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One of the brightest talents in Manchester United’s current squad is undoubtedly Kobbie Mainoo. Although manager Ruben Amorim has criminally underused him this season, there is no denying the natural skill he possesses. After all, the Stockport-born midfielder was starting in a European Championship final aged 20.

It is certainly a surprise, therefore, that the Red Devils academy graduate has played so little this term. He is yet to start a game in the Premier League, despite being so highly rated by his peers. Former teammate at United, Anthony Elanga, once said he possesses “similar attributes” to Paul Pogba.

The Frenchman is another United academy graduate who was just as highly rated aged 20.

How Pogba and Mainoo compare at 20

Both United academy stars already had, or in Mainoo’s case, have, a huge reputation by the time they were 20 years of age. Whilst the Englishman is still plying his trade at Old Trafford, Pogba had departed for Juventus.

The 2013/14 campaign is perhaps best when looking at Pogba’s contributions at around 20. He was sensational for the Turin giants that season, playing 51 games, scoring nine times and assisting 15, which included one of each in the Supercoppa final against Lazio.

As for Mainoo, things have not been quite as easy. Amorim has not given him much of an opportunity this term, and he has only played 228 minutes for his boyhood club across all competitions.

Last term, though, he scored a dramatic late equaliser against Lyon in United’s historic Europa League win.

It is certainly interesting to compare the two players at the same age.

Pogba was starting week in, week out for one of the biggest clubs in the world, whilst Mainoo is consistently ignored by Amorim despite his obvious talent.

Whilst many might think Mainoo is the heir to Pogba’s throne at Old Trafford, there could be another player who is actually Amorim’s own version of the French superstar.

Amorim’s own Paul Pogba at Man Utd

There are not many things Pogba cannot do on a football pitch. The Frenchman is one of the greatest modern midfielders, oozing class with the ball at his feet, dictating play from deep and excelling in the final third.

Well, in Brazilian legend, Casemiro, Amoirm arguably has someone else who fits that mould. The former Real Madrid star has enjoyed a real resurgence this term, after being told to “leave the football before the football leaves you” by Jamie Carragher a couple of seasons ago.

In 2025/26, we are watching one of the most intriguing versions of the Brazilian international. Casemiro has been integral in the pivot next to Bruno Fernandes, playing all ten Premier League games he’s been available for, chipping in with three goals and one assist.

Indeed, that is something new that has really been added to his game. The former Los Blancos star is a huge threat going forward and has 33 goal involvements for the Red Devils, more than half of what he got as a Madrid player.

Described as a “monster” by teammate Luke Shaw, the 33-year-old is, as always, a specialist at breaking up play, but he’s now added a new trait to his game: being able to control play.

This season in the Premier League, he’s completed 3.5 long-balls per game on average, and in 2024/25, played an average of 18.9 forward passes per 90 minutes.

Goals and assists

0.1

0.7

Chances created

1.4

0.8

Long balls completed

3

3.5

Forward passes

18.9

16.6

Duels won

8.5

6.7

We’ll never know how Amorim would have deployed Pogba, given he never had the Frenchman at his disposal. Yet, we might be seeing an idea, with Casemiro’s new threat in the final third and his ability to dictate play.

It is easy to see how the Brazilian is Amorim’s own Pogba. United fans might well be hoping they can see Casemiro be unleashed next to Mainoo soon, to form an exciting midfield pivot.

Casemiro 2.0: Man Utd make £79m bid for "one of the best DMs on the planet"

Man Utd’s midfield could be improved grealty with this signing

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 20, 2025

أعلن الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا”، عن تصنيف المنتخبات المشاركة في بطولة كأس العالم 2026 المقرر إقامتها في كندا والمكسيك والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

وتنطلق منافسات بطولة كأس العالم، خلال الفترة من 11 يونيو وحتى 19 يوليو 2026، بمشاركة 48 منتخباً.

طالع | المنتخبات المتأهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026

ومن المقرر أن تجري قرعة كأس العالم 2026، يوم الجمعة الموافق 5 من شهر ديسمبر المقبل، بالعاصمة الأمريكية واشنطن.

وجاء المنتخب المصري بالتصنيف الثالث، بين 48 منتخبًا مشاركًا في نهائيات كأس العالم 2026، إلى جانب منتخبات النرويج، بنما، الجزائر، إسكتلندا، باراجواي، تونس، كوت ديفوار، أوزباكستان، قطر، السعودية وجنوب أفريقيا. منتخب مصر يتجنب مواجهة 16 منتخبًا في دور المجموعات من كأس العالم 2026

وبذلك، يتجنب منتخب مصر، مواجهة ووقوعه مع 16 منتخبا، منهم الـ11 المتواجدين في نفس المستوى من التصيف بجانب المنتخبات المشاركة في قارة إفريقيا المتواجدة في المستويات الأخرى في التصنيف كمنتخبات المغرب والسنغال من التصنيف الأول والرأس الأخضر وغانا من التصنيف الرابع، والكونغو الديمقراطية حال تأهلها من الملحق العالمي، وذلك وفقًا لنظام قرعة المونديال.

طالع.. رسميًا | فيفا يعلن تصنيف المنتخبات في قرعة كأس العالم 2026 مجموعة منتخب مصر المحتملة في كأس العالم 2026

سيتواجد منتخب مصر، مع أحد منتخبات التصنيف الأول بين (كندا، المكسيك، الولايات المتحدة، إسبانيا، الأرجنتين، فرنسا، إنجلترا، البرازيل، البرتغال، هولندا، بلجيكا وألمانيا).

ومنتخب ثاني من التصنيف الثاني بين (كرواتيا، كولومبيا، أوروجواي، سويسرا، اليابان، إيران، كوريا الجنوبية، الإكوادور، النمسا وأستراليا).

ومنتخب ثالث من التصيف الرابع بين (الأردن، كوراساو، هايتي ونيوزيلندا، بالإضافة إلى 4 منتخبات ستتأهل من الملحق الأوروبي ومنتخبين سيتأهلان من الملحق العالمي في شهر مارس من العام المقبل) باستثناء الكونغو الديمقراطية إذ تأهلت.

Kylian Mbappe has broken his silence on Real Madrid’s recent slump, admitting the team “played very badly” in the defeats to Atletico Madrid and Liverpool. His comments arrive at a sensitive moment for Xabi Alonso, whose strict methods have unsettled parts of the dressing room and exposed a tactical transition that is proving far more turbulent than expected.

• Stuttering Madrid and growing unease under Alonso

  Madrid entered the season hopeful that Alonso’s discipline and tactical clarity would build on the freedom of the Carlo Ancelotti years. However, Alonso’s high-demand, rigid framework with more video work, stricter schedules and heavier physical load has reportedly unsettled players accustomed to Ancelotti’s open-door, player-first environment.

  While Alonso's team sit top of La Liga, there have been signs of inconsistency, having lost to 5-2 to Atletico Madrid and later going down 1-0 at Anfield in the Champions League. Last week's 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano was the latest reminder of their attacking stagnation. Twenty-plus shots yielded nothing, and the team moved the ball with a slowness and predictability that made Rayo comfortable throughout. 

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  Mbappe addresses tensions at Madrid amid high expectations

  After France’s 4-0 win over Ukraine, Mbappe was inevitably asked about the mood in the Madrid dressing room in his post-match interview. His response was brief but telling: the criticism is loud, the team knows it has underperformed, and the focus must now be on regaining control after the international break.

  "What do you want me to say? I have nothing to say," he said. "When you don't win games at Real Madrid, people talk a lot, and we haven't won the last two. We've played very badly, but we'll come back after the break ready to beat Elche.

  "In the end, we're first in La Liga and among the top eight in the Champions League. It's not perfect, but we all know that when things aren't working on the pitch, people talk and talk. But we're united to win every title this year."

• Madrid's shortcomings against Atletico, Liverpool and Rayo

  Across the three games, Los Blancos' problems have repeated themselves with worrying consistency. The draw against Rayo was the clearest example of a team that dominated possession but created very little. Madrid spent long spells circulating the ball without purpose, struggling to find width or accelerate play. Their forwards were squeezed into crowded central zones, Rayo’s compact shape cut off passing lanes, and even with more than 20 shots, Madrid rarely looked like scoring. The lack of movement off the ball and the absence of a decisive final pass made the whole performance predictable and easy to defend.

  The match against Atletico followed a similar pattern but exposed Madrid in both boxes. Simeone’s side were more intense, quicker to transitions, and far more decisive in key moments. Madrid repeatedly lost second balls in midfield and never established control. Going forward, they created very few meaningful chances, often rushing their final actions or running into Atletico’s organised defensive lines. It was a reminder that when Madrid’s tempo drops, their structure becomes rigid, and teams with discipline can shut them down without much difficulty.

  The Liverpool defeat was the most alarming from a tactical standpoint. Anfield’s press smothered Madrid from the first minute, forcing them into rushed passes and isolating Mbappe and Jude Bellingham high up the pitch. Even in periods of controlled possession, Madrid carried almost no threat, ending the match with just one shot on target. Liverpool exposed how limited Madrid’s attacking variety has become with slow buildups, little coordinated movement, and very few patterns designed to beat an aggressive press.

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  Vinicius issue lingers in the background

  Despite the turbulence, Madrid’s leadership remains committed to Alonso’s long-term vision. There are no plans for drastic decisions. Alonso has the board’s trust and a contract through 2028. But stability does not mean inaction. The club is already evaluating tweaks, especially in training load and tactical approach, to ease player fatigue and rebuild trust.

  Vinicius' future will define the coming months. His relationship with Alonso is strained, his reactions to substitutions have raised eyebrows, and his contract negotiations have stalled. Los Blancos are unwilling to meet his financial demands, and with a €150M price tag set for next summer if talks break down, the situation is now delicate. Whether Alonso finds a way to reconnect with Vinicius could shape the next era of the club.

  After the break, Madrid face Elche, Olympiacos, and Girona, three matches that will test their response to criticism and determine whether Alonso’s ideas are beginning to take hold. They remain top of La Liga and firmly in the Champions League race, but the next few weeks will reveal whether this is a temporary wobble or a deeper structural problem.

Salman Agha will lead a side without a recovering Shadab Khan and an injured Haris Rauf for Pakistan’s three-match T20I series against Bangladesh in Mirpur, Dhaka, to be played between July 20 and 24.The squad has been trimmed by one from the time Pakistan played their last T20I series – also against Bangladesh – but at home in May-June, when Pakistan won 3-0.Shadab has recently undergone surgery on his right shoulder and is currently recovering. Rauf, meanwhile, picked up a hamstring injury at the MLC, which has ruled him out of San Francisco Unicorns’ playoff matches. Apart from them, Irfan Khan Niazi, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim and Naseem Shah have been left out. Hasan, who was the top wicket-taker when Bangladesh toured Pakistan earlier, has been allowed to continue playing in England while selectors try out other options. Naseem and Shaheen Shah Afridi – also absent – are being considered for ODIs by Pakistan for the moment.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

The replacements don’t bring a lot of experience with them. Ahmed Daniyal, the medium pacer, and Salman Mirza, the left-arm quick, are uncapped in international cricket, while left-arm wristspinner Sufiyan Muqeem is just ten T20Is old. Top-order batter Hasan Nawaz made his international debut earlier this year and has played just eight T20Is, although he also did have a stellar PSL season. Abbas Afridi, the medium pacer, is relatively more experienced, having played 21 T20Is since making his debut early last year.Some of them were among the better performers at the PSL earlier this year. Abbas Afridi was the fourth-highest wicket-taker overall, with 17 wickets from 11 innings for Karachi Kings. Salman Mirza picked up nine wickets from just four games for Lahore Qalandars. Nawaz, meanwhile, was the third-highest run-scorer overall with 399 runs in ten innings for Quetta Gladiators, going at a strike rate of 162.19.This is the second T20I series Pakistan will be playing under new white-ball coach Mike Hesson, with the next T20 World Cup scheduled for early 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.The squad for the white-ball series against West Indies, to be played in Lauderhill (T20Is) and Tarouba (ODIs) in early August, “will be announced in due course,” the PCB said in a statement. The board’s COO Summer Syed said they were in negotiations with Cricket West Indies to turn the ODIs of that tour into more T20Is, given there is a T20 World Cup next year.

Pakistan squad for T20I series against Bangladesh

Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Sufiyan Muqeem

India opener Smriti Mandhana is back to No. 1 on the ICC’s ODI rankings for women’s batting. It is the first time since 2019 for Mandhana (727 rating points) at the top. South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt (717) – who lost 17 rating points – dropped to tied-second alongside England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt.In early May, Mandhana had scored 51 against South Africa and 116 in the final against hosts Sri Lanka in a tri-series, which were has last two ODI appearances.Wolvaardt, in her five ODI appearances in 2025, has averaged 28.20 with a top score of 43. She scored 27 and 28 in the first two ODIs of the ongoing series against West Indies.Related

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England’s Amy Jones and Australia allrounder Ellyse Perry round out the top five. Mandhana is the lone Indian in the top ten, with Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur on 15th and 16th respectively.The top of the ODI bowling charts stayed the same, with England left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone well ahead of Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner and Megan Schutt. But West Indies spinner Afy Fletcher’s four-wicket haul against South Africa in the second ODI helped her gain four spots up to 19th.There were no changes in the ODI allrounders’ top ten either. Gardner leads the list, with West Indies’ Hayley Matthews at No. 2 and South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp at No. 3. New Zealand’s Sophie Devine, who announced her decision to retire from ODIs after the World Cup in September to be hosted by India, is ninth among allrounders and 13th among batters.

Everton are preparing to table a January offer for an “incredible” full-back, with the individual in question seen as a top target for David Moyes and The Friedkin Group.

Ndiaye enjoying new role for Everton

The Blues have made a solid start to the season, even though things certainly haven’t been perfect, with Iliman Ndiaye continuing to shine for them.

Speaking last week about his new right-sided role for Everton, the Senegalese said he is enjoying it, even though it has taken some time for him to adjust to playing on the opposite flank.

“I’m still getting used to it and finding my best ways. The way I’m playing on the left is different from the way I’m playing on the right, but it’s good. I’ve scored two goals playing on the right, coming in at the back post and being alive in there. I feel like I can still do more – score more goals, create goals – but I’m still learning the role.

“It’s new to me because, generally, in the past, I’ve tended to play more off the left or down the middle. I’ve played on the right a few times but not as much. I’ve played on the right for Senegal recently, too.”

Ndiaye looks the part down the right-hand side, allowing Jack Grealish to flourish on the left, and now a right-back has been linked with a move to Everton, possibly linking up with the Senegal international in the near future.

Everton preparing offer for "incredible" full-back

According to a report from Spain, Everton are preparing an offer for Sevilla right-back Juanlu Sanchez, with a move potentially happening in the January transfer window.

The 22-year-old Olympic gold medal winner with Spain is considered a leading target for the Merseyside club, with his profile fitting the “physical and tactical demands of the Premier League.”

Juanlu could be perfect for Everton, coming in as a long-term acquisition who could offer something very different to Jake O’Brien in the right-back role.

The current Blues man is a centre-back by trade, and while he is doing impressively in an auxiliary position under Moyes, the Sevilla ace could bring more natural attacking quality there, having been hailed by former manager Garcia Pimienta for his potential.

“He has played as an inside midfielder [before], we were short on space in midfield due to Saul’s [Niguez] suspension and [Albert Sambi] Lokonga’s injury. I spoke to him, I knew he could do well in that position. Juanlu has an incredible present and a better future.”

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The fact that a January transfer feels possible is an added boost for Everton, possibly giving Moyes more depth midway through the season.

In truth, there are few negatives to the Blues signing Juanlu, with his £17m price tag potentially looking like a bargain over time, and the Spaniard is even in the top 5% for assists per 90 minutes for full-backs over the past year.

CSK kept their faith in Mukesh Choudhary though the seamer had leaked 50 runs at Chepauk during the weekend

Deivarayan Muthu08-Apr-2025

Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bat, suggesting that dew might not have a big impact during their defence later in the evening.Ruturaj Gaikwad said that Chennai Super Kinsg (CSK) were looking to bat first as well on what he called a “dry” pitch. Both teams made no changes. CSK, who have lost three matches in a row, have already cycled through 17 players in IPL 2025.After their defeat to Delhi Capitals (DC) at Chepauk, CSK coach Stephen Fleming said that the team management would revisit Gaikwad’s batting position. At the toss, Gaikwad said that he will continue to bat at No. 3, with the New Zealand pair of Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway opening for CSK. They also kept their faith in Mukesh Choudhary though the left-arm seamer had leaked 50 runs in four overs at Chepauk during the weekend.Playing XIsPunjab Kings: 1 Prabhsimran Singh (wk), 2 Priyansh Arya, 3 Shreyas Iyer (capt), 4 Nehal Wadhera, 5 Shashank Singh, 6 Glenn Maxwell, 7 Marcus Stoinis, 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Yuzvendra Chahal, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Lockie FergusonImpact subs: Suryansh Shedge, Yash Thakur, Praveen Dubey, Azmatullah Omarzai, Vyshak VijaykumarChennai Super Kings: 1 Rachin Ravindra, 2 Devon Conway, 3 Ruturaj Gaikwad(capt), 4 Vijay Shankar, 5 Ravindra Jadeja, 6 MS Dhoni(wk), 7 R Ashwin, 8 Noor Ahmad, 9 Mukesh Choudhary, 10 Khaleel Ahmed, 11 Matheesha PathiranaImpact subs: Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Anshul Kamboj

Olly Stone has been ruled out of contention for England’s Test matches against Zimbabwe and India this summer, after undergoing surgery for a right knee injury that will require a 14-week rehabilitation.Stone claimed seven wickets in two home Tests against Sri Lanka last year, and was selected for the Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand over the winter, but did not feature in either series.He experienced increasing discomfort in his right knee during Nottinghamshire’s pre-season tour of Abu Dhabi last month. Further scans conducted this week revealed the need for surgery, and he will now begin his rehabilitation, working closely with the medical teams at both the ECB and Nottinghamshire.As a consequence, he will miss this summer’s six Tests, beginning with Zimbabwe’s one-off fixture at his home ground of Trent Bridge on May 22, as well as the five Tests against India. He is, however, targeting a return to full fitness by August, when he is due to feature for London Spirit in the Men’s Hundred.It is another cruel setback for Stone, whose return to the Test team last summer was his first appearance at that level for three injury-plagued years. He made his debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2019, but missed the Ashes with a back stress fracture. That issue recurred in each of the next two summers, limiting his involvement to a pair of Tests against New Zealand and India in 2021, and a total of 11 white-ball caps.This winter, he missed the chance to cement his place in the Test team when he flew home from Pakistan for his wedding – a date that had been scheduled long in advance of his return to the England set-up.His injury increases the pressure on England’s pace stocks, leading into the start of the English season. Mark Wood has already been ruled out for four months after also undergoing knee surgery, while Wood’s Durham team-mate Brydon Carse is struggling with a long-term toe injury. Ben Stokes, England’s captain, is also rehabilitating from hamstring surgery, and is in a race to be fit for the Zimbabwe Test.

James Maddison has been an impressive option for Tottenham Hotspur over the last couple of years, after joining the side in a £40m deal from Leicester City in 2023.

However, injuries have massively halted his progress in North London, suffering four separate setbacks within his two-season stint at the Lilywhites to date.

His latest issue will undoubtedly be his biggest, suffering an ACL injury in the pre-season outing, with the Englishman expected to be out for the vast majority of the 2025/26 campaign.

Thomas Frank would’ve been excited to work with the 28-year-old during his first year at the helm, but any success the pair endure together will have to be put on hold for the foreseeable future.

As a result of the injury setback, the hierarchy have had to dip back into the transfer market to help bolster the first-team squad in an attempt to strengthen their chances of building on their Europa League success.

2 The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer

Eberechi Eze has once again been linked with a summer move to Spurs this window, looking to pounce and take advantage of the £60m release clause in his contract.

The Lilywhites are facing a battle with North London rivals Arsenal to land the England international, who registered 16 goal contributions in the Premier League last season.

However, he’s not the only player in England’s top-flight currently on their radar, with Brighton star Facundo Buonanotte a player they’re tracking, according to the Daily Mail.

Their report claims that Frank’s side are following the Argentine’s progress ahead of a potential move between now and the end of the summer transfer window.

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It also states he’s just one of a number of players that the club are monitoring, but it’s unclear whether the Seagulls will be willing to part ways with the 20-year-old before the deadline.

sS from earlier this summer suggested that Brighton could be willing to sell for around £30m

1 Why Spurs’ latest target would be the perfect Maddison replacement

Whilst Eze remains a player firmly on their shortlist, other options are currently being explored, as the side look to have a contingency plan should they miss out on his signature.

His consistency in England’s top-flight would make him an excellent addition, offering the player the next step in his career, allowing him to become a leading talent under Frank’s guidance.

However, the interest from their bitter rivals could make for an interesting battle, with one of the two sides having to suffer a blow in missing out on his signature.

It wouldn’t be the end of the world for the Lilywhites, having options to fall back on, as seen by their recent hunt for a new attacking midfielder over the last few days.

Buonanotte is just one of many on such a list, potentially having the tools to be a huge hit with the supporters if he makes the move to join Frank’s men.

When comparing his stats to Maddison from last season, the youngster highlighted that he has all the tools to fill the void left after his long-term injury setback.

The Argentine, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by Clinton Morrison, completed more progressive carries and more carries into the final third – having the ability to thrive with the ball at his feet.

Games played

31

31

Goals & assists

7

16

Progressive carries

2.4

2.2

Take-ons completed

1.7

1.6

Carries into final third

2.1

1.9

Shots taken

2.2

1.9

Through balls completed

0.8

0.6

Recoveries made

4.7

3.7

He also completed more take-ons per 90, along with a higher tally of through balls completed – able to add an end product to his mazy runs, handing those ahead of him with the tools for success.

Out of possession, Buonanotte has also impressed, making more recoveries and tackles per 90, fitting perfectly into Frank’s system, which requires a huge amount of running – especially without the ball.

No fee has yet been touted for the Brighton star, but it’s clear that he has the ability to be an excellent option for the Lilywhites in their hunt for future success.

Eze will still remain a key option, but if they miss out on the Englishman, a deal for Buonanotte could be an excellent alternative, having the ability to develop further under the Dane’s guidance.

Alongside Savinho: £60m Gibbs-White upgrade now keen to join Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making huge moves in the transfer market ahead of the September 1st deadline.

2 ByEthan Lamb Aug 13, 2025

South Africa will find a way to “pull together” for the Champions Trophy 2025 after suffering their first ODI whitewash at home and without any more match practice with a full-strength squad ahead of the tournament, according to white-ball coach Rob Walter.After overseeing the 3-0 defeat to Pakistan, Walter has been left with an ODI record of two series wins from six but does not think bilateral form accurately reflects what the team is capable of at major tournaments. “I know they’ll shine through when it comes to these world events, these marquee events. The guys tend to step up. They tend to bring their best cricket,” Walter said at the Wanderers. “We’ve seen that for two World Cups in a row.”In June, South Africa reached the T20 World Cup final with no bilateral series wins from four attempts under Walter and with the entire squad only convening two days before the event started, with players traveling from the IPL. And last November, South Africa reached the ODI World Cup semi-final, with limited ODI game time under their belt. They drew a series against West Indies in March 2023 and then came from 2-0 down to beat Australia 3-2 in September just before the tournament.Related

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This time, they also have fixtures on the eve of the Champions Trophy – a tri-series in Pakistan – but will not be able to have all their first-choice players available as some will be competing in the final stages of the SA20. Walter understands that could pose a challenge.”The reality is the lead up into the Champions Trophy won’t be anything, like the lead up to the World Cup. That’s the reality of the way the schedule is stacked up. But at the end of the day, I’ve just got to trust in the quality of the players,” he said. “Obviously, the switching in codes will potentially pose a little bit of a challenge to us. But again, it’s not like the guys have not played 50-over cricket. So I trust that when the time comes, we’ll be there.”Mindset and sense of occasion aside, South Africa also have personnel questions as they deal with a slew of injured bowlers. Seven of their seamers – Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder, Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger and Lizaad Williams are currently injured – and though all but Burger, who has lower back stress fractures, are expected to return this season, there is no telling how many will make it to the Champions Trophy. The problem is compounded by a niggle to Keshav Maharaj, who missed the recent ODI series after picking up a groin strain ahead of the first game, but could return for the Tests. For Walter, the number of players unavailable also means he was hamstrung in selection, which may ease the criticism of his results.But there is no softener in the batting department, where South Africa have struggled to find someone to fill Quinton de Kock’s role at the top of the order, and collectively underperformed. Heinrich Klaasen was their only batter to score a half-century in the series – and he did it three times – but no-one else scored more than 100 runs across the three matches or got an individual score over 40 which Walter recognised as a concern.”As a batting unit, we’ve spoken about someone taking pride in getting in and getting a big hundred and to be fair, we just haven’t been able to convert anything into really substantial knocks or partnerships in this series,” he said. “It’s not like we’re unaware. Some of it is down to batting error and others down to bowling quality and we also have to acknowledge that.”He appeared to back Tony de Zorzi as Temba Bavuma’s opening partner, though there is also the option of Ryan Rickelton.”If you look at Tony de Zorzi’s knock today (at the Wanderers, where he made 26), he was batting beautifully and then he got a brute of a ball that got him out at the end of the day. How do you assess that and what conversations do you have? I just want him to continue to play like he was playing because he was putting our noses in front up until that point,” Walter said. “These things do happen and ultimately I think it’s important to know that the players themselves want to be better. They want to convert. They want to get big hundreds. It’s not through any lack of want. And again, I have to trust that that conversion will start happening and hopefully sooner rather than later.”Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram’s form at Nos. 3 and 4 could also come under the microscope. Van der Dussen has not scored a half-century in 10 innings while Markram has one 50-plus score in his last 11 completed outings. South Africa’s over-reliance on Klaasen and David Miller (whose wife Camila is expecting their first child in February which could affect his availability) is clear. But Walter, despite whispers of pressure, does not look too perturbed with current results. He understands white-ball cricket has had to juggle selection with the needs of the Test side, who are one win away from securing a place in the World Test Championship final, and then will shift attention to the SA20, which takes precedence over everything else in the South African summer because of the profits it makes.By then, Walter is hopeful there will be enough good memories, vibes and form to carry the ODI side through the Champions Trophy where they are grouped with Afghanistan, Australia and England. “As a Proteas family, we’ll focus on these Test matches and getting ourselves to that World Test Championship final. And then obviously all the lads will pretty much be involved in the SA20, which will be highly competitive cricket, albeit in a different format,” he said. “I’m optimistic that when the time comes, we’ll pull together.”