The ACB said Younis will join the team in Pakistan for a conditioning camp ahead of the Champions Trophy, and stay on for the duration of the tournament
ESPNcricinfo staff08-Jan-2025
Younis Khan will be back working with Afghanistan during next month’s Champions Trophy•Getty Images
Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan will return to the Afghanistan set-up as mentor for the Champions Trophy 2025. Younis had worked with Afghanistan in 2022, at a 15-day training camp in Abu Dhabi with an expanded squad of 25.The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said in a statement that Younis will join the team in Pakistan for a conditioning camp ahead of the Champions Trophy, which is set to begin on February 19 in Karachi, and stay with the team till the end of the tournament.This is the third global tournament in a row where the ACB has appointed a mentor for the team from the host country: they had Ajay Jadeja as mentor for the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, and Dwayne Bravo as bowling consultant for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA. In the first of those, they finished sixth – with wins against England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and a near-upset of Australia – to seal automatic qualification for the Champions Trophy. In the T20 World Cup, they made it all the way to the semi-finals for their best-ever showing in a global tournament.ACB chief executive Naseeb Khan said of Younis’ appointment: “Since the Champions Trophy is being held in Pakistan, it was required to assign a talented and experienced player as mentor from the hosting country. We already had efficient experience with hosting countries’ mentors in ODI World Cup 2023 and T20I World Cup 2024.”Observing the conditions, therefore, we have appointed Younis Khan as mentor for our national team for the upcoming mega event and wish him best of the luck in his crucial assignment.”Afghanistan are in Group B at the Champions Trophy, with Australia, England and South Africa. The tournament is set to be primarily played in Pakistan, with only games involving India to be held in Dubai.Younis, who retired from international cricket in 2017 with the experience of 118 Tests, 265 ODIs and 25 T20Is to his name, took to coaching thereafter and was involved with the Pakistan senior men’s set-up as batting coach in 2021, albeit briefly due to differences with the PCB.
Given their already-strong net run rate, a win here will prop up West Indies’ semi-final chances
Sruthi Ravindranath09-Oct-2024
West Indies bounced back with a big win against Scotland•Getty Images
Bangladesh vs West IndiesDubai, 6pm local timeBangladesh squad: Nigar Sultana (capt, wk), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Disha BiswasWest Indies squad: Hayley Matthews (capt), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle (vice-capt, wk), Ashmini Munisar, Afy Fletcher, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Chedean Nation, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa CraftonTournament guide: After a win in their first match against Scotland, Bangladesh crumbled to a loss against England on a surface that aided spin. West Indies, meanwhile, lost their first match to South Africa but bounced back with a dominating win against Scotland thanks to an all-round show from Chinelle Henry.Related
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News brief: Left-arm spinner Zaida James suffered a blow to the jaw while fielding off her own bowling in the match against South Africa and subsequently missed the Scotland game. A West Indies statement said she “fortunately does not have breaks and fractures” and continues to be monitored by the medical team.West Indies earned a massive net run rate boost after their win against Scotland, and winning this match will strengthen their semi-final chances. If Bangladesh lose this match, their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals will take a big hit given their negative NRR. This will be West Indies’ first game of the tournament in Sharjah.Despite being used to spinning tracks back home, Bangladesh – after a fine outing with the ball – were undone by England’s quality spin attack in the previous game in Sharjah. This match, too, will come down to how well the teams counter spin. The average first-innings total at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium this tournament is 119, and only twice have teams won chasing.Player to watch: Bangladesh’s batting unit has not been up to mark in both games, but one player who’s stood out is Sobhana Mostary. She helped Bangladesh put up a competitive total scoring 36 against Scotland, and once again top-scored with 44 against England. Coming in after an early wicket against England, she dropped anchor as regular wickets at the other end piled the pressure on her. She hit a four and a six in her 48-ball stay on a slow surface against tight bowling and kept at it till the 19th over, but the target of 119 was too much of an ask in the end.
تسبب النجم المصري محمد صلاح في نشوب حرب كلامية بين جيمي كاراجر وميكا ريتشاردز، على الهواء مباشرة، بسبب التصريحات التي أدلى بها يوم السبت الماضي، قبل أن يتدخل تييري هنري للحيلولة بينهما.
ولم يسافر محمد صلاح رفقة بعثة ليفربول إلى إيطاليا لخوض مباراة إنتر ميلان، مساء يوم الثلاثاء، في الجولة السادسة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري، حيث حقق الفريق الإنجليزي فوزًا بهدف دون رد.
جاء استبعاد محمد صلاح كقرار من آرني سلوت إثر تصريحاته الساخطة التي أدلى بها قبل أيام، والتي هاجم خلالها إدارة النادي والهوندي.
وقال ميكا ريتشاردز، في تصريحات عبر الهواء مباشرة في الاستوديو التحليلي عبر شبكة “سي بي إس” الأمريكية، ونقلتها صحيفة “ذا صن” الإنجليزية: “نحن نتحدث عن أحد أعظم اللاعبين الذين تألقوا في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز على الإطلاق”.
ورد كاراجر: “لكن الناس ينتقدون المدرب لعدم إشراكه، أنا لا أنتقد المدرب”، وأضاف ريتشاردز: “أتفهم إحباط محمد صلاح من رغبته في النزول إلى أرض الملعب، لقد قلت إنه مخطئ، ما زلت أعتقد أنه مخطئ لتصريحه بذلك، لذا أتفق في هذه النقطة، لكنني أفهم أيضًا أنه، نظرًا لمستوى اللاعب، سيرغب في اللعب، سيشعر بالإحباط”.
وتابع كاراجر: “جميعنا نشعر بهذا الإحباط، ولكن عندما ننظر إلى المدرب ويجد أشخاصًا في الخارج يقولون (يا إلهي، يجب أن يشركه) دون النظر إلى السياق”، ليرد ريتشاردز: “لقد كتبت في عمودك قبل أسبوعين أن لديه مباراة عطلة الأسبوع من أجل إنقاذ مستقبله، إذن، لديك هذا الرأي بشأن المدرب أيضًا”.
اقرأ أيضًا.. ستوريدج يلوم محمد صلاح بعد أزمته مع ليفربول: لا أعرف كيف فعل ذلك
ثم حاول تييري هنري، نجم آرسنال السابق، تهدئة الموقف بتدليك كاراجر بطريقة غريبة، وكان كاراجر قد جادل ريتشاردز سابقًا حول ما إذا كان ينبغي إشراك صلاح في مباراة ليدز.
ثم تساءل كاراجر: “في أي مباريات كان يجب أن يشارك؟”، ليرد ريتشاردز: “كنت سأشركه في مباراة ليدز، لكن الأول رد مذهولًا: “متى؟”، حيث رد الآخر قائلًا: “عندما كانوا بحاجة إلى هدف آخر، كان ليدز في المباراة يضغط، وفي بعض الأحيان كان من الممكن أن يتعرضوا لخطر الهجمة المرتدة”.
وشدد: “أنت تعرف محمد صلاح، أنت تعرف سجله من السنوات السابقة، بإمكانه أن يسجل هدفًا، صحيح أن مستواه لم يكن رائعًا، لكنني أتفهم إحباطه”.
ولكن كاراجر لم يتفق مع هذا، حيث قال: “كان ليفربول فائزًا بنتيجة 2/0، ليدز عاد وتعادل، كانت الكرة في الملعب لثلاث دقائق تقريبًا قبل أن يسجل ليفربول لتصبح النتيجة 3/2، كانت الفترة الزمنية قليلة، لا يمكنك التفكير في الدفع بـ محمد صلاح”.
وانفعل: “انتظروا، ليفربول لديه مشاكل كبيرة مع الكرات الثابتة، عليك أن تفكر فيما يفكر فيه المدرب على جانب الملعب: هل سأشرك لاعبًا لا يدافع ولن يساعدني في الكرات الثابتة لأنه صغير الحجم؟!”.
ولم يتوقف الأمر بينهما عند هذا الحد، حيث تعجب ريتشاردز من المنشور الخاص بـ كاراجر، تعليقًا على صورة محمد صلاح في صالة الألعاب الرياضية صباح أمس، حيث قال نجم ليفربول السابق: “أعتقد أنني لم أرغب في أن يحقق ليفربول الفوز في مباراة أكثر من مباراة الليلة، نادينا العظيم هيا!”.
وفي هذا الصدد، سأل ريتشاردز، كاراجر: “لماذا تتصرف بتلك التفاهة يا جيمي؟ ما الخطب؟ لماذا تتدخل في هذا؟”، ليرد الآخر: “لم أكن أرد على ذلك بالمناسبة، لقد قمت بالرد على منشور شخص آخر، الأشخاص الذين أعمل معهم عبر التلفزيون البريطاني”.
وسُئل كاراجر عن مغزى ما قاله، ليرد: “أنا متشوق جدًا لفوز ليفربول اليوم (تصريحاته في الاستوديو قبيل اللقاء)، من أجل المدرب، أنا مثل محمد صلاح، لا تربطني أي علاقة بالمدرب، لا أعرفه جيدًا، كنني أعتقد أن ما حدث هناك وكيف تحدث عن المدرب، يجعلني متشوقًا جدًا لفوزه الليلة، من أجله فقط”.
وأكد: “وأيضًا من أجل المشجعين الذين ذهبوا إلى هناك، وهم ليسوا من مشجعي محمد صلاح، وليسوا من مشجعي جيمي كاراجر، أنتم تشجعون ليفربول، أيًا كان المدرب، أيًا كان من أنت، أنتم تدعمون النادي فحسب، أريد فقط أن يفوزوا جميعًا، لأنه كما ذكرت، كان هناك تركيز كبير على ما قاله محمد صلاح، لكن على المدرب الإجابة على الأسئلة في المؤتمر الصحفي باستمرار”.
واستأنف: “أليسون بيكر، الذي أظهر قيادة رائعة، أعتقد، الليلة الماضية أيضًا في المؤتمر الصحفي، سُئل عن زميله محمد صلاح وتصريحاته، يريد الدفاع عنه وعن النادي والمدرب أيضًا، لذلك لم يكن موقفًا سهلاً عليه”.
واستدرك: “لقد قلت رأيي في الأمر الليلة الماضية (تصريحات قوية ضد محمد صلاح مساء الإثنين)، ولا أريد إعادة الحديث عنه، لكنني شعرت بالإحباط بعض الشيء عندما رأيت ذلك المنشور اليوم، لم يذكر ليفربول ومباراة الليلة، يخوض ليفربول مباراة مهمة اليوم في سان سيرو، ويحتاجون إلى تحقيق نتيجة جيدة نظرًا لنتيجة مباراتهم السابقة، عندما كان محمد صلاح يلعب، ضد آيندهوفن”.
واختتم: “لذلك كان من الممكن أن يكتب تعليقًا مثل (بالتوفيق للاعبين الليلة)، ربما لم يكن يقصد ذلك، لا أعلم، لكن ليفربول لديه مباراة مهمة الليلة، وهو ينشر منشورًا كهذا على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي”.
O Cruzeiro vai lucrar uma valor milionário com a transferência de Fabrício Bruno ao West Ham, da Inglaterra. Isso porque, o zagueiro é formado nas categorias de base do clube. Com isso, a Raposa terá direito a um porcentual de uma futura venda envolvendo o jogador.
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O Lance! Betting tem apostas a longo prazo para a Seleção Brasileira em 2024! Vem conferir!
A diretoria do Flamengo já aceitou a proposta de 15 milhões de euros (R$ 83 milhões, na cotação atual) feita pela equipe londrina e discute os últimos detalhes para concluir a transferência.
Clube formador, o Cruzeiro tem direito a 2,2% de qualquer negociação envolvendo o zagueiro. Neste caso, a equipe mineira irá faturar cerca de 1,8 milhão com a movimentação.
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Fabrício realizou toda sua formação como jogador nas categorias de base da Raposa e recebeu sua primeira oportunidade como profissional em 2016. Um ano depois, foi cedido por empréstimo para a Chapecoense, onde permaneceu por duas temporadas.
➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte
Rebaixado com o Cruzeiro em 2019, foi vendido ao RB Bragantino antes de se transferir ao Flamengo, clube que viveu seu melhor momento como jogador de futebol. As atuações pelo Rubro-Negro, inclusive, renderam a Fabrício Bruno uma convocação para a Seleção Brasileira.
Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav and Sahibzada Farhan have also picked up demerit points
Danyal Rasool04-Nov-2025
Rauf has been sanctioned for his actions during the Asia Cup•Getty Images
Haris Rauf missed the first ODI against South Africa on Tuesday, and will be unavailable for the second one as well, as he serves an ICC ban. He has accumulated four demerit points, from two separate offences that occurred during Pakistan’s matches against India during Asia Cup 2025.Though the ICC said on their official website that Rauf’s violations took place on September 14 and 28, they in fact occurred in the games on 21 September and the final, 28 September.Each time, the offence involved a breach of Article 2.21 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which concerns bringing the game into disrepute. As Rauf did not accept the charge on either occasion, formal hearings were held, after which the sanctions were handed out. Once a player accumulates four demerit points within a 24-month period, a two-match suspension is automatically triggered.Rauf’s sanction was one of many that resulted from incidents during the three India-Pakistan games across the Asia Cup. India captain Suryakumar Yadav also picked up two demerit points under the same charge, following comments he made after India’s win over Pakistan on September 14.While ESPNcricinfo reported on the sanctions at the time, the ICC only officially made them public on Tuesday, five weeks after the conclusion of the tournament. Sahibzada Farhan also received an official warning and a demerit point for an offence on September 21, though, once more, the ICC attributed it to September 14.Jasprit Bumrah picked one up for a gesture he made during the final. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh was charged with a breach of Article 2.6, which pertains to using a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting, for actions on September 21. He was ultimately found not guilty.Suryakumar and Agha led India and Pakistan through a heated set of matches•Associated Press
All the charges resulted from a trio of ill-tempered games between India and Pakistan at the Asia Cup, during which political tensions spilled over onto the field. India refused to shake hands with the Pakistan players in any of the three games, a move Pakistan captain Salman Agha criticised as “not in the spirit of the game”. Suryakumar countered by saying a “few things” were “bigger than sportsman’s spirit”.The tension between the two sides nearly led to Pakistan pulling out of the tournament altogether, after they blamed match referee Andy Pycroft for barring the players from shaking hands, a version of events the ICC disputed. The standoff resulted in Pakistan’s game against the UAE being delayed for over an hour before the PCB and the ICC cleared the air.The tournament ended with the first-ever Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan. India won a thrilling encounter in the final over. However, the drama was not done. At the presentation ceremony, India’s players refused to accept their trophy from ACC president and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who insisted on handing it over himself. After a lengthy delay, India celebrated on the podium without the trophy. It is understood the trophy has still not been given to the Indian team.Rauf will become available for the third game of the three-match ODI series against South Africa, which is currently being played in Faisalabad.
West Ham United’s return to Premier League football didn’t entirely go to plan on Saturday afternoon.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s side looked on course to win their third game on the bounce when Callum Wilson made it 2-0 against Bournemouth in the 35th minute. However, the Cherries fought back, and thanks to a penalty and a goal from Enes Unal, came away with a point.
With that said, in the context of the season at large, it’s still a good point for the Hammers, especially as they had to make do without dynamic Crysencio Summerville and Lucas Paqueta.
Unfortunately, the Dutchman won’t be fit for the Liverpool game, but Nuno might have the perfect solution, one that involves dropping Luis Guilherme.
Guilherme's game vs Bournemouth
Now, the first thing to say is that Guilherme is still a promising talent and someone who could develop into a real star for West Ham.
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However, what is equally true is that he failed to make a case for why he should be in the starting lineup in place of the injured Summerville next time out.
The young Brazilian wasn’t terrible on Saturday, but he was almost entirely ineffective, looking unable to create chances for his teammates or get himself into positions where chances could be supplied to him.
Moreover, the 19-year-old still looks as slight as ever and lacks any real power or pace, which are two traits becoming increasingly important for attackers in the Premier League.
Unsurprisingly, the manager decided to take him off at the break, which only made his dire statistics even more pitiful.
Minutes
45′
Expected Goals
0.00
Expected Assists
0.01
Shots
0
Passes
10
Touches
21
Lost Possession
9
Dribbles (Successful)
3 (1)
Ground Duels (Won)
8 (1)
Dribbled Past
1
In his 45 minutes of inaction, the Brazilian registered an expected assists figure of 0.01, failed to take a single shot, took just 21 touches, failed in 66% of his dribbles, lost the ball nine times, completed ten passes, was dribbled past and lost seven of eight duels.
In short, Guilherme proved he cannot come in for Summerville again, so Nuno has to bring in one of the club’s most exciting prospects instead.
West Ham's Summerville solution
The player Nuno should bring into the squad to replace Guilherme and help solve the blow of Summerville’s injury is George Earthy.
Now, that might sound bold, and perhaps it is, but the academy gem has long been talked about as one of the club’s next stars, and his time at youth level and out on loan suggests as much.
For example, in 60 appearances for the u18s, totalling 4804 minutes, he scored 25 goals and provided 18 assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.39 games, or every 111.72 minutes.
Then, during his time with the u21s, he scored 18 goals and provided 14 assists in 55 appearances, totalling 3618 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.71 games, or every 113.06 minutes.
In other words, the Havering-born gem is a dual threat: a goalscorer and a creator.
Appearances
60
55
Minutes
4804′
3618′
Goals
25
18
Assists
18
14
Goal Involvements per Match
0.71
0.58
Minutes per Goal Involvement
111.72′
113.06′
Moreover, with 40 appearances for Bristol City last season, during which he was named young player of the year, he has plenty of genuine first-team experience under his belt already.
With all of that said, the “priceless” youngster, as dubbed by coach Steve Potts, is primarily an attacking midfielder, and so it would make sense to play him there against Liverpool, which means the man who’d actually outright replace Guilherme is actually Paqueta.
Yes, the Brazilian is also primarily a central player, but has made 36 club appearances on the left-hand side in his career, as well as six for the Brazilian national team.
Anyway, having the former Lyon gem further forward could help make the team more dangerous in attack, while also allowing the 21-year-old to get up to speed in a more familiar position.
Ultimately, it is not ideal, but Guilherme made it clear against Bournemouth that he cannot start games at the moment. Therefore, bringing the incredibly talented Earthy into the middle and allowing Paqueta to play on the left could be the answer to Summerville’s absence – at least for now.
West Ham dealt Jarrod Bowen blow as Nuno faces fresh concern about star winger
The England international is their most crucial man by some distance.
Newcastle United are now reportedly scouting James Garner following an impressive spell of form as they look to deal the Toffees a frustrating blow in 2026.
The Magpies desperately need a lift. They’ve won just three of their first 11 Premier League games and sit as low as 14th, having only just qualified for the Champions League last season. Defeat at Brentford only compiled Eddie Howe’s misery and, for the first time since he took over at St James’ Park, the pressure is growing.
Many have had their say on Newcastle’s current struggles, including club legend Alan Shearer.
The Premier League’s record goalscorer shared what he believes has been missing as of late, saying: “I guess a manager’s always under pressure to get results, but I think the job that Eddie Howe has done at Newcastle and what he delivered in the Carabao Cup, the trophy, I guess he’s got a lot of points in the bank.
“What I would look at is Eddie’s Newcastle team have always been full of energy, being tough to play against, not giving the opposition any space. That in the away performances is missing, and even home form really. The thing that is missing for me is the high press and the energy.
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“I’ve said before that as good as Nick Woltemade is with the ball at his feet, he is a problem for Newcastle because he’s not the quickest, and he can’t press, and he doesn’t run in behind.
“Eddie’s teams have always done that. Look at what Alexander Isak did or look at what Callum Wilson did, they all pressed and ran behind. But this guy can’t do that, and that’s a problem for Newcastle.”
It’s the type of form that the Magpies need to turn around sooner rather than later and the type that has exposed their need for January reinforcements.
Newcastle now scouting James Garner
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Newcastle are now scouting Garner ahead of a potential 2026. The midfielder has quietly impressed for the Toffees this season and is now the one attracting the Magpies’ attention instead of Everton’s star man Iliman Ndiaye.
Ndiaye has been linked with a whole host of top clubs, but after Everton placed a £70m valuation on his head, it seems attention may turn to the future of Garner.
A move for the former Manchester United man would make perfect sense in the face of Joelinton’s recent form. Whilst his robust approach has previously been to the benefit of Newcastle, Howe’s side are now desperately crying out for the control that Garner would provide as an alternative option.
Minutes
990
647
Progressive Passes p90
5.27
5
Key Passes p90
0.91
0.69
Ball Recoveries p90
3.73
4.17
However, it seems unlikely that David Moyes will let his midfield star leave without a fight. The Everton boss was recently full of praise for the 24-year-old, telling reporters: “He’s been fantastic since I came in. I didn’t realise probably how good he was. He’s been so good.
“He’s played great in midfield and he’s played full-back for me as well. I’ve said a couple of times recently he’s probably getting closer to getting talked about for England because of his performances.”
Bruno said Newcastle star was "the future of the club", now he must be axed
Just two days after looking positively wooden while running around the bases, Giancarlo Stanton, who has been much-maligned for his lack of speed, made a difference with his legs in the New York Yankees' 3-2 win over the Kansas City Royals in Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Wednesday night at Kauffman Stadium.
Stanton, who belted the 12th postseason home run of his career and collected an RBI double, also stole a base in the top of the sixth inning. Such occurrences for Stanton have been as rare as solar eclipses, as his most recent theft on the basepaths came in August of 2020.
Stanton admitted that the dugout reactions to his stolen base were "probably better than the homer." And indeed, Stanton's swipe led to some pretty funny reactions from his Yankees teammates.
When asked about the stolen base, a smiling Aaron Judge, no speedster himself on the bases, acknowledged that he liked that moment best from Wednesday's win.
"That [the stolen base] was my favorite part," Judge said. "I liked the homer but showing a little wheels out there too to get in scoring position for [Anthony] Volpe was definitely big time."
Were the Yankees expecting a stole base from Stanton? Third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., who swiped 40 bags this season, certainly wasn't.
"No," A wide-eyed Chisholm said. "Definitely didn't. It was a surprise to all of us but hey, I'm happy he did it."
Even Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who just two days earlier had said that Stanton's lack of speed was "something we've kind of got to live with", let out a chuckle when asked about Stanton's stolen base during his media session.
Stanton's speed may not be a consistent asset for the Yankees, but his power certainly is. The slugger has belted 12 home runs in his first 30 postseason games, the third-most long balls in a player's first 30 career playoff games in MLB history.
But Stanton is not focused on the homers or the stolen base. Heading into Thursday's Game 4, he has his eyes on the prize.
"We need to wrap it [The series] up tomorrow," Stanton said. "No wiggle room. We gotta get it done."
Family announce passing after year-long battle with Motor Neurone Disease
Vithushan Ehantharajah22-Jun-2025
Courtney Walsh and David Lawrence (centre) pose with Lawrence’s book at a charity event in Downend Cricket Club in Bristol•Craig Hobbs/Lashings
David “Syd” Lawrence, the former Gloucestershire and England fast bowler, has passed away at the age of 61 following a year battling motor neurone disease (MND).A strapping fast bowler, Lawrence played five Tests for England and making 280 appearances for Gloucestershire, taking 625 wickets for the county. In 1988, he became the first British-born Black cricketer to represent England. In 2022, he became his county’s first Black president. This month, Lawrence received an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, having been named as one of the inaugural Honorary Life Vice-Presidents of the ECB earlier in the year.Lawrence was diagnosed with MND in 2024, a degenerative condition that affects the brain and nerves, causing muscle wastage. There is no cure, and Lawrence was working to raise money and awareness of the condition.Related
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In that time, he remained an inspirational figure at the club, sharing in their Vitality Blast success last summer. Gloucestershire assisted fundraising efforts with a “Pink 4 Syd” evening at the club, honouring Lawrence with a pink kit to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) during their men’s fixture with Hampshire Hawks in the Vitality Blast. Last week, his autobiography, “In Syd’s Voice”, written in partnership with his friend and former Mirror cricket correspondent, Dean Wilson, was published.A statement from Lawrence’s family read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with Motor Neurone Disease.”‘Syd’ was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed.”A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different. His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was.”As President of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Syd took on the role with incredible pride and passion and loved every minute of it.”Syd’s wife Gaynor and son Buster thank everyone for the kindness and support that has been shown to them and the family so far and would ask that they are now given some time and space to grieve in private.”Lawrence played his five Tests and single ODI between 1988 and 1992. A genuine quick bowler, he debuted at Lord’s against Sri Lanka and went on to take 18 wickets, including his best of 5 for 106 against West Indies at The Oval in 1991.His career was cut devastatingly short when, in 1992, he fractured his kneecap as he ran in to bowl against New Zealand in Wellington. Though a comeback never truly materialised, barring a four-game stint for Gloucestershire five years later, he used retirement as a springboard to expand his horizons, becoming a nightclub owner and later a competitive bodybuilder.He was also a leading advocate for inclusion and diversity in cricket. In 2021, he spoke openly of his experience of racism at Gloucestershire, for which the club offered an unreserved apology. He was also involved with the African-Caribbean Engagement programme (ACE) in Bristol.”Everyone connected with Gloucestershire County Cricket Club will be devastated with the news of Syd’s passing, and we send all our love to his incredible family and friends,” said Gloucestershire Cricket chief executive Neil Priscott.”The executive team at the Club were of course aware of his fine record as a one-county man but we all got to truly know and love him as our current President. He was so passionate about the power of cricket and how our sport can touch people’s lives. Syd pushed us to reach out to communities far and wide and we shall continue to do that in his honour. Friday night’s ‘Pink 4 Syd; match was a fitting tribute to a Gloucestershire great, and we are very sad to have lost someone so special.”In a statement released by the ECB, chair Richard Thompson said: “David ‘Syd’ Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion.”His impact on the game extended far beyond the boundary ropes. As a fast bowler, he thrilled crowds with his pace and passion. As a leader and advocate, he broke barriers and inspired change, becoming a powerful voice for inclusion and representation in our sport.”Even in the face of his illness, David showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket.”Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community at this time.”
For all the scrutiny on Newcastle United’s inconsistent attack, their defensive organisation has been the team’s saving grace.
Eddie Howe’s side may not have been firing at the other end, but their solidity at the back has provided a foundation to build from.
Heading into their meeting with Arsenal, Newcastle had conceded the lowest expected goals against (xGA) in the Premier League at just 2.5. Compare that with their efforts in offence and the difference is stark.
Burnley
4.5
Aston Villa
5.0
West Ham
5.0
Newcastle United
5.2
Wolves
5.6
That xGA record slipped slightly after the defeat to Mikel Arteta’s side, but they still sit second in that particular metric – underlining the strength of their structure without the ball.
Across their opening fixtures, the Magpies have conceded only five goals, keeping four clean sheets. Only Liverpool and Arsenal have managed to score against them in the league play.
A big part of that early-season resilience has been the work of Tino Livramento, who added balance with his pace and anticipation on the flank.
His injury against Arsenal, which looked serious, could prove damaging to Howe’s plans.
Yet it also highlighted the broader point: Newcastle are in the process of rejuvenating their defensive line.
The partnership of Dan Burn and Fabian Schär has been a reliable one, but with Champions League football and a congested schedule, rotation is no longer optional.
Howe has made it clear that everyone must be ready to slot in seamlessly and that process is beginning to accelerate as one fantastic servant edges towards the twilight of his career.
How Fabian Schär became Newcastle's defensive heartbeat
When Newcastle signed Schär from Deportivo La Coruña in 2018 for just £3m, few predicted he would go on to become one of the club’s most consistent performers of the modern era.
Now into his sixth season, the 33-year-old has amassed 235 appearances, scoring 21 goals and contributing 10 assists – remarkable numbers for a centre-half and a reminder of his set-piece threat.
What sets Schär apart is his technical ability.
Described as a “true legend of the club” by one Newcastle content creator earlier this year, he is most notably comfortable receiving the ball under pressure. The Swiss defender can step out of the backline, carry into midfield, and fire incisive passes through the lines.
Under Howe, that skill has been essential in moving Newcastle away from being a purely reactive side to one that can build attacks from deep.
Chalkboard
He also brings invaluable experience. With 86 international caps for Switzerland before his retirement last year, Schär has featured at World Cups and European Championships, developing into a leader by example rather than volume.
Supporters regard him as one of the best value-for-money signings in the club’s history.
Yet even leaders decline. At 33, Schär has become more vulnerable to injuries, missing recent fixtures due to concussion protocols after a heavy knock against Barcelona in the Champions League.
Subtle lapses – slower reactions to second balls, occasional mistimed challenges – have also crept in.
While his passing remains assured, there is a growing sense that Newcastle must prepare for a future where he is no longer the constant at the heart of their back four.
Newcastle's future leader ready to replace Schar
If Schär represents the present, new signing Malick Thiaw may well be the future.
Signed from AC Milan in the summer for £30m, the Germany international arrived with a reputation as one of Europe’s most technically capable young centre-backs.
Malick Thiaw.
At 24 years old, he already had 85 senior appearances for Milan and experience in the Champions League – proof that he can handle high-pressure environments.
Thiaw’s qualities are exactly what Howe seeks in a modern defender.
He is calm in possession, able to turn away from pressure, and plays progressive passes that cut through midfield lines.
Matches Played
22
Tackles
24
Blocks
14
Interceptions
15
Aerial Duels Won
49
His statistical profile backs this up: with a 93.2% pass completion rate, ranking him in the 95th percentile among his positional peers across Europe, he rarely concedes possession cheaply.
He also averages nearly five progressive passes per 90 minutes, placing him in the 85th percentile – evidence of his willingness to play forward rather than sideways.
His performance against Arsenal offered a glimpse of his potential. Thiaw won four of six aerial duels, cleared the ball eight times, and crucially, was not dribbled past once.
In possession, he completed 20 of his 23 passes, showing the kind of poise that makes him such a natural fit for Howe’s tactical approach.
Defensively, he read danger well, stepping out to intercept once and shepherding Arsenal’s attackers away from goal with his positioning.
Stylistically, Thiaw has drawn comparisons with Ibrahima Konaté and Micky van de Ven – defenders who blend physical dominance with technical assurance.
Newcastle fans already see the potential for Thiaw to form a long-term partnership with Sven Botman, one that could anchor the club’s backline for the next five years.
Of course, the summer arrival still needs to adapt fully to the pace and intensity of the Premier League, but the early signs are encouraging.
With Champions League fixtures demanding rotation, Howe may soon face a decision that seemed unthinkable only a year ago.
Phasing out one of the club’s most reliable veterans in favour of a player who looks ready to lead Newcastle’s defence into a new era.
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