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The fast bowler talks about his reinvention as a middle-overs wicket-taker and the pressure of the World Cup roller-coaster

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Jul-20191:29

I always believed Jofra would do the job – Plunkett

Liam Plunkett knows all about the ups and down of life as an international cricketer. Having just become a World Cup winner at the age of 34, Plunkett is hopeful that he still has something to give with England, but he admitted that being left out of a squad to tour South Africa in 2016-17 prompted the reinvention that saw him become a key member of the ODI attack.The circumstances of England’s dramatic World Cup success are just beginning to sink in, as Plunkett considered the pressure the squad had been playing under over the last seven weeks. Speaking at a junior cricket session at Dulwich CC, he described the sense the final was destined to go their way even after James Neesham had struck Jofra Archer for six from the second ball of the Super Over.”The whole World Cup, I was sleeping four hours a night, I couldn’t sleep at all, I was on edge,” he said. “I never felt tired during the games, I was just excited. Wanted to do well, probably the last World Cup you play in 50-over competition, what you’ve built up for the last four years as a group. You’re ranked No. 1, you know you have the potential to win the World Cup, but after a couple of defeats it’s now or never.”Deep down inside, I don’t believe it’s written in the stars and stuff, but I had a feeling we could win it. And I still believed that when Jof got hit for six in the last over, still thought he’d run up and bowl wide yorker, wide yorker and game won. Because he’s a cool cat under pressure. It’s starting to sink in now.”Having come in as the No. 1-ranked side and favourites on home soil, England’s tournament threatened to unravel after they lost back-to-back games against Sri Lanka and Australia. That prompted the team to get together and talk about how they were dealing with the stresses of a World Cup – and in Plunkett’s case, admit his frustration at being on the sidelines.”I think people just opened up about how they felt,” he said. “We were put in groups, and I think it was Jos [Buttler] who said ‘This group of players makes me excited to think we’ve changed white-ball cricket, and changed the route for kids watching in England. And the general public, don’t expect but think England can win series, and we’ve changed that the last few years.'”I wasn’t playing, I was dropped at the time and my opinion was ‘I’m frustrated, inside I’m pissed off a little it because I’m not playing. I feel like I can help win games. I’m not saying I should be playing, but everyone was open saying, I am disappointed, I feel I can help the team.’ Everyone understands that, you’re allowed to be, as long as you don’t show it around the boys, or giving negative energy off, trying to slag people off. It’s just because you want to win. It was good to have that chat. Everyone just said, people are nervous, people are excited, people are disappointed.”Liam Plunkett celebrates after dismissing Henry Nicholls•Getty ImagesPlunkett had only played three of England’s first seven games, but subsequently returned against India for the must-win game at Edgbaston, taking 3 for 55. He kept his place for the rest of the tournament, adding another three-for in the final as England lifted the World Cup for the first time.Plunkett has been used to fighting for recognition, however, and admitted that being overlooked during four ODIs in the UAE and then left out of the squad entirely for South Africa three years ago – although he was in the end added as an injury replacement – had been a turning point in his white-ball career. Eoin Morgan, England’s captain, told him not to give up and he went away to develop his options as a middle-overs wicket-taker.”I think at one point, in a T20 series, I thought I’d never play white-ball again. I said, ‘listen, I’m not sure I’ll play, I may as well just retire’, and Morgs was like, ‘Mate, I’d hold on a bit. Just chill out.’ I actually played a week later, it was a T20 series when we beat Pakistan in Dubai, and it came out really nicely, I bowled 90 clicks and got three-for and all of a sudden I’m back in.”I didn’t get picked for the South Africa series and they said, you need to go and work on some skills. So I went away and worked on my cross-seam deliveries, wobble seam, my cutters and stuff. Even if I felt, I can’t bowl as quick as I used to, I still have the deliveries to take wickets and change games. And with the experience you work batsmen out.”With Jos Buttler having revealed that he had spoken to the England psychologist, David Young, about dealing with the possibility of failure at the World Cup, Plunkett said that he had also recognised the importance of dealing with the mental health side of the game.”I’ve always been big into it. I had a panic attack a long time ago, but I never knew what it was. I got anxiety around it and I struggled being in one-on-one situations, travelling on a plane. I’ve always been conscious of that. Maybe three or four years I’ve been in and out of meditating, tried to a bit of yoga, take a breath – I’ve always been aware of that.”They’ve got Youngy, who’s the sports psychologist and you can get help from your county and outside sources. Everything’s available to anyone that needs anything. As much as you go for a net, that’s also available as well.”Liam Plunkett was promoting All Stars Cricket taster sessions. Kids inspired by the World Cup can sign up via allstarscricket.co.uk.

To all appearances, Liverpool are flying high right now and, in theory, are well-placed to challenge for a quadruple, but a sense of dejection sits at the core of every supporter as the campaign edges closer to completion.

Jurgen Klopp is to stand down from his role as manager at Anfield at the end of the season, and this is no precipitous decision. The German has enjoyed sweeping success during his time at the club and has won Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup titles among others.

But the Reds are in a fine position indeed, top of the Premier League by five points, topping their Europa League group before Christmas, awaiting Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final and recently dispatching Norwich City 5-2 in the FA Cup fourth round, with further Championship opposition in the next round.

Klopp, by his own admission, is "running out of energy" after eight-and-a-half years of unrelenting action, and after fixing the issues of the 2022/23 term, the 56-year-old feels the time is right for a changing of the guard, with a shortlist compiled.

Liverpool's shortlist to replace Jurgen Klopp

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool have compiled a three-man shortlist to identify Klopp's successor.

While Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is the early frontrunner, Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim and Italian manager Roberto De Zerbi are also coveted.

The latter has done an exemplary job with Brighton & Hove Albion and is reported to be high on FSG's wishlist, and given his experience and success on English shores, could be an excellent option.

Liverpool eye up "special" Xabi Alonso alternative to supercharge Nunez

Jurgen Klopp is approaching the dying embers of his Anfield tenure and FSG are working on a replacement.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 29, 2024 How Roberto De Zerbi would benefit Mac Allister

Liverpool are in a fine position to get their hands on some silverware this season but more importantly, are poised for an exciting future with a rich blend of senior talent and prodigious potential.

De Zerbi has proved himself a "genius" tactician, as said by former player Maxime Lopez, and while he doesn't offer a replica of Klopp's heavy-metal style, the suffocating, possession-centric approach would be something that the Reds squad could adapt to.

Such a style demands a first-class operator to control the flow and enhance the fluency, but luckily Liverpool have such a player in Alexis Mac Allister, who left De Zerbi's Seagulls in the summer to complete a £35m transfer with the Merseyside outfit.

Games played

34

Goals scored

8

Assists

3

Minutes played

2,768'

Signed for

£4.2m

Mac Allister, a 2022 World Cup winner and the centrepiece in Brighton's Europa League qualification last year, impressed under the Seagulls boss with eight goals and three assists from midfield. That said, he has been playing in a deeper-lying role than he might desire with Liverpool but he has plied his trade expertly to ensure Liverpool are firing on all cylinders.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 15% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 18% for progressive passes and the top 20% for progressive carries per 90 to emphasise his creativity and ball-playing aptitude.

Brighton & Hove Albion

21

13,414

Manchester City

20

13,370

Liverpool

21

12,050

Chelsea

21

12,003

Tottenham Hotspur

21

11,950

The Argentinan gem knows all about De Zerbi's managerial prowess and would welcome the Italian as a replacement for Klopp. Indeed, a more advanced role could be given to the summer signing again, meaning it's an appointment that should well ensure the 24-year-old moves to the next level; a frightening thought.

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo deve tomar um cuidado especial com o desgaste físico dos jogadores neste começo de Campeonato Paulista. Sem pré-temporada, a equipe ganhou um período de treinos nesta semana sem jogos.

Vai ter mais alguém na lista em 2021? Confira os jogadores do São Paulo que foram artilheiros do Paulistão

Com isso, alguns jogadores podem ganhar um período maior de descanso, dependendo do nível de desgaste deles, principalmente nesses períodos raros sem partidas. Essa semana já foi de alguns exemplos na equipe de Hernán Crespo.

CONFIRA A TABELA ATUALIZADA DO CAMPEONATO PAULISTA DE 2021

RelacionadasSão PauloSão Paulo oficializa retorno de Milton Cruz como assessor técnico do clubeSão Paulo10/03/2021São PauloApós ganhar folga, Igor Vinicius se reapresenta em treino do São PauloSão Paulo10/03/2021São PauloLéo, do São Paulo, testa positivo para Covid-19 e está em isolamentoSão Paulo10/03/2021

O zagueiro Arboleda e o lateral-direito Igor Vinicius ganharam dias a mais de folga do que o restante do elenco. Após a goleada feita sobre o Santos, por 4 a 0, o elenco não trabalhou no domingo e na segunda-feira. Igor Vinicius ganhou mais um dia de folga e voltou aos treinamentos com o elenco na última quarta-feira.

Já o equatoriano recebeu folga durante toda a semana e viajou ao Equador, com permissão da comissão técnica. Odesgaste físico e a dificuldade de logística para voltar ao Brasil em meio à pandemia do novo coronavírus são apontados como motivos do período maior de descanso.

– Quanto ao descanso, há uma programação. Viemos de três jogos e agora podemos ter dois dias de folga. Férias impossível, porque a situação geral de todo o mundo é muito difícil. Mas nesse caso podemos dar dois dias livres para se recuperar depois de tanto esforço físico. Faz parte da preparação descansar – disse Crespo, em entrevista coletiva após a goleada no San-São.

O Tricolor se prepara para encarar o Novorizontino, no próximo sábado (13), às 16h30, em Novo Horizonte, pela quarta rodada do Campeonato Paulista.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras divulgou, na manhã desta segunda-feira (22), um vídeo de 15 segundos com imagens da nova camisa para a temporada de 2021. O lançamento oficial será nesta terça (23). No teaser, é possível ver que o modelo é xadrez.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPuma contrata importante diretor para vídeo de anúncio da nova camisa do PalmeirasPalmeiras20/02/2021PalmeirasDisruptiva e ousada, nova camisa do Palmeiras deve estrear na final da Copa do BrasilPalmeiras18/02/2021Futebol NacionalPalmeiras x Atlético-GO: onde assistir, arbitragem e escalaçãoFutebol Nacional21/02/2021

23.2.2021 #OndeQuerQueSejaVerde pic.twitter.com/9hwbxBCybN

— SE Palmeiras (@Palmeiras) February 22, 2021

>> Confira a classificação atualizada do Brasileirão e faça sua simulação
>>Quem são os fregueses na era dos pontos corridos do Brasileirão? Confira!

Na semana passada o NOSSO PALESTRA/LANCE! noticiou que o modelo seria ousado e disruptivo. Haverá primeiro o lançamento da vestimenta verde e, na quinta, dia 25, serão apresentadas a branca e as três de goleiro.

A estreia está prevista para o primeiro jogo da decisão da Copa do Brasil, contra o Grêmio no dia 28, próximo domingo, porém a decisão não depende somente do clube.

U.S. youth national team phenom Cavan Sullivan is buzzing over his contractual move to Man City in 2027 after signing with the Philadelphia Union.

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Cavan Sullivan signs pro deal with Philadelphia UnionBuilt-in move to Man City at age 18 in contractLargest Homegrown deal in MLS historyWHAT HAPPENED?

On Thursday, it was officially announced that the 14-year-old had signed the largest Homegrown deal in MLS history with the Philadelphia Union. In his contract, though, is a clause that when he turns 18, he will be transferred to Manchester City in England.

AdvertisementUSA Today SportsWHAT SULLIVAN SAID

"I've always wanted to start my career here because this is my home and I've always been on the sidelines of Quinn's games and I've been in and around the facility when my uncle worked here," Sullivan told ESPN. "So, I've always been inspired and to play in front of this culture and these fans are special.

"But I also think the collaboration between the Union and the City Group was — I think that did it for me. I always watch Man City. They're like every kid's dream team. For them [Philadelphia and Man City] to come together and agree on something — I sat with my family and my agents and we decided that it was the best plan."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Sullivan is highly-regarded as one of the most talented youngsters in the world in his age group, and a move to a world powerhouse like Man City was always on the cards.

The 14-year-old has high ambitions, though, despite his young age.

"I guess my goal is just to become a regular player within the next two years," he added to ESPN. "And then after that I would hope to be a starter. I guess that's from the 16 to 18 age window. And then right when I'm 18 I hope to be at the level of the Man City first team."

However, despite the hype around his deal, the contractual City move and all of the expectations on his plate, he remains level-headed about where he's at as a footballer in his career.

"I haven't really done anything yet, haven't even made my debut. so, there's still a lot of room for improvement, a lot of development to go. But definitely still excited for what's ahead," he explained.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR SULLIVAN?

The teenager will now work towards making his MLS debut for the Union. First-team manager Jim Curtin has the 14-year-old in his plans, too.

If Sullivan debuts before July 29 this year, he'll become a record-breaker as well. By doing so, he'll be the youngest MLS debutant, snapping the long-standing record of failed USMNT prodigy Freddy Adu.

On making his professional debut and snapping that record, Curtin told ESPN: "If he's healthy, he'll do it."

A tearful Thiago Silva has revealed that he will be leaving Chelsea in the summer, with a four-year stint at Stamford Bridge being brought to a close.

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• South American joined the Blues in 2020
• Has won the Champions League while in England
• Expected to head home at 39 years of age

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The classy Brazilian defender joined the Blues as a free agent in 2020 after reaching the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain. He has been working on a short-term deals since then, but there will be no extension in 2024.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Silva is now 39 years of age and is expected to head home after previously stating a desire to end his career back where it all began, at Fluminense. That move will be made having created plenty of lasting memories in west London, with the South American sending an emotional message to Chelsea supporters.

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• Getty
  

  WHAT SILVA SAID

  Silva has told the club’s : “Chelsea means a lot to me. I came here with the intention of only staying for a year and it ended up being four years. Not just for me but for my family, too. My sons play for Chelsea so it’s a source of great pride to be a part of the Chelsea family – literally because my sons are here. I hope they can continue their careers here at this victorious club that many players wish to be part of. I think in everything I did here over the four years, I always gave my all. But, unfortunately, everything has a start, a middle and an end. That doesn’t mean that this is a definitive end. I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here. But…it’s an indescribable love. I can only say thank you.

  “Obviously, when I started here, it was during the pandemic so there wasn’t any fans in the stadium. But through social media, it became something very special to me and then when the fans started coming back to the stadium and life was getting back to normal, I started to feel a lot of affection and respect for my story and for my start here. It is already hard saying goodbye in the most normal of circumstances but when there is a mutual love, it’s even harder. But one a Blue, always a Blue. The way in which I came to the club, with the support of the club, I got to the club as a leader even though I didn’t feel like it having arrived as the new guy. It’s always difficult to integrate but bit by bit I became part of the group and (Frank) Lampard played a big part in that. I am grateful to him for that. [It’s been a] dream, definitely a dream. Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I could achieve such great things and win one of the best professional titles, the Champions League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world. Goodbyes are for those that leave and don’t come back. I intend on coming back one day…”

Pakistan suffered a major blow ahead of their tour of South Africa in December with Fakhar Zaman aggravating a knee injury he sustained last month. According to the PCB, the 28-year old opener is expected to be out for “three to five” weeks, which means he will almost certainly miss the first of the three Tests that begins on Boxing Day in Centurion.It is learnt that Fakhar had complained about pain in his right knee after pulling off a spectacular run-out during the second T20I against Australia in October. He had rushed in from mid-on, tumbled to the ground while collecting the ball, and despite not having a clear view of the stumps, still hit them direct to dismiss Ben McDermott. The next morning, however, Fakhar told the physiotherapist that he had a problem and together they worked to try and manage it.Fakhar played a further five limited-overs games with the injury before it was decided that he needed to take time off for rehabilitation. That is why he was not picked in the squad for the ongoing Tests against New Zealand. He will join the PCB’s medical team at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore on Tuesday, where a plan for his recovery will be charted out.It is understood that the selectors have begun to shortlist players for the South Africa tour, where they play three Tests, five ODIs and three T20Is. The PCB has already obtained visas for 25 of them. The Test squad is likely to be similar to the one currently playing against New Zealand, although fast bowler Mohammad Amir is expected to return in place of offspinner Bilal Asif.Fakhar made his Test debut in October and was an instant hit, making 94 and 68 as Pakistan beat Australia by 373 runs. Pakistan have other options to use at the top of the order, such as Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez. Azhar Ali has also opened the batting in the past and Shan Masood, who made a hundred in each innings against New Zealand A recently, may also come into the mix.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Philippe Clement continued his unbeaten start to life in Scotland with a 1-1 draw against Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

The Light Blues needed a stoppage-time penalty from James Tavernier, after Connor Goldson was pulled back in the box, to rescue a point away from Ibrox.

It meant that the Gers were unable to make the most of Celtic dropping two points on Saturday and they remain eight points behind their rivals, albeit with one game in hand.

Clement is unlikely to be pleased with the nature of the performance as a number of sloppy defensive mistakes could have seen the hosts comfortably in front during the first half and there was an alarming lack of quality forward play throughout the game.

Central defender Leon Balogun looked off the pace at times and struggled, particularly for the opening goal, but centre-forward Danilo was the real villain of the piece for the head coach.

Balogun's performance against Aberdeen in numbers

The Nigeria international was caught sleeping as a simple flick on through the middle of the pitch allowed Bojan Miovski to run through and slot the ball into the bottom corner with ease.

He should have been alert and across to cover behind Connor Goldson but was yards off the pace and that allowed the Dons forward with all the time and space that was needed to score.

That came shortly after Ester Sokler got in behind in a similar fashion only to be foiled by a terrific save from the feet of the excellent Jack Butland.

However, Balogun did win all seven of his duels on the ground and five of his ten aerial battles, to go along with two tackles and two interceptions, across the 90 minutes, which shows that it was not a completely dismal display.

Danilo's performance against Aberdeen in numbers

The Brazilian forward came into the match with three goals and three assists in his previous five appearances for the club in all competitions but was unable to carry on his impressive form.

Instead, the summer signing from Feyenoord struggled against the Dons and was a lightweight at the top end of the pitch throughout the game.

Danilo lost 70% (seven of his ten) physical duels, including three of six on the deck and all four of his contests in the air as the opposition's defenders were able to dominate him with relative ease.

The £26k-per-week centre-forward then failed to make the most of the opportunities that did come his way with one 'big chance' missed as the ex-Ajax man was unable to beat Kelle Roos from close range with a stabbed effort.

Along with that, the 24-year-old marksman did not create a single chance for his teammates from his 45 touches of the ball across 90 minutes on the pitch.

Therefore, Danilo was the real villain for the Light Blues with a disappointing display through the middle of the pitch as the spearhead of Clement's attack.

Balogun, at least, made a number of important defensive interventions to make up for his early mistake for the goal but Danilo did not offer much in or out of possession for the Scottish giants.

يستكمل لاعبو ولاعبات بعثة مصر، منافساتهم في دورة الألعاب الأولمبية باريس 2024، اليوم الإثنين الموافق 29-7-2024.

وتقام فعاليات أولمبياد باريس خلال الفترة من 26 يوليو الجاري، وحتى يوم 11 أغسطس في مدينة باريس عاصمة فرنسا.

وتشارك مصر في أولمبياد باريس بـ 148 لاعباً ولاعبة أساسيًا و16 لاعبا احتياطيا بإجمالي عدد لاعبين 164 لاعبا في 22 رياضة، وتعد بعثة الفراعنة الأكبر في تاريخ العرب وإفريقيا.

طالع أيضاً.. ميكالي يوجه رسالة إلى لاعبي منتخب مصر قبل موقعة إسبانيا المرتقبة في أولمبياد باريس

وتقام عدة مواجهات قوية اليوم الإثنين في بعثة مصر، أبرزها مباراة هامة أمام الدنمارك على مستوى منافسات كرة اليد.

جدير بالذكر أن منتخب مصر لكرة اليد حقق الفوز أمام المجر بنتيجة 35-32، كما انتصرت النرويج على الأرجنتين بنتيجة 36-31. مواعيد مباريات ومواجهات المصريين اليوم في أولمبياد باريس

الساعة 11:25 صباحا (السلاح)، ندى حافظ، في دور الـ 32 فردي سيدات السابر.

الساعة 11:40 صباحًا (التجديف)، أحمد خالد ومحمد قوطة، تصفية 1.

الساعة 12:58 ظهرا (السباحة)، مروان القماش، في تصفيات 800م حرة.

الساعة 1:05 ظهرًا (سلاح الشيش)، محمد حمزة، دور الـ 32.

الساعة 2:05 مساءً (السلاح) فردي رجال الشيش، دور الـ 32

الساعة 2:05 (سلاح الشيش)، عبد الرحمن طلبة ضد المجري دانيل دوس، دور الـ 32.

الساعة 2:05 (سلاح الشيش)، علاء أبو القاسم ضد الياباني ايمورا كازوكي، دور الـ 32.

الساعة 3 عصرا (كرة يد) مصر والدنمارك.

الساعة 10 مساءً (تنس الطاولة)، عمر عصر ضد الإكوادوري ألبرتو مينو، دور الـ 32.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث المباريات لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا

In recent terms, Wolves have endured something of a midfield exodus.

Ruben Neves was picked off by Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal for £47m in June 2023. Just the season prior, young star Morgan Gibbs-White was bought by Nottingham Forest for a club record £25m plus add-ons. Even the steadily consistent Belgium international Leander Dendoncker moved on, as Aston Villa signed him for £13m, in 2022 too.

The current lineup do have the likes of Pablo Sarabia, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, and Tommy Doyle (on loan from Manchester City) in the midfield ranks. However, with the club semi-stagnant in 14th and four points above the drop zone, it's safe to say that some fresh inspiration would be more than welcome.