes, but this update is hugely exciting, with Palhinha appearing to be a tailor-made replacement, having been hailed as a ‘very good’ player by Jorge Jesus.

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Classy with the ball at his feet, the Sporting CP man enjoyed an 87.8% pass completion rate this season in both the Primeira Liga last season and in World Cup qualifying for Portugal, which is actually higher than Neves’ in England.

A hugely impressive average of 4.5 tackles per game at Euro 2020 last summer also proves that he is tenacious off the ball, so Wolves are getting themselves a strong all-round package.

In other news, a transfer insider has made a key Wolves claim. Read more here.

West Ham United could be preparing for life without midfielder Tomas Soucek, according to reports.

What’s the word?

As per ExWHUemployee, the Hammers are said to be willing to part ways with the Czech international should the right offer emerge, with talks regarding a new contract for the 27-year-old said to have hit a roadblock.

Writing on Twitter, the club insider quashed suggestion of a ‘falling out’ with manager David Moyes, although admitted the 6 foot 4 giant could be allowed to leave: “Contract talks have not progressed. Not a falling out as such but apparently prepared to listen to offers.”

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This corroborates with a report from Claret and Hugh which also suggests that the former Slavia Prague man could be allowed to leave if a suitable offer comes in, with Moyes said to believe that Soucek has been a ‘shadow’ of the player he was a year ago.

Supporters livid

That shock revelation will likely not go down well with the club’s supporters, with the £40.5m-rated gem having proven a hugely popular figure since his arrival at the club on an initial loan deal in January 2020.

After signing permanently on a £15m deal a few months later, the 48-cap colossus went on to enjoy a stellar first full campaign in the Premier League, netting ten times as the Irons secured Europa League qualification.

While he netted half that amount in the most recent season, it would seem his performances have not drastically reduced, having averaged 1.5 interceptions, 1.9 tackles and 2.8 clearances per game in his 35 outings, compared with 1.6 interceptions, 2.1 tackles and 2.7 clearances from the year prior.

In comparison to fellow midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues, the £47k-per-week powerhouse also continues to impress, ranking in the top 1% for clearances and in the top 2% for blocks, while also showcasing his threat in the final third as he ranks in the top 8% for touches in the attacking penalty area.

A player capable of impacting the game in both boxes, it would seemingly be a total error were Moyes and GSB to cash in this summer, particularly with club captain Mark Noble calling time on his playing career.

That would simply leave a shortage of central midfield options to partner talisman Declan Rice – who himself has been linked with a departure – potentially threatening the club’s ability to compete in and around the top-six.

Moyes may well have proved himself an astute market operator in his second spell at the helm, although he’d be making a colossal blunder were he to let Soucek depart, while also risking the wrath of the club’s fanbase.

IN other news, “Another target…”: Ex drops big WHU summer transfer claim that supporters will love

Sunderland have put themselves in a prime position to earn promotion to the Championship next season after progressing to the play-off final at Wembley against Wycombe Wanderers this month.

Since Alex Neil arrived in February, he has transformed the team and gone unbeaten in 16 of his 17 games in charge, deservedly earning their golden opportunity to get back into the second tier of English football, and supporters are surely delighted with the progress the Black Cats have made in the last few months.

That being said, the 40-year-old can only take partial credit for the impressive performances we have seen come from the Black Cats over the last few months, with some players offering huge match-winning moments which have led their team to victory and put them in a position to challenge for a place in the Championship next season.

One player in particular who has been a formidable driving force for Sunderland in the latter stages of the campaign is Elliot Embleton, who has provided game-changing performances towards the end of the season which won them vital points in their pursuit of a place in the play-offs.

The midfielder, who was dubbed a “class act” by Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, was integral in Sunderland’s final few games of the League One campaign, with a winning goal against Oxford United and an assist for the winner against Gillingham earning the Black Cats vital points in the push for promotion.

Those decisive contributions earned the 23-year-old high praise from journalist Josh Bunting, who hailed the Sunderland ace as the “huge difference” in the team ahead of the last few fixtures of the season, tweeting: “He’s made a huge difference and has contributed to 6 points that may be crucial at the end of the season.”

With eight goals and eight assists in 47 appearances this term from his role in the middle of the park, there is no doubt that the young midfielder has a huge future at Sunderland and should be unleashed in the starting line-up more often whether or not the Black Cats rise to the Championship next season.

AND in other news: Neil heading for Sunderland disaster over “quality” star who’s got the “X-Factor” 

A bruising timer of the ball, one of the best death bowlers in Associate cricket, an offspinner, a legspinner are among our six picks

Peter Della Penna in Windhoek19-Apr-2019Stephan Baard (Namibia)Baard has had multiple stints as the men’s captain but has often batted with more freedom when not saddled with leadership responsibilities. A bruising timer of the ball, Baard’s performances in the top order were sometimes overshadowed by big-hitting openers such as Louis van der Westhuizen and Gerrie Snyman. He has two List A centuries and he top-scored with 78 off 53 balls in an upset of Scotland in the summer of 2017.With nine years in the men’s team and with van der Westhuizen and Snyman off the scene, Baard, 26, is an indispensable veteran presence in the batting unit, along with his exceptional slip fielding.Cecil Pervez (Canada)The 34-year-old produced an exceptional performance through the same tournament last year leading up to the final-over loss against Nepal. Tasked with defending seven runs, Pervez faltered on the fifth ball after starting with four pinpoint yorkers. Before that, he had wiped out Nepal’s top three, including captain Paras Khadka for a golden duck.A fiery competitor, Pervez doesn’t have express pace but gets breakthroughs with the new ball. With the old, he is one of the best death bowlers in Associate cricket because of his yorkers.Ehsan Khan (Hong Kong)AFPOne of the unsung heroes in Hong Kong’s line-up since making his debut in 2016, the offspinner has regularly contributed economical and incisive spells. Ehsan’s career-best 5 for 17 had wiped out Nepal to keep Hong Kong in the hunt for the WCL Championship in late 2017. More recently, his four-fors against Nepal and UAE in last September’s Asia Cup Qualifier helped bowl out both teams for under 100, taking Hong Kong to the main event in the UAE.With Nadeem Ahmed out indefinitely after being suspended on anti-corruption charges, Ehsan is now the biggest threat in Hong Kong’s bowling unit.Mohammad Nadeem (Oman)Nadeem’s initial contributions in 2014 were mainly nuggets in the lower middle order and some part-time medium pace. But he now comes on the back of career-best form with both bat and ball having played crucial roles in wins over ODI nations Scotland and UAE.A day after they had been bowled out for 24, Nadeem top-scored with 64 at No. 4 before taking three wickets to decimate Scotland’s chase. Six weeks later his 57 stabilised Oman again in their two-wicket win over UAE while chasing 254. Nadeem’s continued success will allow captain Zeeshan Maqsood and Aqib Ilyas to resume their naturally aggressive strokeplay.Charles Amini (Papua New Guinea)Amini’s absence from cricket from 2016 to 2018 while pursuing studies coincided with PNG’s dip in form in the WCL Championship, when they lost four of their final six matches without him to go from first place to fourth.Amini is primarily a legspinner and can be dangerous when conditions are in his favour as evidenced by career-best List A figures of 6 for 19 against Uganda at the World Cup Qualifiers in 2014. He is also capable of key lower-order cameos, something PNG may need to rely on him for.Aaron Jones (USA)Peter Della PennaThere are far more heralded names in USA’s line-up but arguably no one is more vital to their batting and their overarching success than Barbados-contracted Jones, the second-youngest player in the squad at age 24.At WCL Division Three in November, it wasn’t just that he was their leading scorer with 200 runs in five innings but how he made those runs. He top-scored in pressure situations against both Denmark and Kenya.Last month against Lancashire and UAE, he showed his unflappability in chasing scenarios, seeing USA across the line on both occasions with unbeaten half-centuries. In a team full of explosive six-hitters, Jones demonstrates more solid fundamentals and old-fashioned grinding.

The best Powerplay starts in the history of IPL

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Mar-2017105 for 0, Kolkata Knight Riders v Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2017
Chasing 159, Knight Riders sprung a surprise by opening with pinch-hitter Sunil Narine, who many thought would drop back down the order with Chris Lynn returning from injury and Gautam Gambhir still around. It led to RCB being under attack from both ends. Lynn scored 14 runs in the first over and another 14 in the third, and then Narine smashed the fourth over for 26. By the end of the Powerplay, Narine had reached his fifty, the joint-fastest in IPL, while Lynn was on 49. The score of 105 was a record for highest Powerplay in not just the IPL but in all Twenty20 matches (where ball-by-ball data is available).100 for 2, Chennai Super Kings v Kings XI Punjab, 2nd qualifying play-off, IPL 2014
The first 36 balls of Super Kings’ chase of 227 in a knock-out game featured the following – 87 runs off Suresh Raina’s bat alone, featuring 18 hits to the fence, apart from two wickets in between. It remains the only three-figure Powerplay score in IPL history, and astonishingly enough, the only one on this list to feature in a losing cause.Brendon McCullum dashed Mumbai’s hopes with an early assault•BCCI90 for 0, Chennai Super Kings v Mumbai Indians, IPL 2015
A whirlwind opening partnership between Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith virtually shut Mumbai out of a game they were bossing until that point. Between the fourth and sixth overs, the duo put on 61 runs, smashing each of Lasith Malinga, Harbhajan Singh and J Suchith for three fours in their overs. Eventually, a pursuit of 184 was closed out with 20 balls to spare.87 for 2, Kochi Tuskers Kerala v Rajasthan Royals, IPL 2011
In their final league game, Kochi comprehensively outplayed Royals in a thoroughly one-sided affair. After bundling them out for just 97, they chased down the total in 7.2 overs, to give themselves a slim chance of progressing from the league phase, which they missed out eventually.86 for 1, Kings XI Punjab v Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2014
A chase of over 200, with the likes of Dale Steyn and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to contend with, should technically be among the harder match situations to deal with in a T20 game. Yet, Manan Vohra and Wriddhiman Saha went about tonking them to all parts of their home ground, as they put together 91 runs off 41 balls, notwithstanding the early loss of Virender Sehwag. In the end, this Powerplay sprint would prove the difference as Sunrisers went about choking the run flow through the middle overs.84 for 1, Deccan Chargers v Delhi Daredevils, semi-final, IPL 2009
It was the night Gilchrist was in excelsis, as he lived up to his promise of erasing Chargers’ nightmarish memories from the first season. At the end of six overs, the aggregate score by batsmen at the other end read 5 off 13 balls. Gilchrist, batting on another planet, had raced to 74 off 25 balls, sealing a maiden final berth for his side.Virat Kohli celebrates after hitting the winning runs•BCCI83 for 4, Royal Challengers Bangalore v Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2015
In a rain-affected chase, the Powerplay was but the game itself, as yet another Chris Gayle-Virat Kohli show chased down 83 with a ball to spare. After Gayle’s departure – and 39 needed off 21 balls – there was time for a mini-collapse before Kohli took matters into his own hands to close the chase with 14 runs off the last three balls.82 for 1, Kings XI Punjab v Mumbai Indians, IPL 2017
Kings XI had set Mumbai a formidable target of 199 after a Hashim Amla century, so a quick start was required in the chase. Jos Buttler and Parthiv Patel provided it. Buttler did the early hitting, smashing Sandeep Sharma for two big sixes, and then Parthiv attacked Ishant Sharma. Mumbai rode on the momentum and ended up winning inside 16 overs.David Warner reached his half-century off the 25th ball of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s innings against Kolkata Knight Riders•BCCI79 for 0, Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2017
David Warner had had some uncharacteristically subdued starts in the first half of the 2017 IPL. It seemed like he had decided to try to bat through the innings and go big in the end. There was none of that, though, against Knight Riders. He reached his half-century off the first ball of the fifth over and was on 62 off 25 balls by the end of the Powerplay. His opening partner, Shikhar Dhawan, was on 13.79 for 1, Royal Challengers Bangalore v Kochi Tuskers Kerala, IPL 2011
There are multiple gears to choose from when sides chase 126 runs in a T20 game. Chris Gayle and Tillakaratne Dilshan did it in the only one they know. Dilshan took care of Ramesh Powar in the second over, followed by Gayle’s 37-run assault off Prasanth Parameswaran in the third. Wearing bandanas, both men plundered runs in a manner any seasoned pirate would have been proud of.

Perfect weather, a historic hundred, and plenty of singing in the stands made it a day to savour

Samantha Smith07-Jan-2016Choice of game
It doesn’t take much to convince me to attend an international contest at Newlands. In fact, I’d probably turn up to watch an ODI between Kenya and Afghanistan. Suffice it to say, the idea of missing a South Africa v England Test is a reality I’d rather not contemplate.Team supported
South Africa. At the start of the game, I predicted a win for the embattled Proteas given their outstanding record at Newlands and their propensity to bounce back after a disappointing start to a home Test series. But after England’s batting onslaught on Days 1 and 2, the prospect of a tame draw was pleasing.Crowd meter
As always, the New Year’s Test is a well-attended affair. The grass embankments were filled to capacity and, given the exceedingly warm weather, all the available seats in shaded areas were occupied. However, it was not the Newlands faithful whose cheers reverberated the loudest. Throughout this Test, England supporters have surprisingly outnumbered South Africa fans. This was abundantly clear when England entered the field to a rapturous applause from the crowd at the start of play.By contrast, Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis made their way to the pitch to muted cheers. Indeed the presence of the Barmy Army has generated a buzzing and entertaining atmosphere. A large contingent of flag-waving, white-shirt wearing England fans seated near me frequently broke into song. Jonny Bairstow appeared to be a fan favourite among the Barmy Army after they replaced the words “Oh, pretty baby” in Frank Sinatra’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” with “Oh, Jonny Bairstow”. They also had a soft spot for Jimmy Anderson whom they serenaded with a simple and repetitive “Oh, Jimmy, Jimmy”. The non-singing folk, on the other hand, simply bellowed “Rooooooot!” when Joe Root was introduced into the attack.Fancy dress index
The fancy-dress brigade went all out on the penultimate day of the Newlands Test. I spotted a group of guys dressed as fairies. They adorned white T-shirts, glittering net skirts, dainty umbrellas and plastic masks. I encountered a couple dressed as Mini and Mickey Mouse. An elderly man morphed into Charlie Chaplin, and an England supporter was covered head-to-toe in pink paint. It may have been sunscreen or an attempt to be a pink Smurf. Hats carved out of watermelons were abundant as were the detachable ‘Amla’ beards. One guy painted his face in the colours of the South African flag and a trio of gentlemen wore bodysuits decorated with the England flag. The prize for best fancy dress, however, should be jointly shared between a group of boisterous England fans whose costumes included Cousin It, Thomas the Tank Engine, a caveman, a Christmas cracker, the Union Jack, a baby, a Disney Princess, a Baywatch lifeguard, Spiderman and a hotdog. Hands down, the craziest group of people I have ever seen.Entertainment
During the lunch break, the crowd were treated to a Sunfoil Cook-Off between South Africa supporters and England fans, and young children excitedly played mini-cricket on the field. The most entertaining off-field contest, however, was a chanting battle between a group of Proteas fans wearing yellow dishwashing gloves waving South African flags, and the England supporters in fancy dress. The South Africa fans proudly sang “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” while the England supporters erupted with “We Are England”. They were interrupted by a fielding review in the 187th over but were undeterred and stoically continued with a “Moeen Ali” chant. What a day!Temba Bavuma became the first black African to score a Test hundred•AFPKey performer
When England’s pacemen struck early after lunch to remove Amla, du Plessis and Quinton De Kock in quick succession, you’d be forgiven for thinking a batting implosion was on the cards. Temba Bavuma, however, had other plans. He showed great positivity and resolve in constructing his maiden Test hundred. Bavuma’s history-making innings of 102* off 148 balls combined flair with innovative stroke play and steadfast application. His record-breaking seventh wicket stand of 167 with Chris Morris, who scored a well-composed 69, all but thwarted an England victory.Things I’d have changed about the match
Amla declared South Africa’s innings just in time to give his front-line bowlers a crack at England’s top-order. It would have made for an interesting Day 5 had Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada managed to snag a few English wickets before the close of play.The interplay you enjoyed
I quite liked Bavuma’s three consecutive fours off the bowling of Steven Finn in the 176th over. Bavuma executed a well-timed, front-foot cover drive, used his wrists to steer a delivery pitched short through backward point and followed it up with a forceful pull over deep midwicket. The over yielded 15 runs and I’d wager that the sledging subsided, too.Wow moment
When Amla reached his double hundred in the 159th over, a sun-baked Newlands crowd erupted with prodigious applause. His patient, well-constructed 201 brought an end to an uncharacteristically lean patch and emphatically reaffirmed that sporting adage: Form is temporary but class is permanent.Player watch
I was seated directly above the popular Oaks grass embankment and from my view, Moeen Ali frequently signed autographs for eager, young fans carrying mini bats and small notepads. Nick Compton warmly interacted with a couple of spectators seated along the boundary, and Kagiso Rabada was treated to a vociferous roar from a rowdy North Stand as he made his way to the practice nets in full batting gear. Lucky for him, he didn’t need to spend much time in the middle.Shot of the day
Bavuma’s square-drive off Ben Stokes in the 186th over was scintillating!Enhanced viewing
My iPod came in handy when a peculiar man seated in front of me repeatedly tried to convince his friends that “Michael Hussey is going to score a 50 in the second innings” and that “Scotland will never bowl us out”. Yeah, I’m still not sure whether he was serious.Marks out of 10
9. The weather was fantastic, the Barmy Army was highly entertaining and the cricket wasn’t bad either.An eco-friendly suggestion
After a day’s play, Newlands Cricket Ground is littered with thousands of plastic cups and bottles which are rounded up for garbage collection. It would be wonderful if the stadium could introduce recycling vats or designated recycling bins to encourage eco-friendly living and reduce its carbon footprint.