Raunak Kapoor, Lydia Greenway, Marina Iqbal, Valkerie Baynes and Sambit Bal look at the possible impact of India’s win
ESPNcricinfo staff01-Feb-2023
The victorious Indian team pose after clinching the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup•ICC/Getty Images
The path ahead for the women’s game certainly looks brighter. Raunak Kapoor is joined by Lydia Greenway, Marina Iqbal, Valkerie Baynes and Sambit Bal to look at the possible impact of India’s Under-19 T20 World Cup win on the sport – the increased interest, attention, cash, coverage and acknowledgment.
In January, interim sporting director Jason Ayto had the opportunity to boost Arsenal’s title challenge by signing a new striker.
Alexander Isak was linked but that move was impossible over the winter and will likely still be impossible come the summer.
Benjamin Sesko continues to be touted with a move and it was reported that the Gunners at one stage had agreed personal terms with Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskobefore taking a penalty
So, by the time the deadline surpassed at the beginning of February, no deals were done.
Mikel Arteta subsequently hailed Kai Havertz for his fitness and availability, only for the German to suffer a season-ending hamstring injury, joining Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines until next term.
Therefore, it’s hardly a surprise that their title challenge is derailing. Arteta’s side may have a game in hand on league leaders Liverpool but the Reds are 15 points clear. The league is a foregone conclusion.
It’s safe to say the interim solution hasn’t gone well and that was abundantly clear against Manchester United on Sunday.
Mikel Merino’s performance in numbers vs Man Utd
Mikel Merino has done an admirable job since being forced into a makeshift forward role.
With news of Havertz’s cruel injury blow during their warm weather camp in Dubai, the Spaniard was ultimately promoted against Leicester.
Introduced as a second half substitute, Arsenal were drawing 0-0 away at the Foxes until Merino came up with the goods, scoring twice.
Since then has found the net in the Champions League against PSV but a lot of his general play has left much to be desired.
It’s difficult to get frustrated at the player himself, he’s not a natural forward, but it’s criminal that the Arsenal hierarchy left the club in a position where they don’t have a proper striker.
Sadly, Merino saved his worst performance as a forward for their trip to Old Trafford on Sunday.
He had one chance of note, pulling an effort wide from the edge of the area early in the first half but didn’t pull up many trees that moment aside.
Somehow lasting the full 90 minutes, the former Real Sociedad man trudged from the pitch having completed just 71% of his passes and not registering a single effort on target.
So, the experiment has to end, but what will that mean the attacking positions look like?
Well, it either involves pushing Leandro Trossard into a central role or playing the returning Gabriel Martinelli as the focal point.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Yet, if Merino does remain up top as is expected, Trossard is the man who must be sacrificed for Martinelli.
Leandro Trossard’s performance in numbers vs Man Utd
Since signing for Arsenal in a bargain £27m deal, the Belgian has proven himself to be a valuable player.
Only Bukayo Saka scored more than Trossard’s haul of 17 last season but amid the Gunners’ teething problems in attack this time out, he has become a scapegoat.
The former Brighton man has still scored on six occasions and supplied a further seven assists but it’s not the Saka-like levels Arsenal require to get near a Liverpool team boasting Mo Salah.
Trossard is a fine player. He’s optimal as a sub or playing the best part of 60 minutes but in a demanding game like United, you need someone with a bit more life and a bit more vigour.
Unfortunately, that’s been left wanting throughout several of his recent appearances. He did find the net against PSV last time out but that was his first strike in nine games. The 30-year-old simply hasn’t been scoring the goals Arteta craves.
Like Merino, the winger’s performance this weekend was a concerning one. Handed a 4/10 match rating by GOAL, they stated that it was ‘one of those days where nothing really worked for him’. That just about sums up his recent form.
Trossard vs Man United
Minutes played
90
Touches
52
Accurate passes
29/35 (83%)
Shots on target
1
Shots off target
3
Successful dribbles
1/1
Big chances missed
1
Key passes
2
Accurate crosses
0/2
Duels won
4/8
Possession lost
12x
Fouls
2
Tackles
2
Stats via Sofascore.
There were several key moments in the game when Trossard should have done better too. Chief among them was giving away a “silly foul” – in the words of Arsenal podcaster Jamie Kent – which led to the free-kick from which Bruno Fernandes netted the opener.
He also missed a cutback in the second half, one of three efforts that were off target.
With Martinelli back, Ethan Nwaneri firing and Saka potentially set to step up his recovery after the international break, Trossard should be looking at a situation where he’s not in the starting lineup anymore. He simply isn’t good enough to be a regular starter.
He lost the ball 19x: Arteta got it wrong giving Arsenal star the full 90
Arsenal looked toothless in attack again as they drew 1-1 with Manchester United.
Carlos Eduardo chegou ao Botafogo. O meio-campista foi apresentado de forma oficial na tarde desta terça-feira no Estádio Nilton Santos. Ao lado da família, o novo camisa 33 do Alvinegro destacou a felicidade e o projeto do clube.
– Agradecer a Deus pela oportunidade, ao Botafogo pela confiança e todos que participaram dessa transferência. Estou Feliz, bem motivado por tudo que vi do clube no último jogo e da torcida. Estou bem motivado mesmo com meus objetivos com o clube – afirmou.
– É um projeto diferente. Assim como outros clubes do Brasil tiveram essa reformulação, isso não vai acontecer da noite pro dia. Eu acredito muito no projeto. Estou bem confiante com o que o Botafogo pode alcançar em termos de projeto – completou.
Já regularizado nos registros da CBF, Carlos Eduardo se colocou à disposição de Luís Castro para estrear nesta quarta-feira, contra o Santos, na Vila Belmiro, pelo Brasileirão. Ele também explicou a relação com o número três.
– Fui convocado, então acredito que vou para o jogo amanhã. Não sei se vou para o jogo de início ou não. A relação com o número 3 é de quando vou para a França, já tinha chegado no meio da pré-temporada e era um dos números que tinha sobrado e sou cristão e tem a relação com a santíssima trindade, Pai, Filho e Espírito Santo. Como o 3 aqui é do capitão (Joel Carli), fiquei com a 33 – explicou.
MAIS DECLARAÇÕES DE CARLOS EDUARDO
Estilo de jogo – Minha característica é ser um jogador bem dinâmico. Não sou muito habilidoso como os brasileiros, mas sou dinâmico. Gosto de chegar na área, fazer gols. Faço tanto volante quanto meia ofensivo. Espero ajudar com gols, assistências, claro que sempre respeitando os atletas que estão aqui. Espero ajudar o Botafogo com meu trabalho a ter grandes resultados.
Relação com Bebeto (seu genro) – A gente conversa todos os dias, temos um bom relacionamento. Quando vim para o clube ele falou super bem da torcida. Mas a decisão foi minha, não teve muita relação com o que ele me disse. Eu que decidi vim para cá.
Pedir para ser chamado de Eduardo – É só um detalhe mesmo, na França o pessoal começou a me chamar de Eduardo. Estou tranquilo para mostrar meu futebol, mas sem ansiedade.
Relação com John Textor e os jogadores – Não tive com ele (Textor). Com os jogadores foi logo no início, fiz os testes e fui apresentado ao plantel, o grupo me acolheu bastante, só conhecia o Marçal e o Victor Sá de jogos contra. Não conhecia os jogadores mas tenho que agradecer porque todos me acolheram muito bem.
Histórias de idolatria na Arábia Saudita – Pretendo construir uma história bacana. Fui muito abençoado lá, assim como na França e Arábia. Tem inúmeras histórias lá, me deram um leão, bateram no meu carro pra poder tirar uma foto comigo (risos). O pessoal torce muito lá, e isso é o sinal de que foi feito um bom trabalho.
حقق منتخب السعودية، انطلاقة قوية في بطولة الكأس الذهبية 2025، بعد فوزه على نظيره هايتي بهدف دون رد، في اللقاء الذي جمع بينهما ضمن منافسات الجولة الأولى للمجموعة الرابعة من البطولة القارية المقامة في الولايات المتحدة وكندا.
وأحرز صالح الشهري هدف الفوز الوحيد للمنتخب السعودي في الدقيقة 21 من ركلة جزاء، ليمنح الأخضر أول 3 نقاط في مشواره التاريخي بالبطولة، والتي يشارك فيها لأول مرة بدعوة من اتحاد الكونكاكاف.
وعلى الجانب الآخر، ضمن المجموعة نفسها، حقق منتخب الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية فوزًا عريضًا على ترينيداد وتوباجو بنتيجة 5-0، ليتصدر المجموعة بفارق الأهداف عن السعودية.
طالع أيضًا | الاتحاد الآسيوي يعلن موعد قرعة الملحق المؤهل إلى كأس العالم 2026.. والدولة المستضيفة ترتيب مجموعة السعودية في كأس الكونكاكاف بعد الفوز على هايتي
1 – الولايات المتحدة 3 نقاط (له 5 – عليه 0).
2- السعودية 3 نقاط (له 1 – عليه 0).
3 – هايتي بدون نقاط (له 0 – عليه 1).
4 – ترينيداد وتوباجو بدون نقاط (له 0 – عليه 5).
يذكر، أن منتخب السعودية على موعد مع مواجهة قوية أمام نظيره الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، فجر الجمعة المقبل، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية، بينما تلتقي ترينيداد مع هايتي في نفس الجولة.
وتجدر الإشارة إلى أن المنتخب السعودي يغيب عنه عدد من لاعبي نادي الهلال الدوليين، بسبب مشاركتهم مع فريقهم في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية، التي تُقام بالتزامن في الولايات المتحدة.
Neste sábado, o Palmeiras anunciou que os ingressos para o duelo com o Atlético-MG, que ocorrerá na quarta-feira (10/8), às 21h30, no Allianz Parque, pela partida de volta das quartas de final da Libertadores, estarão à venda exclusivamente para os sócios-torcedores Avanti a partir desta segunda, às 10h, por meio do site www.ingressospalmeiras.com.br. Os preços vão de R$ 180 a R$ 400.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras segue em negociação por Bruno Tabata mesmo sem inscrição na LibertadoresPalmeiras29/07/2022PalmeirasAtaque de 103 gols: veja o raio-x de todos os tentos do Palmeiras em 2022Palmeiras29/07/2022PalmeirasEndrick espera ajudar o Palmeiras a conquistar título mundial: ‘Dá para buscar o bi’Palmeiras29/07/2022
GALERIA > Confira os públicos do Palmeiras no Allianz Parque em 2022
TABELA > Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão-2022 clicando aqui
> Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!
Os sócios-torcedores palmeirenses terão os descontos previstos em cada plano e exclusividade na compra dos ingressos via internet até quarta (3/8), às 10h, quando começará a comercialização para o público geral. A venda para os sócios Avanti será dividida de acordo com a pontuação do rating de cada associado, classificados de zero a cinco estrelas. Para este jogo, não haverá o Setor Família, que geralmente oferece gratuidade para crianças de 0 a 5 anos de idade.
Caso ainda haja disponibilidade de ingressos, a venda física no Allianz Parque acontecerá nos dias 8 e 9 de agosto, das 12h às 19h, nas bilheterias do Portão B (Avenida Francisco Matarazzo). Já no dia 10, data do jogo, não haverá venda de ingressos nas bilheterias por conta do regulamento da competição.
Associados e donos de cadeiras cativas terão à disposição o setor de cobrança, localizado no 1º andar do prédio administrativo do clube social, para adquirir as entradas. O atendimento também será nos dias 8 e 9 de agosto, das 12h às 19h, e no dia 10, das 12h até o intervalo da partida.
Confira os preços dos ingressos:
Gol Norte – R$ 180 Superior Norte e Sul – R$ 230 Superior Leste e Oeste – R$ 250 Gol Sul – R$ 300 Central Leste – R$ 320 Central Oeste – R$ 400
علق وسام أبو علي، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، على الخسارة التي تعرض لها الفريق أمام بالميراس البرازيلي، بهدفين دون رد، وذلك ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس العالم للأندية.
والتقى الأهلي مع بالميراس، على أرضية ملعب “ميت لايف” بمدينة نيويورك الأمريكية، ضمن لقاءات الجولة الثانية من مرحلة المجموعات.
وقال وسام أبو علي في تصريحات عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر”: “كنا جيدين في الشوط الأول كان بالإمكان تحقيق شيء عظيم، أحرزت هدفا عكسيا، شيء لم أقم به في حياتي، شعور سيء للغاية ولكن هذه هي الحياة وكرة القدم”.
طالع أيضاً.. مروان عطية: الهزيمة ليس لها مبرر.. ولم نفقد فرصة التأهل في كأس العالم للأندية
وتابع: “لا أستطيع التعليق على الطرد، لم أرى الحالة بوضوح ولكن كان تدخل عنيف ضدي، لن أتحدث عن الكروت الصفراء والحمراء”.
وأفاد: “الشوط الثاني لم يكن جيدا بالشكل الكاف، منذ بدايته لم نلعب جيدًا وتباعدت خطوطنا وأعطينا بالميراس أفضلية اللعب رجل لرجل، هم فريق جيد للغاية لديهم مهارات فردية مميزة”.
وأتم: “سنركز على أنفسنا ونحلل المباراة ونرى ما يمكن أن نحققه وما نقدمه بشكل أفضل، وسنرى إذا كان لنا فرصة في الجولة الأخيرة أم لا”.
Roy and Rinku threw a few punches in pursuit of 236 but couldn’t prevent CSK from topping the table
Shashank Kishore23-Apr-20233:39
Moody: Bowlers flourish under Dhoni’s guidance
For a while, the IPL record for most sixes in an innings (21), which was coincidentally set on this day in 2013, was in danger of being toppled. Chennai Super Kings fell just three short of that mark, but muscled a record first-innings score at Eden Gardens courtesy swashbuckling knocks from Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube and Devon Conway.Kolkata Knight Riders lost two wickets inside the first three overs and merely played catch up for much of their chase. They eventually stumbled to their fourth successive loss. This meant MS Dhoni’s men are now top of the leaderboard with five wins in seven matches, two clear of a logjam that has five teams on eight points apiece.CSK set the paceLeading the six-hitting spree was Rahane, who smashed five of them in a 29-ball 71 to take Super Kings through the gears in the middle order, along with Dube.The raw numbers from their partnership read like this: 85 runs, 32 balls, four fours, eight sixes. This came on the back of another stellar knock from Conway, who hit a fourth straight half-century to set the innings up with Ruturaj Gaikwad.Their 73-run opening stand in just 7.3 overs was another fine exhibition of timing, power, wrist work and plenty of muscle. KKR’s bowlers went with length into the pitch up front when they discovered there wasn’t much swing, but it backfired as Conway was superb at picking lengths and hitting them square on both sides.Suyash’s strike offset by sustained aggressionAll the elements that make for compelling viewing when a legspinner is on were at play in Suyash Sharma’s first over – drift from wide of the crease, flight, rip and turn to beat the inside edge. Gaikwad was stunned. But the relief was quickly offset with Conway skipping down to launch Sunil Narine for a massive six down the ground.The 100 was up in the 11th over and CSK seemed bullish. Conway eventually perished when he couldn’t quite get the elevation off Varun Chakravarthy, but Dube got into the act with two massive hits in the same over. The first of those was a 100-metre hit to deep midwicket when Varun attempted a carrom ball into the pitch. Then, when Varun went full, he was tonked down the ground, over the sight screen.Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube put on 85 from just 32 balls•BCCI
Rahane takes the attack to UmeshIn the very next over, the 14th, Rahane made it three sixes in a row for CSK when he played a stunning pick-up shot, using Umesh Yadav’s pace and letting his wrists take over. It was instinct-driven batting out of the top drawer, free of any shackles that might have been holding him back in previous seasons. He seemed to feed off this role clarity. He was an anchor no more; he was instead unlocking his destroyer avatar.The over would fetch another six that would be hoisted over fine leg and one of the most gorgeous extra cover drives you could see – feet to the pitch, leaning into the stroke and lacing the ball through the off side.That was the start of a fascinating passage as Rahane and Dube – another batter who seems empowered to play the game he has long threatened to – had fun and made the bowling attack look pedestrian. Rahane got to his fifty off 24 balls, Dube off 20. The last five overs went for 75 as KKR went into the break a deflated lot.KKR stumble earlyNarine saw his off stump cartwheel in the first over of the chase and N Jagadeesan was out to Ravindra Jadeja’s athleticism in the second. Venkatesh Iyer and Nitish Rana then swung hard and connected from time to time, before Moeen Ali and Jadeja struck in consecutive overs. Venkatesh was out lbw sweeping a full ball, Rana dragging a slog sweep to Gaikwad at deep midwicket.Roy’s blitzkriegJason Roy came in at this point, and hardly took time to settle in, going 6, 6, 6 off his second, third and fourth balls – all off Moeen. The first two were powerful slogs to the leg side, and when Moeen fired one full in trying to correct his line, he was reverse-swept behind point. Roy was in the mood to mow the ball down and connected more often than he missed to race away to a 19-ball half-century. By then the equation had touched 109 off 36.Sri Lankan flavour to finishRoy continued to hit out. After taking Maheesh Theekshana for two fours to begin the 15th though, he was out off the third ball to a full delivery that dipped and slid underneath his powerful swing. Even after all that magic, KKR’s win percentage was less than 1%.Two overs later, when Theekshana’s Sri Lanka team-mate Matheeshan Pathirana sent back Andre Russell, you got the sense that it was game over. And so it was, despite everything Rinku Singh did at the other end to make a half-century of his own.
Manchester United have wasted a shedload of cash over the last couple of years, spending £600m on new additions during the Erik ten Hag era alone.
In the summer of 2023, the hierarchy decided to fork out £60m for the signature of Mason Mount from fellow Premier League side Chelsea as the club looked to bolster the midfield department.
Such a transfer fee undoubtedly generated huge excitement around the move, but ultimately, his first year in the North West was a disaster, constantly being plagued by injuries.
He was restricted to just 14 league appearances, registering a single goal, but the arrival of Ruben Amorim in November handed the former England international a new lease of life.
However, he’s been missing since the Manchester Derby in December, with another player receiving minutes in the first team as a result of his injury layoff.
Casemiro’s stats for Manchester United
United paid a huge £70m for the signature of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro in the summer of 2022, but despite impressing in his debut campaign in the Premier League, he’s massively struggled in recent months.
The 33-year-old has featured 14 times since the manager’s arrival, many of which have been due to injuries suffered by the likes of Mount in recent months.
During his time in Manchester, he’s registered 15 goals, often popping up at crucial times despite his decline – including in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United a couple of years ago.
He has one more year on his current deal at Old Trafford, making him 34 by the time it expires, with the experienced man likely to depart on a free transfer if they’re unable to shift him off the books this summer.
Whilst he provided the fanbase with a reason to be excited given his pedigree, his lack of positive showings has seen his market value tumble – now being valued lower than one player who left the Red Devils for nothing.
The former United player who’s now worth more than Casemiro
Given the high volume of spending over the last few years, the Red Devils were always going to have to offload numerous players to balance the books and prevent any financial implications.
Scott McTominay and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are just two players who have been forced out the door in recent times, allowing the likes of Amorim to splash the cash and strengthen the squad.
Another player who left the club a couple of years ago was academy graduate Angel Gomes, who departed on a free transfer at the end of his contract in 2020 – ending his 14-year affiliation with his boyhood side.
It was a real shame that he decided to move on for pastures new, unable to receive the game time he wanted, despite making his first team debut at the tender age of just 16.
Gomes, who’s previously been dubbed “superb” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, would switch England for France, joining Lille, before being sent out on loan to Portuguese outfit Boavista for the 2020/21 season.
Since his temporary spell away from the club, the 24-year-old has been a crucial player for the Ligue 1 outfit, making over 100 appearances – subsequently leading to a maiden England call-up under Lee Carsley earlier this season.
He’s produced countless impressive figures, helping Lille sit in the top five of the French league, whilst also helping them reach the Champions League knockout stages – before eventually being knocked out by Borussia Dortmund.
Angel Gomes’ stats for Lille in Ligue 1 (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
14
Goals & assists
2
Pass accuracy
83%
Chances created
1.7
Dribble success
56%
Duels won
54%
Cross accuracy
60%
Stats via FotMob
As a result of his stellar displays over the last couple of years, his market value has soared, now being valued at £21m by Transfermarkt – a figure much higher than that of Casemiro, who’s only valued at £10m just over three years after his big-money move.
Given the rise in Gomes’s price tag since his Old Trafford departure, it’s safe to say the club must wish they did more to keep hold of him and prevent him from leaving for nothing.
The midfield has been a real issue for Amorim since his arrival, as he has struggled to find a consistent partner for Bruno Fernandes – with the Englishman providing just that, had the club offered him a new deal.
Man Utd have hit gold on "phenomenal" ace who cost even less than Heaven
Manchester United have hit the jackpot on one player who signed for less than Ayden Heaven.
O Internacional aproveitou a janela de transferências, fechada na última segunda-feira, para dar sequência a reformulação do elenco colorado. Buscando recompor algumas posições e suprir as carências existentes no elenco, o clube trouxe quatro reforços e se despediu de quinze atletas.
Alessandro Barcellos, presidente do Internacional, afirmou durante live no Canal do jornalista André Hernan que o clube conseguiu ser criativo nesta janela dentro dos limites financeiros estipulados e que as novas contratações serviram como forma de complemento para a janela do início do ano.
‘De fato em 2022 fizemos uma reformulação grande no grupo. Com a chegada de vários jogadores, a janela do início de ano foi maior, na medida em que precisávamos recompor algumas posições e buscar competitividade no elenco. Identificando algumas carências e necessidades de qualificar o grupo, num sentido até numérico, complementamos com essa janela do meio do ano’.
Dentre as contratações do Internacional, os centroavantes Braian Romero, que estava no River Plate, e Mikael, foram apontados pelo presidente como opções distintas, mas que podem ser muito úteis para o técnico Mano Menezes. Além deles, o clube contratou o zagueiro Igor Gomes e o lateral-direito Weverton.
‘O Braian foi a maior contratação desta janela, uma vez que nós exercemos uma compra. Ele é um jogador que nós já estávamos monitorando e esperando o momento adequado. Ele é um jogador que vem muito em cima daquilo que produziu no River. Ocupa espaço, de velocidade, mobilidade, e que complementa os perfis tanto Alemão, que também foi um jogador que chegou no início do ano, quanto do Mikael, um jogador que veio agora nessa janela e que está fisicamente se preparando para estar dentro de campo’.
O clube ainda se despediu de quinze atletas nesta janela, dando continuidade a reformulação proposta pelo departamento de futebol. ‘Tivemos a saída de alguns atletas, mas dentro de um planejamento construído a partir do departamento de futebol, com a direção técnica do Paulo Autuori, o William Thomas como executivo e Mano Menezes como treinador. Temos sempre dado importância para esse trio de profissionais, junto com o centro de avaliação e prospecção de atletas, pois é dali que saem as informações para buscarmos determinados atletas, com uma situação econômica e financeira sempre equilibrada. Diante de todo esse cenário técnico e financeiro, fomos criativos na forma de buscar os novos jogadores’.
Havia a expectativa entre os torcedores colorados sobre a volta do volante Charles Aránguiz, que teve passagem pelo clube entre 2014 e 2015, porém Barcellos afirma que foi uma expectativa criada de fora para dentro.
‘O Aránguiz é um jogador que sempre foi monitorado e já esteve próximo de retornar em outros momentos, em outras janelas. Nós gostaríamos muito de contar com ele, mas infelizmente não foi possível. Houve uma expectativa criada de fora para dentro, nós nunca falamos nele e não falamos em atletas que não chegamos a avançar. Uma possibilidade que teríamos mas que infelizmente, nesse momento, nós tivemos dificuldade em realizar’, concluiu Barcellos.
RelacionadasInternacionalInternacional quer manter o técnico Mano MenezesInternacional16/08/2022InternacionalContra o Avaí, Internacional tenta acabar com a seca de vitórias fora de casaInternacional16/08/2022CorinthiansFábio Santos garante entrega do Corinthians contra o Dragão: ‘Coisa mais importante que temos no ano’Corinthians16/08/2022
Paul Stirling will join up with Ireland after playing for Birmingham Bears in the Blast on Friday night
ESPNcricinfo staff26-May-2023
Robin Das sweeps during his hundred•Ray Lawrence
Robin Das, a 21-year-old British-Bangladeshi batter, hit 132 off 118 balls in his maiden first-class innings as Essex had the better of the first day against Ireland in their warm-up match at Chelmsford.Ireland play England at Lord’s in a four-day Test on June 1 and this game represents their only match practice before that fixture. They arrived in England on Wednesday evening, though a delay in the arrival of their luggage forced them to cancel a planned training session the following day.With most of Essex’s first team unavailable due to T20 Blast preparations and injuries, four Ireland squad members featured for their opposition – including George Dockrell and Mark Adair, who both made half-centuries from the middle order.George Dockrell played for Essex against his Ireland team-mates•Ray Lawrence
But it was Das, a product of Brentwood School who has already fielded as a substitute for England in Test cricket, who underpinned Essex’s total of 343, reaching a 101-ball hundred before eventually falling to Andy McBrine’s offspin.Thomas Mayes, a 22-year-old seamer, was the pick of the attack on first-class debut, taking 4 for 68 including the big scalp of stand-in Essex captain Nick Browne with his second ball.McBrine came in for some rough treatment, conceding 98 runs in his 14 overs, as Essex scored at a run rate of nearly five an over across their first innings.
Ireland finished the day two wickets down, with 19-year-old Jamal Richards – another first-class debutant – removing James McCollum and captain Andy Balbirnie.Paul Stirling missed the first day of the match to fulfil his commitments with Birmingham Bears in the T20 Blast, but will join up with the squad in Chelmsford ahead of the second day.