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There are no surprises in Australia’s 15-player group which will be led by Alyssa Healy as they aim to defend their title

Andrew McGlashan04-Sep-2025Sophie Molineux is on track to be fit for the ODI World Cup after being included in Australia’s 15-player squad for the tournament in India and Sri Lanka while legspinner Georgia Wareham has recovered from the injury which forced her to leave the Hundred early.The duo are a key part of Australia’s spin attack which will be a vital component at the World Cup as they look to defend the title won in New Zealand in 2022. Molineux, the left-arm spinner, has been out of action since late last year when she underwent knee surgery. However, she has not quite been given the full green light and may miss the ODI series against India ahead of the tournament.”Sophie Molineux is progressing well in her return from a knee injury, and we anticipate she’ll be available for the World Cup,” Australia physio Kate Beerworth said. “Georgia Wareham also back to full training following her adductor injury during the Hundred.”Australia’s squad, which will be led by Alyssa Healy, does not hold any surprises with Grace Harris taking the final batting spot while Georgia Voll is included after her breakout first year in international cricket.Harris has only played two ODIs since 2016 – and didn’t bat in either match – but the selectors see her as adding depth to the middle-order and also value her experience.”She’s a different player for us,” Shawn Flegler, the national selector, said. “In the role that she might play in ODI cricket, I think it would be more down the bottom and middle order. The way she bats, the experience she’s got in India, that’s probably why she got selected.”She’s a little bit different to some other middle order batters. She can take a game away in a few overs. If she gets that opportunity, I think she could be really good.”Healy recently returned from the foot injury she sustained during last year’s Ashes and flayed 137 not out off 85 balls against India A last month. The hope is that she will be able to keep wicket throughout the tournament.”She knows her body well,” Flegler said. “Like all players, they need to recover well after games. The schedule is pretty tight. But I think our particular schedule, we’ve got breaks in between each game as well. There’s lots of travel involved…it’s a long tournament. So it’s not just Alyssa who’ll be looking after herself. It’ll be the whole squad.”Voll is one of five players – alongside Molineux, Wareham, Phoebe Litchfield and Kim Garth – to be included in their first 50-over World Cup squad.One of the challenges in preparing for the tournament has been some grounds have never hosted women’s cricket while Australia have not played at the R Premadasa in Colombo, where they will face Sri Lanka and Pakistan, since 2016. They have used the men’s set-up to help gather data with coach Shelley Nitschke having spoken with Tom Body, the men’s team analyst.”It’s a little bit of an unknown,” Flegler said. “There’s some grounds that no women’s cricket’s been played at, so even just the data analysis of that has been based on the men’s cricket.”But we’re comfortable with the squad that we’ve got that we can cover, whether it’s a spinning wicket or if they’re flat wickets or if there’s a little bit of pace. All the games are starting at three o’clock, so day and night games. There’s maybe a bit of monsoon weather still hanging around in some places as well.So we’ve just got to be adaptable.”Australia’s squad will be supplemented with the uncapped duo of Nicole Faltum and Charli Knott for the three-match ODI series before the pair return home for the start of the WNCL season.”A World Cup in India is one of cricket’s biggest assignments, but we believe this group is up for the challenge,” Flegler said. “The valuable experience the squad has gained from several subcontinent tours in recent years, as well as exposure through the Women’s Premier League will be beneficial in tackling the unique demands of Indian conditions.”The extended nature of an ODI World Cup can be a challenge, and we believe this group has the depth and versatility to meet those demands.”Australia begin their tournament against New Zealand in Indore on October 1.Australia squad for Women’s ODI World CupAlyssa Healy (capt), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham

“I opened Google, downloaded a ‘believe’ image and put that as my phone wallpaper”

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Aug-2025

Siraj acknowledges the crowd after winning the Player-of-the-Match award•Getty Images

When Mohammed Siraj stepped onto the boundary cushion while attempting the catch of Harry Brook, and the batter went on to score a blazing hundred, he felt the game was over. But on the fifth morning of the Test, Siraj woke up determined to make amends.On the final day, England needed 35 runs and India four wickets. Siraj took three of those, including the final one, to give India a six-run win and help them square the series 2-2.”I cannot describe my feelings,” Siraj said after being named the Player of the Match. “After yesterday’s incident, I thought the match was gone. Had we got Harry Brook out before lunch, things would have been different. There would have been no fifth day. That was a game-changing moment. But we came back strongly after that.Related

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“When I woke up this morning, I told myself I would change the game. I opened Google, downloaded a ‘believe’ image, and put that as my phone wallpaper.”Siraj had Jamie Smith caught behind in the second over of the day before trapping Jamie Overton lbw in his next. After Prasidh Krishna bowled Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson tried to farm the strike and hit Siraj over wide long-on for a six. But with seven needed, Siraj rattled Atkinson’s off stump with a yorker to seal the match.”My only plan was to bowl consistently at one spot and to move the ball in and out from there,” Siraj said. “I didn’t want to try too much because that could have released the pressure. From day one to today, every Test went to the fifth day. So hats off to everyone in the squad for the way they fought.”Siraj was a key protagonist of this instant-classic five-match series. He played every Test and picked up 23 wickets, the most in the series. Even with the bat, he was involved in one of the most poignant moments of the series when, in the third Test at Lord’s, India needed 23 to win with one wicket in hand when he defended a Shoaib Bashir delivery with the middle of the bat, but the ball rolled onto the stumps to dislodge the leg bail.”It was a heartbreaking moment,” Siraj said. “Jaddu [Ravindra Jadeja] was telling me not to overthink and focus on middling every ball. He told me to think about my father and how hard I have worked to get here. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen.”

A “wonderful” midfielder has now made a significant decision regarding a potential move to Manchester United in the January transfer window.

Man Utd need long-term replacement for Bruno

Bruno Fernandes has continued to be a talismanic figure for the Red Devils, captaining impressively and maturing into a more experienced head alongside younger teammates.

The Portuguese is now 31 years of age, however, and while his durability and lack of injury problems means he should be able to go on for plenty more years, United have to make sure they have a plan in place to find a successor eventually.

Bruno now has less than two years remaining on his current Red Devils deal, with Fabrizio Romano providing an update about a potential release clause.

Man Utd target makes big transfer call

According to The Mirror, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham has decided against joining Manchester United in January, having “no interest” in heading to Old Trafford on loan for the time being.

The Englishman only joined the Bundesliga side in a £27m move in the summer window, but he has struggled for playing time, being linked with a move away in the process.

Bellingham is the type of player who United should be viewing as a possible Bruno replacement one day, albeit in a slightly more disciplined midfield role, with the 20-year-old following in the footsteps of his brother Jude by heading to Dortmund in the summer.

He starred for Sunderland last season, playing an important role in them sealing promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, and not only has he been compared to Frank Lampard by former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, but he is loved by his teammates.

“Listen, Jobe’s a wonderful player. I’m one of his biggest fans, more than his dad. Don’t tell him that. I think Jobe’s wonderful,” Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien said last season.

“He’s a wonderful addition. He even comes in at half-time to give his perspective. That’s how much he’s grown into the game. Even though he’s not playing, he’s in at half-time. We’re asking for his perspective on the game because he’s a leader in our team.”

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Bellingham is still so young that United shouldn’t consider this the end of the saga, and if he manages to get back on track and reaches his potential in the coming years, he needs to be viewed as a fantastic midfield option, bringing the box-to-box quality that Bruno does.

Liverpool, in many ways, are evidence of money not being everything in football. The club had always spent wisely when led by Jurgen Klopp, cashing in for big money and carefully picking budding talents to develop into superstars.

This summer, having won the Premier League so spectacularly with Arne Slot last year, FSG felt it was the right time to hit the big button and indulge in a spending spree. Many high-level signings have arrived at Anfield.

However, Liverpool may still be frustrated to have missed out on Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, especially now that Giovanni Leoni has been ruled out for a year with a knee injury.

Liverpool may well return for the England defender, but Guehi isn’t the only Premier League talent they plan to bid for in 2026.

Liverpool still interested in Premier League star

There’s no question that Liverpool need to reinforce their central defence next year. However, Slot might also feel his midfield needs some work. Tactical imbalances have knocked the Reds out of kilter.

That’s why FSG dream of signing Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton next summer, retaining an interest in the England international. That’s according to the Daily Mail, who believe the Eagles hope to tie the 21-year-old down to a new deal to ward off persistent suitors.

Valued at £75m, Wharton has been a revelation at Selhurst Park, instrumental under Oliver Glasner.

Liverpool will be confident that they can secure the maestro’s signature, but his performances have also attracted the likes of Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

The competition is thick, but this is a player worth pushing for. It might even prove to be a signing that eclipses all others the Merseysiders could make, even landing Guehi.

What Adam Wharton would bring to Liverpool

Described as “the best U21 player in the Prem” by one analyst, Wharton has been exceptional since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers for £22m in February 2024.

A master of the pass and tenacious when winning the ball back, Wharton has played 53 times for his London-based club, nestled in the centre of the park.

He has been vital in constructing an enviable style of play, Glasner utilising him as an all-encompassing engine.

Palace have not the same calibre of firepower in the final third as some of the Premier League’s biggest hitters, but they aren’t half bad in front of goal.

Much of this stems from slick build-up play from midfield, and Wharton has been at the very heart of this, with no player matching his five big chances created so far.

As per FBref, the Three Lions star ranks among the top 6% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for through balls and the top 7% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Liverpool are suffering from a degree of isolation between the thirds right now. This has been accentuated blindingly by Alexis Mac Allister’s poor form.

And that’s why Wharton could be such an incredible addition, opening up a dimension and weaving together the disjointed midfield and frontline parts.

Liverpool have an elite group of players capable of dominating English and European football for many years. But something is missing, to be sure, and a player of Wharton’s style could work wonders in easing the midfield load on Ryan Gravenberch’s shoulders and restore the title-winning fluidity that worked so well last season.

Klopp sold Liverpool star for £9.5m, now he's outperforming Salah & Wirtz

Liverpool must rue selling a star who is outplaying Florian Wirtz and playing like Mo Salah.

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Dan Emery

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علق فيرجيل فان دايك مدافع وقائد ليفربول، بعد تحقيق فريقه الفوز على حساب أستون فيلا، بهدفين نظيفين، على ملعب أنفيلد في الدوري الانجليزي الممتاز.

وقال فان دايك في تصريحات نشرتها “بي بي سي سبورت” بعد اللقاء: “الفوز دائماً شعور رائع والحفاظ على نظافة شباكنا بعد غياب طويل كان شعورًا رائعًا أيضاً، لكننا حققنا مجرد فوز، الآن يتعلق الأمر بالتركيز على المباراة القادمة”.

وأضاف: “لقد كنا جيدين في الاستحواذ على الكرة، ضغطنا عليهم بشكل جيد، حصلنا على انطلاقات جيدة وفرص لتسجيل الأهداف، دافعنا بشكل جماعي بشكل جيد، هذا ما صنع الفارق”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. محمد صلاح: ليفربول يمتلك لاعبين رائعين يفتقدون شيئًا واحدًا.. وفخور بالإنجاز

وواصل: “حتى في الأوقات الجيدة علينا الاستمرار وعدم الاستسلام، هذا ما لاحظته خلال الأسابيع الماضية، كان هناك الكثير من الضجيج الذي لم نملك السيطرة عليه، وعلينا التعامل معه كفريق، بعض التعليقات سخيفة لكننا نتعامل معها، قد يصل الضجيج الخارجي لبعض اللاعبين لكننا نتماسك”.

وتابع: “لن ننزل للملعب للخسارة، أو نخيب آمال الجماهير، بل نريد أن نبذل قصارى جهدنا ونفوز لكن هذا ليس ضماناً، الدوري الانجليزي على أعلى مستوى”.

وأكمل: “حان وقت العمل، لا نبالغ في التفاؤل المفرط، نعيش في عالم حيث يمكن للجميع التعبير عن آرائهم، على منصات متعددة وهم يعرفون أكثر منا وعلينا الابتعاد عن ذلك والتركيز على العمل الجاد”.

وختم: “في الموسم الماضي مررنا ببعض الأمور السلبية لكن الأمور كانت مثالية، الآن يبدو أننا سنخوض معركة هبوط وهكذا تسير الأمور في العالم”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O destino do Botafogona Copa Sul-Americana é colocado em jogo nesta quarta-feira (9). Às 19h, os comandados de Bruno Lage fazem o jogo de volta das oitavas de final da competição continental com o Guaraní, do Paraguai, no Estádio Defensores del Chaco.

Por ter vencido por 2 a 1 o primeiro jogo, o Glorioso tem a vantagem do empate. Vitória dos “aborígenes” por um gol força a decisão para os pênaltis. Caso o Guaraní vença por dois ou mais gols, obterá a vaga direta para as quartas de final.

+Como toda partida na Sul-Americana, o jogo será muito disputado e os mercados da Lance! Betting estão a todo vapor. Confira!

O Guaraní tende a adotar uma postura mais ofensiva para o embate. A equipe de Juan Pablo Pumpido deve depositar as fichas no trio de ataque formado por Camacho, Romeo Benítez e Federico Santander.

+Tem promoção exclusiva para você abrir sua conta agora! Aposte R$50 e receba mais R$50 de bônus. Clique aqui e aproveite!

O Botafogo, por sua vez, terá a baixa de Tiquinho Soares. O atacante sofreu uma lesão no ligamento colateral do joelho esquerdo e ficará cinco semanas afastado. O mais provável é que Janderson seja o titular no setor.

O comandante alvinegro, porém, deve promover variações na equipe para evitar desgastes musculares. Gatito Fernández será o titular da meta. Philipe Sampaio, Danilo Barbosa e Lucas Fernandes têm chances de iniciar a partida.

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Líder!

FICHA TÉCNICA

GUARANÍ (PAR) x BOTAFOGO

Data e hora: 9 de agosto de 2023, às 19h
Estádio: Defensores del Chaco, em Assunção (PAR)
Árbitro: Felipe González (CHI)
Assistentes: Juan Serrano (CHI) e Miguel Rocha (CHI)
VAR: Rodrigo Carvajal (CHI)

Onde assistir: Paramount + e tempo real do Lance!

GUARANÍ (Técnico: Juan Pablo Pumpido)

Muñoz, Raul Cáceres, José Moya, Paul Riveros e Felipe Salomoni; Estivel Moreira, Barceló e Darío Ríos; Néstor Camacho, Romeo Benítez e Federico Santander.

BOTAFOGO (Técnico: Bruno Lage)

Gatito Fernández; Di Plácido, Philipe Sampaio, Cuesta e Marçal; Danilo Barbosa (Eduardo), Marlon Freitas, Lucas Fernandes; Júnior Santos (Gustavo Sauer), Janderson e Victor Sá.

Desfalques: Patrick de Paula, Rafael e Tiquinho Soares (lesionados) e Gabriel Pires (em transição)

West Ham United “could move” for an “incredible” England international as a replacement for Nayef Aguerd, who may be set for an exit before the transfer deadline.

West Ham eyeing new defender after Aguerd refuses to travel

After spending the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Real Sociedad, Aguerd has come back into the fold this season, starting the opening two Premier League games, during which West Ham conceded a combined eight goals.

However, it is clear the Moroccan has little intention of remaining at the London Stadium for much longer, with the 29-year-old pushing to leave before the deadline, amid interest from the likes of Sunderland, AC Milan and AS Roma.

In fact, the Keinitra-born defender is well-known to have refused to travel to Nottingham Forest for yesterday’s Premier League clash, with the centre-back taking drastic action to try and force through an exit.

However, ExWHUEmployee has now revealed that the club could be hesitant to sanction a departure, should they be unable to find an adequate replacement in time, with Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis among the potential options.

The West Ham insider said: “The club have yet to confirm any bid as yet from Marseille or Sunderland and even if they did would have to make a decision as to whether it is worth accepting and whether a replacement could be lined up in time.

“The club have looked at other defenders and one we exclusively revealed at the start of the window and we still have interest in us Charlie Cresswell, ironically he plays in France for Toulouse.

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1

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"Incredible" Harwood-Bellis could be solid Aguerd replacement

Although the Saints were relegated without putting up much of a fight last season, the 23-year-old clearly enjoyed a decent campaign on a personal level, having picked up his first cap for England, scoring on his debut against Ireland.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola also singled out his former player for high praise last season, saying: “He’s an incredible threat for Southampton from set pieces and a composer when they have the ball because the manager insists the way they have to play, they have to be close, to move differently.”

With Aguerd clearly eager to leave, West Ham shouldn’t stand in his way, should a deal for Harwood-Bellis be possible, and a move wouldn’t break the bank, with a £20m price tag being touted earlier this summer.

Manchester City have now received an offer for a £90k-a-week player, who Pep Guardiola has previously described as “exceptional”.

Pep questioned after deadline day Donnarumma signing

The emphatic 4-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers to kick the season off was arguably a false start for Man City, who have since been brought back down to earth with consecutive defeats, most recently suffering a late 2-1 loss away at Brighton.

As such, Guardiola has already made the big call to bring in a new goalkeeper, with City completing the deadline day signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is seemingly set to displace James Trafford in the starting XI.

There are some question marks over the signing of Donnarumma, given that the Italian isn’t regarded as a ‘Pep keeper’, as he is not well-known to be particularly impressive with the ball at his feet.

Former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said: “Donnarumma had a really good season with PSG and was instrumental in PSG winning the Champions League. He is OK with his feet but he is not Ederson – no-one is Ederson.”

With Ederson departing to join Fenerbahce, City are back to having four goalkeepers on the books, with Marcus Bettinelli also arriving this summer, but they now have a decision to make about the future of Stefan Ortega.

That is because a report from Sporx (via Sport Witness) has revealed that Trabzonspor have made a bid for Ortega, with the Turkish Süper Lig side keen to bring in a new goalkeeper before their transfer window comes to a close.

Ortega is not the only option available to the Turkish side, however, with it being revealed they have also been offered the opportunity to sign Manchester United’s Andre Onana, who is seemingly being forced out following the arrival of Senne Lammens.

"Exceptional" Ortega should be allowed to move on

Following Donnarumma’s arrival, the £90k-a-week goalkeeper is unlikely to have any opportunities, with Trafford ahead of him in the pecking order, while Bettinelli is also on the books in the case of a real emergency.

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As such, Man City should sanction the 32-year-old’s departure, despite the fact he has impressed at times in a City shirt, with Guardiola saying in the 2022/23 campaign: “The way he’s played in Carabao Cup and FA Cup so far. Even in the Champions League when he played against Dortmund.

“We were qualified but fighting for the first position. He’s an exceptional goalkeeper. Exceptional.”

The German has been at the Etihad Stadium for two Premier League title triumphs, and famously played a pivotal role in the 2023-24 campaign, producing a crucial save to deny Son Heung-min in the penultimate game of the season.

That said, Pep is now well-stocked in the goalkeeper department, so there is no reason to stand in Ortega’s way if more clubs come calling.

David Ornstein has now provided a “positive” update on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Benjamin Sesko, with the Magpies taking a vital step towards his signature.

Howe: Isak has to "earn the right" to train with group

Alexander Isak missed Newcastle’s Asia tour, before his desire to leave was quickly revealed and he found himself training at former club Real Sociedad. All signs were pointing towards Liverpool, who even saw two bids turned down, but as things stand their improved £110m bid the second time around looks set to be their final offer for the Swede this summer.

As such, Isak has awkwardly found himself back at Newcastle and with plenty of making up to do. The forward’s relationship with those at St James’ Park won’t simply be as good as new, according to Eddie Howe. The Newcastle boss told reporters that his star man must “earn the right to train with the group”.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have been pushing on with a transfer of their own. Going neck and neck with Manchester United in the race to sign Sesko, the Magpies have already made an opening offer in what has been the story of their summer.

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Alas, this saga is far from over and Ornstein has now provided Newcastle fans with a much-needed “positive” update on their race to sign the forward.

Newcastle submit "improved" Sesko offer

As reported by Ornstein, Newcastle have now submitted an “improved bid” to sign Sesko worth €80m (£70m) before add-ons. “Positive” talks have also taken place between the two clubs and with Sesko, with Leipzig – as things stand – favouring a sale to those at St James’ Park this summer.

Given that there hasn’t been a single offer from Manchester United so far, Newcastle are undoubtedly in pole position to sign Sesko this month and finally end their search for a striker. Whether his move will have a domino effect on Isak’s future is the big question, however. The Slovenia international is certainly capable of acting as a replacement for the Swede if it does come to that.

The towering 6 foot 5′ forward scored 21 goals in all competitions last season – six fewer than Isak – and has earned plenty of praise since playing a starring role for Leipzig in the Bundesliga.

Newcastle’s lengthy search for a striker has required plenty of patience, but landing on a player as talented as Sesko would prove worth the wait this month.

England lose both openers after being set 297 to win the second Multan Test

Alan Gardner17-Oct-2024England 291 (Duckett 114, Sajid 7-111) and 36 for 2 need a further 261 to beat Pakistan 366 and 221 (Salman 63, Bashir 4-66)With a twinkle in his eye and a twirl of his moustache, Sajid Khan helped turn the Multan rematch Pakistan’s way. A first-innings seven-for was followed up by crucial lower-order runs to help set England a daunting target of 297 to win the second Test. Sajid then struck with his third ball to remove Ben Duckett, England’s centurion on day two and a key man in their hopes of a successful chase.Sajid may be an unassuming offspinner on paper, and something of an afterthought in selection – he described himself as “always the first to be kicked out” after taking four England wickets during the second evening to put his side on top. But with his shaved head, luxuriant facial hair and colourful celebrations he has brought some much-needed character to Pakistan’s attempts to break a winless run at home that stretches back to 2021.Having claimed three of the four England wickets to fall during the first hour on day three, securing a 75-run lead for Pakistan and personal figures of 7 for 111 – the best for an innings in Tests at Multan – Sajid came to the crease during the evening session with the scoreboard reading 156 for 8. England were eyeing up a chase in the region of 230-240, only for Sajid to join Salman Agha in putting on a bristling stand of 65, by far the highest of a day on which 16 wickets fell and the spinners prospered.Salman did the bulk of the scoring, making his third 50-plus score of the series to steer the target up towards 300, and England’s pain in the field was only increased by the knowledge that he could have been dismissed twice in single-figures. Brydon Carse was the unlucky bowler, as two chances went down in the space of three balls: Jamie Smith failing to hold a regulation nick behind the stumps before Joe Root shelled another to his right, the fact he was wearing a helmet and standing in close only partial mitigation.Pakistan’s recent issues in the third innings have been well-documented, failing to capitalise on positions of varying promise against Australia and Bangladesh, and it seemed as if they were primed for another stumble after losing three wickets to Shoaib Bashir to be 43 for 3 at lunch. Saud Shakeel helped steady things, although he too had a life off Carse as Root couldn’t get his hands up to a flashed cut at slip.When Shakeel was trapped lbw by Jack Leach, the first of three wickets to fall in the space of five overs after tea, England had hopes of wrapping up the innings quickly. But Salman immediately countered, hitting three fours from his next seven balls and going on to his half-century by lofting Leach clean over long-off for six. The ninth-wicket pair took less than eight overs to raise the 50 stand, as England’s target rose rapidly – eventually leaving them needing the second-highest successful chase in Pakistan, and by far their highest overall in Asia.Salman Agha made a vital contribution as Pakistan’s lead grew•Getty ImagesSajid survived being caught at long-on, when Duckett was forced to throw the ball back in as he crossed the rope, then overturned being given out lbw to a Matt Potts full toss when UltraEdge detected an inside edge; he might have been out on 20, but with the DRS momentarily down, England couldn’t review for caught behind.Carse eventually broke through when Salman spliced a pull to midwicket, belated reward for the fast bowler’s perseverance and skill in demanding conditions, and Potts bounced out Sajid. But the spinner took centre stage again with the ball in hand, eyes bulging like a cartoon supervillain after Duckett had top-edged a sweep straight up to depart for a two-ball duck in the first over of the chase.Noman Ali then produced a beautifully flighted delivery to have Zak Crawley stumped by a distance, the opener collapsing to his knees even as he turned to see Mohammad Rizwan break the bails, as England slipped to 11 for 2. Ollie Pope and Root saw them through to the close but there was plenty of work still to be done on a pitch that has increasingly taken spin if England are to extend their winning run in Pakistan.It was all a far cry from the first Test at this ground, when only 13 wickets fell across the first three days – the count now up to 32 at the same stage in the pitch second’s incarnation.England’s prospects had been undermined by the four-wicket burst from Sajid on the second evening, and he did not have to wait long for his second Test five-for when play resumed. Carse holed out to long-on before Potts got in a tangle trying to work off his pads to be bowled between his legs. Noman then claimed his 50th wicket in Tests as Smith, looking to hit out in the company of the tail, could only miscue high to long-off.A last-wicket stand of 29 between Leach and Bashir cut into the lead, before Sajid’s seventh brought the innings to a close. It was then Pakistan’s turns to get the jitters, as the top three all departed in the space of 15 overs before lunch.Bashir had not enjoyed much success on tour to date but rose to the occasion after being thrown the new ball by Ben Stokes. His third over produced the breakthrough, with Abdullah Shafique adjudged to have feathered a catch behind down the leg side – although it took some lengthy deliberations by the third umpire, Sharfuddoula, after England had gone to the DRS. Shafique’s dismissal brought an end to Pakistan’s opening stand at 9 – the ninth time in ten innings that he and Saim Ayub have failed to reach double-figures together.Shan Masood did not last long, squared up by one that ripped away off a length to hit the splice for a sharp catch to Pope, in close under the helmet at second slip. There was turn and bounce aplenty for England’s spinners and with the final delivery before the break, Bashir dislodged Ayub, who propped forward to provide a simpler chance to Pope.Pakistan needed solidity and they got it in the form of three dogged stands in the 30s featuring Shakeel. The debutant Kamran Ghulam provided further signs of his ability, following his first-innings hundred, before being trapped plumb lbw by Leach. Rizwan then resumed his battle with Carse, eventually falling to him for the third innings in a row after England got the ball to reverse swing. Whether they can reverse the course of this Test may depend on keeping Sajid from top billing on day four.