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Chelsea women's captain Millie Bright has signed a contract extension until 2026, the club have announced.

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Bright signs new dealBlues have option to extend by further yearInto 11th year at the clubFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Chelsea have confirmed that Bright has signed a new contract at the club, putting pen to paper on an extension that runs until 2026. The Blues also have the option to extend that deal by a further year should they wish to.

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Bright has spent 11 years at Chelsea and has become a legend in her time at Stamford Bridge. She has been involved in every single trophy win that the Blues have enjoyed, winning seven Women's Super League titles, five FA Cups, and two League Cups. She is also the club's longest-serving player.

WHAT MILLIE BRIGHT SAID

Bright told Chelsea's website: "Representing this club and continuing our journey together was never a question to me. This club is my home. Chelsea runs through me. The legacy continues…"

Paul Green, the head of women's football at the club, added: "Millie leads by example on and off the pitch and has been a key player in our success over the last decade. She recently became the player with the most WSL wins, a milestone reflecting the quality she continues to display."

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Bright could next be in action when Chelsea play Crystal Palace in the quarter-final of the FA Women's Cup this weekend.

The fast bowler used his pace and the lack of bounce on the pitch to prise out two important wickets on day one

Umar Farooq21-Mar-2022Soon after assessing the conditions on day one of the Lahore Test, Naseem Shah made up his mind to put in an “extra yard” of pace to try and make up for the slowness of the pitch.Slow pitches have been a burning issue right through the series. Rawalpindi produced a tame draw and Karachi a thrilling one thanks to Pakistan’s resilience with the bat. In Lahore, which is hosting a Test match for the first time in 13 years, the pitch appeared to be another docile one, but two quick wickets from Shaheen Shah Afridi in his second over brought the contest to life. Usman Khawaja and Steven Smith shared a 138-run third-wicket stand to help Australia recover from the early losses, before Naseem bagged two wickets – including the prize scalp of Smith – to move the focus away from the pitch and towards a tightly contested opening day.Related

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Left-field choice Naseem Shah builds his reputation on slow Lahore surface

Pakistan, who lost the toss, would have ended the day satisfied with their efforts, having shown excellent control with the ball and restricting Australia to 232 for 5.”The sort of pitch it is, we quickly found out that we had to bowl our hearts out,” Naseem said after the day’s play. “It wasn’t quick but on the slower side, so to get the best out of it, you had to give it your all and try to get the ball to reverse when the ball was still hard. You had to bowl with extra pace, and since the ball was staying low, the more pace you put in, there was more chance of hitting the pads. All I tried to do was generate more pace and focus on hitting a fuller length.”Over the course of the three Tests so far, Pakistan’s fast bowlers have only picked up a combined 13 wickets. The debate leading up to the Test had been over whether Pakistan should play a legspinner in place of the offspinner Sajid Khan. In a surprise move, Pakistan went with Naseem in place of the allrounder Faheem Ashraf, who bowls at a brisk pace and offers plenty of lower-order assurance.Naseem was pleased to get a chance despite the conditions not being expected to favour him. He was diplomatic when asked if these slow pitches put him in a bad mood.”It doesn’t anger me because if you get angry, you can’t bowl effectively,” Shah said. “Pitches are not in your control and as a professional I don’t really think about pitches. It’s more about how much effort you are putting in, and how well you adapt yourself.”‘The sort of pitch it is, we quickly found out that we had to bowl our hearts out’ – Naseem•AFP/Getty ImagesLahore was warm compared to Rawalpindi and Karachi, which meant extra toil for the fast bowlers. “In hot weather, bowling in Test cricket isn’t easy. You can get frustrated when you don’t get wickets but you have to keep yourself relaxed because you have to bowl long [spells].”The cream of Australia’s batting is back in the hut, and Naseem suggested the pitch was beginning to show signs of turn.The cream of Australia’s batting is back in the hut, with Sajid taking the important wicket of Usman Khawaja for 91, and Pakistan could have been in an even better position had they taken their chances off both Sajid and Nauman Ali.”We will try and get them all out for under 300,” Naseem said. “The pitch could break up later, there are a few [rough] patches forming on it, and I feel there will be a result.”For now, though, he doesn’t think there is enough wear to trouble Pakistan when they come out to bat. “I can’t say how our batters will do until they come out to bat, but I don’t think there is that much on the wicket to worry them. I’m pretty confident that they will play well and we will win.”

INEOS have now made contact with a “top striker” who could cost Manchester United £50 million in the summer, according to a Sky Sports report. Since the Red Devils appointed Ruben Amorim as head coach, they have been linked with several new arrivals, as the Portuguese will be looking to put his own stamp on his squad soon.

Real Madrid talking to Man Utd about £85k-p/w ace who Amorim thinks is key

Real Madrid are keen on signing a Manchester United player who has become a key player in recent seasons.

ByBrett Worthington Dec 2, 2024 Man Utd transfer news

As January fast approaches, the transfer stories are going to start heating up, and United look to have a shortlist in place should opportunities present themselves. It is unlikely that the Red Devils will spend heavily in the New Year, but there could be room for a few ins and outs depending on what INEOS and Amorim like to do.

United are keeping their options open when it comes to signing a new left-back. This has been a problem position for them for some time, and January could be where they address it, as United have now placed David Raum on their shortlist ahead of 2025.

Up front, United also have Wolves forward Matheus Cunha on their radar, as they have been scouting him ahead of making a move in 2025. The 25-year-old has been a top performer for the Midlands side this season despite the team’s struggles, and he is now being looked at as a possible addition to Amorim’s side. But Cunha is not the only striker they are keeping an eye on, as they have now contacted another player that Amorim knows well.

Man Utd make contact to sign “top striker” Gyokeres

According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have made contact for Viktor Gyokeres ahead of a possible move next summer, officially opening “concrete talks”. The Swedish international has emerged as one of the brightest and most exciting forwards in European football since moving to Sporting Lisbon back in 2023.

Gyokeres, who has been labelled a “top striker,” was very impressive during his time at Coventry City but has since taken his game to a new level in Portugal. The 26-year-old is under contract until the summer of 2028, but there is an agreement he will be allowed to leave for £50 million in the summer, despite having a release clause worth £83 million.

With 16 goals in Liga Portugal this season, the Red Devils are looking to sign the striker in the summer and have made their interest known. However, they are not the only side chasing his signature, as Plettenberg adds that Manchester City have also “intensified” their efforts in recent days.

Apps

12

Minutes per game

89

Goals

16

xG

13.05

Scoring frequency

67 mins

Shots per game

4.6

Goal conversion rate

29%

Assists

1

Big chances created

4

United will hope having Amorim as their head coach gives them the edge in the race to sign Gyokeres, as the forward was exceptional under the Portuguese. However, an upturn in form for Joshua Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund could potentially change their minds, as all three have found the back of the net in recent matches.

Mumbai have lost three in three, and need to turn it around against a team that will be reinforced by the addition of Glenn Maxwell

Deivarayan Muthu08-Apr-20222:23

Is Rohit Sharma’s form a concern for Mumbai?

Big pictureStarting the season with three defeats in as many matches: Mumbai Indians have been in the same rocky boat in the past, in 2008, 2014, 2015 and 2018. In 2015, they famously steadied themselves, steered past the troubled waters, and went on to win the title. That was Hardik Pandya’s first season with Mumbai. Seven years later, the Hardik-less Mumbai are hoping not to capsize already. Captain Rohit Sharma has called for more desperation and hunger from his team.Among Mumbai’s issues has been the fact that new recruits Basil Thampi, Tymal Mills and Daniel Sams have leaked runs with the ball, while their older batting hands Rohit and Kieron Pollard are yet to impose themselves on this season like they can. Mumbai’s bench strength, too, doesn’t inspire the kind of confidence it did in the past. Suryakumar Yadav’s return from injury, however, was a timely boost to the side and he immediately shook off any rust with 52 off 36 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday. They will need more shaking off of rust from his team-mates on Saturday.Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to receive a major boost of their own, with the newly wed Glenn Maxwell ready to return to action after missing the side’s first three games this season. Maxwell’s presence could ease the load off Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik on the batting front and give them an offspin-bowling option against the left-handed pair of Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma.Live in the USA

You can watch the match live in the USA on ESPN+ in English and in Hindi.

With Maxwell back, Royal Challengers could have seven genuine bowling options in addition to having a deep batting line-up, with allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga potentially slotted at No. 9. Ominous signs for Mumbai and the other teams in the league?In the newsMaxwell has trained with the Royal Challengers squad and is set to replace West Indies’ Sherfane Rutherford in the XI.Mumbai Indians are in desperate need of a reboot, but they’ve done it all before•BCCILikely XIsRoyal Challengers Bangalore: 1 Faf du Plessis (capt), 2 Anuj Rawat/Mahipal Lomror, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 David Willey, 6 Shahbaz Ahmed, 7 Dinesh Karthik (wk), 8 Harshal Patel, 9 Wanindu Hasaranga, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Akash DeepMumbai Indians: 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Ishan Kishan (wk), 3 Tilak Varma, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Tim David/Dewald Brevis, 6 Kieron Pollard, 7 Fabien Allen/Daniel Sams, 8 M Ashwin, 9 Tymal Mills, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Basil Thampi/Jaydev UnadkatStrategy puntThere’s a case for Royal Challengers to continue to use the left-handed pair of David Willey and Shahbaz Ahmed as floaters, to tackle legspinner M Ashwin and left-arm fingerspinner Fabian Allen who might get a game in place of Sams.Willey, in particular, is strong against legspinners, as his T20 strike rate of 134.40 against them suggests. In all, Willey has scored 250 runs off 186 balls from legspinners, and been dismissed 11 times against them in 33 innings. Having said that, Ashwin, like Ravi Bishnoi, relishes bowling the wrong ‘un more than his stock legbreak. So, Ashwin vs Willey and Shahbaz could make for an interesting duel.Stats that matterKarthik has dominated Jasprit Bumrah in T20s, taking him for 54 runs off 33 balls at a strike rate of 163.63 being dismissed. Bumrah has been more successful against Maxwell, removing the batter seven times in 15 innings while giving up 75 runs off 65 balls. Harshal Patel has excelled against Mumbai, having picked up 18 wickets in ten matches against Mumbai at an economy rate of 7.59 and average of 12.94. Royal Challengers (13.32) and Mumbai (12.94) have the worst death-overs economy rate in IPL 2022. Rohit is 51 runs away from becoming the seventh player overall – and second Indian after Kohli – to 10,000 T20 runs.

Harry Kane urged Bayern Munich to "keep moving" as the striker is already thinking about "important" fixtures after England duty.

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Bayern held to a 1-1 draw by UnionKane drew a blank away from home Striker raring to get back to winning ways Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Despite dominating possession with 80 per cent control of the ball, Bayern struggled to convert their dominance into goals. Vincent Kompany’s side created several opportunities but lacked the finishing touch in a performance that exposed their recent inconsistency in front of goal.

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The breakthrough finally came in the 75th minute when Leroy Sane capitalized on a low cross from Josip Stanisic to put Bayern ahead. However, their lead was short-lived as Union Berlin equalized just eight minutes later through Benedict Hollerbach, who slotted home after Jonas Urbig failed to clear a cross.

WHAT KANE SAID

Following the match, Kane took to social media to acknowledge the disappointment of dropping points but emphasized the need to stay focused. Writing on Instagram, the Bayern striker stated: "Not the win we wanted but we keep moving! Important block of games coming up after the international break 💪"

DID YOU KNOW?

Frustration has been growing around Kompany’s tenure at Allianz Arena, especially after the shocking defeat to relegation-battling Bochum last week. Nonetheless, Bayern remain nine points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, but the result allows Bayer Leverkusen a chance to reduce the gap to six points if they win their match later against Stuttgart.

Manchester United fell to their second consecutive defeat under the new reign of boss Ruben Amorim with a 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest.

That defeat leaves United in 13th place in the table and a gap of six points has already opened up from the European spots.

The Red Devils dominated the game at Old Trafford: they had 71% of possession, 17 goal attempts and more corner kicks than their opponents Forest.

Yet, despite their dominance, the Red Devils went on to lose the game and it once again highlighted a glaring hole in the centre-forward position that Amorim needs to fill if he is to turn around United’s fortunes.

Current centre forwards Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have scored just five Premier League goals between them this season and despite Hojlund bagging on Saturday night, many believe the lack of quality in this area is costing United points.

Zirkzee and Hojlund upgrade being lined up

According to TBR Football, Dusan Vlahovic is a striker that Manchester United are keeping tabs on and remain interested in should any potential deal arise.

Serie A’s highest-paid player at £200k-a-week, is currently stalling on a new contract with his current deal running out in 2026.

Juventus want their frontman to take a pay cut to reflect his underwhelming performances since joining the Bianconeri, something Vlahovic is reluctant to do.

United are one of many clubs remaining attentive to the situation and could swoop if Juventus decide to cash in on the striker in order to recoup as much of their £70m outlay as possible.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

How Vlahovic compares to Zirkzee and Hojlund

Vlahovic has been in decent form for Juventus this season, scoring six goals in 13 Serie A appearances and adding a further three goals in the Champions League.

The Serbian striker has scored more than Zirkzee and Hojlund combined this term, however, it is not just goals where the Juventus man would be an upgrade on United’s current attacking duo.

Minutes played

1065

594

607

Expected Goals (xG)

8.3

3.0

1.8

Progressive passes received (PrgR)

53

26

26

Progressive carries

10

4

10

Touches

277

247

165

Aerial Duels won

46.2%

34.3%

25%

Set-piece clearances

8

2

2

From the above table, it is clear that Vlahovic would be better suited to playing the number 9 role at Old Trafford. From these stats, you can begin to see why Vlahovic has been labelled as “more complete than Haaland” by Serbian FA president Nenad Bjekovic.

Vlahovic has played more minutes than both Zirkzee and Hojlund this season and leads the way on expected goals (xG) with 8.3 for this season.

Being that focal point is something that United have been looking for in their striker so with Vlahovic coming out on top in progressive passes received and aerial duels won, he is proving that he may be more of a handful for Premier League defenders.

In addition, the Serbian has had more touches than both his United counterparts this season and would be an ideal linkman for the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho to bounce off and link with.

Furthermore, the Juve star seems to also add value in United’s own box with their recent set-piece troubles being highlighted; the Serb having made eight set-piece clearances this season.

It remains to be seen whether a deal can be struck between the two clubs but it is evident that Vlahovic would be that focal point that Amorim is desperately craving at the start of his Manchester United reign.

He lost the ball 20x: Amorim got it wrong by giving Man Utd star 90 minutes

The Man Utd ace was poor against Nottingham Forest

ByJoe Nuttall Dec 8, 2024

It’s been a tough season for Arsenal this year.

Mikel Arteta’s side came into the campaign hoping that this would be the year they finally toppled Manchester City in the Premier League, and while they’re six points clear of the Champions, they’re six points behind current leaders Liverpool.

This drop-off is due to several reasons, from suspensions to injuries and a lack of cutting edge in attack, especially from those off the left, like Leandro Trossard, who’s produced just six goal involvements so far.

So, recent reports linking the club with an incredibly exciting left-sided gem should excite the Arsenal faithful, especially as he could get the Belgian firing again.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several sides interested in Club Brugge’s talented full-back, Maxim De Cuyper.

The report has revealed that the Gunners are currently leading the chase for the 24-year-old, but fellow London sides Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the exciting player.

The report does not mention a price, but given that Brugge’s most expensive departure of all time was the €36.5m – £30.2m – transfer of Charles De Ketelaere to AC Milan and that the left-back is valued at just €12m – £10m – by Transfermarkt, we can’t see this potential deal costing the North Londoners an arm and a leg.

Overall, it could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given De Cuyper’s ability and potential, it’s one well worth pursuing, especially as he could revive Trossard.

How De Cuyper could revive Trossard

Now, one of the benefits of signing De Cuyper is that he’s shown over the last few years that he’s versatile enough to play on either side of the defence and even further up the pitch.

However, left-back is his preferred position; therefore, it’ll be those out on the left wing, like Trossard, who will be most affected by him.

Fortunately, the Knokke-Heist-born dynamo appears to be an incredibly gifted attacking full-back, and that’s the reason he’d be able to revive his fellow compatriot out on the left.

For example, in just 24 appearances this season, the promising prospect, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed “one of the best left-backs” around, has scored one goal and provided four assists, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 4.8 games.

Just imagine how much more effective the Gunners’ Belgian winger could be with the 6 foot full-back hurtling down the pitch, ready to overlap or play a killer pass through the lines for him to get on the end of.

That said, if his raw output from this season isn’t enough to convince you, perhaps his underlying numbers will be.

According to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across the next best 14 competitions, the left-footed star sits in the top 1% of full-backs for shot-creating actions and progressive passes, the top 2% for non-penalty expected goals plus assists, the top 3% for attempted passes and the top 7% for touches in the opposition’s penalty area, all per 90.

Shot-Creating Actions

5.04

Top 1%

Progressive Passes

7.94

Top 1%

Expected Assists

0.29

Top 2%

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.37

Top 2%

Attempted Passes

73.23

Top 3%

Touches in Opposition Penalty Area

2.38

Top 7%

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.09

Top 11%

Total Shots

1.10

Top 14%

Ultimately, Arsenal’s left-hand side has been underwhelming so far this season, and while signing a new forward could help, signing a new attacking full-back to get the most out of their current attackers might be an even better idea.

Therefore, Arteta and Co should do what they can to sign De Cuyper as soon as possible.

Arsenal can solve Saka crisis by signing "unstoppable" £60m "machine"

The incredible player could pick up some of the slack for Arsenal amid Bukayo Saka’s massive injury blow.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 24, 2024

Former England international criticised club’s record on diversity and inclusion in 2020

Matt Roller17-May-2022Owais Shah will return to Middlesex as a consultant batting coach for their white-ball season, 14 years after his innings of 75 off 35 balls against Kent led them to their first – and, to date, only – T20 title.Shah, 43, is one of Middlesex’s finest limited-overs players and represented England 88 times across the white-ball formats during his playing career as well as playing in every major T20 league. He is among a select group of Englishmen to win an overseas T20 league as a coach, having led Rajshahi Royals to success in the Bangladesh Premier League in 2020, but he has found opportunities hard to come by in county cricket.Two years ago, Shah gave a scathing interview to the about the lack of diversity in Middlesex’s squad and among coaching staffs across the county game, describing the situation as “staggering”.”We’ve only had a handful of people of colour in the last 20 years who have represented Middlesex,” he said. “Now there are a lot of Asian kids I know who play a lot of cricket in London. And I find it amazing that a London club doesn’t have many people coming through the ranks and representing Middlesex. At junior age group, yes, they have, but what is happening to these kids? By the time they’re 19, 20 they should be representing Middlesex – well, they’re not.”Related

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Remembering Haringey Cricket College, the charity behind a generation of Black cricketers

Middlesex’s board have been conscious of their shortcomings, launching a diversity and inclusion activation plan last year and partnering with Ebony Rainford-Brent’s ACE programme last month to give further opportunities to young black cricketers, and Shah’s appointment is in keeping with their attempts to become a more inclusive club.”I started at the club as an under-11 and played all the way through as a player until the age of 31,” Shah said in a Middlesex press release. “It is now a great honour to return to Middlesex as a coach and help the younger guys develop quicker so that we can get the club back to the top.”Shah will work alongside Mark Ramprakash, who is already in place as Middlesex’s lead batting coach – also on a consultancy basis – throughout the T20 Blast and the Royal London Cup.”As a player he had something really special, a real will to win and unbelievable skills in white-ball cricket to back that up,” Alan Coleman, Middlesex’s head of men’s performance cricket, said. “His record in the shorter forms of the game is exceptional and he will bring some real expertise to our white-ball coaching set-up.”He has played in all of the world’s biggest T20 franchise tournaments, has experienced the pressures of international cricket, and is an exceptional coach who can put all these experiences to good use with our playing group, specifically the development of our young batters as they learn about the shorter formats of the game.”

The fullback tore his ACL in the third-place game of the Nations League, and his agent says Davies was not fully fit for the match

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Alphonso Davies tears ACL vs. USMNT in Nations LeagueBayern star's agent releases critical statementSays Canada Soccer needs to manage players betterFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Canada and Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies sustained a torn ACL in the CONCACAF Nations League third-place game on Sunday against the U.S. men's national team in a difficult blow for club and country. The 24-year-old went down with the injury just 12 minutes into the match after playing all 90 minutes in their semifinal loss to Mexico just three days prior.

Speaking to OneSoccer, Davies' agent, Nedal Huoseh, claimed that the fullback was not initially set to start the match on Sunday due to a fitness issue stemming from the semifinals. However, he was named to the XI against the USMNT by Canada coach Jesse Marsch – and was injured early in the contest.

“I am very disappointed," Huoseh said. "Alphonso was not 100 percent after the Mexico game and it was planned that he was not going to start against the USA. On Saturday night the expectation was he would not be in the XI. As a captain I feel he was pressured to start the game by the coach. Alphonso is not the kind of guy to say no in those moments.

"He ended up playing and look what happened. Canada Soccer needs to do a better job managing these players, in my opinion. Alphonso is down and obviously really disappointed about this injury. Thankfully he is in wonderful hands with a world class group at Bayern who will take great care of him. He is expected to have the surgery within the next 24 hours.”

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ESPN analyst and former U.S. international Herculez Gomez offered perspective on the comments from Davies' agent, claiming it's a "terrible look" for Marsch and the federation.

Davies will be sidelined for several months but is expected to make a full recovery. Fellow Bayern star Dayot Upamecano also had a knee injury during international duty with France, with Bayern releasing a statement on their star defenders.

"FC Bayern will be without Alphonso Davies for a lengthy period following the international break. Dayot Upamecano has also been ruled out for the coming weeks. Davies was diagnosed with a torn cruciate ligament in his right knee following his return from international duty with the Canadian national team and will undergo surgery today. The 24-year-old will not be available to play for the German record champions for several months. Upamecano was diagnosed with loose bodies in his left knee, which means he will not be available to FC Bayern for several weeks."

Davies will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

"Unfortunately, there's always the risk of players returning from international breaks with injuries – this time we've been hit particularly hard," Bayern sporting director Max Eberl added.

DID YOU KNOW?

This is Davies' first serious injury in his professional career. He was previously sidelined for 85 days in early 2022 with heart problems, and just this past January, missed roughly a month due to a torn muscle fiber.

Pope vindicates selection at No. 3 as Root races to fastest century of his career

Valkerie Baynes12-Jun-2022″That’s what I’m talking about!” Ben Stokes might well have said watching Ollie Pope and Joe Root follow his captain’s decree for England to be “even more positive” than they were in victory at Lord’s.While Root’s second century in as many Test innings was almost expected given his rich run of form and the batting-friendly Trent Bridge pitch, it was no less eye-catching for its intent, fluency and importance to England’s task of closing in on New Zealand’s huge first-innings 553. By stumps, England had added 383 runs on the third day, reducing the deficit to 80 runs with Root unbeaten on 163.But it was Pope’s ton – his second in Tests and first on home soil, coming in just his third innings at No. 3 – that grabbed a big chunk of the headlines on a good-news day for the hosts. Stokes himself snatched back some of the attention with his positive – or downright aggressive – innings of 46 off just 33 balls, and opener Alex Lees wrote a little think-piece of his own by reaching his maiden Test fifty in his ninth innings before falling to a loose shot for 67.Pope’s innings vindicated the new England regime’s bold call to promote him to No. 3. Despite never having batted above No. 4 in first-class cricket before last week’s first Test at Lord’s, Pope told ESPNcricinfo last month: “I’ve always seen myself as a top-order batter in red-ball cricket.” His inexperience in the position and scores of 7 and 10 from his first two outings fuelled doubts over the decision to promote him.Related

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Yes he can, yes he did: Ollie Pope vindicates England's show of faith

Ollie Pope: 'I've always seen myself as a top-order batter. I know I've got the game to succeed'

Lees feels the need for big runs

He answered those doubts on Sunday with an assured knock that included 13 fours and three sixes. He had pressed the accelerator on the second evening: after facing 45 balls for his first 11 runs, he raced to 37 from 56 as he twice pulled Matt Henry for six. He should have been gone shortly afterwards but Daryl Mitchell dropped a slip catch off Trent Boult, just one instance in a rash of fielding errors by both teams.Pope went on to raise his fifty by stumps and went to lunch on the third day unbeaten on 84 after Lees took a more attacking role through the morning session. He cruised towards his ton after the break however, whipping Boult through midwicket for four and moving to 98 with a late back-cut off Henry which bounced over gully for another boundary.He raised his ton with a push to deep cover off Henry’s next ball and a sprint, which was punctuated by a brief hesitation before he saw Root – head-down, steaming back for the second run – and continued on his way, celebrating with clenched fists and a fired-up look on his face before receiving a warm embrace from Root.Root brought up back-to-back centuries after his match-winning 115 not out in the first Test. This one was the fastest of his Test career, which now boasts 27 tons in all, coming off just 116 deliveries.Ollie Pope whips through square leg•Getty ImagesPope fell to the seventh ball after tea. Having paused for running repairs at the end of the first over when his pad strap snapped while he dived to complete a quick single, he tried to pull a Boult short ball but sent a top-edge sailing into the air and Henry, running in from fine leg, took an excellent catch diving forwards. His dismissal ended a 187-run stand with Root.Root set out at a rapid rate reaching 35 not out off just 43 balls by lunch, which included seven fours and a second life on 27 when his attempted cut off Boult resulted in a top-edge flying high and through Tim Southee’s hands at second slip.Root brought up his fifty from just 56 deliveries – his fastest in Tests – with a flick off Henry to the rope through midwicket and his hundred with an under-edged cut off Mitchell, although the manner in which he reached the milestone didn’t matter given some of his strokeplay, like his straight-driven four off Southee after he had passed 150 that was greeted by a sea of footwear held aloft by the crowd singing: “Shoes off if you love Joe Root.”Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal for 8 shortly after Pope departed came as New Zealand had their appeal for caught behind turned down and reviewed, with replays showing Boult’s delivery which cut back in off the seam brushing Bairstow’s glove on its way through to Tom Blundell. It meant that in eight Test innings since his century in the first Test against West Indies in March, Bairstow has failed to reach 30.It also brought Stokes to the crease and he plundered six fours and two sixes before he mistimed a slog-sweep to the offspin of debutant Michael Bracewell and was caught by Boult.Lees had finally reached fifty in his ninth England innings, having acknowledged before this Test that he could do with a “good score”. Some fluid drives off the front foot as he amassed 11 boundaries were a case in point after he had come into this week with 171 Test runs and a highest score of 31.Having been dropped by Mitchell on 12 during the second evening, there’s no doubt, however, that his dismissal driving at a Henry delivery well outside off stump and edging to slip – where Mitchell held on this time – wasn’t quite what he had in mind.Ben Foakes, who joined Root in an unbroken stand of 120 as England won the first Test by five wickets, was also the beneficiary of a fielding mistake on 9 after he top-edged Southee to deep square leg, where Will Young dropped a sitter.In more bad news for New Zealand, strike bowler Kyle Jamieson left the field midway through the evening session suffering “sharp pain” in his lower back and did not return. By the close, Foakes remained united with Root, their latest partnership worth 68 so far.