Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Arafat Sunny took combined figures of 2 for 50 from 10 overs to choke Chittagong to 139, a total they chased down with 11 balls to spare

The Report by Mohammad Isam14-Nov-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsRaton Gomes/BCB

Comilla Victorians beat Chittagong Kings by six wickets, in almost the same fashion as their other two wins in the tournament. After restricting their opponent to 139 for 4, Imrul Kayes and Jos Buttler almost walked them to the target.The pair added 74 runs for the third wicket before both were dismissed with not left to chase. Imrul top-scored with 45 while Buttler got out for 44 off 31 balls, which included three fours and two sixes.Chittagong, who have now lost three out of four games, lost just four wickets in their innings, but struggled for fluency right through. The Comilla spin trio – Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Arafat Sunny – put the brakes on with combined figures of 2 for 50 from 10 overs.Brisk start, slow finish, againLuke Ronchi provided Chittagong with another brisk start, with 31 off 19 balls. No other batsman score more despite consuming more deliveries. Sarkar used 32 balls for 30 runs, with two fours and a six over midwicket, before he was stumped off Nabi. Dilshan Munaweera made 19 off 25 balls, which had one six, before he was bowled by a beautiful Rashid Khan googly.Sikandar Raza found just one boundary in his 24-ball 20 which ended with a scoop to Al-Amin Hossain at short fine leg. Ronchi’s 19-ball 31 included five fours and a six that was hit over long-on off Nabi. He fell lbw to Mohammad Saifuddin.Imrul steadies another chaseMunaweera removed the returning Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das in seven overs but Imrul Kayes and Jos Buttler took control quickly. Imrul struck Subashis Roy for first six pulled over midwicket before lifting Sikandar over square leg for his second in the tenth over.His third six was his best, swatting Chris Jordan over midwicket off one knee as he struggled with cramps. He made 45 off 36 balls, having also struck two fours. It was his third successive match-winning innings, having remained unbeaten on the two previous occasions.

The 20-year-old defender has just arrived at the Parc des Princes after a breakout season in Brazil's top flight

The first thing you notice about Lucas Beraldo is not the composure in possession. Or even the impressive range of passing for a centre-back. No, it's the smile, the broad, borderline maniacal grin he sports as he lines up before every game; the one that's earned him the nickname 'The Joker'.

It's certainly a little strange. But there is a method to the apparent madness. "For all those who call me crazy when I laugh and smile during the national anthem, it's a mental technique that I've been doing to get into games feeling calmer, to avoid feeling anxious," Beraldo explained in May. "And it's been working."

No arguments, there. Beraldo's work with high-performance coach Beto Ferraz has paid off big time, with the 20-year-old having just completed a €20 million (£17m/$22m) transfer to Paris Saint-Germain after a breakout season at Sao Paulo…

• Where it all began

  Beraldo grew up in Piracicaba, a city located in the state of Sao Paulo. It was a happy childhood, full of football and milkshakes, given his father, Andre, a former defender, ran an ice cream parlour with his wife Leia Lopes (they now have two!).

  While Andre indulged his son's sweet tooth, he insists he never pushed 'Luquinhas' into following in his footsteps by playing at centre-half. "It was a big surprise for me, to tell you the truth," he told . "Lucas has always liked football, since he was little, and when you play as a child, you don't have much of a position; you just always run around a lot.

  "But when he started positioning himself on the field, he always liked playing at the back, being a defender. He played at left-back and midfield at times, but his favourite position was central defender. So, I just tried to help him as best I could."

  Beraldo lined out for Red Bull Brasil, Uniao Barabarense, and XV de Piracicaba as a kid before being snapped up by Sao Paulo in 2020. The move to Cotia meant leaving his family and beloved 'Sonho de Valsa' and 'Ovomaltine' milkshakes behind – but offered Beraldo an incredible opportunity to develop his skills at one of the best talent academies in world football.

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  The big break

  Sao Paulo supporters first began to take notice of Beraldo after some impressive showings in the 2022 Copa Sao Paulo. Their side had been beaten in the semi-finals of the prestigious Under-20s tournament by Endrick's Palmeiras, but the young centre-back earned praise for his comfort on the ball and his leadership skills. It led to a professional debut in the Copa Sudamericana, but regular first-team football seemed a long way off at that point.

  However, injuries to three key defenders (Nahuel Ferraresi, Diego Costa and Robert Arboleda) in 2023 prompted then-coach Rogerio Ceni to put his faith in Beraldo. The teenager responded with a string of a staggeringly assured performances, as well as a first goal at senior level, in a 4-2 Brasileiro Serie A win over Vasco da Gama in May.

  "It's what I always dreamed of," he enthused at the time. "I even joked today at home with my [high-performance] coach that I was going to score a goal and the Morumbi was going to chant my name – and it ended up happening!"

• How it's going

  An ankle injury briefly threatened to check Beraldo's remarkable rate of progress, but he reclaimed his starting spot to form a formidable centre-back pairing with Arboleda that provided the foundation for Sao Paulo's first-ever Copa do Brasil title.

  Unsurprisingly, his parents were incredibly proud of their boy for the role he played in a 2-1 aggregate win over defending champions Flamengo, with Beraldo playing every minute of the semis and final.

  "At just 19, he will forever be part of the history of the club," enthused mother Leia, who offered free ice cream to the entire Sao Paulo squad. "His growth as a person makes me very happy, the humility he has with everyone who approaches him. This is priceless."

  By that stage, though, many were already speculating how much money Sao Paulo might fetch for such a prodigiously gifted defender, with a host of European sides reportedly lining up to sign him, including Liverpool and PSG.

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• Biggest strengths

  Beraldo is the epitome of a ball-playing centre-half, outrageously comfortable stepping out from back, and in between opposition attackers, and playing quick, vertical passes that release his team-mates into space.

  Indeed, he rarely seems flustered, even when put under intense pressure, and the mere fact that he's left-footed made the Liverpool links easy to understand.

  But there's also the unusual levels of maturity and physicality for one so young, which have enabled him to handle going up against imposing centre-forwards all season long. "He's a dedicated kid," Rogerio said last year. "He arrives early at training and always works well. I think he's gaining great experience [from a defensive perspective] but he already creates more than the vast majority of defenders."

While there will be those of a Tottenham Hotspur persuasion still hoping that club-record scorer, Harry Kane will be a part of Ange Postecoglou's side beyond the September deadline, it is looking increasingly likely that the England skipper will be on his way as a matter of when and not if.

Amid reports that chairman Daniel Levy could be forced to cash in on the long-serving striker rather than allow him to leave for nothing next summer, it would appear that the only question now is where the 30-year-old ends up, with Bayern Munich and Manchester United still circling.

If the 6 foot 2 marksman is to depart over the coming weeks then Postecoglou will need to find a new attacking figurehead who can ease the goalscoring burden on Heung-min Son, with there perhaps other members of the current squad who could step up to the plate.

Last year's £60m summer signing, Richarlison did only recently net a hat-trick in the 5-1 thrashing of Lion City Sailors, although it is yet to be seen if the mercurial Brazilian can replicate that form in the Premier League, having scored just a solitary top-flight goal last season.

Rather than attempting to rely on the 26-year-old, a possible surprise package may have presented itself in the form of former Fulham loanee, Manor Solomon, with the recent free transfer arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk having made a strong early impression on pre-season.

How good is Manor Solomon?

Described as "really exciting" by Postecoglou, the 24-year-old has also been the recipient of notable praise from journalist Paul Brown, with the respected insider telling Football FanCast that the Israeli international can be something of a "weapon" for the north Londoners next season.

Asked whether the 5 foot 7 ace is a bargain signing, Brown stated: "Yeah, I think he's a really good little player. He, in limited minutes, did really good things for Fulham and scored a lot of goals off the bench for them. I think in a similar role at spurs, he could be quite dynamic.

"I think bringing him on against tired defenders at the end at the end of the game would be a good weapon for the new manager to have, so I can see why they did that one."

How has Manor Solomon performed in pre-season?

That glowing praise is a sign of the potential gem that Postecoglou has on his hands, with Solomon having shown glimpses last season while at Craven Cottage that he can offer a real goal threat in his new home at N17.

While Richarlison failed to catch fire for the Lilywhites, the Israeli sensation scored four Premier League goals in 2022/23 despite missing the first half of the season through injury, with that impact also coming despite being limited to just four starts in the competition.

Barring another injury setback, the £13m-rated speedster looks likely to have a bigger role to play this time around if his pre-season form is anything to go by, having been hailed as a 'constant threat' on the right flank by football.london's Alasdair Gold following the recent win over Lion City – who also awarded him an 8/10 match rating.

The diminutive, wing wizard had also shone on the opposite side against rivals West Ham United last week, with the Evening Standard's Simon Collings writing that he was 'just about Tottenham’s best player during the first half and looked very lively cutting inside.'

While it remains to be seen which wing the one-time Maccabi Tel Aviv menace will line up on moving forward, such versatility is evidence of just what a 'weapon' he is, hence the excitement over his potential influence in 2023/24.

Although it may be Richarlison who is likely to be the direct, positional replacement for Kane through the middle, Solomon is already showing signs that he can lead the charge from the flanks.

Thilanga Sumathipala, Sri Lanka Cricket’s president, has vowed to support Pakistan in their bid to host top-flight cricket on a regular basis. He was speaking at a media conference in Lahore, during Sri Lanka’s short visit for the third T20I.”Since we have experienced more than 30 years of war, we know what isolation means,” Sumathipala said. “We have gone through more than 30 years of war in Sri Lanka, but Pakistan has never cancelled a single game of cricket which we agreed to play against each other in Sri Lanka.”There are various [types of] people. We appeal to them to keep children, women, religious places and sports aside. Leave us alone, let us play our game of cricket in peace and harmony. We want to enjoy the game of cricket and give everyone opportunities and a chance to share our happiness in the game.”Since the attack on the Sri Lankan team nearly nine years ago, Pakistan have been trying to convince the world to visit, but had not managed to convince teams to tour until 2015, when Zimbabwe visited for a short series.But the first real sign of cricket returning on a more regular basis was taken earlier this year when a number of international cricketers featured in the final of the Pakistan Super League. Then, in September, Pakistan hosted a World XI, coached by Andy Flower and captained by Faf du Plessis, for a three-match series. Sri Lanka’s short trip is the latest step in the PCB’s efforts to convince international sides to tour the country.”Good or bad, Pakistan cricket and the government of Pakistan have stood by Sri Lanka,” Sumathipala said. “This is not a matter of just government. As you all understand, since the last incident was against Sri Lanka, the sentiments were quite different. We thought we should take the initiative and support Pakistan cricket.”If Pakistan is weak in cricket, Asian cricket will be weaker and that will make world cricket weaker and weaker. Your strength is our strength and it’s our responsibility to look after each other. We strongly believe in that.”The one-off match in Lahore was played under extraordinary security arrangements, with thousands of armed policemen deployed between the stadium and team hotel. The arrangements were similar to the security protocol followed for a presidential visit.”The arrangements made for the team and spectators are very much satisfactory,” Sumathipala said. “You deserve regular good cricket being played in your country. It is such a wonderful country that has produced so many talented cricketers. We don’t want anyone to fear and leave Pakistan away from international cricket. We encourage Asian regions to play more games in Lahore and in other [Pakistan] cities if possible one day.”As far as SLC is concerned, we are happy and privileged to be here to support Pakistan cricket. We believe in, especially in the Asian region, Pakistan is a very important, pivotal partner, a brother that we can’t allow to be left alone.”

West Ham United are interested in signing Luiz Felipe.

What’s the latest on Luiz Felipe to West Ham?

According to El Desmarque (via Sport Witness), the Irons are to be rivalled by Monaco in the race to secure the Real Betis titan’s signature.

The report details the east London outfit have not made their bid for the £53k-per-week star, despite having ‘promised’ to do so. Their failure to act quickly has allowed Monaco to move ahead in the battle.

It is understood that the French outfit have ‘burst in with force’ and are showing serious intentions, with the first conversations having already taken place and movement expected in the coming days.

Nevertheless, the Brazlian-born man’s future remains ‘very uncertain.’ The player’s agent had been ‘pressing for weeks’ for the Irons to make a formal offer in writing, having almost agreed on a verbal commitment.

But, Monaco are waiting in the wings and Betis are expecting the Ligue 1 side to make an offer soon.

Would Luiz Felipe be a good signing for West Ham?

Felipe only joined Betis last summer and has made 30 appearances in all competitions.

Hailed as “excellent” by Spanish commentator Juanlu Rodriguez, the Italy International showed he was a solid defensive asset, averaging the most blocks per game (1.0), the second-most clearances per game (4.3), and the fourth-most interceptions per game (1.1).

A West Ham asset who mirrors this skill set is Nayef Aguerd as he ranks within the best 25% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for clearances per 90, and blocks per 90. Furthermore, the Hammers star won 64% of his ground duels in the Premier League last term, whilst Felipe succeeded with 63% in La Liga.

Upon Aguerd’s arrival last summer, David Moyes praised the 34-cap international, saying:

“He's a great addition that will add to our defensive options.

“I have been really impressed with Nayef's character and attitude during our discussions. He has a great desire to improve and be successful.”

Although, the Moroccan endured a tricky first year in English football, making just one appearance in the opening 18 games of the Premier League season due to injury.

But, Aguerd reminded his manager and the West Ham faithful of his quality with an impressive World Cup campaign. In a record-breaking tournament in which the Atlas Lions became the first African side to reach a semi-final, he made four starts, managed 87% pass accuracy, won 69% of his duels, kept two clean sheets, and made no errors leading to a shot or a goal.

The £50k-per-week man also started West Ham’s infamous Europa Conference League final victory, registering three clearances, winning four aerial duels, and making four accurate long balls.

Moyes has made it clear that he desires a right-sided centre-back, and Felipe’s profile, matched with the left-footed tendency of Aguerd means that Moyes could flaunt a formidable new defensive partnership come August.

Angelo Ogbonna is now firmly in the twilight years of his career, whilst Kurt Zouma’s worrying injury record shouldn’t be something to be relied upon ahead of juggling domestic and European competition for a third-consecutive season.

Lionel Messi will be getting more new team-mates at Inter Miami, with Tata Martino confirming that they remain in the market for reinforcements.

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• Suarez & Gressel on board
• More spots to fill on roster
• Beckham working on deals

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The MLS off season always brings with it sweeping change, and life is no different at DRV PNK Stadium than it is anywhere else. There have been departures in Florida, while veteran Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez has been reunited with former Barcelona team-mates Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in the United States.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Inter Miami have also been able to acquire USMNT star Julian Gressel – a two-time MLS Cup winner – and have other gaps to fill on their roster. They had hoped to lure former Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo away from Boca Juniors, but the no-nonsense Argentine has decided to remain in his homeland.

• WHAT MARTINO SAID

  Martino has told of the ongoing search for fresh faces, with further movement to be expected: “Julian Gressel has arrived, I know him from my time in Atlanta, we have chosen him in our first draft. I think the league hasn’t moved much, so I think there are going to be some more changes. The teams are just about start the pre-season, it occurs to me that we ourselves are also in certain searches: we have lost Kamal Miller, our second central defender. Marcos Rojo has not been able to be done, but we are in the search to complete a team that has three very important fronts to compete on this year. The truth is that we intend to be competitive.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

  David Beckham, as a co-owner at Inter Miami, is among those expected to make notable additions possible. He will continue to work behind the scenes as Messi and the rest of Martino’s squad head into a busy run of pre-season fixtures that includes friendly dates with the likes of El Salvador, a Hong Kong Select XI, Newell’s Old Boys and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.

The Paris Saint-Germain talisman scored a brilliant goal as Luis Enrique’s side kicked off 2024 by lifting the Trophee des Champions

Kylian Mbappe future may still be in doubt, but he offered another reminder of his value to Paris Saint-Germain with a superb goal as the French giants cruised to a 2-0 win over Toulouse.

The hosts had got off to the best possible start when they scored with less than three minutes on the clock. Vitinha and Ousmane Dembele combined brilliantly to tee up Kang-in Lee to side-foot home the opener.

PSG then seemed to switch off before bursting into life again before the break. This time it was Mbappe's turn to thrill the Parc des Princes. The striker drove past three Toulouse defenders before smashing home a powerful shot that effectively ended the game as a contest.

Toulouse did have chances to get back in the game after the break but lacked the effectiveness in front of goal to make PSG pay. The hosts went on to lift their first trophy of the campaign but will certainly be hoping it's not the only silverware they secure this season.

GOAL rates PSG's players from Parc des Princes…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Gianluigi Donnarumma (7/10)

Made a good save in the first half at his near post and another great one-handed effort in stoppage time from a corner to preserve his clean sheet.

Achraf Hakimi (7/10):

Thought he'd doubled PSG's lead but saw his effort blocked with the goal gaping. Almost scored in the second half as well but his free-kick from outside the area hit the woodwork.

Marquinhos (6/10):

Made an important block to deny Toulouse and could have had a goal himself. Put a poor header wide when well placed and was furious with himself.

Milan Skriniar (5/10):

Caught out by Gabriel Suazo in the first half and will have been relieved to see the ball end up in the side netting. Forced off injured midway through the second half in a far-from-impressive showing.

Lucas Hernandez (5/10):

Almost caught out late on and ended up having to take a booking for diving to grab the ball to prevent an attack.

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Warren Zaire-Emery (6/10):

Neat and tidy with some nice one-touch play for PSG.

Vitinha (7/10):

A gorgeous cross-field pass picked out Dembele to tee up the opening goal. Instrumental in midfield for PSG.

Lee Kang-in (7/10):

Put PSG ahead with a composed finish from Dembele's cross with less than three minutes on the clock. Had other chances, too, including a spectacular overhead kick that just lacked the power to beat the goalkeeper.

GettyAttack

Ousmane Dembele (7/10):

Teed up the opening goal and was a threat all night down the right. Might have scored but his shooting was wayward once again.

Kylian Mbappe (8/10):

Seemed to be toying with Toulouse until he doubled PSG's lead with a brilliant goal just before the break. Took on three players before unleashing a powerful shot that flew past the goalkeeper.

Bradley Barcola (5/10):

Had some nice moments but wasn't clinical enough. Laid the ball off to Mbappe for the second goal but didn't offer the same threat as Dembele on the opposite flank.

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Subs & manager

Marco Asensio (6/10):

Replaced Dembele on the right and had one chance but couldn't add to PSG's lead.

Randal Kolo Muani (5/10):

Came on for Barcola late in the second half but didn't make much of an impact.

Lucas Beraldo (5/10):

Made his debut after coming on for the injured Skriniar and saw his every touch cheered by the PSG fans.

Luis Enrique (6/10):

Claimed his first trophy as PSG boss and will hope there's more to come. However, he won't be impressed by the chances his team gave up against Toulouse, or their continued lapses in concentration.

Liverpool are interested in Eintracht Frankfurt star Jesper Lindstrom as manager Jurgen Klopp prepares his squad for the 23/24 campaign.

The Anfield side have been bolstering the midfield over the past couple of months, and the impressive signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai could now be supplemented by Southampton's Romeo Lavia, who Liverpool have recently lodged a £42m bid for after seeing an initial approach turned down.

With the Reds falling by the wayside last term, failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven seasons, and Klopp will be hoping to make singings capable of spearheading an ascent back to the forefront of domestic and European football.

What's the market value of Jesper Lindstrom?

According to Danish publication Ekstra Bladet (page 43), Liverpool and Premier League rivals Arsenal are already in contact with Frankfurt for the dynamic midfielder, with the German Bundesliga outfit demanding €35-40m (£30m-£34m) for his signature.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

Despite a belief that Liverpool will attempt to bolster their backline before the transfer window closes in one month, there are still murmurings of further attention to the Anfield centre after a tidal wave of departures this summer.

How good is Jesper Lindstrom?

Some might feel that Liverpool do not need to wade into the transfer pool and search for more attacking talent, but Lindstrom is first-class and Klopp might view the opportunity to at least discuss a deal as irresistible.

A truly all-encompassing ace, Lindstrom has been deployed in a wealth of roles, finding success each time, and has been praised as "outstanding" by teammate Kevin Trapp after scoring nine goals and supplying four assists this term.

The 23-year-old also boasts the winning mentality that Klopp will covet after going without a trophy last season – barring the Community Shield – with Lindstrom playing an important role in Frankfurt's Europa League triumph in 21/22, beating Rangers on penalties in the final.

The nine-cap Denmark international also ranks among the top 20% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals and the top 12% for tackles per 90, as per FBref, which illuminates his application across both sides of the pitch.

While his flexibility will appeal to Klopp, he would most often find a home in the centre of the pitch, perched on the periphery of the final third as he orchestrates play and charges into the attack, and he could thrive with Alexis Mac Allister performing alongside him.

The Argentina star sealed a move to Anfield from high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion this summer for a bargain £35m, after starring for the Seagulls last season, scoring ten goals and supplying two assists from 31 starts in the Premier League, also playing a pivotal role in his nation's momentous victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where his "sumptuous" assist in the final – as lauded by Gary Lineker – proved crucial.

Mac Allister recorded an impressive average Sofascore rating of 7.21 in the league, complementing his goals and assists with an 87% pass success rate, 2.5 shots and 1.3 key passes per game, two tackles per outing plus a 67% dribble and 57% duel success rate.

With Mac Allister's vibrant, diverse approach to his play blending with Lindstrom's directness, Liverpool could have a midfield for the ages, and Klopp must now consider his next move and whether a deal is in fact feasible.

Mark Stoneman and James Vince added a century stand for the second wicket as England doused some of Australia’s fire in the opening Ashes exchanges

The Report by Andrew Miller22-Nov-2017England 196 for 4 (Vince 83, Stoneman 53) v Australia
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsWhen England’s Ashes tourists were dubbed the “Un-name-ables”, it was the likes of James Vince and Mark Stoneman whom the detractors would have had in mind – if only they could have picked them out of the crowd. Two first-time visitors to Australia, with a solitary half-century from ten previous Tests between them, their reputations were so lowly that they could only get better, or so the selectors’ logic would have you believe.But lo and behold, by the close of another frenetic, absorbing first day at the Gabba, Vince had replaced that blanked-out question mark on his profile page with a perfect array of no-filter cover-drives, while Stoneman – in reaching his fifth consecutive half-century of the tour – had announced himself as the sort of imperturbable left-handed nugget upon whom English Ashes victories Down Under have recently been founded.But before anyone starts to equate Vince’s elegance with Michael Vaughan’s tour de force in 2002-03, or Stoneman’s insouciance with Chris Broad’s and Alastair Cook’s efforts in 1986-87 and 2010-11 respectively, it’s worth taking a second look at a scorecard that confirms how hard England were forced to battle for even a share of the spoils.Despite enjoying periods of rare dominance in the midst of a second-wicket stand of 125 that, remarkably, outshone any England partnership at any stage of their dismal last visit in 2013-14, England started and finished the day in a rare old scrap – first with Mitchell Starc exploiting once again Cook’s weakness against quality left-arm seam to bag him for 2 in the third over, and then in the twilight, as Nathan Lyon in particular backed up his extreme pre-match lippiness with one of the finest wicketless spells of first-day offspin ever witnessed in an Ashes contest.Lyon did, however, produce the single most significant moment of Australia’s day – a pinpoint pick-up-and-shy from the covers to run out Vince for a career-best 83. It was the opening that his side desperately needed, and while it may not have been fully exploited before the close, the loss of Joe Root, lbw to the persevering Pat Cummins for 15, did leave Moeen Ali and Dawid Malan clinging on to the close. They did so in a gutsy 33-run stand, but when play was controversially suspended moments after a tight lbw appeal from Starc against Malan, the day’s honours had been left more or less even at 196 for 4, even if Australia’s second new ball was a mere three deliveries old.How much of a difference would it have made to the balance of power had Vince made it through to the close? It’s not the sort of rhetorical question that had been predicted when he was recalled – amid scenes of barely surpressed mockery – to be England’s nailed-on Ashes No. 3. After all, his Test career had appeared dead in the water when he was dropped after the 2016 home summer, with 212 runs at 19.27 to his name.But the selectors evidently saw something in the quality of his shot-making that deserved a second chance, and in powering past his previous Test best of 42, he returned that faith in spades.Under overcast skies and with palpable humidity in the air, there must have been a temptation for England’s captain, Root, to bowl first after winning the toss – not that such a course of action is remotely acceptable in Ashes contests these days, given what happened when Nasser Hussain went down that route in 2002-03.Mark Stoneman and James Vince take a run•Getty ImagesInstead, Root trusted in his untested top order to deliver the goods, and from the moment the shine went off the new ball and the sluggish nature of Kevin Mitchell Jnr’s final Test wicket was fully revealed, any lingering doubts about his wisdom had been vanquished. Not that he really wanted Vince to be involved in the action as early as the third over – but, having avoided temptation in Mitchell Starc’s first over, Cook had no riposte to a perfect off-stump outswinger that kissed the edge through to Peter Handscomb at first slip.But right from the outset, Vince had his game brain in full working order. With Australia’s three seamers favouring a full-length approach, there was ample opportunity for Vince to unfurl his favourite cover drive, and one stroke in particular – off Josh Hazlewood in the 11th over – was pure Vaughan in poise and execution. He had one significant let-off on 68, when Tim Paine, of all people, shelled a snick behind the stumps off Lyon to leave the wicketkeeper’s card marked seven years after his last Test. Fortunately, Lyon himself made sure that the damage wasn’t irreparable.At the other end, Stoneman showed that Cook’s influence persists even when his form isn’t quite as it might be. His judgement outside off was impeccable, particularly against the probing Starc, as the pair’s partnership was stretched across 52 overs plus a lengthy rain delay that pushed the tea interval back by an hour and 20 minutes, and effectively forced them to make two separate starts to their innings.At the culmination of a month of ceaseless Ashes hype, crowned with a week of the purest trash-talk in Brisbane, the manner in which they drew the sting of the most feared Australian venue of them all was inspiring, and at times distantly reminiscent of England’s famous second innings on this ground in 2010-11.But, having nudged coolly along to a Test-best second half-century, it took the ball of the day from the energetic Cummins, a reverse-swinging howitzer that trimmed the top of his bails, to send Stoneman on his way in the closing moments of the afternoon session.It was a telling breakthrough, with Australia just beginning to make the old ball talk, and though that ball did have to be changed after landing in a puddle by the boundary’s edge, Cummins soon found the length and the skill with the replacement to thud a big inswinger into Root’s pad to pin him lbw for 15.At 163 for 4, England were a couple of quick blows from squandering their hard-fought position, and with Lyon settling into a edge-threatening rhythm against the left-handed pairing of Moeen and Malan, the prospect of the Gabba making a Kraken-like awakening could not be remotely ruled out.Both men lived dangerously, beaten time and again outside off, as the floodlights blinked into action to add a further layer of threat to England’s position. But it was Starc’s trio of deliveries with the second new ball that offered the starkest reminder of the threat that persists in Australia’s ranks. Despite being made to toil, they stayed very emphatically in the hunt.

Liverpool may be focussing their attention on signing a new holding midfielder before the start of the 23/24 Premier League campaign next week, but remain attached to speculation over a move for Celta Vigo prodigy Gabri Veiga.

What's the latest on Gabri Veiga to Liverpool?

That's according to Deportes COPE Galicia (via Estadio Deportivo), who claim that the Reds have lodged an opening bid of €25m (£21m) for Veiga, who concluded a tremendous breakout season in LaLiga this year.

This is some distance from the Sky Blues' demands that the 21-year-old's €40m (£35m) release clause is paid to warrant his departure from the club, though Jurgen Klopp's side hope to smooth discussions by offering the player remains with Vigo for a year on loan.

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Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed Liverpool's stance in June and revealed that the Anfield side had been "following" the player's situation closely, with Chelsea also enquiring about the midfielder's availability.

How good is Gabri Veiga?

It is perhaps a testament, rather than a discredit, to Veiga's quality that Liverpool are hoping to complete a deal this summer and allow the player to remain with his outfit for the coming campaign.

The Spaniard was one of the hottest commodities in his homeland last term and dazzled with his return of 11 goals and four assists from just 28 starting appearances during his first full season in the Spanish top-flight, and he has consequently been praised for his "dangerous" skills by journalist Euan McTear.

Described as a "very electric player" and "one of the best talents in the world" by Romano, Veiga boasts the all-encompassing creative arsenal to rival the goliaths of the game, and given his surging nature on the pitch and innate goal-scoring ability, could be Klopp's very own Kevin De Bruyne.

De Bruyne has been a veritable wizard since joining Manchester City from Wolfsburg for £55m in 2015; the Belgian star has won every major honour at his disposal with the Citizens, completing a stunning treble last season, and has scored 96 goals and supplied 152 assists from 356 displays for the imperious club.

Described as "the greatest" midfielder in Premier League history by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, De Bruyne is undoubtedly a genius playmaker with a superlative technical ability, and he blends the facets magnificently.

As per FBref, the £400k-per-week phenom ranks among the top 4% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 1% for assists, the top 1% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 3% for touches in the attacking box per 90.

While Veiga focuses more on his striking than as the orchestrator of openings for teammates, he still ranks among the top 20% of positional peers for assists per 90, also ranking among the top 1% for goals, the top 12% for progressive carries and successful take-ons and the top 11% for touches in the attacking box per 90.

Previously hailed as a "wonderful talent" by journalist Josh Bunting, Veiga boasts the glitz and the glam but also a footballing intellect that has formed the foundation of his exploits.

He has even been dubbed "baby Kaka" by content creator Rimedi for his velvet touch and breezy elegance on the pitch – like a leaf in the wind.

Even if Liverpool were to allow him to spend one season on loan to nurture his precocious talents, he would grace Premier League soil with astounding quality and rise to the fore as one of the division's greatest maestros under Klopp's tutelage.