Both players are with England’s Test team in Pakistan, with Cox due to fly home after the first day of the series decider in Rawalpindi

Matt Roller24-Oct-2024

England have added Jordan Cox and Rehan Ahmed to their white-ball squads for their upcoming Caribbean tour, which starts next Thursday.Both players are with England’s Test team in Pakistan, with Cox due to fly home after the first day of the series decider in Rawalpindi ahead of the white-ball squad’s departure for Antigua on Monday. Rehan, who has been named in England’s XI for the third Test, will arrive late in the Caribbean and is unlikely to feature in Thursday’s first ODI against West Indies.Cox, the Essex wicketkeeper-batter, is set to make his Test debut at some stage on England’s tour to New Zealand which closely follows the West Indies tour and may leave the Caribbean early. He is likely to miss the five-match T20I series, and will arrive in New Zealand in time for England’s warm-up match in Queenstown on the weekend of November 23, ahead of the first Test on November 27.Related

Jos Buttler to miss ODI series in Caribbean after 'setback' in calf injury

Jafer Chohan, Yorkshire legspinner, fast-tracked for England white-ball tour of Caribbean

Cox made his international debut in England’s T20I series against Australia last month, and is likely to win his first ODI cap in the Caribbean with Jos Buttler ruled out of the 50-over leg of the tour due to a recent setback in his rehabilitation from a calf injury. He will also deputise as England’s keeper at some stage in the New Zealand series, with Jamie Smith set to miss at least one Test – and potentially all three – on paternity leave.Rehan’s involvement in the third Test in Pakistan is likely to rule him out of at least the first ODI, and he may not be considered until the T20Is. He is one of three wristspinners in England’s squads along with Adil Rashid, the mainstay of their white-ball sides, and the uncapped Yorkshire leggie Jafer Chohan.England said when they announced their squads that two Test players would be added and always planned to take Cox and Rehan to the Caribbean. They announced this week that Liam Livingstone will captain them in their three ODIs in the Caribbean, with Buttler missing that leg of the tour, and also added Essex’s Michael Pepper to their squads as cover.West Indies are 2-0 down in an ODI series in Sri Lanka ahead of the final match on Saturday, having lost the T20Is 2-1, and are yet to announce their squads for the series. The first ODI takes place in Antigua on October 31, with the tour running until the fifth T20I in St Lucia on November 18.England ODI and T20I squads: Jos Buttler (captain, T20Is only), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Jafer Chohan, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone (ODI captain), Saqib Mahmood, Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, John Turner.

Manchester United have now struck an agreement on personal terms with a “special” player, and David Ornstein reveals the clubs are also ‘closing in’ on a deal.

Man Utd stepping up new striker pursuit

Man United have been trying to get Rasmus Hojlund off the books this summer, with a £30m price tag now deemed to be acceptable, but it has proven to be a difficult task to offload the Danish striker, who recently rejected a move to the Bundesliga.

In fact, Hojlund now wants to stay and fight for his place, despite attracting widespread interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, which means United could be left with less money to fund their own summer transfer business.

However, it hasn’t stopped the Red Devils recently submitting a huge offer for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, with a £74m bid tabled, and there has now been a further update on their pursuit of the centre-forward.

According to a report from GiveMeSport, Man United have now agreed personal terms with Sesko, despite rival interest from Newcastle United, with the Magpies recently tabling a £78m offer of their own.

Their sources state the Slovenian has now decided to move to Old Trafford rather than St. James’ Park, and Ornstein revealed on Wednesday morning that the club side of things is progressing too, reporting talks are ‘advancing towards conclusion’ and United are ‘closing in on (a) deal’.

"Special" Sesko could be exactly what Man Utd need

With Joshua Zirkzee and Hojlund flattering to deceive since arriving at Old Trafford, it is clear that Ruben Amorim needs to bring in a new striker this summer, and the RB Leipzig star clearly has a lot of potential. Former Leipzig technical director Christian Vivell once lauded the Slovenia international as “special”, and he has already started to make a major impact at the German club, netting 21 goals across all competitions last season.

The Leipzig star will inject a serious threat in behind for United, clocking a top speed of 35.69 km/h last season, ranking him as one of the quickest strikers in Europe and even faster than United’s top speedster Alejandro Garnacho (35.48 km/h).

Related Man Utd eyeing move to sign £50m+ CF with 25 G/A in 24/25 alongside Sesko

The Red Devils are in the race for a striker, who could be brought in instead of Benjamin Sesko.

Posts ByDominic Lund Aug 5, 2025

The only concern will be that the 22-year-old could turn out to be another Hojlund-type signing, as he is yet to prove himself in the Premier League, and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has been mentioned as a potential alternative.

However, given that Watkins is now 29-years-old, it is worth taking a chance on Sesko, especially considering the Leipzig striker has now had two strong campaigns in the Bundesliga, while Hojlund scored just nine goals in 32 Serie A games the season before moving to Old Trafford.

It may be a different XI in different conditions, but Tom Latham has challenged his side to bring the same intensity and cunning against England that secured a remarkable 3-0 win in India.A lush green Hagley Oval pitch for Thursday’s first Test will be on the other end of the spectrum to the Wankhede strip that saw all but four of the 40 wickets taken fall to spin. The Black Caps used it to round off their success in style. The task will be very different back in familiar surroundings this week.Barely four weeks on, 11-wicket hero Ajaz Patel and leg spinner Ish Sodhi have been parked for the returning Tim Southee and debutant seamer Nathan Smith, as expected. Even the “dropping” of player of the series Will Young is understandable with Kane Williamson fully recovered from the groin injury that forced him to miss the tour. Head coach Gary Stead broke the news to Young before Latham followed up.Related

• Nathan Smith ready to step up after taking scenic route to Tests

• New Zealand and England to compete for Crowe-Thorpe Trophy

That historic series was Latham’s first as full-time captain, and the first of these three matches against England has the whiff of a hero’s welcome for the Christchurch native (though he has skippered at his home ground three times as a stand-in).But while Latham does not want the team to rest on their laurels after such a high, he accepts a balance needs to be struck between moving on and channelling the confidence that comes with any series win in India, let alone a clean sweep.”It was an amazing couple of weeks, what we were able to do over in India,” Latham said on Wednesday. “Coming here, as cliche as it might sound, that is in the past. It’s all about coming here and focussing on what challenge lies ahead.”New conditions, new team – for us, it’s about trying to take as much confidence as we can from that series. The way we played, the approach we tried to take into that series in conditions that were tough. Knowing that we can do it all around the world is the confidence we need to take into here. And obviously, nice coming home to familiar conditions.”That was the most pleasing thing – the way we went about things over there, in conditions that were tough. We speak about it all the time – adapting to conditions and trying to adapt as quick as we can. It’s important we come here and try and do the same as quick as possible.”Even Ben Stokes, not usually one to laud opponents with lavish praise ahead of a series had to acknowledge the feat of New Zealand’s achievement. No doubt his respect was amplified by the fact England had tried and failed to conquer India at the start of the year, succumbing to a chastening 4-1 defeat.”I think even though we’re coming up against them in a series you’ve got to hold your hands up and give a huge amount of credit to New Zealand for going to India and winning all three games in the way they did,” said the England captain.”I think it’s massive for world cricket. India have been such a force in their home conditions and New Zealand have gone over there and won 3-0, not only is it great for NZ cricket but it was a huge thing for cricket in general that a touring team has been able to go and get one over on India because I can’t remember a time a team was able to do that.””We don’t need any more motivation than to walk out representing our country but I think you’ve got to appreciate what New Zealand were able to do in India. A lot of teams around the world have gone there and wished they could have done the same thing but it’s a lot easier said than done. I’ve got huge admiration for what Tom and his team were able to do out in India.”Latham also backed Smith to make a strong impression on debut. The bowling allrounder won the race for the final seamer spot over Jacob Duffy. Smith has impressed domestically over the last couple of years and was rewarded with an NZC contract in September before making his international debut against Sri Lanka earlier this month.England will know a bit about him after he took 27 County Championship wickets for Worcestershire, while also scoring three half-centuries. It was a stint that attracted a few more admirers, including Division One champions Surrey.”He’s someone that can move the ball both ways in the air, and hit the wicket reasonably hard,” Latham said. “He balances our bowling attack quite nicely with the other three guys. And he can bat a little bit – he’s a bit of a bowling allrounder, which certainly helps the balance of our side.”He’s someone that has produced results over a period of time for Wellington – he’s been domestic player of the year for a couple of seasons in a row. It’s great to have someone like that that’s earned his spot and certainly deserves to be in this XI. We’re looking forward to getting in behind him tomorrow.”

Gary Neville won eight Premier League titles with Manchester United and is one of the best right-backs England has ever produced.

Starring under Sir Alex Ferguson after coming through alongside the famous Class of 92’ at Carrington, Neville retired in 2011 and has since been a pundit and co-commentator.

Premier League

1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2009

Champions League

1999, 2008

FA Cup

1994, 1996, 1999, 2004

League Cup

2006, 2009, 2010

Community Shield

1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2007, 2008

Club World Cup

2009

Intercontinental Cup

1999

He did have a brief managerial spell at Valencia but has now been a regular on Sky Sports over the past 10 years, giving his views alongside Jamie Carragher.

But who is Neville’s greatest Premier League XI? Well, he was quizzed with selecting the best players the division has ever seen, but he was banned from selecting stars who have played for his beloved Man Utd.

20 Best Right-Backs in Premier League History Ranked

Where does Trent Alexander-Arnold rank?

ByCharlie Smith Jun 6, 2025 Gary Neville’s best Premier League XI without Man Utd stars 11 Alisson Liverpool

Despite being able to select the likes of David Seaman and Petr Cech, Neville decided to go for Liverpool’s Alisson Becker.

The Brazilian has helped transform Liverpool after joining from AS Roma back in 2018, costing a then-world record £67m fee. An unbelievable shot-stopper, Alisson has won two Premier League titles at Anfield.

10 Cesar Azpilicueta Chelsea

Right-back Neville decided to choose Cesar Azpilicueta over the likes of Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Signed by Chelsea for just £7m in 2012, Azpilicueta proved to be one of the Blues’ best value for money transfers of all time. Making over 500 appearances at Stamford Bridge, Azpilicueta won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup.

9 Virgil van Dijk Southampton, Liverpool

After moving to the Premier League with Southampton in 2015, Virgil van Dijk was signed by Liverpool for £75m and has gone from strength to strength at Anfield.

One of the best and most consistent centre-backs in the world, Van Dijk was always going to be in Neville’s side, with the Man Utd legend calling the Dutchman a “complete defender”.

8 John Terry Chelsea

A centre-back Neville regularly came up against at Old Trafford was Chelsea star John Terry.

The former Blues and England captain won five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups and a Champions League at Stamford Bridge, going down as one of the greatest Chelsea players of all time.

7 Ashley Cole Arsenal, Chelsea

Ashley Cole is regarded as the best left-back in Premier League history, and he was also involved in one of the most controversial transfers the division has ever seen when he swapped Arsenal for Chelsea in 2006.

Cole won Premier League titles and lifted the FA Cup at both Highbury and Stamford Bridge, with Arsene Wenger calling him “the best” the league has ever seen.

6 Steven Gerrard Liverpool

Starting Neville’s three-man midfield is former England teammate Steven Gerrard, who spent his entire Premier League career with Liverpool.

Despite never lifting the title, Gerrard has rightly gone down as one of the best to play in the Premier League since 1992, carrying the Reds on his back for large parts of his Anfield stay.

5 Patrick Vieira Arsenal, Man City

Alongside Gerrard is Patrick Vieira, who was Arsenal captain during the famous rivalry between Wenger and Ferguson’s sides in the early 2000s.

Neville and Vieira came to blows during that time, however, the former Man Utd right-back still saw plenty of quality in the towering French midfielder.

4 David Silva Man City

Finishing off the midfield is Manchester City legend David Silva, with the magician winning four Premier League titles at the Etihad.

Silva helped transform Man City’s fortunes after signing from Valencia in 2010, proving to be worth every penny of the £30m fee. He contributed to more than 200 goals in 436 Sky Blues games.

3 Mohamed Salah Chelsea, Liverpool

A terrifying front three begins with Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, who initially had a tough time of things in the Premier League with Chelsea.

However, since returning to England with the Reds, Salah has become of the best forwards the league has ever seen. In 2024/25, Liverpool won the title thanks to the Egyptian King, who broke the record for the most combined goals and assists in a 38-game season.

2 Alan Shearer Blackburn, Newcastle

The Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer, Alan Shearer, could have been a teammate of Neville’s at Man Utd if Ferguson got his way back in 1996.

However, instead, Shearer, who helped Rovers win the title, swapped Ewood Park for St James’ Park and would go on to become Newcastle’s record scorer over a 10-year period.

كشفت رابطة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، قائمة المرشحين للحصول على جائزة أفضل لاعب في الجولة السادسة من منافسات البطولة.

ونال ليفربول خسارته الأولى في الموسم الحالي من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز أمام كريستال بالاس بهدفين لهدف، في مباراة شهدت تقلبات كثيرة وكانت مثيرة.

وقلب آرسنال الطاولة على نيوكاسل يونايتد واستطاع أن يخرج من ملعب “جيمس بارك” بفوز صعب في الوقت القاتل بنتيجة 2-1، فيما خسر مانشستر يونايتد بثلاثية أمام برينتفورد، أما مانشستر سيتي فقد سحق بيرنلي بخماسية مقابل هدف.

ولم يتواجد محمد صلاح، نجم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول وقائد منتخب مصر ضمن قائمة المرشحين لأفضل لاعب بالجولة السادسة من الدوري الإنجليزي المرشحون لجائزة أفضل لاعب في الجولة السادسة من الدوري الإنجليزي

إيمي بويينديا

قدم بوينديا أداءً رائعًا بعد دخوله كبديل ليساهم في فوز أستون فيلا الأول في الدوري هذا الموسم، دخل الأرجنتيني بين شوطي المباراة، وكانت النتيجة تعادل 1-1، ولم يحتاج سوى 6 دقائق ليساهم في هدفين.

بعد تمريرة حاسمة لجون ماكجين، سجل البلجيكي بويينديا هدفه الأول في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز منذ مارس 2023.

إيرلينج هالاند

قدم هالاند أداءً كبيرًا في ملعب الاتحاد، ولعب دورًا رئيسيًا في الأهداف الثلاثة التي سجلها مانشستر سيتي في أواخر دقائق المباراة.

وبعد أن كانت النتيجة التعادل 1-1، مرر الكرة إلى ماتيوس نونيز بضربة قاضية ذكية ليساعد سيتي على استعادة تقدمه، قبل أن يسجل هدفين في الدقائق الأخيرة.

دايتشي كامادا

تواجد كامادا في كل مكان على أرض الملعب إذ أنهى كريستال بالاس البداية المثالية لليفربول في الموسم كما عزز رقمه القياسي بعدم تلقي أي هزيمة خلال 18 مباراة خاضها الفريق اللندني في جميع المسابقات.

وكانت ركلة ركنية نفذها كامادا، والتي تسببت في خطورة بتسليمها بشكل جيد، هي التي أسفرت عن هدف الافتتاح الذي أحرزه إسماعيل سار، كما أكمل الدولي الياباني أيضًا عددًا أكبر من التمريرات مقارنة بأي زميل له في الفريق، وقام بتدخلات أكثر من أي لاعب آخر.

شون لونجستاف

تألق لونجستاف في تعادل ليدز يونايتد 2-2 على ملعب إيلاند رود، حيث سجل هدفًا وصنع آخر، وصنع الهدف الذي سجله جو رودون برأسية من ركلة ركنية نفذها بشكل جيد للغاية قبل أن يسجل هدفًا مذهلًا بتسديدة نصف طائرة ارتطمت بالقائم.

ديكلان رايس

قدم رايس أداءً رائعًا في خط الوسط حيث نجح آرسنال في قلب الطاولة على نيوكاسل يونايتد ليحقق فوزًا حاسمًا على ملعب سانت “جيمس بارك”.

تصدر الدولي الإنجليزي جميع اللاعبين في اللمسات والتمريرات والتدخلات على الخصم، بينما احتل المرتبة الأولى في خلق الفرص، والفوز بالاستحواذ.

روبن روفيس

كان روفيس هو اللاعب الأبرز في فوز سندرلاند على نوتنجهام فورست، حيث قدم سلسلة من التصديات الحاسمة، ونجح حارس المرمى الهولندي في إنقاذ مرماه من 6 فرص ساعد فيهم “القطط السوداء” من تحقيق أول فوز لهم خارج أرضهم هذا الموسم.

إيجور تياجو

قاد تياجو هجوم برينتفورد بشكل رائع، حيث سجل هدفين في فوز مثير بنتيجة 3/1 على مانشستر يونايتد، وافتتح البرازيلي التسجيل بتسديدة رائعة، قبل أن يضيف الهدف الثاني من مسافة قريبة بعد ذلك بقليل

داني ويلبيك

منح الدولي الإنجليزي فريقه الفوز بالمباراة أمام تشيلسي، سجل ويلبيك هدف التعادل برأسية في الدقائق الأخيرة من اللقاء بعد تمريرة عرضية من يانكوبا مينتيه قبل أن يختتم أهداف المباراة بهدوء في الوقت بدل الضائع ليضمن النقاط الثلاث.

Despite Ruben Amorim’s admission that Manchester United could suffer once again next season, INEOS have now reportedly stepped up their move to sign a major upgrade who could change the Red Devils’ fate.

Amorim admits Man Utd will "suffer"

It was always unlikely to be a quick fix at Manchester United and, like all those before him, Amorim found that out the hard way at Old Trafford last season. Finishing as low as 15th in the Premier League, the Red Devils endured their worst-ever season and have entered this summer in desperate need of some hope,

Even after welcoming both Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, however, Amorim has remained a realist – admitting to reporters that his side will suffer once again next season.

When asked about the potential for new arrivals, the Manchester United manager also aired on the side of caution, telling reporters: “At the moment, we need to be really careful when we sign a player.

“If we have to start the season with this squad, then I’m happy because all the players want to be here. That is the most important thing. With Bryan and Matheus, we are clearly a better team.”

Man Utd open talks to swap Garnacho for £45m ST who's one of Europe's "best"

The Red Devils are in discussions over a swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho…

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 30, 2025

Alas, whilst their manager has kept his feet firmly fixed to the ground this summer, INEOS have reportedly made their first move towards welcoming what would be a dream arrival.

Man Utd make contact to sign Donnarumma

As reported by Sports Zone, Manchester United have now made contact to Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, as they look to land the ultimate Andre Onana upgrade.

Just months on from winning the Champions League and sitting in the top 10 of TNT’s Ballon d’Or rankings, contract talks between the French giants and Donnarumma have caused tension, and as things stand, the Italian is set to depart as a free agent next summer.

PSG may not wait to lose their 6’5 star in a free deal, however, and reports that they’re now targeting a move to sign LOSC Lille’s highly-rated Lucas Chevalier suggest that Donnarumma’s time at the club could yet come to an end a year earlier than expected.

If that is to be the case, then it’s United who could become the ultimate opportunists by swooping in to sign a major upgrade on Onana.

Described as “intelligent” by PSG boss Luis Enrique, Donnarumma would be the best signing of the INEOS era so far and one that could drag Manchester United back into European football if he arrives this summer.

Athletic Club remain determined to bring Aymeric Laporte back despite FIFA blocking his transfer, and are ready to appeal to CAS if needed.

Athletic await FIFA ruling on Laporte’s failed transferLa Liga side ready to take case to CAS if rejectedBesiktas also in talks over loan move for defenderFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Athletic Club remain determined to bring Laporte back to San Mames despite FIFA blocking his transfer last week. The Basque side expects a ruling from FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber this week after the deal collapsed due to paperwork issues with Saudi club Al-Nassr. If the verdict goes against them, Athletic are prepared to bring the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

But while Athletic wait for answers, Turkish giants Besiktas have already stepped forward, reportedly reaching an agreement with Laporte and submitting a loan proposal to Al-Nassr. The Saudi giants are reportedly open to the deal, meaning Besiktas could wrap up the move if Athletic’s appeal fails.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Laporte has been left in limbo since FIFA denied his €10m switch back to Athletic at the end of the transfer window. The Spanish club had already agreed terms with the 31-year-old on a three-year deal, but the move was rejected after the Saudi federation failed to upload Al-Nassr’s paperwork on time. Athletic argue that all parties were in agreement and that it is unfair for the player and the buying club to suffer because of an administrative error.

Until FIFA intervenes, though, Laporte technically remains an Al-Nassr player. He still has one year left on his contract in Saudi Arabia, while the agreement with Athletic has been voided. As things stand, the defender cannot be registered in La Liga until at least the winter window. 

DID YOU KNOW?

FIFA’s transfer rules include a 'validation exception,' which allows a late registration if the delay was caused by another party’s mistake, like missing paperwork. But such appeals are rarely successful. In 2019, Bulgarian club Lokomotiv Plovdiv tried to register Sylvain Deslandes and Jordan Graham after Bulgaria’s transfer deadline, but FIFA’s Players’ Status Committee rejected the request.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LAPORTE?

Athletic will wait for FIFA’s decision, while Besiktas will also be keeping an eye on the proceedings as they push their loan offer. With the Saudi transfer window now shut, Laporte’s options are running out, and his future now hinges on FIFA and CAS. For now, the Spaniard remains in Bilbao. 

Will Young’s Player-of-the-series finish as Williamson’s understudy in India has presented a conundrum for the hosts

Vithushan Ehantharajah25-Nov-2024

As the New Zealand Test squad reconvened at the Hagley Oval, three weeks on from a remarkable 3-0 win in India, they welcomed a familiar face back in their ranks.Kane Williamson, now shorn of the groin injury that kept him out of that historic tour, was donning BlackCaps training gear once more on Monday, as the hosts trained in the afternoon in a sun-kissed Christchurch. A three-hour-long 60 for Northern Districts against Auckland marked a tidy return to action after two months out. By all accounts, he is good to go for the first Test, which begins here on Thursday.New Zealand head coach Gary Stead confirmed the 34-year-old will slot back in. However he admitted the necessary reshuffle will require some consideration.Related

England in New Zealand: Bazball goes home (again)

Jordan Cox ruled out of New Zealand Tests with fractured right thumb

Williamson hits 60 in his first Plunket Shield game since 2019

Will Young’s stellar turn as Williamson’s understudy in India – Player of the Series with 244 runs – has presented a conundrum. One which, on the face of it, has an easy if cold-hearted solution. Nevertheless, Stead wants time to talk things through with skipper Tom Latham.”Obvious Kane will come back into the side,” Stead said. “He’s a superb player as we know and that creates some selection headaches for Tom and I to get our heads around in the next day or so.”Kane is one of the best in the world, so he will be playing somewhere in that line-up. It’s just how we manage to shape the rest of the team around that.”Stead ceded the rest of the team is a formality given the pitch is expected to play to type. “Going on traditional Hagley wickets, I imagine there’ll be four seamers out there.” The identity of the fourth remains up in the air, with Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy battling it out to join Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke and the retiring Tim Southee.Indeed Southee’s farewell tour adds a little extra on this three-match series. The 1-1 draw at the start of 2023 between these two culminated in a one-run thriller in Wellington that fell the way of the hosts. Now with an extra match – and for World Test Championship points this time – there is scope for this to be a thriller.New Zealand are identifiable favourites to take this series – with the onus on winning 3-0 to make their second WTC final in three cycles. And following their success in India, a second title could well be on the cards.”No doubt it gives you confidence as a group but it shows the ebbs and flows of international cricket,” Stead said. “You can see what’s happening in Perth [in the first Test between Australia and India], I’m not sure anyone would have written that script either. The WTC has made teams extremely competitive, teams try and get somewhat of a home advantage to pick up your points there.”[I am] Sure it’s going to be a cracker of a Test series. We’re going to see some fireworks I would suggest.”

Manchester City star Jeremy Doku was baptised almost immediately after the club's 3-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday. The winger enjoyed a dazzling display at the Etihad as Pep Guardiola's side won comfortably, and Doku claimed that the day was 'already a victory' before the whistle blew against Ruben Amorim's side.

• Doku dazzles at Etihad

  Per The Sun, the Belgium international left the Etihad for his baptism ceremony. Doku enjoyed a stunning display against United, providing two assists, and it appears that his appointment with a church font inspired him ahead of the game's start.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Proving a point

  Doku has endured mixed fortunes to begin the season, and the clash with United was only his second start of four games. He has yet to complete 90 minutes, but his two assists against City's biggest rivals can only help his chances of becoming indispensable under Pep Guardiola. 

• Doku's 'victory' before kick-off

  Doku was clearly excited about the ceremony, telling reporters: “If I can be honest, this was for me already a victory.

  “Why? Because I knew that after the game I'm going to be baptised.

  “Maybe that's why I felt like I was pushed. That's why I'm very happy with the performance as well.”

  He added: “You can do that as a kid but normally it's meant for when you're older and you really realise what you're doing, so that's what I'm going to do.

  “I was already excited before the game because I knew that this is a victory day.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Hoping for guidance

  Doku, a man of faith, will now be hoping that the man upstairs gives he and City all the help they need to return to the top of the table. They are already six points behind Liverpool after just four games. 

Duminy was appointed in March 2023 as part of Rob Walter’s support staff

Firdose Moonda06-Dec-2024Former international JP Duminy has stepped down from his role as South Africa’s white-ball batting coach for personal reasons. Duminy was appointed in March 2023 as part of Rob Walter’s support staff when Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed new coaches after the Mark Boucher era.Duminy was previously head coach of the SA20 side Paarl Royals and the domestic side Boland but it is not clear if he will continue to coach in the immediate future.He was with the white-ball team during their run to the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final last year but had to leave the camp ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean in June, also for personal reasons. The CSA will begin the process of finding a replacement soon, but it may not be in time for the series against Pakistan which starts next week. The contest starts with three T20Is, which will be played without the white-ball players who are involved in the Test series against Sri Lanka, before moving to three ODIs, which will form part of Champions Trophy preparation.Should a full-time candidate not be found, CSA could second their batting lead, Imraan Khan, the former Dolphins coach who was appointed in August and traveled with the Test squad to Bangladesh. At the time, red-ball batting coach Ashwell Prince was unavailable but he has since returned to Test duties.In September this year, Duminy was named head coach of International League T20 (ILT20) side Sharjah Warriorz.