Whilst those on the pitch attempt to hand Jurgen Klopp a fitting farewell in the form of a Premier League title, FSG's search for the next Liverpool manager is already underway. It's hardly a secret that Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso tops their current shortlist, but with Bayern Munich also interested in the Spaniard, the Reds have now reportedly identified a backup plan.
Next Liverpool manager
Liverpool have reportedly made contact for Alonso and are set to make the Bundesliga leaders an offer for their impressive manager. Things have recently become slightly more complicated, of course, due to the nterest of Bayern Munich. The European giants confirmed the news that they will be parting ways with Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season and all directions have been pointing towards Alonso ever since.
It would be quite the move from Bayern if they were to lure the man potentially responsible for ending their reign of dominance in Germany's top flight into a summer switch. If that does turn out to be the case, then they could start a knock-on effect of managerial changes, with Liverpool likely turning to their next top target.
Liverpool's "special" £4m star is now worth 1175% more
Jurgen Klopp has shaped this rising talent into one of the Premier League’s most exciting prospects.
ByAngus Sinclair Feb 23, 2024
According to The Independent's chief football reporter, Miguel Delaney, Liverpool's top Alonso alternative is Ruben Amorim, who has impressed at Sporting since 2020.
Ruben Amorim encourages his Sporting CP side from the sidelines.
The 39-year-old is one of the best young managers around and has restored Sporting's place competing at the top of Portuguese football in recent times, with his side currently sitting level on points with Benfica at the top of Liga Portugal.
With that said, whilst Alonso remains their top choice, Liverpool would be doing no harm in turning to Amorim if they fail to land their former midfielder this summer.
"Very talented" Amorim could bring Inacio with him
Whilst Amorim's preferred formation is a 3-4-3 and Klopp's is a 4-3-3, which has worked wonders at Anfield over the years, the Sporting boss likes to use a similar interchangeable front three threat as the current Liverpool boss. And this has seen the likes of Victor Gyokeres thrive. In fact, no player has managed more goal involvements in Europe's top seven leagues than the former Coventry City man so far this season.
Described as "very talented" by Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, Amorim could also lure Liverpool target Goncalo Inacio to Anfield with him in what would be an ideal double swoop for the Reds. A player that they're reportedly targeting either way, the Sporting defender could slot straight into an Amorim system at Liverpool if both completed summer moves.
Leeds wonderkid Archie Gray is being backed to follow in the footsteps of Gareth Bale and Luka Modric if he seals a move to Tottenham.
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Gray in demand after impressing at LeedsTottenham hoping to win race for youngsterSpurs 'ideal' club for teenagerWHAT HAPPENED?
Gray has attracted interest from a host of Premier League clubs including Brentford, Chelsea and Tottenham after impressing for Leeds. The teenager had a medical with the Bees but is now leaning towards a move to Spurs, as reported by The Athletic. Tottenham have tried to sign Gray previously and are now favourites to win the race for his signature.
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A move to Spurs would offer Gray the chance to showcase his talent in the Premier League with Ange Postecoglou's side. However, former Tottenham star Chris Waddle believes it could also prove to be the springboard for a future move to Real Madrid too, following in the footsteps of club legends Bale and Modric.
WHAT WADDLE SAID
He told Genting Casino: "I’ve seen enough of Archie Gray to say that he is a very good player. He’s a versatile player that can perform in a number of roles: midfield, full-back. That tells you two things about him: his manager trusts him to perform in numerous roles and he has the intelligence to do it. That’s rare for a player of eighteen-years-old. He was ever-present in that Leeds United team last season, so again, that’s a good sign. His best role is in central midfield, and I think that's where he prefers to play.
“He's an ideal Tottenham project. Tottenham have a history of buying young players and giving them an opportunity. We’ve seen Tottenham make some very canny moves in the transfer market over the years with younger players. They can obviously see the potential that’s there, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Gray followed the likes of Gareth Bale and Luka Modric by joining Real Madrid for a massive fee if he lives up to his potential. Tottenham can obviously see his potential. He was probably the pick of The Championship players in terms of his age and ability. I think he could easily step up to the level of the Premier League.
“Whether he gets straight into the Tottenham team is a different question. I’m sure they will have a precise development plan for him which could see him join another Premier League club on loan. He'd be a good signing for Tottenham Hotspur because he's only going to get better.”
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Gray made 97 tackles in the Championship last season for Leeds, more than any other player aged 21 and under in the league.
Lord’s will transform from a smattering of egg-and-bacon into a sea of red on the second day of the second Ashes Test – on August 15 – in a show of support for the Ruth Strauss Foundation, set up this year as a tribute to former England captain Andrew Strauss’ late wife, who died after a battle with a rare form of lung cancer.The move will see the players of the two teams wear red caps and red stumps being used, with fans in attendance encouraged to wear red. It’s an almost direct parallel to Pink Stumps Day at the SCG in honour of the Jane McGrath Foundation.”The one huge opportunity you have as an ex-cricketer is to use that platform to raise awareness for what you’re trying to do,” Strauss, who served as ECB’s director of cricket after finishing up as a cricketer, said. “As soon as you go down that train of thought you think about the incredible work the McGrath Foundation has done in Sydney, and you think is that possible to replicate in this country.”I’ve played all my cricket here [for Middlesex] at Lord’s, and it’s an Ashes Test – you just think ‘wow, if the MCC are willing and able to make this happen, are willing to support it, we can put this together’.”Strauss said he had been “blown away” by “the incredible wave of support from the cricket family and fraternity” since his wife’s passing on December 29 last year.”This is the embodiment of that,” he said. “Doors have been opened that usually wouldn’t be opened and everyone’s said, ‘yeah, let’s do it, let’s make it a special day’.”I’m hopeful that it’s going to be a successful day for the foundation and a great spectacle – an addition to what’s going on on the pitch – it’s an incredibly important game and incredibly important day.”Strauss met his wife-to-be in a Sydney bar in 1998 while playing grade cricket during the winter, and were married five years later. Ruth, a non-smoker, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017, and Strauss stepped away his job as England team director to care for her at the time, though he formally resigned only in October 2018.Strauss played in one of the earliest Pink Tests in the 2010-11 Ashes, which England won to seal the series 3-1.”My recollection of the Pink Test was how keen all the players were to support Glenn McGrath and support him, and what the charity was doing,” he recalled. “It added an extra dimension to the Test match and maybe a moment to pause and reflect and go ‘it’s an Ashes series, we’re all at each other’s throats and desperately want to win, but in the greater scheme of things there’s more important things out there’.”I loved the day, I thought they did it brilliantly, and I loved the way the Australian public connected and bought into that as a concept.”McGrath and Strauss have been in regular discussion about the personal aspect of dealing with grief while in the public eye, as well as the day itself. “He’s a great man,” Strauss said, “and it’s incredible to see how successful that foundation has been in Australia.”Strauss has spoken publicly about dealing with grief in a handful of newspaper interviews, and the effect Ruth’s passing has had on his two sons, Sam and Luca.The World Cup final on Sunday coincided with Luca’s 11th birthday, and Strauss said that it had been a bittersweet moment. “Time has passed by so quickly,” he said. “It’s been so incredibly busy for me and the boys – a lot of distraction there which has been great, but there are touch points where it really hits you.”Sunday was an incredible day for him to come and watch the World Cup final and how it unfolded, but the night before and the mornings were moments where it hit you that there were three of us there rather than four. Grief is not something that dies overnight – it hits you forever, but it evolves and changes.”
It seemed impossible. Harry Kane? Playing football for a club not named Tottenham Hotspur? Incomprehensible. The England captain had somehow remained at the club after Manchester City's £100m approach in the summer of 2021, also avoiding years of incessant interest from Manchester United.
But last season, it all went wrong and Spurs languished to an eighth-placed Premier League finish to bar entry to European competition after the summer, and after trying his hardest with 30 goals from 38 top-flight contests, Kane decided that enough was enough, having never tasted a major honour as a professional.
He really had given the club his all, graduating from the academy and making a name for himself across numerous loan spells before earning opportunities in the first team.
Fast track to the present and Kane has transferred to German Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich after scoring 278 goals and supplying 64 assists across 430 appearances for Tottenham, draping the curtain as the club's all-time top scorer.
Spurs "looking" at £100m "monster" who's "like Harry Kane"
This first-class striker would end Richarlison’s free-scoring success as the focal frontman.
ByAngus Sinclair Jan 19, 2024
Replacing him this summer seemed an insurmountable task, so Ange Postecoglou… didn't. Instead, the newly-appointed Australian rebuilt the Lilywhites across a multitude of positions and has revived the optimism, with Spurs currently fighting for a return to the Champions League.
Heung-min Son and Richarlison have alternated between the striking position, and while Richarlison has been in fine goalscoring form of late – bagging six from six in the Premier League – he is not the long-term solution at centre-forward and could well be replaced.
With this in mind, here are the current names touted to join Tottenham as the first-choice forward in 2024, be that this month or in the summer.
1 Option 1: Santiago Gimenez
Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez.
Untested in the Premier League but undoubtedly a factory-built goalscorer, Santiago Gimenez scored 28 goals across all competitions as Feyenoord gleaned the Dutch Eredivisie title.
The Lilywhites are reportedly interested in a deal and would possibly only need to pay £30m for his signature, which is no small sum but definitely feasible.
This term, as per Sofascore, Gimenez has carried over last season's prolific feats and then some, posting 18 goals and four assists from 19 league matches.
Santiago Gimenez for Feyenoord.
As such, the 22-year-old has been praised for his "insane" feats in the Netherlands by scout Antonio Mango and seems to boast that indescribable quality – a matter of positioning and spatial awareness, perhaps – that only the top talismanic forces offer.
As per FBref, the Mexican machine ranks among the top 1% of forwards across divisions similar to the Dutch Eredivisie over the past year for goals scored and touches in the attacking box and the top 2% for shots taken per 90.
With brilliant shooting skills and an imposing presence at the spearhead, Gimenez may not quite have Richarlison's dynamism but he would give Postecoglou that final piece of the puzzle.
To be fair, the likes of Son, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski (and Richarlison, to an extent) provide Postecoglou's system with creativity, and Gimenez would be a worthy addition at the front of the attack.
2 Option 2: Dominic Solanke
Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.
Dominic Solanke has been in fantastic form this season and has posted 12 goals and an assist from just 20 games in the Premier League, eclipsing last term's total of six successful strikes from 33 games.
Now shaping into a "top, multi-faceted forward" – as commented by The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell – Solanke is on Tottenham's radar, according to Football Insider, though Arsenal and Newcastle United are both vying for his services too.
Bournemouth are set to demand a ballpark figure of £50m for his departure from the Vitality Stadium and while he has been in fine fettle since last summer, it might be prudent to see his progress over the coming months with a view to lodging a bid come June.
Timo Werner
Tottenham Hotspur
Darwin Nunez
Liverpool
Ivan Toney
Brentford
Eddie Nketiah
Arsenal
Callum Wilson
Newcastle United
Although Solanke has many English top-flight suitors intrigued by a transfer this year, Postecoglou will feel that the promise of regular minutes at the front of an exciting new project could entice the one-time Liverpool prospect to make the move to London.
And if he does now sustain his newfound cutting edge in the Premier League, he would almost certainly prove an upgrade on Richarlison.
3 Option 3: Ivan Toney
dominic-solanke-ivan-toney-tottenham-opinion
Last but certainly not least, Tottenham are among the contenders for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, though it must be stressed that Arsenal and Chelsea are believed to be frontrunners for the 27-year-old's signature.
Valued as high as £100m by the Bees, Toney was in scintillating showing last season and clinched 20 goals and four assists, creating a whopping 12 big chances, across 33 Premier League fixtures before being found guilty of breaching FA betting rules, serving an eight-month suspension.
Returning to competitive action against Nottingham Forest last Sunday, scoring a delightful free-kick to open the scoring as Thomas Frank's side secured a vital three points, Toney probably won't leave his side in January but will look to impress over the coming months and convince a club like Tottenham to make their move.
Minutes played
90'
Goals
1
Shots on target
1
Touches
56
Pass completion
18/33 (55%)
Key passes
2
Crosses
2/4 (50%)
Ground duels won
5/5 (100%)
Tackles
1
Interceptions
1
Clearances
4
As is clear from the £20k-per-week phenom's statistics against Forest, he displayed no sign of ring rust, as it were, instead picking up where he left off with an all-encompassing attacking effort.
A clinical striker who has even been proclaimed to be "like Harry Kane" by England international Declan Rice, Toney would be a massive upgrade on Richarlison and reminded the footballing world of his qualities last weekend, now certain to get his transfer at some point this year.
David Moyes’ long-term future at West Ham appears to be in the balance, and there has now been a new update shared by one reporter.
Latest David Moyes update at West Ham
The Hammers are currently in the top half of the Premier League and have also qualified for the last 16 of the Europa League this season following a historic Europa Conference League triumph back in May. However, there are still doubts over whether Moyes will be in charge of the club next season, with his contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign. Journalist Toby Cudworth addressed Moyes’ contract situation last month, saying:
“Our understanding is that West Ham have been looking at future replacements for him. He won the Conference League in June, has one year left on his contract, but there’s been no engagement over a new contract. One thing we can say with near-certainty, David Moyes is not going to be signing an extension at West Ham barring a miracle.”
West Ham manager David Moyes
Now, Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey shared a new development regarding Moyes and what he has told those close to him over his West Ham future. He said in the last 48 hours:
“David Moyes has told friends he does not expect to be manager of West Ham next season, sources have told Football Insider. The Scotsman’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign and he has not held talks with the club regarding a new deal.
“It is believed that he has told his camp that he “won’t be at West Ham next year” as he has had no signals from club chiefs they want him long-term.”
West Ham manager rumours
Moyes has enjoyed plenty of success during his second stint in charge, most notably in Europe, but the club may feel that 2024 is the perfect chance to freshen things up.
David Moyes first stint at West Ham
Days in charge
190
Matches
31
Wins
9
Draws
10
Losses
12
David Moyes second stint at West Ham
Days in charge
1460*
Matches
204
Wins
97
Draws
34
Losses
73
Trophies
1
If these claims prove accurate, it appears as if the Hammers could be on the search for a new manager in 2024, and there has already been a candidate backed to take over from the Scot at the London Stadium. Former Wolves and Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui is one name floating around in the media, with The Daily Mail journalist Kieran Gil saying earlier this month:
“The only name that’s been mentioned to me is Julen Lopetegui, who we know wants to return to the Premier League. But that picture could totally change closer to the end of the season.”
As Gil claims, a lot can change between now and May, but with Moyes seemingly resigned to his fate of exiting West Ham come the end of the season, you’d expect Hammers officials will be working behind the scenes over the coming months in regards to his successor.
Marchant de Lange scores unbeaten fifty in 113-run stand with Root as Surrey are stranded on one win
ECB Reporters Network28-Apr-2019An unbroken century stand between Billy Root and Marchant de Lange allowed Glamorgan to fight back from an indifferent start to claim their first victory of the Royal London Cup season, leaving Surrey stranded on just one win.Root was unbeaten on 113 and de Lange 58 not out as Glamorgan recovered from 160 for 6 to post a total of 323 for 7, thanks largely to the unbroken eighth-wicket stand between Root and de Lange, who put on 113 off 63 balls. The home side then bowled Surrey out with 20 balls to spare – de Lange chiming in with four wickets and Graham Wagg taking three – to win by 64 runs.De Lange accounted for the Surrey top order with a devastating spell of 3 for 14 from his opening three overs, as the visitors slumped to 28 for 4 in the fifth. Will Jacks was bowled off his pads and Rory Burns was well caught low down at third man, before Dean Elgar slapped one to cover. Earlier, Mark Stoneman was undone by Michael Hogan, with David Lloyd taking a low catch at first slipJamie Smith, a promising 18-year-old batsman, and Ben Foakes staged a recovery by adding 64 for the fifth wicket, before they were dismissed in quick succession. Smith was well held by Chris Cooke, standing up to Graham Wagg, who then had Foakes caught at mid-on.Jordan Clark, who joined Surrey from Lancashire this season, top scored for his new county with an aggressive 79, and his partnership of 107 with Stuart Meaker gave Surrey a glimmer of hope. There were 108 needed from the final 10 overs, but de Lange captured his fourth wicket when Clark, who had struck the previous ball for six, holed out at long leg.Meaker (50) achieved his career best List A score, but with 70 needed from the last five overs, there was little hope for the visitors, with de Lange ending with 4 for 63.The home team, who had been put in on a pacey pitch, were soon in trouble against Morne Morkel, who dismissed the first three batsmen with a superb display of seam bowling.Marnus Labuschagne was the first to go, plumb in front of a full-length ball, before Cooke was bowled by one that trimmed his off stump, then Jeremy Lawlor guided one the gully.Lloyd struck Conor McKerr for three successive boundaries but, attempting to pull a short delivery from Meaker, he holed out at mid-wicket.Charlie Hemphrey and Wagg helped Root take Glamorgan past 200, before de Lange began his assault. He began with successive boundaries, before a flurry of enormous sixes gave Glamorgan hope of a substantial total.Root reached his century – his second in List A games – from 111 balls and, from the next ball, de Lange reached his first fifty for Glamorgan from just 27 balls. They both achieved career best scores, as 113 runs were plundered from the final 10 overs and 51 from the final five.Root said: “It was great to get not only my career best, but also to win the game. Marchant played a terrific innings and it made my job a lot easier.”De Lange added: “I played my own game. I am not a top order batsman and if the ball is there to be hit I’ll have a go. My job was to support Billy, and it worked.”
The diagnosis, carried out a couple of days ago at a Dhaka hospital, revealed that the tumour is in its early stages
ESPNcricinfo staff11-Mar-2019Bangladesh cricketer Mosharraf Hossain has been diagnosed with brain tumour. Mosharraf is currently trying to complete visa formalities for Singapore where he wants to get the tumorous lump removed. The diagnosis, carried out a couple of days ago at a Dhaka hospital, revealed that the tumour is in its early stages.”It needs an operation,” Mosharraf told the Dhaka-based newspaper . “I want to get the operation done abroad. The visa is under process, and is likely to take a couple of days more. I will leave as soon as I get the visa. What is giving me relief is that the tumour is at an early stage. My family had completely broken down but now I think they are feeling a little better.”Mosharraf is yet to inform the BCB officially although senior cricketers including Shakib Al Hasan and board officials such as Akram Khan have already contacted him.”I haven’t informed the BCB [yet],” Mosharraf said. “I came to know myself only earlier this week. Everyone is telling me not to worry. Mental support is giving me a lot of confidence, and it is also making me quite emotional.”By Mosharraf’s estimation, the initial cost of the first operation is likely to be at least Tk 40 lakh (USD 50,000 approximately) which will increase further if any follow-up is needed.Mosharraf, who has played five ODIs for Bangladesh, made a brief comeback in 2016, eight years after his debut. A domestic stalwart, he has taken 392 first-class wickets and scored over 3,000 runs from 112 games.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelloti believes that Xavi has made the 'correct decision' to stay on as Barcelona coach past this summer.
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Ancelotti gives verdict on Xavi reversalSays U-turn is the 'correct decision'Coach was initially to leave Barca in summerWHAT HAPPENED?
With Real Madrid set on their way to win their 36th Spanish league title, Ancelotti has revealed that he believes that Xavi has made the right call to reverse his decision and stay on as the coach of Los Blancos' bitter rivals, Barcelona.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT ANCELOTTI SAID
Speaking to the media at the Valdebebas training centre, the Italian said: "He has done a good job at Barca, he knows the club well, it seems like a correct decision to me."
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Xavi had announced in January that he would be stepping down as Barcelona coach this summer due to the growing mental fatigue that came with the job. However, the legendary Spanish midfielder announced on Thursday that he had reversed his decision as he was convinced by the Catalan club's hierarchy to stay on at least until the end of his current contract in 2025.
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Ancelotti will now lead his side against Real Sociedad on Saturday, April 27 as they sit just seven points away from confirming their La Liga title victory over Barcelona and Girona.
Sunderland's misfiring recruitment strategy associated with their time in the Premier League is a world away from their affluent and astute approach in the present day.
The Black Cats' former scattergun approach in the transfer market culminated in their rapid drop into League One, consistently picking up flops – like Jack Rodwell and Didier Ndong – instead of being measured and smart with their recruitment.
Whilst that strategy was a huge factor in their downfall, their approach of scouring leagues across Britain for the best young talent has contributed to their recent rise.
Their promotion back to the Championship in 2022 and their play-off finish last term was the result of successful recruitment.
Sunderland now target talented youngsters, predominantly aged 23 and under, who have the potential to become Premier League stars.
Jack Clarke
The above approach has seen them bring in Jack Clarke, whose excellent displays have brought top-flight attention, while the performances of right-back Trai Hume have slipped under the radar.
The fee Sunderland paid for Trai Hume
Hume became Sunderland's first signing of 2022, arriving from Danske Bank Premiership outfit Linfield FC for a fee in the region of £150k.
The then 19-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2021/22 campaign, scoring three goals and supplying two assists in 17 appearances under the management of former Black Cats striker David Healy.
Despite his tender age, Hume had racked up over 50 senior appearances in Northern Ireland, including outings in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League qualifying stages.
With some impressive pedigree under his belt, the versatile defender – who can operate as a midfielder or centre-back – would soon add a League One promotion to his list of accolades.
Whilst he would only feature three times for Sunderland in the second half of that campaign, the appointment of Tony Mowbray would prove to be the catalyst for his development.
Known for his ability to improve young players, Hume played a pivotal role in the Black Cats' charge towards the play-offs last season, making 34 appearances across all competitions.
Having established himself as a regular fixture in the side, the 5 foot 10 ace has since become one of the best in his position this term.
Trai Hume's season in numbers
Although his teammate Clarke will take the plaudits for scoring nine goals in 16 Championship appearances, Hume's impact from a defensive point of view has been just as important.
The 21-year-old, who starred in his nation's 2-0 win against Denmark on Monday night, has been a revelation for club and country this term.
In that impressive victory over the Danes, Hume put in a monstrous defensive display, making six tackles, winning eight of his ten ground duels, four of his seven aerial duels and two clearances, as per Sofascore.
It's that level of performance on the international stage that Sunderland supporters have become accustomed to seeing throughout this campaign.
Described by his defensive partner Daniel Ballard as "brilliant" and someone who "loves a tackle", Hume has exemplified his ferocity in one-on-one situations by ranking in the top 4% against his positional peers in the Championship for tackles, top 16% for interceptions and top 9% for aerials won, as per FBref.
The ferocious defender is also exquisite in possession, marauding into midfield to create overloads down the flank by impressing with his superb passing range, placing within the top 13% for pass completion and top 23% for passes into the final third.
Whilst Hume's importance to Sunderland shot up, so has his value, and this is showcased by Football Transfers, who value him at €7.4M (£6.4m) currently.
This means his transfer value has skyrocketed by a whopping 4100% in nearly two years since joining for an initial £150k from Linfield.
If he continues his upward trajectory – like his teammate Clarke – he looks destined to play Premier League football in the near future.
The South Africa fast bowler is currently on seven demerit points, and if he gets one more he could be suspended for four limited-overs matches or two Tests
ESPNcricinfo staff09-Nov-2018Kagiso Rabada could be skirting with danger with his send-off to Australian batsman Chris Lynn in the second ODI in Adelaide, if he is sanctioned under the ICC Code of Conduct by match referee Jeff Crowe. Rabada is currently on seven demerit points, and if he gets one more he could be suspended for four limited-overs internationals or two Tests, whichever is first.The incident occurred in the 27th over of Australia’s innings. Lynn had hit Rabada for a six and three fours off the first four balls of the over, after which he gloved a hook to the wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock and was out for 44 off 44 balls. Rabada appeared to say a few words in the vicinity of Lynn during his celebration of the wicket.
6-4-4-4-WICKET!
A huge over from @lynny50 but Kagiso Rabada gets the last laugh: https://t.co/CNara9lWcz pic.twitter.com/jWKrnfVW51
— Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) November 9, 2018
“Bit of a send-off at the end, I don’t mind it at all,” Lynn said of his dismissal at the end of the innings.Earlier this year, Rabada was at the centre of a major controversy when he was hit with a two-Test ban for a shoulder brush with Steven Smith in Australia’s first innings of the Port Elizabeth Test, but subsequently won an appeal and got the ban overturned. Rabada had initially been given three demerit points for the offence – taking his tally to eight – but the severity of the indiscretion was downgraded after his appeal and he was eventually given only one demerit point, which meant he was only on seven demerit points.Rabada had been on five demerit points before the Port Elizabeth Test. In addition to the one demerit point for the Smith shoulder-brush, Rabada was also given a demerit point for his send-off to David Warner in the second innings of that Test.The match referee in the Port Elizabeth Test was Jeff Crowe, who is incidentally the match referee for the ongoing ODI between South Africa and Australia in Adelaide.