The 36-year-old, who went on to play in T20 tournaments across the globe after retiring from international cricket in 2015, indicated he would continue his association with the game by taking up coaching roles in the future
ESPNcricinfo staff19-Aug-2018
Mitchell Johnson holds on to a catch•Getty Images
Australia left-arm pacer Mitchell Johnson has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 36-year-old, who went on to play in T20 tournaments across the globe after quitting international cricket in November 2015, last played in this year’s IPL for the Kolkata Knight Riders.”It’s over. I’ve bowled my final ball. Taken my final wicket. Today I announce my retirement from all forms of cricket,” Johnson said in a column on . “I had hoped to continue playing in various Twenty20 competitions around the world until perhaps the middle of next year. But the fact is my body is starting to shut down.”Johnson revealed he had been suffering from back problems during the IPL and added that it was an indication for him to call time. Snapped up by the Knight Riders for INR 2 crores (USD 286,000 approx) this year, Johnson did not have a memorable season as he gave away 216 runs in six games and picked only two wickets.”If I can’t play at 100 per cent then I can’t give my best to the team. And for me it’s always been about the team,” he said. “I’m ready to break clear of playing cricket and move on to the next period of my life. He has recently been through retiring himself and I think he understood that when you’re done, you’re done.”Johnson had called time on his Big Bash League career with Perth Scorchers last month and had pulled out of his commitments with Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League earlier this year. Since his international retirement, he has picked 31 wickets in 33 games at an economy of 7.28 in T20s.Contrasting to his IPL performance, Johnson was in good form this BBL season, taking 20 wickets in 19 games at an average of 22.75 and economy rate of 6.14. He had also led Scorchers to the title in the 2016-17 season, finishing with figures of 1 for 13 in the final against the Sydney Sixers. He had finished that season as their highest wicket-taker with 13 wickets from nine matches and an economy rate of 5.91.”When I sat down with new Perth Scorchers coach Adam Voges recently to discuss my future, he was interested in me playing on again this summer. I did believe I could still be helpful around the playing group with my experience. But I think mentally I’m done as well. I’d like to thank the Scorchers for the last two fantastic summers and the WACA for everything my adopted cricket home has done for me over the past decade.He indicated he would continue his association with the game by taking up coaching roles in the future. “My competitive urge hasn’t left me and hopefully that’s something I can use to channel into a coaching or mentoring role in the future. I’m a believer in sticking to your strengths and cricket is my strength.”I don’t know if I’ll be any good at it. I’ve got a lot of experience in cricket and no experience in coaching officially, though I did help out at Wanneroo last summer and I’ve always enjoyed working with young players.”
O personagem Oliver Tsubasa, do icônico anime de futebol ‘Super Campeões’, utilizará o uniforme do São Paulo no jogo’Live Powerful Soccer’, game para smartphones exclusivo no Japão.
Vale destacar que o jogo não está disponível no Brasil por enquanto. A Konami, produtora do jogo, é parceira do São Paulo, inclusive com patrocínio no uniforme e licença para o ‘PES 2021’, com elencos e uniformes atualizados, além do Morumbi representado de forma fiel.
VEJA COMO ESTÁ O SÃO PAULO NA TABELA DO BRASILEIRÃO
O anúncio foi feito pela conta oficial do Tricolor nas redes sociais. ‘A história e a tradição tricolor agora em novidade do outro lado do mundo! O mais novo game da Konami, exclusivo no Japão, terá o craque Tsubasa Ozora vestindo e honrando as cores do São Paulo’, escreveu o clube no Twitter.
Veja o vídeo
RelacionadasFutebol InternacionalNo Morumbi, Japão estreia na casa de Oliver Tsubasa ‘de carne e osso’Futebol Internacional16/06/2019Copa do BrasilCBF sorteia mando de campo para duelos da semifinal na Copa do BrasilCopa do Brasil24/11/2020Fora de CampoDenilson lamenta morte de pai de Zezé di Camargo e Luciano: ‘Me tratou como ‘filho de Francisco’Fora de Campo24/11/2020
A história e a tradição tricolor agora em novidade do outro lado do mundo!@pawasaka_PR : O mais novo game da @Konami, exclusivo no Japão, terá o craque Tsubasa Ozora vestindo e honrando as cores do São Paulo! pic.twitter.com/7AnPuKMC8G
— São Paulo FC (@SaoPauloFC) November 24, 2020
Entenda a ligação entre Oliver Tsubasa e o São Paulo
Para entender essa história, temos que voltar ao ano de 1975. Tsubasa Ozora, ou Oliver Tsubasa, foi inspirado em um jogador japonês que vestiu a camisa do São Paulo entre 1975 e 1985. O jogador é Musashi Mizushima, astro no território japonês.
Naquele ano, o São Paulo deixou que o jovem meia-atacante de 11 anos treinasse na base do clube. Era uma recomendação de Pelé, que o descobriu durante ida ao Japão. Musashi deixou tudo para trás no Japão e sua determinação para vencer no mundo do futebol ficou conhecida em todo o país. Na época, o futebol no Japão não era profissional e os nipônicos nunca tinham disputado uma Copa do Mundo. Logo, as esperanças por dias melhores no esporte estavam nos pés de Musashi, que ganhou fama por isso.
Anos depois, em 1981, o fã de futebol e escritor iniciante Yoichi Takahashi decidiu produzir seu primeiro mangá e usou o futebol como tema, empolgado com a globalização do esporte. O objetivo era tornar o futebol mais popular no Japão. Usando personagens carismáticos e sonhadores, criou “Capitain Tsubasa”, que logo caiu nas graças do público.
Em 1985, finalmente Musashi Mizushima passou a integrar, efetivamente, o elenco do São Paulo para os campeonatos da temporada. No entanto, como o grupo era recheado de bons nomes, o japonês não conseguiu sair do banco em nenhum jogo oficial. Ele disputou só uma partida com a camisa do Tricolor: um amistoso com um time misto entre profissionais reservas e aspirantes contra o Bragantino, fora de casa, em abril de 1985. Vitória do Bragantino por 4 a 3. Porém, Musashi fez parte do grupo campeão paulista de 1985.
Jamie Carragher got fellow CBS Sports pundit Micah Richards to wear an Arsenal shirt during their Champions League clash against Porto.
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Carragher got Richards to wear Arsenal shirtCalled Richards an 'Arsenal fan' at AnfieldArsenal beat Porto on penalties in the Champions LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?
The Liverpool legend got fellow CBS pundit and former Manchester City defender Richards to wear an Arsenal shirt during the Gunners' Champions League round of 16 tie against FC Porto at the Emirates on Tuesday. Before presenting the Gunners jersey to Richards, Carragher disclosed the back of the shirt with Micah and number 2 written on it.
On Sunday, during Manchester City's 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, Carragher and Richards had a hilarious conversation on the sidelines while presenting for where the ex-Reds defender claimed that Richards was an 'Arsenal fan' after he said on TV that the Gunners would have become the title favourites had Liverpool won the clash.
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The Premier League giants came into the second leg against Porto a goal down. Arsenal scored the equaliser in the 41st minute courtesy of a brilliant strike from Leandro Trossard. Tied at 1-1, the game went into extra time and then to penalties, where Mikel Arteta's side eventually clinched the clash 4-2.
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WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
The north London side will now enjoy a well-deserved break before they get back in action after the international break on March 31, as they take on reigning champions Manchester City in a vital Premier League clash at the Etihad.
ScorecardSam Curran was the star of the show as Surrey wrapped up an innings victory over Yorkshire in just 45 minutes on the final day of their Specsavers County Championship match at the Kia Oval.The 19-year-old took three of the last five Yorkshire wickets to fall in the space of six balls as he claimed the first ten-wicket match haul of his career a day after receiving his county cap.Rikki Clarke picked up the other two wickets as Yorkshire were dismissed for 168 in their second innings to lose by an innings and 17 runs, their second defeat of the season. Their remaining five wickets fell in 5.2 overs today.Yorkshire’s hope of prolonged resistance had largely rested on Jonny Bairstow and Jack Leaning extending their sixth-wicket stand which stood at 40 overnight.But they added just a further nine runs before Clarke struck in the fourth over of the day. Bairstow fenced at a ball which bounced more than he expected and edged to wicketkeeper Ben Foakes, having added four runs to his overnight 25.Curran then struck with successive balls. Tim Bresnan inside edged a good ball and Steve Patterson lost his off stump to the first delivery of Curran’s next over.Josh Shaw defended the hat-trick ball before being bowled by a similar delivery to the one which accounted for Bresnan that knocked back his stump.The end came when Clarke pinned Leaning leg before for 28 as Surrey sealed their first win in this fixture since 2001.Surrey captain Rory Burns praised his team’s work after they claimed their second win of the season.”Apart from a wobble on the first morning when we were 69 for 4 I thought it was a very good performance,” he said. “Some of the individual performances were excellent. Ollie Pope played beautifully and we took the momentum we had into our bowling.”In our last two games we went away from plans a bit but this time we bowled really well as a unit, especially as we lost Conor McKerr to injury too. We stuck to the task and got our rewards. Sam Curran produced a great performance – county cap, 100th first-class wicket and his first ten-for – I don’t think you can ask for much more.”Yorkshire coach Andrew Gale had few complaints. “All credit to Surrey, they outplayed us over the four days but on day one we missed four key chances which allowed them to get away when we could have bowled them out for 260,” he said.”We have spoke at length about our batting. Preparation wasn’t great coming into the season because we’ve had to little match time but we have to make more runs.”Adam Lyth showed what was possible in the second innings but the break for the Royal London One-Day Cup probably comes at a good time for us. It will free the lads up a bit and allow them to just go out and play and get themselves back into form.”
Following last season's third-place finish under new boss Erik ten Hag, it is now over a decade since Manchester United last tasted Premier League glory, with the Red Devils having been forced to watch on as their city neighbours have dominated the division in that time.
Despite a net spend of over £1bn since the glory days of Sir Alex Ferguson, the Old Trafford outfit have never truly looked like ending that barren run, with a shaky start to the new season indicating that this lengthy wait is set to continue.
Of the current first-team squad, only the returning Jonny Evans – who signed on a short-term deal last month – was part of the last title-winning squad back in 2013, with former teammates Phil Jones and David De Gea having left the club over the summer.
Despite the length of time that has passed since that most recent triumph, it feels like only yesterday that the legendary Ferguson signed off his illustrious managerial career with a final major honour, aided by a side spearheaded by the devastating brilliance of striker, Robin van Persie.
How many goals did Van Persie score for Man United?
The major talking point heading into that 2012/13 season was the controversial capture of the Dutchman from rivals Arsenal, with the experienced marksman having been tasked with guiding United to a 20th league title, following the prior Sergio Aguero heartbreak in the previous campaign.
Robin van Persie (Arsenal)
Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund)
Alexander Buttner (Vitesse)
Nick Powell (Crewe)
Angelo Henriquez (Club Universidad de Chile)
Snapped up from under the nose of Arsene Wenger for what now looks a rather measly £24m, the one-time Feyenoord ace was seemingly the catalyst for the success that was to follow in Ferguson's last bow, taking on the mantle of being the main man in attack.
Having plundered 30 league goals the year prior for the Gunners, the Rotterdam native netted a further 26 top-flight goals in his new surroundings to not only claim a long-awaited league title but also a second successive Golden Boot gong.
That, however, was as good as it got for the now-retired ace as his form somewhat dipped over the next two seasons, ultimately scoring just 22 league goals combined as the club as a whole struggled to adapt to a post-Ferguson world.
Even despite only enjoying what was a relatively brief three-year stay at the Theatre of Dreams, for a long while the 40-year-old arguably remained the most influential signing of the decade at the club, with few having hit the ground running quite so successively since then.
That being said, however, it could be argued that Van Persie's solid legacy has now been eclipsed despite United's continued quest for major honours, with it fair to say that current skipper Bruno Fernandes has proven the major success story of the last ten years or so.
How much did Man United pay for Fernandes?
Much like Van Persie, the Portugal international's impact in Manchester was immediate following his arrival from Sporting CP in January 2020, with the playmaker providing the creative spark that had long been lacking in Manchester.
Signed for an initial £47m – less than what United forked out for Fred (£52m) – Fernandes' smooth transition to life at Old Trafford was made all the more impressive considering, unlike Van Persie, that he had never played in English football prior to that.
A Man of the Match performance on debut at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers set the tone for what has been a standout spell since then for the 5 foot 10 maestro, with it hard to imagine where the club would be had they not acquired the talismanic figure just over three-and-a-half years ago.
How many goals has Bruno Fernandes scored for Man United?
Despite operating in a number ten berth – unlike Van Persie – the Maia-born gem has proven himself to be a real weapon in a goalscoring sense for the Red Devils, while also providing the benefit of his creative flair as a link between midfield and attack.
That dual quality has been evident from the off as the £240k-per-week sensation ended that 2019/20 campaign with eight goals and seven assists in just 14 league games, while also netting three times in just six Europa League outings for his new side.
The midfield "magician" – as recently lauded by Statman Dave – subsequently contributed a staggering haul of 28 goals and 17 assists in 58 games in all competitions in 2020/21, while adding a further 24 goal contributions the following year.
Having continued to impress over the past 12 months or so, the 29-year-old's current tally now stands at 65 goals and 55 assists in just 189 games for the club in total, with Van Persie, meanwhile, scoring 58 goals yet registering just 21 assists in his 105 outings.
How has Bruno Fernandes performed this season?
Now the man with the armband on a permanent basis after teammate Harry Maguire was stripped of the captaincy earlier in the summer, it is fair to say that the 59-cap international is the undisputed leader in Ten Hag's side, showcasing remarkable resilience and consistency to have missed just one game through injury or illness in his United career to date.
While his start to life as the new club captain may have been somewhat rocky – with the Red Devils losing two of their opening four league games – the one-time Udinese man still boasts one goal and one assist in the top flight thus far, converting from the spot to clinch the comeback victory over Nottingham Forest last month.
Man United's Bruno Fernandes
Previously described as a "dream" for a striker by club legend Roy Keane, Fernandes currently leads the way in the division with regard to 'big chances' created, after also topping the charts in that regard last term.
That quality was also on his show for his country against Luxembourg on Monday night as the former Sampdoria dynamo got himself on the scoresheet and completed a hat-trick of assists, including a delightful, outside of the boot cross for Goncalo Inacio.
To have maintained his levels over an extended period of time is a credit to the playmaker's talents, with United supporters only truly seeing the best of Van Persie for a solitary season, prior to Ferguson's exit.
There will be those who argue that Fernandes – who has just a Carabao Cup to show for his efforts thus far – needs to do more to help drag his side back into contention for major honours, yet if any current player is to lead the charge towards the title in the coming years, it is likely to be the Portuguese genius.
كشفت تقارير صحفية عن اهتمام أحد الأندية الإسبانية بالتعاقد مع النجم جوليان ألفاريز من صفوف مانشستر سيتي، في موسم الانتقالات الصيفي لهذا العام.
وعانى جوليان ألفاريز من موسم مضطرب، 2023/24، لعدم مشاركته في المباريات بشكل منتظم تحت قيادة المدرب بيب جوارديولا.
وفضّل جوارديولا الاعتماد على خدمات النجم النرويجي إيرلينج هالاند، إلى جانب فيل فودين في ظل تألق الأخير في الموسم المنصرم.
وتسبب ذلك في تراجع مستوى ألفاريز خاصة أنه لم يستغل الفرص التهديفية التي كان يحظى بها عند مشاركته.
اقرأ أيضًا.. تايمز: مانشستر سيتي يشعل حربًا أهلية بإجراءات قانونية ضد الدوري الإنجليزي
ووفقًا لما ذكرته صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية، فإن جوليان ألفاريز مطلوب في الدوري الإسباني هذا الصيف، وتحديدًا من قِبل نادي أتلتيكو مدريد.
وأوضحت أنه بالرغم من أن أتلتيكو مدريد ليس لديه إمكانية التنافس ماليًا مع مانشسرت سيتي، إلا أن عملية محاولة استقطاب ألفاريز إلى الفريق الإسباني جارية بالفعل.
وأشارت إلى أن تلك المحاولة ستكون عملًا شاقًا، مع احتمال غير مؤكد للنجاح، ولكن أتلتيكو مدريد لن يتردد في استغلال أي فرصة للاستفادة منها من أجل تحقيق ما يهدف إليه.
ويمتلك ألفاريز عقدًا ساريًا مع مانشستر سيتي حتى 2028، مع العلم أن بطل الدوري الإنجليزي دفع 21.4 مليون يورو لنادي ريفر بليت في شتاء 2022 من أجل ضم اللاعب.
وبالنظر إلى الراتب الضخم الذي يظفر به ألفاريز مع مانشستر سيتي، لا يبدو أن الوضع مثالي لـ أتلتيكو مدريد للوصول إلى مهاجم بقيمة الأرجنتيني.
ومع ذلك، فإن ضمان حصوله على شهرة أكبر بكثير مما يتمتع به في “الاتحاد” وعدم العيش في ظل هالاند، يمكن أن يمثل فرصة لـ ألفاريز للترحيب بتغيير ناديه.
ليس هذا فقط، بل أن ارتباط مانشستر سيتي الأخير بإمكانية ضم رودريجو من ريال مدريد، بعد وصول كيليان مبابي، يمكن أن يؤدي إلى تقليص فرص ألفاريز في المشاركة بشكل أكبر، ومن ثم لن يكون الرحيل مستبعدًا بالنسبة له.
في الواقع، على الرغم من عدم وجود اتصال رسمي حتى الآن من أتلتيكو مدريد، كانت هناك اختبارات أولى لقياس مدى تقبل ألفاريز اهتمام النادي الإسباني.
ويصر التقارير على أن الأمر لن يكون سهلًا حتى لو حصل أتلتيكو مدريد على موافقة اللاعب، لأن النقطة الأكثر تعقيدًا ستكون عندما يدخل مانشستر سيتي في العملية.
Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson this summer and more details regarding the potential transfer have now emerged.
What's going on with Dean Henderson?
The Eagles are looking to sign a new 'keeper between now and the end of August when the window slams shut, with Vicente Guaita expected to move on.
It is Henderson who has reportedly emerged as a target for Palace in recent days, with the 26-year-old's plans a little up in the air at the moment. It is clear that Andre Onana has come in as first-choice between the sticks at United, while a return to Nottingham Forest hasn't developed, having been on loan there last season.
The one-cap England international is at a point in his career where he wants to be playing regularly, especially as it would aid his chance if making the Three Lions' squad for Euro 2024 next summer.
Now, a fresh update regarding Palace's interest in Henderson this summer has emerged, with a move looking increasingly likely.
Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Will Crystal Palace sign Dean Henderson?
According to a key update from talkSPORT, Palace's plan is to sign the Englishman on loan this summer, potentially snapping him up on a permanent basis next year, and talks are now underway:
"Crystal Palace have held talks with Manchester United over a deal to sign Dean Henderson, talkSPORT understands. Palace boss Roy Hodgson has been desperate to sign a new goalkeeper after Vicente Guaita told the club he wanted to leave.
"And talkSPORT understands that discussions held are with regards to a loan move with the option to make the deal permanent.
"The 26-year-old spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest and helped them stay in the Premier League. A permanent move to the City Ground had been expected but a deal could not be struck with United."
This could be the ideal scenario for all parties, allowing Henderson the move away that he needs, but giving Palace a season to assess whether he is worthy of being a permanent signing or not.
The United man has certainly proved his worth in the past, impressing at Forest last season before an injury ended his campaign prematurely, being hailed as "incredible" by Antonio Conte.
Henderson could be a really strong signing and an upgrade on Guaita, assuming the latter moves on, and at 26, he is still young for a goalkeeper and should only improve as the years pass, particularly if he can enjoy regular starts moving forward.
He is an extremely confident player who has total faith in his ability, and if were to come in and hit the ground running for Palace, he could help elevate them to another level moving forward, proving to be good with the ball at his feet and an expert shot-stopper.
To have played for both England and United speaks volumes, and while a move away from Old Trafford makes sense now, 13 clean sheets in 29 appearances for arguably the biggest club in the world is a good return, also winning an FA Cup along the way.
While Tottenham Hotspur have made a raft of signings this summer, the £100m sale of esteemed talisman Harry Kane to Bayern Munich has left manager Ange Postecoglou eyeing another offensive reinforcement.
What's the latest on Jota to Tottenham Hotspur?
According to 90min, the Lilywhites are considering a swoop for Al-Ittihad's Jota, who has already been transfer-listed by the Saudi Arabian champions despite only signing from Celtic for £25m in July.
The Portuguese winger is well-known to Postecoglou, who wielded the ace with the Scottish giants before taking the reins at Spurs this summer.
Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…
Now rated at £20m by Football Transfers, Jota could prove to be an astute purchase for Tottenham, who could utilise his dynamic qualities ahead of a crucial Premier League campaign.
How good is Jota?
While Jota is not a centre-forward and, as such, not the man to replace Kane, he is an exciting and multi-faceted winger capable of exploding into the danger area and unleashing strikes on goal, as well as breaking the lines with his slick passing.
Indeed, the 24-year-old was in captivating form in the Scottish Premiership last term under Postecoglou's wing, earning a stunning average Sofascore rating of 7.45, posting 11 goals and assists apiece from 33 matches, completing 80% of his passes and averaging 1.9 key passes per game.
For comparison, Son Heung-min earned an average rating of 7.08 in the English top-flight last term, scoring ten goals and supplying six assists, completing 82% of his passes and making 1.8 key passes per outing.
It's important to note that Jota has played in a division of unequivocal inferior quality in Scotland, but the semblance between his skill set and the Lilywhites' new captain does bode well when considering how he would fare under Postecoglou in the Premier League.
Former Celtic winger Jota.
Hailed as a "revelation" by former Rangers and Scotland boss Alex McLeish, Jota has been making waves and is a player that Postecoglou knows well.
Meanwhile, not only would he slot right into the Australian manager's system, but he could bring the best out of struggling star Richarlison.
Richarlison signed for Tottenham in a £60m deal one year ago after plundering 53 goals and 14 assists across 152 outings for divisional rivals Everton, while also bagging 20 strikes from just 44 caps for the Brazilian national team.
However, his fortunes have taken a turn for the worse in north London, with the 26-year-old netting just three goals and supplying four assists from 38 matches.
He was also criticised for "poor" decision-making by the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick and branded "toothless" by writer Andrew Gaffney last term.
However, as said by Postecoglou, he is still a tenacious attacking outlet with a "really strong work ethic", and given that he still ranks among the top 12% of positional peers for touches in the attacking box and the top 7% for aerial wins per 90, as per FBref, he could be the focal point from which Jota could channel his boundless creativity.
With a multi-functional winger such as Jota providing support from different angles and easing the burden on Son's shoulders, Tottenham's attack could unleash a more unified sense of fluidity, and signing Jota could be the dream solution to unlocking the capabilities of this team as they eye a return to the upper echelon of the Premier League this season.
In the format he loves, the New Zealand opener, on his way to a century, aced a test he had failed earlier in the tour
Vishal Dikshit in Rajkot05-Nov-20171:45
Century in India ‘means a heck of a lot’ – Munro
Colin Munro may not have been the most confident player in the New Zealand camp when the ongoing tour of India started last month. He had just returned to the ODI side, he was being asked to open for the first time in his international career and he didn’t have the best technique to combat spin on the slow Indian surfaces. The troubles swelled when his opening partner Martin Guptill was unable to get strong starts, and Munro fell victim to slower balls for two straight matches at the beginning of the series.After Munro’s blistering half-century in the third ODI in Kanpur, the Indian bowlers thought of deceiving him with some slower ones again in the second T20 on Saturday. Munro didn’t have to face many in the Powerplay, until debutant Mohammed Siraj sent down a few in his second over. That eighth over had two slower deliveries dispatched by Munro over his favoured leg side for sixes.Munro showed his issues with slower balls was not a weakness, but only a brief trend based on a small sample size, something he overcame pretty soon, especially once the formats changed.”To be honest, I wasn’t expecting too many slower balls in the first couple of ODIs,” Munro said on Saturday. “Bhuvi [Bhuvneshwar Kumar] and [Jasprit] Bumrah just bowled back of a length, trying to nick you out, get lbws. And the way I came out was aggressive and that made them change a bit. They bowled really well in terms of that. Bumrah’s slower ball… he has made a name of himself with that slower ball and Bhuvi’s knuckle ball is very good with the new ball.”[Now] it’s Twenty20 and you’ve got to be aggressive. Tonight it came off, another night it might not.”India’s best fast bowler against Munro on Saturday was Bumrah but he said changing his plans on the field was not easy and does not always work when a batsman like Munro is in that mood.”You can’t have a fixed plan,” Bumrah explained of bowling to Munro. “Over here if you had a fixed plan that you bowl slower balls, he was hitting them really well.”As compared to the hitches at the beginning of the tour, Munro looks a different player now. Twenty20 is the format he is more suited to as he gets to express himself “more freely” without the pressure of building a long innings. Munro is a specialised T20 player who struck his first T20I century earlier this year against Bangladesh. He may have been dropped from the ODI side then, but he followed it by racking up 366 runs for Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL, with three half-centuries, at a strike rate of 135. Munro had even considered turning into a freelance T20 player as he was not a regular in the ODI side and has played only one Test so far.”I enjoy Twenty20,” Munro said. “It’s a game where you know it’s a short game and you go out there to express yourself and when it comes off, it comes off. Sometimes you put too much pressure on yourself in the longer form where you’ve got to score runs all the time. In Twenty20, you just got to go out there and express yourself and take the good with the bad. Sometimes it comes off like it did tonight and the other night it didn’t come off. You just got to go with the flow.”I think I’ve always felt good in this format. It was just a matter of it hasn’t quite clicked. It’s one of those games where when you’re going well, you’re going really well. And when you’re not, you’re not. For me it’s a mindset thing. I’ve tried not to expect too much from myself playing at this level or at Twenty20. It’s just about trying to keep as even as you can and I think I’ve done that over the last two years.”Switching formats requires both technical as well as mental changes. To combat the challenges posed by India’s quick bowlers, Munro batted with a slightly more open stance on Saturday that helped him clear his front foot and hammer four sixes over his preferred long-on arc, an area that fetched him 30% of his runs. The key is not only to score runs though. Munro is frank about why things have not worked for him in the past when he put too much pressure on himself.”For me, the biggest part of being successful at this level is the mental side,” Munro said. “I’ve scored runs for Auckland for a long time, it’s just trying to get the same mental aptitude at this level. I think in the past I’ve probably put too much pressure on myself and haven’t always cemented my spot in the team. So it’s always what can I do to make the team rather than what I do now – which is what can I do to win a game. Or what I can do to contribute to the game. And that’s what makes a difference. Even if it’s 20 off 10, that’s a contribution, whereas in the past I’ve been not good enough to stay in the team. But now it’s more of a mental mindshift.”Munro’s innings had the elements a T20 century usually has – he attacked from the very first ball he faced, he survived at least two chances – put down by the Indian fielders – and he collected a lot of runs off edges. Not just the innings on Saturday, his scores in T20 internationals this year also reflect the ups and downs of a T20 game: 0, 101, 0, 0, 7 and 109*.No matter how the third T20 goes for Munro, he would be fairly pleased with the performances on the India tour so far. He now says he “loves” batting at the top of the order and scoring a hundred through the innings in India “means a heck of a lot”.
Fulham target Fred's situation at Manchester United is 'one to watch' as his future at Old Trafford becomes increasingly uncertain, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Where could Fred end up this summer?
According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United rejected an offer from Turkish giants Galatasaray earlier this window to sign Fred and it is 'unclear' whether a second bid will appear on the horizon.
Fulham boss Marco Silva is believed to be a big admirer of Fred and would like to bring him in at Craven Cottage, while clubs in the Saudi Pro League are also keen to secure his signature.
Last term, Fred made a whopping 56 appearances across all competitions for Manchester United, registering six goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.
Manchester United reportedly have set an asking price of £20 million for Brazil international Fred, something which Fulham aren't willing to comply with given that he is in the last year of his £120k-a-week contract at Old Trafford, according to The Mirror.
Fred missed the Red Devils' pre-season tour of the United States due to a 'personal issue' as speculation over his next steps continue to swirl.
Turkisk outlet Milliyet via Sport Witness has claimed that Fred has said 'yes' to a move to Galatasaray and Manchester United are now waiting to see if Galatasaray will sanction another offer for the experienced midfielder.
Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has indicated that Fred's situation could move quickly due to the volume of interest in his services from other clubs.
Jacobs told FFC: "I think that Fulham are still one to watch as well and Fred may lean towards staying in the Premier League if the right opportunity arises. I expect this one to move a little bit quicker because there's four or five clubs looking at Fred, so Manchester United are probably able to control that sale a little bit more."
What now for Fulham?
Fulham boss Silva has already managed to complete deals to acquire Calvin Bassey and Raul Jimenez this window, as per Transfermarkt; however, there is still plenty of work to do regarding incomings and outgoings at Craven Cottage.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has issued a surprise update on the future of veteran winger Willian that could see him leave Fulham this summer despite only recently agreeing to a new contract extension at the club, as the renowned journalist stated on Twitter X: "EXCL: Saudi side Al Shabab approached Fulham winger Willian with formal bid as they have concrete interest. Willian signed new Fulham deal 10 days ago but Al Shabab are insisting — and player’s now speaking to the club about the proposal."
Fulham forward Willian.
Cottagers striker Aleksandar Mitrovic wants out of Fulham in this off-season and will continue to seek an exit to go and sign for a European club even if his proposed move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal hits the breaks, as per The Evening Standard.
In terms of prospective arrivals at Fulham, Everton winger Demarai Gray could come in and has already agreed personal terms with the club, as per Football Insider.