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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly closing in on a deal for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, following rounds of talks involving Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and his south London counterpart Steve Parish.

The two club chiefs held negotiations again on Tuesday, according to Fabrizio Romano, and the potential transfer is heading in a very positive direction.

Now, some credible media sources are even reporting that Tottenham have reached a ‘verbal agreement’ to sign Eze, with a deal in principle now reached between Spurs and Palace as the Lilywhites make real progress to secure the 27-year-old’s signature (Ben Jacobs).

Insider, Paul O’Keefe, stresses that while this is a significant development, Thomas Frank isn’t exactly certain to bring the England international to N17 just yet.

Spurs are still waiting for the “final green light” from Palace as Oliver Glasner’s side scour the market for a replacement, with all the financial details agreed verbally but nothing signed on paper – meaning the transfer could still collapse.

As we’ve seen from the saga involving Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White already this summer, it is important for Tottenham not to count their chickens until Eze signs his contract.

Gibbs-White was on the verge of joining Spurs for £60 million and a medical was due to take place last month, before Forest unceremoniously blocked the move, threatened legal action and somehow got the 25-year-old to sign a new contract.

Tottenham handed "interesting" Eberechi Eze update after agreement claims

Now, Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has shared what he knows about Eze and his potential move to Spurs.

The journalist has urged on-lookers not to get too ahead of themselves when it comes to the former QPR sensation, telling Sky that a deal isn’t exactly all wrapped up just yet.

Eze would be Tottenham’s arguable best signing of the summer, and exactly what Frank is crying out for.

His 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season highlight just how devastatingly creative the player can be in the final third, with his versatility as both a central number 10 and left-winger coming as another major incentive for Levy to get this deal as soon as possible.

Frank needs a replacement for the injured James Maddison, and Eze fits the bill in all departments.

England’s 2019 World Cup-winning coach will not return in 2025

Matt Roller03-Dec-2024Trevor Bayliss has left his role at London Spirit in the Hundred after his men’s team finished bottom in 2024. Bayliss replaced the late Shane Warne as men’s coach ahead of the 2022 season, when Eoin Morgan captained them to the play-offs, but his team have won only three games and lost 11 in the last two years since Morgan’s retirement.Bayliss’ side were particularly poor in 2024, losing seven of their eight matches with a scrappy three-wicket win over Welsh Fire the only exception. Their top picks at the draft, Shimron Hetmyer and Andre Russell, managed 216 runs between them, and Dan Lawrence was unable to get them out of a rut as captain.The Spirit’s struggles in the men’s Hundred were only emphasised by the success of their women’s team, who won the title for the first time under Heather Knight and Ashley Noffke. Noffke has since signed an extension for the 2025 edition, though has lost assistant Ali Maiden to Birmingham Phoenix.”We’d all like to thank Trevor for his considerable efforts across the last three seasons,” Fraser Stewart, London Spirit’s general manager and the MCC’s head of cricket, said in a statement. “He initially joined us in difficult circumstances and led the side to a strong finish in 2022, but the team hasn’t been able to replicate that success since.”As a group, we’re desperate to see London Spirit competing at the right end of the table and we think a new approach may be of benefit to our chances. Trevor leaves Lord’s with our best wishes and our gratitude.”Related

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Bayliss’ stock has fallen as a coach of late, five years on from his England side’s triumph in the 2019 50-over World Cup. He was replaced as Punjab Kings coach by Ricky Ponting earlier this year, though has been retained as Sydney Thunder coach for the upcoming Big Bash League season despite overseeing their last-placed finish in 2023-24.London Spirit have already advertised for Bayliss’ replacement, with a first-round deadline of December 11. James Foster and Paul Collingwood are both potential contenders, having spent time working under Bayliss as assistant coaches, and an appointment appears likely to take place before the completion of the Hundred’s ongoing sales process.The second-round deadline for bids from private investors (for 49% stakes in the Hundred’s eight teams) is December 9, with London Spirit expected to attract the highest offers. Interested bidders for the Spirit are understood to include at least two IPL franchises in Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, as well as the Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer.

Sunderland are days away from clashing with Sevilla in a pre-season friendly match that will show what Regis Le Bris’ camp are made of ahead of moving up to the Premier League, with the Spanish titans no pushovers.

A 4-0 victory was picked up against South Shields to get the run of pre-season fixtures kick-started convincingly. Yet, Sevilla and then a trip to face off against Sporting will be far tougher tests, as the whole barrage of new Black Cats signings get up to speed with what is expected of them in their fresh environment.

One player that won’t be linking up with Le Bris and Co. anytime soon is Jordan Henderson, with all the rumours surfacing of the ex-Liverpool midfielder wanting to return to his boyhood club falling to the wayside when his move to Brentford was recently confirmed.

This doesn’t mean Sunderland won’t be chasing after more Premier League-experienced bodies, however, as another former top-flight regular is eyed up.

Sunderland make contact with £17m star

Aaron Ramsdale has regularly been linked with a switch to the Stadium of Light this summer, with Le Bris perhaps wary about Anthony Patterson’s goalkeeping credentials moving up to such a taxing division.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

On top of that, there does need to be some more Premier League prowess present when reviewing their whirlwind transfer activity to date, with all of the signings entering the Black Cats camp so far primarily coming from far-off European leagues, minus Simon Adingra moving to Wearside from Brighton and Hove Albion.

That’s where Granit Xhaka could come in and be a standout purchase for the newly promoted side.

Reports from Sky Sports earlier this week revealed that the Mackems were interested and exploring a move for the Swiss midfielder but an update has since emerged.

Indeed, according to German outlet BILD, Sunderland have contacted Bayer Leverkusen regarding a £17m deal for the ex-Arsenal battler, although they are yet to formally submit their first offer.

The Black Cats were facing competition for his signature from Saudi club Neom but they have now been ruled out of the race after refusing to submit a bid of more than £7m.

Why Xhaka is a far better signing than Henderson

Away from his Premier League experience with the Gunners, Xhaka has managed to forge a far more successful career post the English game when weighed up next to a declining Henderson, meaning he should be able to return to the high-pressure scenarios ahead of him reinvigorated and ready to go.

Indeed, it only took the Switzerland international one season in the Bundesliga to lift the German top-flight title, with the 6-foot-1 enforcer very much playing his part in the success story under Xabi Alonso by notching up 50 games and tallying up six goal contributions.

Last season saw his game be elevated even more at the BayArena with seven assists next to his name from 33 Bundesliga clashes, meaning he should be able to slot back into the Premier League with ease, knowing he’s still at the top of his game, despite being 32 years of age.

Henderson, on the other hand, hasn’t quite aged like a fine wine in contrast. The 35-year-old veteran only picked up five assists in all competitions last season, next to Xhaka’s far sturdier amount.

Moreover, only 2.3 duels were won on average per Eredivisie clash last season for Ajax by the former Reds captain, with Xhaka winning a more forceful 3.9 at Leverkusen to do his bit for the cause. It’s hardly a surprise he’s been described as a midfield “monster” in the past, notably by Arsenal writer Connor Humm.

Xhaka’s overall Premier League numbers for Arsenal
Stat	Xhaka
Games played	225
Goals scored	17
Assists	24
Completed passes	14,865 (88%)
Tackles	368
Duels won	1,001
Stats by the Premier League

Away from regaining his confidence out in Germany after a topsy-turvy stay at the Emirates, Xhaka is also well-versed in what it takes to be a fiery and combative option in the demanding English top-flight, even if his career at Arsenal was sometimes bumpy.

When looking at the table above, it’s clear that the 32-year-old would be a valuable addition as a well-rounded option centrally, with a standout 17 goals and 24 assists coming his way in North London, on top of a mighty 1001 duels being won in total across his 225-game span in the top league. Henderson would win 1337, in contrast, but he did have the added boost of 431 appearances on his side.

Hailed as a “leader” by German football expert Raphael Honigstein for what he has given Leverkusen, on top of also possessing the necessary quality to be a success in England, it does feel as if landing Xhaka would be the perfect pick-up to offer both quality and experience to Sunderland’s survival mission.

If he were to join the Black Cats ranks shortly, Henderson would just be put to one side as an afterthought.

More exciting than Xhaka: Sunderland make contact to sign £34m star on loan

Sunderland could seal a deal even more exciting than Granit Xhaka returning to the Premier League with this world-class capture.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 17, 2025

Lancashire made up for lost time and maintained their Vitality County Championship Division One survival hopes after Tom Bailey and Anderson Phillip impressed with the new ball against Worcestershire at Visit Worcestershire New Road.Bailey and Phillip fully justified Lancashire skipper Keaton Jennings decision to put the home side into bat in reducing them to 22 for 5 and then 56 for 7 in seamer-friendly conditions when play got underway after lunch. The duo both picked up three wickets to give Lancashire an ideal start to a game they have to win to keep alive their chances of remaining in the top flight for another season.Lancashire began the game 15 points adrift of third from bottom Nottinghamshire but last week’s win over Somerset at Emirates Old Trafford had kept them in contention.Bailey bowled eight overs on the trot and returned excellent figures of 3 for 9 while Phillip had 3 for 44 from seven overs.Worcestershire had already guaranteed their safety during a recent run of three wins in four matches and their eighth-wicket pair of Matthew Waite and Logan van Beek led a partial recovery. They plundered 63 in seven overs but the rain which had washed out the morning’s play returned after tea.Worcestershire made two changes from the side in action against Hampshire at the Utilita Bowl with the fit again Waite and Jack Home replacing the injured Tom Taylor and spinner Amar Virdi. Lancashire kept faith with the side which had defeated Somerset.Bailey’s second delivery of the opening over accounted for Gareth Roderick who drove at a ball of full length which was swinging away and he edged to Will Williams at fourth slip.Jake Libby square cut Phillip for four but then was stuck in the crease and nicked another ball which moved away to Harry Singh at third slip. Rob Jones was undone by an excellent full length swinging delivery from Phillip and was caught behind. Kashif Ali steered Bailey to first slip and then Brett D’Oliveira pushed at the same bowler and perished at second slip.Adam Hose off drove Bailey to the ropes to move into double figures but it became 39 for 6 when Ethan Brookes played forward and was bowled with a fullish-length delivery which did just enough to nip away.Phillip came back into the attack to replace Bailey after a superb opening spell of 8-4-9-3 and he soon claimed his third scalp when Hose tried to on drive a delivery slanted towards leg stump and ended up deflecting to Jennings at second slip.Waite decided attack was the best policy and pulled and on drove Williams for sixes in his first over which cost 15 runs. Van Beek also went on the attack and he struck Balderson and Williams for further maximums.By tea the eighth wicket pair had added 63 in just seven overs but the players were unable to return for the final session after a heavy downpour.

It would be fair to say that, thus far, this hasn’t been a great transfer window for Tottenham Hotspur.

While their Premier League rivals have been making impressive signings left, right, and centre, Thomas Frank has been left waiting for the club to make another move after signing Mathys Tel on a permanent deal.

Worse yet, North London rivals Arsenal appear to have awoken from their slumber as well, and are starting to make waves in the market, most notably regarding the potential signing of Viktor Gyokeres.

However, things may soon be about to change, as reports have linked the Lilywhites to a Premier League star who could be Frank’s answer to the Sporting CP star.

Spurs target their own Viktor Gyokeres

Given their truly diabolical form in the competition last season, it makes sense that Spurs would be targeting some of the Premier League’s most exciting talents this summer.

Transfer Focus

However, thus far, the Europa League champions haven’t been able to secure any signatures, with Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo still looking more likely to join Manchester United over them, and Antoine Semenyo putting pen to paper on a new deal at Bournemouth.

Even Eberechi Eze, who was once again linked with the club this year, now looks like he could be joining Arsenal, alongside Gyokeres.

Yet, there is still reason to be optimistic, as the Lilywhites close in on a key target, a Premier League star who could be their answer to the Swede: Mohammed Kudus.

Yes, according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Spurs have maintained their intense interest in the West Ham United ace.

In fact, the Italian journalist claims the Ghanaian is now a “top target and a crucial target” for Frank and that even though their initial offer of £50m was rejected, they will bid again.

In terms of the final price, it has been reported elsewhere that the Hammers may be holding out for a fee in the region of £65m.

It appears that this would be a complicated and costly transfer to complete this summer, but one Spurs should fight to secure, especially as Kudus could be their Gyokeres.

Why Kudus could be Spurs' Gyokeres

The first thing to say is that, yes, Kudus and Gyokeres are fundamentally different players and occupy very different roles within their respective squads.

However, when we say the former could be Spurs’ answer to Arsenal signing the latter, we are not talking or even thinking about where they play.

Instead, the point is that, in a similar way to how the Swede is likely to transform the Gunners’ attack and potentially their fortunes next season, the Ghanaian star has the ability to do the same for the Lilywhites.

Appearances

48

35

Minutes

3781′

2721′

Goals

18

5

Assists

10

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.25

Minutes per Goal Involvement

135.03′

302.33′

For example, while it’s certainly the case that his return of five goals and four assists in 35 appearances last season was underwhelming, his output the year before was nothing short of superb.

In 48 appearances, totalling 3781 minutes, the “generational talent,” as dubbed by journalist Gary Al-Smith, scored 18 goals and provided ten assists.

In other words, the Accra-born monster averaged a goal involvement every 1.71 games, or every 135.03 minutes, which is the sort of output that could fire Spurs up the table next season.

Furthermore, in addition to incredible ability in front of goal, the former Ajax gem can play anywhere from right wing to attacking midfield and even centre-forward, in turn giving Frank so many tactical options.

Finally, if you are still unconvinced over his game-changing potential, then you need only look at some of his underlying numbers.

Despite not having the best campaign in terms of output, FBref still ranked the international ace in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for take-ons attempted and successful take-ons, as well as the top 6% for pass completion and goal-creating actions from long shots, among other metrics, all per 90.

Ultimately, Kudus may not have been at his very best last season, but the talent is there, and in the right environment, he could be utterly game-changing, and in a way, Spurs’ answer to Gyokeres moving to the red side of North London.

Shades of Haaland: Spurs submit bid for "one of the best STs in the PL"

Tottenham Hotspur have wasted no time in handing Thomas Frank the tools for success.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 6, 2025

Sunderland and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman have been in talks about multiple overseas signings in recent days.

Sunderland transfer rumours after Enzo Le Fee deal

The Black Cats are yet to make a major mark in the transfer window so far following promotion to the Premier League, with Enzo Le Fee’s loan move becoming permanent the only piece of incoming business.

Le Fee has penned a four-year deal and has cost around £20m after helping the club win promotion at Wembley. In regards to outgoings, Sunderland have lost playoff hero Tommy Watson and star midfielder Jobe Bellingham, with the pair joining Brighton and Borussia Dortmund respectively.

Le Bris' next Rigg: Sunderland make approach to sign "outstanding" EFL star

Sunderland could be about to win their next Chris Rigg if they successfully sign this EFL ace.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 18, 2025

There have been a number of reported targets at The Stadium of Light, though, as Regis Le Bris prepares his side for a Premier League opener at home to West Ham United on August 16.

Leeds United midfielder Sam Greenwood is a player of interest to Sunderland, as is Sassuolo striker Armand Lauriente.

Celtic centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers also has admirers from the Black Cats, and by the looks of things, Speakman has been making moves for targets outside of England in recent days.

Speakman confirms transfer talks with Sunderland targets

As reported by The Northern Echo, Speakman confirmed that he has personally been in three different countries this week to talk with targets and their agents.

Although he won’t say what players he has spoken with, The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson name-checked Ukrainian striker Vladyslav Vanat, Monaco defender Wilfried Singo and Lauriente as targets for Sunderland.

Vanat is currently at the U21 European Championships after scoring 21 goals and registering nine assists for Dynamo Kyiv in all competitions last season.

The 23-year-old could be one that Speakman held talks with, but by the looks of things, transfer business could soon ramp up on Wearside following this update from the Sunderland chief.

Celtic have brought the curtain down on another successful campaign at Parkhead and could now be set to let go of one of their long-serving stars, per a report.

Change could be in the wind for Celtic this summer

Brendan Rodgers will feel disappointed that his side weren’t able to see a domestic treble over the line, but a double and tangible progress in the Champions League isn’t to be sniffed at in the grand scheme of things.

Nevertheless, the end to a long campaign has come at a good time for Celtic, who are already beginning to make decisions on the personnel that will prop up their talented squad next term.

Greg Taylor is now out of contract and may depart following an excellent six years of service, while talks are ongoing to resolve Jeffrey Schlupp’s future at Parkhead as his loan spell draws to a close.

Given his parent club Crystal Palace are currently paying him £60,000 per week, it remains to be seen if a deal will be thrashed out to take the Ghana international to Glasgow on a permanent basis.

Looking ahead, Rodgers has urged Celtic to use their Scottish Cup final defeat to Aberdeen as fuel for next season: “Looking at the bigger picture, we won the league title, won the League Cup, sadly we just couldn’t go that next step. It’s been a really good season for us. This will hurt. That’s your motivation, that drives you going into next season.”

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Celtic have been tipped to swoop for a star who would be a big upgrade on Adam Idah.

ByDan Emery May 25, 2025

Supporters will hope that extends to their transfer business, and they are already beginning to make tough decisions if recent reports are anything to go by.

Scott Bain set to leave Celtic on free transfer

According to The Herald, Scott Bain is set to be allowed to leave Celtic on a free transfer despite having a year left to run on his contract at Parkhead.

The 33-year-old will now seek first-team football elsewhere after becoming a distant back-up option to Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo between the sticks.

Scott Bain’s trophy-laden career at Celtic

Appearances

78

Clean sheets

40

Trophies won

7x Scottish Premiership, 5x Scottish Cup, 4x Scottish League Cup

Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan is out of contract and is set to replace Bain at Celtic, which will help their homegrown quota in line with UEFA squad registration rules due to being a club-trained player.

Cutting his deal short may be an abrupt end to former Dundee star Bain’s time in Glasgow, but he has enjoyed some memorable success and filled in admirably when called upon by Neil Lennon, Ange Postecoglou and current boss Rodgers.

However, he hasn’t played a single minute since a 3-2 victory over St Mirren at the tail end of last campaign, so it makes sense for the former Scotland international to try his luck as a number one elsewhere.

With INEOS looking to send a statement this summer, Manchester United are now reportedly ready to table a shock offer worth as much as £85m to sign a Premier League rival.

Man Utd must get summer incomings right

In what feels like an Old Trafford groundhog day, Manchester United cannot afford to get their incomings wrong this summer. Like in 2014 under David Moyes and then under the likes of Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunner Solskjaer, the Red Devils are in no position to make mistakes in the transfer market as they look to hand their latest manager the keys to unlock a place among Europe’s elite again at long last.

Same agent as Dorgu: Man Utd now offered chance to sign "incredible" winger

He’s a serial winner.

ByTom Cunningham May 10, 2025

What does seem to be different about Ruben Amorim compared to Moyes, Van Gaal, Solskjaer and in some ways even Mourinho is just how honest he’s been about the extent of the task in front of him.

Even in the build-up to Manchester United’s 7-1 aggregate mauling of Athletic Bilbao to reach the Europa League final, Amorim assured reporters that silverware would not take away from what has been a disastrous season.

The former Sporting Club boss told reporters: “For me, in that moment and you look at Premier League, we are the worst team since I arrived in terms of results. That is my idea. In the end of the season, we can be the worst team in Premier League history with a European title.

“So we will not change anything. We know that this season was disappointing. Nothing is going to change, in that moment, I have to think a bit more but I felt that. I still feel that this season was the worst in the last 50 years.”

Whether the Red Devils have what it takes to overcome Tottenham Hotspur in the final is another question, but if they do manage to win the competition then their transfer plans could become all the more interesting.

Man Utd readying shock Tonali offer

According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, INEOS and Manchester United are now ready to table a stunning €100m (£85m) offer to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United this summer. In an ambitious move, the Red Devils have set their sights on the Italian, who has enjoyed an excellent season at St James’ Park.

Starts

25

21

Goals

3

1

Progressive Carries

33

16

Ball Recoveries

163

117

Manchester United’s interest, whether a deal is feasible or not, should come as no surprise. As the numbers show, Tonali would be an instant upgrade on Manuel Ugarte and perhaps the difference between taking Amorim’s side into Europe and a place in mid-table once again next season.

Eddie Howe will likely be keen to keep hold of his midfielder, however. Full of praise, the Newcastle boss told reporters earlier this season: “We’ve seen that in recent games from a defensive viewpoint now more than an attacking viewpoint, where he’s sprinting to put out fires for us, nicking balls, intercepting balls, using his athleticism to track runners. He’s been excellent in that respect and think that’s really helped the team.”

Already thinking ahead about potential summer reinforcements, Aston Villa have now reportedly made contact over a deal to sign a £25m sensation who recently dominated England’s U21 side.

Aston Villa join race to sign France U21 star

Whilst it has seemed as though they’ve endured a season full of inconsistency at times, Aston Villa find themselves in an FA Cup semi-final, a Champions League quarter-final and in with every chance of qualifying for Europe’s top competition for a second season running in the Premier League. And that qualification would undoubtedly play a large part in their pursuit of summer targets.

Related Monchi now wants Aston Villa to sign £83k-p/w Real Madrid ace this summer

Aston Villa are the latest team to join the race…

Posts ByBrett Worthington Mar 31, 2025

On that front, a number of potential reinforcements have already emerged, including the likes of Arda Guler. The Real Madrid youngster has struggled for game time in Spain in the face of such talented competition and has now reportedly attracted the attention of Villa sporting director Monchi.

The Turkish international would certainly be quite the coup. Although he has struggled to steal the headlines at Madrid, Guler could become an instant star in the Midlands just as Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford have fresh from their own struggles.

He’s not the only young star that the Villans have set their sights on, however. According to The Boot Room, Aston Villa have now made contact to sign Rayan Cherki, asking Lyon to be kept informed about the winger’s transfer status in the coming months.

Available for just £25m this summer, Cherki is likely to be one of the bargains of the window and has already attracted a list of interested parties as a result. Joining Villa in the race for his signature is reportedly Manchester United, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in what should prove to be a hectic battle to welcome one of Europe’s rising stars when the summer arrives.

"Magnificent" Cherki is a rising star

The interest in Cherki from the Premier League should come as little surprise after he put on the show of all shows against England U21s during the international break, scoring once and assisting twice in a 5-3 victory for France. It was an evening stroll for a player whose quality belongs and is destined for the highest level.

It’s not the first time that the 21-year-old has impressed this season either, having scored eight goals and assisted an eye-watering 18 in all competitions for Lyon to earn the praise of Jacek Kulig. The scout/analyst described Cherki’s campaign as “magnificent” at the beginning of March and has seen him get better and better ever since.

As the race for his signature heats up, Cherki looks destined to have a decision to make which could yet end in a summer switch to Villa Park.

South Africa’s Test captain looks back on the Pakistan Test series and ahead to the two-Test series against India in November

Temba Bavuma31-Oct-2025I think it would have been fitting to have had a third Test against Pakistan. I know we are going to have the same argument again about whether more Tests should be played and all that. However, it would have been nice to have had a series decider, because you now see a South Africa Test team close to our best, and you would’ve wanted to give Pakistan another opportunity to rectify their wrongs.After the drawn Test series against Pakistan, we have another two-Test series in the subcontinent coming up against India from mid-November. That series will probably be a bit more challenging than Pakistan, and it will be important for us that we start the preparation now and not when we get to India.From a personal point of view, my preparation will come in the form of playing for the South Africa A side against India A. I will play in the second four-day match as part of my return-to-play programme. I’m looking forward to it, though I will have to find my South Africa A training kit because I haven’t used it since 2017! I welcome any match practice and am looking forward to being out there again. I have seen the squad India A have picked, so it will be competitive and more than just a practice game.Related

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When I talk about preparation, I’m not necessarily speaking about our batters and bowlers getting into the nets, but more from a mental point of view. It comes down to understanding the challenges that we are going to face in Kolkata and Guwahati, and subsequently it’s how we are going to go about dealing with them.After losing the first Test to Pakistan in Lahore, we came back strongly in the second Test in Rawalpindi to win on day four. I think in the grander scheme of things, we probably suffered one of our normal issues of starting slowly in the Test series. If we had played in the first Test like we did in the second, who knows what the end result would have been in terms of the overall series.Given that South Africa’s spinners took 35 of 40 Pakistan wickets – including Simon Harmer’s 13 – they should be well prepped for India’s spinning pitches•Associated PressI think I have to be careful because I’m speaking from the outside here, but the wickets in Pakistan’s Test series against England last year looked a lot more spinner-friendly and a lot more deteriorated. I think these ones in our series were your natural subcontinental ones, where in the first innings guys could bat. The track in Rawalpindi looked a bit slow, so the scoring rates weren’t as quick, but guys looked like they could trust their defences. Even in the first Test, it looked like you could trust your defence and kind of build your game around what the conditions were offering.When it comes to India, we hope that the wickets are on the good side. When I say “good side”, it’s about batters being able to get in in the first innings and set out their stall. Then, in the second innings, the spinners will come into the game.To be honest, I don’t see India being any different in terms of the wickets they will prepare. If you look at the series between India and New Zealand, which the latter won, conditions were a bit spinner-friendly so I guess you always want to prepare for the worst, especially as batters. The mantra we subscribe to as a team is to “prepare for the worst and hope for the best”. It’s about how we counter tactics in extreme conditions and come up on the right side of the result.In our shared Test series against Pakistan I think the playing conditions were fair, but naturally the spinners were the main threat and they took the most wickets. In fact, South Africa’s spinners took 35 of the 40 wickets on offer in the series, which set a new record for the team in a two-Test series. However, I do think there was something in there for the batters, evidenced by the century scored by Tony de Zorzi in the first Test. It was also underlined by the way in which Ricky [Ryan Rickleton] got in in the second innings. As well as a guy like Stubbo [Tristan Stubbs] who scored 76 in the first innings, and even Dewald Brevis. In terms of Brev, he’s a little bit different because of the way he plays. He can kind of make a bad wicket a good one because that is the talent of the boy.In terms of our stand-in Test captain and opening batter, Aiden Markram, he didn’t go on to get big scores across the series, but the way he goes about his batting, he sets a good foundation and platform for the other players to follow. He plays off the front foot and is always looking to take it on. We feed off it as batters when guys at the top play with so much freedom and confidence.