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Hampshire captain on the playing and personal reasons for his decision to turn back on Championship

Matt Roller20-Jan-2025James Vince believes that the ECB’s new policy on No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) is inadvertently driving players away from first-class cricket and towards the franchise T20 circuit. Vince, who stepped down as Hampshire’s club captain last week, will not play in the County Championship this year and expects “more and more” English players to follow suit.Vince’s decision was primarily informed by family reasons: after unexplained attacks on their home in Hampshire last year, his family – his wife, Amy, and their two young children – are relocating to Dubai. The move made playing in the Championship impractical, not least because playing the full English domestic season would have significant tax implications.But it was also a necessary step in order for him to be granted an NOC for the Pakistan Super League by the ECB, following changes in the board’s policy in late November. While designed to “protect” English competitions, according to chief executive Richard Gould, the details went down poorly with players and the threat of legal action continues to linger in some cases.”When they first mentioned it, a WhatsApp group of players was created and there was a lot of discussion,” Vince tells ESPNcricinfo from Dubai. “The initial feeling was that it was going to drive people away from red-ball cricket. It felt like it was going to limit opportunities. Players were frustrated by it… There were a few things in there that [we] didn’t really understand.”A scheduling pile-up has pushed the PSL back into an April-May window for 2025, clashing with both the IPL and the start of the county season. Vince, retained on a six-figure contract by Karachi Kings, is among six English players with deals and believes that number would have been significantly higher if not for franchises’ fears about their availability.Vince is the fifth of those players to have signed a white-ball county contract, while Tom Kohler-Cadmore is set to renegotiate his Somerset deal along similar lines. Some players have privately expressed their frustrations that the IPL is being treated as an outlier, with English players granted NOCs for that tournament regardless of their contractual situation.”That’s a big one that has caused a lot of confusion,” Vince said. “It’s got to be something to do with relationships between the ECB, PCB and BCCI as to why they’ve come up with that rule. The PSL’s a shorter competition, so if you’re going to play in that, you’re probably missing less domestic cricket than if you’re going to the IPL… It just didn’t seem right.Vince has been a stalwart for Karachi Kings in the PSL•PCB”There’s more and more opportunities for guys to play white-ball cricket and earn decent money during our domestic season… You’re talking quite large sums of money in terms of what they forego by playing red-ball cricket. Particularly further down their careers, when there’s a big difference in those numbers, I’m sure more and more people will go down that route.”Vince will be a significant loss not only to Hampshire, but to the Championship as a whole: he has played 197 first-class games for his county across 15 years, captained them 92 times, and led them to three consecutive top-three finishes. He insists he is not “officially retired” from red-ball cricket but, turning 34 in May, his career in the format is likely over.He has also come to terms with the end of his international career, two years on from the most recent of his 55 appearances for his country. “I’d say it’s probably pretty much done,” Vince concedes. “There’s no point announcing your retirement when you’re not playing for England, but in my head I’ve kind of moved on from the possibility.”It’s certainly not something where, when squads get announced, I’m looking at my phone expecting someone to call me. I had a taste of it, which was good; I obviously would have liked to have done better and played more for England but as that hasn’t worked out, I’m trying to make the most of my career.”It will be April when Vince’s decision sinks in, when Hampshire start their season against Yorkshire without their long-serving captain. “When I’m there in Pakistan, no doubt I’ll flick the live stream on and be looking at the scorecards. That’s when it’ll really hit home that something I’ve been involved in for the last 15 years, all of a sudden I’m not… It’ll be a strange feeling.”Related

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But he will return at the end of May to captain them in the Blast, and says Hampshire have been “very supportive” since his stable family life was upended last year. The Vinces have been living in hotels for nine months after two attacks on their home, which they have now sold, but will soon relocate to Dubai where they hope to resume “a fairly normal life”.”The instances themselves were fairly scary,” Vince recalls. “It was people causing damage, smashing windows and stuff as opposed to actually coming into the house. The police said straightaway it looked like a threat of some sort… We haven’t had concrete information of exactly what happened, but we’ve got a fair idea that it wasn’t intended for us.”It was pretty scary. It was more as the man of the house, making sure the kids and Amy weren’t affected by it was my main priority… We sat down as a family and tried to make a plan going forwards, left the UK in mid-October, came away for a month in Dubai before the Abu Dhabi T10 and the Big Bash, and took the time to do a bit of exploring the option of moving across here.”They hope to have the keys to their new home by the end of the ILT20, where Vince is captaining Gulf Giants for the third year in a row. It will leave him with a short break before the PSL starts in April to reflect on the most turbulent year of his life, one which culminated in the major career decision Hampshire announced last week.”My wife and the kids are quite excited about the prospect of living over here. We don’t really have a timeframe on how long that’ll be. If we like it, it could be indefinitely; if, after a couple of years, we feel it’s not for us, then I guess we’ve got the option to move back to the UK. It’s a case of taking it step by step and seeing where it leads us.”

Liverpool made some eye-catching signings during the summer window and could now be set to enact a surprise double deal involving Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga and Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni.

After a frustrating period of matches, Arne Slot led his side to only their second win in their last eight fixtures against Aston Villa last weekend, offering something to build on ahead of the festive period.

Mohamed Salah’s 250th Premier League goal came as a landmark milestone, and his teammates stepped up after a dip in form, leaving them seven points off Arsenal in the Premier League title race as they gun for more silverware.

Admittedly, the visitors still produced moments of panic within the Liverpool backline. By no means were the Reds perfect last weekend, but three points are the only thing that matters after a dismal run of results that have caused them to drift from top spot.

Club legend Steven Gerrard spoke out in defence of Slot amid recent criticism involving the Dutchman, telling TNT Sports that ‘keyboard warriors’ won’t detract from the fine job he has done at Anfield.

He said: “It’s a great win; he deserves a lot of credit for that. But they come thick and fast, in two days’ time, the pressure will build again as he’ll be expected to beat Real Madrid.

“Compared to when we played there are a lot more people with microphones and cameras in front of their face, there are a lot more keyboard warriors and a lot of unnecessary noise. But it is football in the modern age, you have to take the rough with the smooth, that is life.”

Reds supporters will be fully behind their manager after the return he produced last term, and he could now be set to conclude a couple of lucrative deals to vastly improve his side.

Liverpool willing to bid for Eduardo Camavinga and Alessandro Bastoni

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are plotting an ambitious double swoop for Eduardo Camavinga and Alessandro Bastoni that could cost within the region of £122 million to complete.

Real Madrid won’t make it easy for Camavinga to leave the building, albeit the Reds’ desire to acquire him is there and they hope that their project could be enough to entice him to England.

In the case of Bastoni, he is viewed as a natural successor to Virgil Van Dijk, something that supporters could get on board with due to his left-sided nature, tenacity and willingness to contribute in all thirds.

The Italy star has registered a goal and three assists in 12 matches this season. On the other hand, Camavinga has notched a solitary strike in nine appearances, featuring either as a central midfielder, in a holding role, and even on the right flank.

Liverpool could earn £132 million to fund Camavinga and Bastoni deals

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha is also named as a target, though his situation is not as advanced. Either way, expect some notable future transfer dealings at Anfield.

Leeds United’s work during the summer transfer window is naturally going to be called into question with the team currently sat in the relegation zone in the Premier League at the start of December.

Whilst two of their signings, Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, scored in their loss to Manchester City, the summer arrivals have not done enough to keep the side out of the bottom three.

For example, James Justin was brought in as an experienced Premier League defender and was beaten with ease inside the opening minute for Phil Foden’s first goal on Saturday.

Ranking Leeds United's summer signings

Unfortunately, too many of the club’s summer signings have made similar mistakes without providing much quality, at one end of the pitch or the other, to make up for it.

Leeds paid £13.9m to sign goalkeeper Lucas Perri from Lyon to replace Illan Meslier, but he has let in 0.92 more goals than expected and saved just 54% of the shots against him in the Premier League this season, per Sofascore.

Whilst the Brazilian shot-stopper has been one of their worst additions, Sean Longstaff has provided consistency in midfield since his move from Newcastle, leading the team in ‘big chances’ created (six) and key passes per game (1.7).

1

Sean Longstaff

2

Noah Okafor

3

Gabriel Gudmundsson

4

Anton Stach

5

Lukas Nmecha

6

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

7

Lucas Perri

8

James Justin

9

Jaka Bijol

10

Sebastiaan Bornauw

As you can see in the table above, Noah Okafor and Gabriel Gudmundsson rank just below the Englishman with the exciting connection that they have forged together on the left flank.

At the other end of the ranking, though, Jaka Bijol has to be down there because he was dropped for the last two games after his first three starts for the club in the Premier League.

It is, unfortunately, Sebastiaan Bornauw who currently ranks at the bottom of the pile, though, because he looks to be their biggest waste of a signing since Jean-Kevin Augustin.

Why Leeds need to move on from Sebastiaan Bornauw already

The Belgian defender seemed to be a signing that Daniel Farke had a big say in, because he came from Germany, Wolfsburg, and was a transfer target for the manager during his time at Norwich in the summer of 2021.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

This meant that it felt like a long time coming for Bornauw and Farke to finally work together, yet it has not played out that way in the first few months of the season, as the defender has not played a single minute in the league.

Every Leeds fan will be familiar with the story of Augustin’s time at Elland Road, as the club had to pay £24.5m for the player after opting not to go through with an obligation to sign him permanently because he only played 48 league minutes during his time on loan in the 2019/20 campaign.

Man City

Not in squad

Aston Villa

Not in squad

Nottingham Forest

Not in squad

Brighton

Not in squad

West Ham

Not in squad

Burnley

0

Spurs

0

Bournemouth

Not in squad

Wolves

Not in squad

Fulham

Not in squad

Newcastle

0

Arsenal

0

Everton

0

As you can see in the table above, 48 minutes of league football looks favourable in comparison to how Bornauw’s season in the Premier League has gone.

The former Belgium international is out with an injury at the moment, but the Whites boss has left him as an unused substitute in the five top-flight games that he has been available for, despite having wanted to sign the star since 2021.

Bornauw’s only minutes in all competitions came in a loss to Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday on penalties in the League Cup back in August, per Sofascore, with the likes of Bijol, Joe Rodon, and Pascal Struijk all ahead of him in the pecking order at centre-back in the league.

At the age of 26, the Belgian defender should be playing regular football and be a first-choice at a club. Instead, he looks set to continue watching on from the bench at Leeds unless something drastically changes in the coming weeks.

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With this in mind, it may be best for both parties to find a solution in the January transfer window, as the transfer does not seem to have worked out and it has been a bit of a waste of time for the club and the player, as was also the case with Augustin.

Losing Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona in the summer of 2022 was a bitter blow for Bayern Munich. The Pole had scored 344 goals in just 375 appearances for the club, after all. Replacing him was never going to be easy, but it ended up taking Bayern more than a year to find a worthy successor, as Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting rather unsurprisingly didn't exactly prove himself up to the task.

It's funny to think about it now, but there were those that questioned the decision to sign Harry Kane to belatedly fill the considerable hole left by Lewandowski in the Bayern attack. Club legend Lothar Matthaus felt that the €100 million signing from Tottenham, who had just turned 30, was "too old and too expensive". Now, though, the German says he doesn't "see a better striker in the world".

It, therefore, shouldn't come as that much of a shock to learn that Barcelona have come to the same conclusion as Bayern two years ago: that there isn't a better Lewandowski replacement on the market right now than Kane.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Haaland too costly

  Back in 2023, it was rumoured that part of the reason why Lewandowski wanted out of the Allianz Arena was Bayern's alleged attempt to convince Erling Haaland to move to Munich rather than Manchester that same summer. Lewandowski insisted that Norwegian No.9 had absolutely nothing to do with his desire to swap Bavaria for Barcelona, but it's nonetheless amusing to read reports that Blaugrana president Joan Laporta is 'obsessed' with signing Haaland.

  It's obviously not going to happen – at least not yet. It's going to take at least another year for lever-pulling Laporta to balance the Blaugrana's books – let alone put them back in a position to sign the most valuable players on the planet. With a little more creative accounting, though, Barca could well be in a position to land Kane at the end of the season.

  According to , the England captain has a €65m (£57m/$76m) buyout clause in his contract that can be activated next summer provided the striker notifies Bayern of his desire to leave by the end of January. The Bundesliga champions are, however, reportedly relaxed about the situation for the simple fact that Kane is currently content, on and off the field at the Allianz Arena.

Advertisement

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  Best team in Europe

  From a purely sporting perspective, things certainly couldn't be going any better for Kane and his club. Unbeaten Bayern have made a record-breaking start to their 2025-26 campaign and are presently top of both the Bundesliga and the Champions League. Kane is the principal reason why, having scored an utterly ludicrous 24 goals in just 18 appearances in all competitions – more than any other player in Europe's 'Big Five' leagues.

  The man himself may have had understandable misgivings about the size of Vincent Kompany's squad at the start of the season – but they've made light of the absence of Jamal Musiala through injury thanks to the exciting emergence of 17-year-old sensation Lennart Karl, Luis Diaz's incredible impact since joining from Liverpool and Michael Olise elevating his game to an even higher level after a wonderful debut season in Germany.

  The net result is that Bayern are the best team in Europe at the moment – as they underlined by maintaining their 100 percent in the Champions League with a mightily impressive 2-1 victory over titleholders Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes during which they showcased both their attacking prowess and defensive diligence.

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  Settled in Munich

  Crucially, Kane's family are also loving life right now – and not just because he's enjoying the most prolific spell of his stellar career.

  When he first made the move from his native London to Munich, there were external concerns over how Kane and his family would deal with the change of city, country and culture. However, Kane has repeatedly brought up just how "comfortable" he, his wife Kate and their children feel in Germany, where they are reportedly afforded more privacy than they were back in England.

  "The way the people here welcomed us was extraordinary," the striker said earlier this year. "It touched us deeply as a family – not just me, but all of us. We love it. We truly appreciate every second."

  In that context, one cannot but take Kane at his word when he says that he's even open to extending a contract that expires in 2027.

  "We can certainly talk about that," he said in September. "I have almost two years left, so it's not like I'm in the final year of my contract and anyone is panicking. I'm fine. The club is fine. I think they're happy with me, and I'm happy with them. Those discussions can take place."

  He doubled down on that when directly questioned about the Barcelona links ahead of his return to north London with Bayern on Wednesday when they face Arsenal in the Champions League, telling : "I haven't had any contact with anyone, nobody has contacted me. I feel very comfortable in the current situation, even though we haven't yet discussed my situation with Bayern. There’s no rush. I'm really happy in Munich. You can see that in the way I'm playing. If there’s contact, then we'll see. But I'm not thinking about the new season yet. First up is the World Cup in the summer. And it’s very unlikely that anything will change after this season."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Edging towards the exit

  There's no denying, though, that Kane would give serious consideration to a serious bid from Barca, who, for all of their financial troubles, retain an almost mythical status even among elite-level footballers. There are few more attractive destinations on the planet, and what No.9 wouldn't want to play in the same forward line as Lamine Yamal? All things considered, Kane would find an offer from Barca very difficult to turn down, particularly if they resolve their registration problems in 2026.

  It's also clear that the Blaugrana are going to have to replace Lewandowski sooner rather than later. The Poland international is still scoring goals – no Barca player has scored more in La Liga this season (eight) – but he's 37 now and he's had three muscular issues since April, suggesting that his body is starting to betray him.

  It certainly feels significant that talks have yet to begin over a new deal for Lewandowski, who will be out of contract at the end of the current campaign and free to talk to other clubs from January 1.

  When asked about his next move while on Poland duty last week, Lewandowski admitted to reporters, "I still don’t know the answer. That’s why I’m not in a hurry. I’m at peace with myself, and that is the most important thing. Even if, for example, the club contacted me now, I still wouldn’t answer that question, because I also have to feel what’s best for me. But, for now, I’m calm, I’m not in a hurry and, at the moment, I don’t expect anything else."

Life at Bayern Munich couldn’t be going much better for England captain Harry Kane, who has heaped praise on boss Vincent Kompany for his no-nonsense management style and believes he is now playing and enjoying his football better than ever before. Kane has also highlighted how life is very different to what he left behind at Tottenham.

Brilliance in Bavaria for Bayern Munich

The former Tottenham's striker's time at Bayern Munich has been nothing short of brilliant, defined by phenomenal individual performances and record-breaking goalscoring. In his debut 2023-24 season, Kane was exceptional, scoring 36 goals in the Bundesliga to win the European Golden Shoe and break the record for most goals in a maiden Bundesliga campaign. His overall form saw him register 44 goals in 45 matches across all competitions that season. 

Building on that success, the following season saw him finally secure his first major career trophy by winning the Bundesliga title, a long-awaited moment that ended his "trophy drought" narrative. He was also named the Bundesliga's Best Player for the same season. Kane has seamlessly adapted to the German top flight, proving his worth as one of the world's best strikers and solidifying his move as a resounding success. 

And Kane believes boss Kompany deserves his share of the praise for how well he has played. 

AdvertisementAFPKane: 'People are appreciating some of the other stuff I do'

Kane told the : "There is no BS with him [Kompany]. A lot of footballers, and people generally, appreciate that. I think this is the most I’ve been enjoying my football because I'm involved more. He’s definitely improved me. I love tackling, helping the team, blocking shots. I’ll be judged on goals but I think this season people are appreciating some of the other stuff I do as well.

"The way we play, man-for-man, obviously makes me do that. At Tottenham, with [Antonio] Conte, we ran! That was a pretty tough time, a tough pre-season! I feel like I’m affecting the game with and without the ball much more than I ever have in previous years."

Barcelona transfer talk grows louder

Kane has been linked with Catalan giants Barcelona in recent months and, as he approaches the end of his current deal with Bayern, has finally addressed the speculation, saying: "I haven't had any contact with anyone, nobody has contacted me. I feel very comfortable in the current situation, even though we haven't yet discussed my situation with Bayern."

He added: "There's no rush. I'm really happy in Munich. You can see that in the way I'm playing. If there's contact, then we'll see. But I'm not thinking about the new season yet. First up is the World Cup in the summer. And it's very unlikely that anything will change after this season." 

And when asked if Bayern fans should worry about the lack of talks, he replied: "I don't think so."

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Getty Images SportChampions League showdown approaches

Bayern face Arsenal at the Emirates on Wednesday evening and both teams head into the match with perfect records in the Champions League this season, having won their first four matches. The winner has the opportunity to take a commanding lead at the top of the league phase table. Arsenal boast the competition's best defence, having not conceded a single goal so far. However, they face a significant test from Bayern's potent attack, spearheaded by Kane, who has an excellent scoring record against the Gunners (15 goals in 21 appearances) and Bayern arrive in red-hot form, coming off a 6-2 domestic win. History slightly favours Bayern, but the current Arsenal side is seen as a different, mentally tougher challenge. Injuries are a factor for both sides, with Arsenal missing key players like Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, while the Bavarians will be without Luis Diaz due to suspension and Jamal Musiala through to injury. This encounter promises an exciting, high-scoring affair as two European powerhouses vie for supremacy.

Manchester United will pay tribute to late Stone Roses star Mani ahead of Monday's Premier League clash with Everton at Old Trafford, after the huge Red Devils fan passed away on Thursday aged 63. The Stone Roses bassist, real name Gary Mounfield, will receive an emotional tribute at the stadium with which he once said he hopes his iconic band will be "associated".

Man United to pay tribute to Mani after passing aged 63

A Mancunian by birth and life-long United fan, Mani will be honoured by a few words and music prior to Monday’s top-flight clash, a club source has said as per reports by The Sun.

The Stone Roses’ famous track This Is The One continues to be played at Old Trafford each matchday prior to kick-off, reflecting the band’s importance to the club and local Manchester culture, and the song's place within the stadium will now hold particular poignancy after the passing of one of the band’s much-loved members. He was also previously a member of fellow rock band Primal Scream.

Mani’s passing comes almost exactly two years on from the passing of his late wife Imelda from bowel cancer. He had lived in Heaton Moor, Stockport since 1991 and has received many touching tributes from friends, family and fans alike.

Mani and the Roses’ close ties with United will remain, beginning with a touching tribute on Monday, where the club will pay their respects to one of their own.

AdvertisementGetty Images'Part of his DNA' – United to honour Mani on Monday

A Manchester United club source stated: “There will be some words and music as a tribute during the build-up to kick-off including the usual playing of This is the One — but on this occasion with added poignancy.”

United said in a statement after his passing: “The club was part of his DNA and he was proud to be Red.”

Mani’s brother Greg posted on Facebook: “On behalf of myself and my family I would like to say a massive thanks for all the messages and tributes to RKid. RIP Gaz.”

Mani was a huge Manchester United fan

A true Red Devils fan, Mani once expressed his love for the club and how United was in his blood. He added that he hoped the Stone Roses would be associated with United, Old Trafford and the club as a whole, which has undoubtedly become a reality and will remain this way following the untimely news of his passing.

“I’m a Manc and support United,” Mani said. “It was pre-ordained because all my family are Reds, my dad is a nuts fan.

“I always wanted the Roses to be associated with United and the terraces.”

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Getty ImagesTributes to continue after Mani's untimely passing

Tributes have poured in from close friends such as Liam Gallagher of Oasis, who was informed of Mani’s death ahead of it becoming public earlier this week.

A source close to the family said: “Mani’s death has rocked everyone.

“Noel and Liam Gallagher were phoned before the news of his passing was made public.

“They’re on tour in South America and were informed by telephone. Likewise with the Stone Roses and Primal Scream. It’s an incredibly sad time and everyone is shocked.”

Liam shared his tribute to Mani on X: “In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani. My hero. RIP.”

The Stone Roses said on their official X account: “RIP our wonderful brother Mani. The greatest bass player and friend we could ever have wished for.”

While Primal Scream bassist Simone Butler wrote on Instagram: “Truly in shock at this. An incredible loss to everyone who knew and loved him. The moment you met Mani you loved him. The most brilliant and wickedly sharp sense of humour and the biggest heart and generosity. The smile in that first pic was so absolutely him. He called me his Scorpio bass sister. My heart is breaking for his boys, family and loved ones. Was meant to see him tomorrow in Manchester.

“A terrible and sad loss. An amazing person, so so loved by everyone all over the world X just heart-breaking.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Único festival de cinema de futebol do Brasil e pioneiro na América Latina, o Cinefoot realiza sua 14ª edição de 25 a 30 deste mês, no Rio de Janeiro, com 51 filmes e entrada franca. E Johan Cruyff, eterno camisa 14 da Holanda, será o homenageado em alusão ao número do evento. Além disso, o festival vai celebrar o cineasta Pedro Asbeg, as pioneiras do futebol feminino no Brasil e o centenário dos Camisas Negras e da Resposta Histórica, que fizeram história no Vasco com sua luta antirracista. A abertura ficará por conta da projeção de “Doval: o gringo mais carioca do futebol” e o encerramento será feito com a exibição de “A turma do Maestro Júnior”.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

A programação do Cinefoot mantém o perfil de pluralidade e diversidade, abrigando os mais variados olhares sobre o futebol presentes em produções vindas de diversos países. Dos 51 títulos que integram a programação, 35 são brasileiros e 16 internacionais – oriundos de Itália, Espanha, Alemanha, Chile, Estados Unidos, Irã e Suíça, além de três coproduções: Argentina/Espanha, Croácia/ Alemanha e Brasil/Egito.

O Cinefoot entra em campo em quatro espaços de exibição: Estação Net Botafogo, Estação Net Rio, CCJF-Centro Cultural Justiça Federal e Cine Teatro Eduardo Coutinho Biblioteca Parque de Manguinhos. Além das exibições presenciais, o festival disponibiliza uma programação especial no formato virtual, através do canal do YouTube do Cinefoot.

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FILME DE ABERTURA:
25/04, às 20h30, Estação Net Botafogo.
Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 88 – Botafogo

“DOVAL: O GRINGO MAIS CARIOCA DO FUTEBOL”
Direção: Sérgio Rossini e Federico Bardini

A breve vida do argentino mais querido da história do Brasil: o jogador de futebol Horácio Narciso Doval, que no Rio se tornou ídolo de dois clubes rivais, Flamengo e Fluminense, repetindo o feito na Argentina, atuando pelo San Lorenzo e Huracan. Doval também fazia sucesso fora de campo desfilando sua beleza e simpatia em Ipanema.

FILME DE ENCERRAMENTO:
30/04, às 20h30, Estação Net Rio
Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 35 – Botafogo

“A TURMA DO MAESTRO JUNIOR”
Direção: Daniel Furiati Sroulevich

O Rei está posto! Viva o novo Rei! Em 1989, após o pedido do seu filho, Junior volta ao Flamengo e recebe o bastão de Zico, que faz sua despedida. Com um clube em crise, uma molecada genial e geniosa, e a ajuda de novos companheiros, o ‘Maestro’ rege o Fla para a conquista de todos os títulos nacionais possíveis.

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HOMENAGENS:
A galeria de homenagens do CINEFOOT 14 terá a seguinte escalação:

JOHAN CRUYFF
Na sua edição número 14, o CINEFOOT vai destacar o legado e a genialidade do maior camisa 14 de todos os tempos: Johan Cruyjff.

Com apoio do Consulado Geral do Reino dos Países Baixos no Rio de Janeiro, o CINEFOOT leva ao público o filme “A ÚLTIMA PARTIDA”, Direção de Jordi Marcos, que conta com depoimentos de Josep Guardiola, Xavi Hernandez, Jordi Cruyff, Josep Carreras, dentre outros protagonistas que vivenciaram a era Cruyff.
28/04, às 18h30, Estação Net Rio
PEDRO ASBEG
Pela sua trajetória com mais de 25 anos de experiência na produção audiovisual e atuação destacada no campo do cinema futeboleiro, Pedro Asbeg recebe a “Honraria Futebol Arte” do CINEFOOT 14.

Diretor e editor de um seleto conjunto de documentários, Pedro Asbeg é formado pela University of Westminster de Londres, tendo já colaborado em conteúdos para Netflix, HBO, Globoplay, Canal Brasil, ESPN, GNT, Multishow, Space e Al Jazeera, entre outros canais e plataformas.

É multicampeão do CINEFOOT, recebendo a láurea máxima do festival em três edições. Dentre seus filmes sobre futebol estão filmes como “DEMOCRACIA EM PRETO E BRANCO”, “GERALDINOS”, “DOGÃO CALABRESA”, “UNIDO VENCERÁS”, “SOM DAS TORCIDAS”, “O DEUS DA RAÇA”, “CARTA AO MAGRÃO”, “ONDE ESTIVER, ESTAREI” e, mais recentemente, “O NINHO: FUTEBOL E TRAGÉDIA”.
29/04, às 20h30, Estação Net Rio

LUCY ALVES
Lucy Alves integra a galeria das pioneiras do futebol feminino no Brasil, marcando presença na primeira Seleção Brasileira, que disputou o Torneio Mundial Experimental da FIFA, em 1988, na China. Lucy foi a primeira jogadora brasileira jogar no exterior, radicando-se na Itália.

Para homenagear Lucy Alves, que receberá a “Honraria Gol de Placa”, será exibido o documentário italiano “LUCY – O DESTINO DE UMA PIONEIRA”, com Direção de Roberto Pili.
27/04, às 18h30, Estação Net Rio

PIONEIRAS DO FUTEBOL FEMININO BRASILEIRO
A resiliência, história e luta das pioneiras do futebol feminino brasileiro, modalidade proibida por mais de quatro décadas no Brasil, ganham foco na homenagem do CINEFOOT-14. Estas desbravadoras marcam presença na sessão especial dedicada a elas para receber a “Honraria Gol de Placa”, com a exibição de “AS PRIMEIRAS”, Direção de Adriana Yañez.

O documentário retrata a vida destas mulheres que vivem nos subúrbios do Rio de Janeiro, estão perto dos 60 anos e guardam um passado comum: são a base da primeira seleção feminina de futebol do Brasil.
27/04, às 20h30, Estação Net Rio

ROBERTO DINAMITE, CAMISAS NEGRAS, RESPOSTA HISTÓRICA
Ao longo da sua história centenária, o C.R.Vasco da Gama sagrou-se campeão em várias jornadas. Porém, as conquistas obtidas além das quatro linhas da disputa futebolística, são glórias consagradas pela contribuição à sociedade e merecem o devido reconhecimento.

Em 1923, o lendário time dos CAMISAS NEGRAS fez história conquistando o primeiro título estadual do C.R.Vasco da Gama. O time composto por negros, operários e suburbanos, alcança a glória derrotando todo o cenário adverso imposto pelos clubes rivais.

Já em 1924, a RESPOSTA HISTÓRICA, documento no qual o C.R.Vasco da Gama comunica que se recusaria a disputar a divisão principal do Rio de Janeiro sem seus jogadores negros, exigência que havia sido imposta pelos dirigentes da época, reafirma o papel do cruzmaltino na luta contra o racismo no esporte brasileiro.

Roberto Dinamite, ídolo eterno do C.R.Vasco da Gama, será homenageado nesta sessão, na qual serão exibidos os filmes “CAMISAS NEGRAS UMA JORNADA HISTÓRICA”, Coordenação de Thais Vieira, “A FORÇA DO GIGANTE”, Direção de Marco Antonio Rocha, além de um vídeo-homenagem do Museu da Pelada ao ídolo Roberto Dinamite.
26/04, às 20h30, Estação Net Rio

ACESSIBILIDADE:
A exemplo das edições anteriores o CINEFOOT disponibiliza uma programação com recursos de acessibilidade (Legenda Descritiva / Audiodescrição / Libras), com vistas a promover o acesso de pessoas com deficiência ao festival.
26/04 a 28/04, CCJF-Centro Cultural Justiça Federal

ATIVIDADES PARALELAS
Além das exibições, a programação do CINEFOOT apresenta atividades paralelas como a consagrada Mesa-Redonda, que reúne bate-papos com convidados, a ação formativa “Oficina Audiovisual para Jovens” e a aguardada Masterclass, encontro com cineasta homenageado.

MASTERCLASS

POR DENTRO DO ESQUEMA TÁTICO. 90 MINUTOS COM PEDRO ASBEG.

O CINEFOOT 14 convida o diretor e editor Pedro Asbeg para desvendar o esquema tático das suas produções futebolísticas, através de uma Masterclass com duração de uma partida de futebol, 90 minutos.

Pedro Asbeg, homenageado pelo CINEFOOT 14, é um colecionador de troféus do festival e tem na sua trajetória os filmes “DEMOCRACIA EM PRETO E BRANCO”, “GERALDINOS”, “DOGÃO CALABRESA”, “UNIDO VENCERÁS”, “SOM DAS TORCIDAS”, “O DEUS DA RAÇA”, “CARTA AO MAGRÃO”, “ONDE ESTIVER, ESTAREI”, “NINHO: FUTEBOL E TRAGÉDIA”.

MESA-REDONDA CINEFOOT / DEBATES
A MESA-REDONDA CINEFOOT destaca três temas que merecem abordagem especial e será disponibilizada através do Canal do Youtube do Cinefoot: YOUTUBE.COM/CINEFOOT

1) GENIALIDADE E LEGADO DE JOHAN CRUYFF.
2) AS PIONEIRAS DO FUTEBOL FEMININO BRASILEIRO.
3) CAMISAS NEGRAS, UMA MARCO ANTIRRACISTA.

FORMAÇÃO: OFICINA DE INICIAÇÃO AUDIOVISUAL PARA JOVENS
Com a coordenação de Thais Vieira, educadora e realizadora do documentário “CAMISAS NEGRAS UMA JORNADA HISTÓRICA”, a tradicional oficina de iniciação audiovisual voltada para o público jovem do CINEFOOT, será disponibilizada aos participantes de forma gratuita.

PREMIAÇÃO DO CINEFOOT 14:
Na sua edição número 14, o CINEFOOT lança um novo prêmio, o TROFÉU MUSEU DA PELADA, que será destinado ao filme mais conectado com a irreverência, fantasia e valorização da memória do futebol.

Taça Cinefoot de Melhor Longa-Metragem
Taça Cinefoot de Melhor Curta-Metragem
Medalha de Prata: 2˚Lugar na categoria Longa-metragem
Medalha de Prata: 2˚Lugar na categoria Curta-metragem
Medalha de Bronze: 3˚Lugar na categoria Longa-metragem
Medalha de Bronze: 3˚Lugar na categoria Curta-metragem
Troféu JOÃO SALDANHA
Troféu REDAÇÃO AM
Troféu MUSEU DA PELADA

A CONVOCAÇÃO GERAL DO CINEFOOT 14:
Esta é a relação geral dos filmes convocados para as integrar a programação do CINEFOOT 14, nos quatro espaços de exibição.

ESTAÇÃO NET BOTAFOGO
Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 88 – Botafogo

FILME DE ABERTURA:
25/04, às 20h30.
“DOVAL: O GRINGO MAIS CARIOCA DO FUTEBOL”
Direção: Sérgio Rossini e Federico Bardini

ESTAÇÃO NET RIO
Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 35 – Botafogo

FILME DE ENCERRAMENTO:
30/04, às 20h30.
“A TURMA DO MAESTRO JUNIOR”
Direção: Daniel Furiati Sroulevich
MOSTRA COMPETITIVA INTERNACIONAL DE LONGAS-METRAGENS:

AMILTON MELO – ÍDOLO DE TODOS. Dir. Ciro Câmara e Vinicius Augusto Bozzo (Brasil)A ÚLTIMA PARTIDA. Dir. Jordi Marcos (Espanha)AS PRIMEIRAS. Dir. Adriana Yañez (Brasil)BOLA PRO ALTO! Dir. Cecília Lang (Brasil)DIAMANTE. Dir. Georg Nonnenmacher, Ingo Haeb, Karin Berghammer (Alemanha/Áustria)LUCY – O DESTINO DE UMA PIONEIRA. Dir. Roberto Pili (Itália)

MOSTRA COMPETITIVA INTERNACIONAL DE CURTAS-METRAGENS:

4/11: VITÓRIA E GLÓRIA ETERNA, FLUMINENSE! Dir. Lucas Costa, Marco Carvalho e Thiago
Salata (Brasil)Dir. Vuk Jevremovic (Croácia/Alemanha)CAMPOS CONQUISTADOS: A LUTA DAS MULHERES NA ARBITRAGEM BRASILEIRA DE FUTEBOL.
Dir. Jéssica Gomes (Brasil)CEMITÉRIO DE CARROS. Dir. Miguel Ángel Olivares (Espanha)EMPATE ETERNO. Dir. Nicolás Cefarelli (Argentina/Espanha)ESTRELAS DO DESERTO. Dir. Katherina Harder Sacre (Chile)MAGRO DE AÇO. Dir. Renato Martins (Brasil)MOKATTAM. Dir. Marco Antonio (Brasil/Egito)POR TRÁS DO APITO. Dir. Angelo Martins (Brasil)VOLVEIRÁN. Dir. Ángel Rodriguez (Espanha)

CCJF-CENTRO CULTURAL JUSTIÇA FEDERAL
Av. Rio Branco, 241 – Centro – Cinelândia

MOSTRA ESPECIAL E ACESSIBILIDADE:

RADAR, UM TIME! UMA NAÇÃO! Dir. Douglas Lima e Jefferson Rodrigues (Brasil) (LD-LEGENDA DESCRITIVA / AD-AUDIODESCRIÇÃO / LIBRAS)

A CULPA É DO NEYMAR. Dir. João Ademir (Brasil) (LD-LEGENDA DESCRITIVA / AD-AUDIODESCRIÇÃO / LIBRAS)

LOUISE. Dir. Amanda Gomes, Andressa Fernandes, Nathanael Cruz (Brasil) (LD-LEGENDA DESCRITIVA / AD-AUDIODESCRIÇÃO / LIBRAS)

FERMENTO. Dir. Carlos Eduardo Ceccon (Brasil) (AD-AUDIODESCRIÇÃO)

CAMISAS NEGRAS, UMA JORNADA HISTÓRICA. Coord. Thaís Vieira (Brasil) (LD-LEGENDA DESCRITIVA / AD-AUDIODESCRIÇÃO / LIBRAS)

GERALDINOS. Dir. Pedro Asbeg e Renato Martins (Brasil)

CAMISAS NEGRAS, OFICINA AUDIOVISUAL. Coord. Thaís Vieira (Brasil)

PELÉ: O REI DO DESCONHECIDO. Dir. Ernesto Rodrigues (Brasil) (LD-LEGENDA DESCRITIVA / LIBRAS)

FAZ UM C! Dir. Paulo China e Oscar Colombo

MIMO – O MILAGRE DE MILAGRES. Dir. Rafael Luis Azevedo (Brasil) LD-LEGENDA DESCRITIVA / LIBRAS)

DEMOCRACIA EM PRETO E BRANCO. Dir. Pedro Asbeg (Brasil)

CINE TEATRO EDUARDO COUTINHO / BIBLIOTECA PARQUE DE MANGUINHOS
Av. Dom Hélder Câmara, 1184 – Benfica

MOSTRA ESPECIAL E DENTE DE LEITE:

LOUISE. Dir. Amanda Gomes, Andressa Fernandes, Nathanael Cruz (Brasil)

GAÚCHOS CANARINHOS. Dir. Rene Goya Filho (Brasil)

A CULPA É DO NEYMAR. Dir. João Ademir (Brasil)

ZIMBÚ. Dir. Marcos Strassburger Souza (Brasil)

RONALDO. Dir. Jan Mettler (Suíça)

MOACYR BARBOSA. Dir. Emílio Domingos (Brasil)

DOIS PÉS ESQUERDOS. Dir. Isabella Salvetti (Itália)

O PRIMEIRO JOÃO. Dir. André Castelão (Brasil)

LEO. Dir. Moein Rooholamini (Irã)

MENINAS FALAM SOBRE FUTEBOL. Dir. Paola Sorrentino (Itália)

O GOLEIRO SOLITÁRIO. Dir. Andre Andreev (EUA)

RADAR, UM TIME! UMA NAÇÃO! Dir. Douglas Lima e Jefferson Rodrigues (Brasil)

MIMO – O MILAGRE DE MILAGRES. Dir. Rafael Luis Azevedo (Brasil)

BOCA DE FOGO. Dir. Luciano Pérez Fernández (Brasil)

DEMOCRACIA EM PRETO E BRANCO. Dir. Pedro Asbeg (Brasil)

GERALDINOS. Dir. Pedro Asbeg e Renato Martins (Brasil)

CINEFOOT ON-LINE
Programação disponível no canal do Youtube do CINEFOOT.
YOUTUBE.COM/CINEFOOT

ESPAÇOS DE EXIBIÇÃO:
(Entrada franca, sujeita à lotação da sala)

Estação Net Botafogo
Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 88 – Botafogo

Estação Net Rio
Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 35 – Botafogo
CCJF-Centro Cultural Justiça Federal
Av. Rio Branco, 241 – Cinelândia, Centro.

Cine Teatro Eduardo Coutinho Biblioteca Parque de Manguinhos
Av. Dom Hélder Câmara, 1184 – Benfica.

Tudo sobre

CruyffRoberto Dinamite

Dasun Shanaka has been named Sri Lanka’s vice-captain for the upcoming T20I tri-series that will also involve Pakistan and Zimbabwe. Fast bowler Eshan Malinga, meanwhile, is in line to make his debut in the same series while also being included in the ODI squad for the three matches against Pakistan before the tri-series begins.Uncapped middle-order batter Pavan Rathnayake, 23, is named in the ODI squad. This is reward for longer-term domestic performance rather than recent form, though he did hit a List A hundred at the end of July.Dilshan Madushanka has been ruled out of the ODI series as he hasn’t yet recovered from a knee injury, and was replaced by Malinga, whereas Matheesha Pathirana isn’t a part of the T20I squad as he is recovering from an upper respiratory tract infection. Pathirana was replaced by Asitha Fernando.Top-order batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who last played a T20I at the start of the year, was back in the squad for the shortest format, having missed two bilateral series and the Asia Cup since then. His recall is partly down to some explosive batting in the recent SLC T20 tournament, in which he struck at 163 across four innings. Sri Lanka have generally struggled for firepower in the middle order.The exclusion of Nuwanidu Fernando, meanwhile, is despite him having top-scored in that SLC T20 tournament. His runs came at a strike rate of 124, however.Left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage didn’t find a spot in either of the 16-member squads, but he will lead Sri Lanka A in the Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup in Doha later this month, with Nuwanidu also named in that squad.Sri Lanka’s ODIs against Pakistan are all scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi, on November 11, 13 and 15. Those will be followed by the tri-series from November 17 in Rawalpindi and Lahore, with the final slated for November 29.

Sri Lanka squads

ODIs: Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranaga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan MalingaT20I tri-series: Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka (vice-capt), Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranaga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga

England took on Boland two years ago on home soil and could look to take a similar approach this year

AAP12-Oct-20257:05

Advantage England if Cummins misses first Ashes Test?

Australia coach Andrew McDonald has warned England that Scott Boland will be a different prospect at home, and any belief they have figured the Victorian out is based on a false economy.Boland’s role for this summer’s Ashes is now appearing increasingly important, with concerns over how many Tests Pat Cummins will be able to play throughout the series.The 36-year-old Boland debuted against England four years ago on Boxing Day, with his 6 for 7 in the second innings catapulting him into cult-hero status.Related

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Cummins says he's 'less likely than likely' to play in the first Ashes Test

The one blip in Boland’s Test career remains the 2023 Ashes, where England went after him and messed with his lengths at Edgbaston and Headingley.Boland’s career average of 16.53 also remains the best of any bowler in the past 100 years, while his economy-rate of 2.75 makes him the most miserly of any regular seamer since his debut.But he took just two wickets at an average of 115.5 in the 2023 Ashes, as England’s batters walked at Boland and took him for 4.91 runs an over in his two Tests.That alone prompted former England captain Michael Atherton to state this week Cummins’s back injury was a massive boost for the tourists given they had no fear for Boland. Not that Australia’s coach is buying into the suggestion.”Scotty was challenged with some lack of bounce in the benign conditions in England,” McDonald said. “I think conditions sort of conspired a little bit against him. I know there’s been some press around that England have worked Scott Boland out.  But when he comes back into the Australian conditions, he gets bounce, hits the deck, he’s a handful.Will it be a big Ashes for Scott Boland?•Getty Images

“And as we saw last year against India, I think Rohit Sharma rated him the best of that series. That’s a huge compliment from an opposing captain.”McDonald pointed to two overs Boland sent down under heavy cloud at Edgbaston during the 2023 Ashes as proof the situation may have been conditions-dependent.”We did get the overheads there for that short snippet at the end of day three,” McDonald said. “And when he bowled a few overs under the cloudy skies, he looked like he was going to get a wicket every ball.”So we’re confident and comfortable that Baz can get the job done in Australia, which he’s done over a long period of time. And bounce will be his friend.”McDonald also insisted there was enough depth in Australia’s pace-bowling stocks to cover if injuries struck. He has not had to call upon a frontline quick other than Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood or Boland since December 2022.Cummins will have a clearer picture later this week on whether he is a chance to play in the first Test, with the captain needing at least four-and-a-half weeks of bowling in the lead up.Tight turnarounds between the final three Tests could also cause workload-management headaches, particularly if the third Test in Adelaide was to go the distance.”It’d be nice if we sat back at the end of the summer and said there were only four fast bowlers used,” McDonald said.  “But we’ve got some good options in [Brendan] Doggett, [Sean] Abbott, [Michael] Neser.  Jhye Richardson is potentially coming back around that midpoint of the series.”So I feel like we’ve got some good options if we do get stretched, which is one of the great things of domestic cricket.”

Young batter has opportunity to build narrative ahead of England’s defining campaign in November

Matt Roller13-Oct-2025Jacob Bethell has gone platinum. He has not broken into the music industry just yet, but England’s wunderkind used his time off at the end of the season to refresh his bright blond shock of hair and arrived in New Zealand this weekend with a golden chance ahead of him.He may not have an England crest tattooed on his biceps to prove his allegiance, but Bethell’s haircut is as much of a statement as the ‘skunk’ that Kevin Pietersen wore two decades ago in similar circumstances. For not since Pietersen in 2005 has an England batter gone into a white-ball series with such a clear opportunity to lock down a spot for the subsequent Ashes series.The obvious difference is that Pietersen had scored 21 first-class hundreds by the time that his one-day performances – most notably, a match-winning 91 not out at Bristol – secured his place ahead of the late Graham Thorpe for the first Test a few weeks later. Bethell has not scored any; as such, his case to beat Ollie Pope to the No. 3 spot in Perth relies on potential far more than performance.There may be little obvious relationship between three T20Is and three ODIs on small grounds in New Zealand and an Ashes series in Australia, but narrative is a powerful drug. After 61 Tests – already more than Jonathan Trott – Pope is a known entity, whose average has stabilised at 35. Bethell’s may yet do the same, but the uncertainty is precisely what makes him so enticing to an England management obsessed with upside.Bethell’s role in England’s white-ball teams became steadily more prominent last month: having mainly batted at No. 6, he shuffled up to No. 4 in the final two ODIs against South Africa, and moved up to No. 3 in the T20I side. If that continues in New Zealand, he will have more than enough time in the middle to press his case with substantial scores; all the while, Pope will have to watch on from afar.”I’ll be playing cricket, but whether that has any impact on what actually happens going into that Ashes series, I don’t know,” Bethell said at Thursday’s Toyota PCA Awards. “Form’s a big thing in sport… I’ll just try to put in performances to win games for England, and if that does end up in an Ashes call-up into the XI, then I’ll be taking that with both hands, hopefully.”Bethell scored the first hundred of his professional career in the ODIs against South Africa•ECB via Getty ImagesEngland have indicated that they will take a late call on the identity of their No. 3, with the logic that selection dilemmas are often solved by circumstance. Harry Brook’s withdrawal from their tour to India last year for personal reasons avoided a middle-order logjam, and England are only a rolled ankle or a broken finger away from being spared a headache for Australia.The downside of that approach is that it leaves room for speculation, which will only increase over the next month. But in turn, that only adds relevance to Bethell’s white-ball opportunities in New Zealand: if he can overcome the pressure of knowing that his Ashes spot is on the line, then he should be well equipped for the intense scrutiny of a Test series in Australia.Bethell has played in Australia before: he scored a hundred from No. 3 while captaining England Under-19s three winters ago, and had a modest season for Melbourne Renegades last year. He found conditions “pretty different to what I expected” in the Big Bash – where some pitches are slow and low – but is confident that he will be up to the task this time.Related

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'He doesn't need much' – Starc says Cummins can play off limited preparation

Cummins says he's 'less likely than likely' to play in the first Ashes Test

Brook named as Ashes vice-captain as Jacks wins recall

Ashes tracker: Labuschagne shines as Konstas stumbles

“I’ve definitely had a little think about the kind of challenge that I’m going to face over there,” he said. “The only thing I’ll be looking to do is try to adapt as quickly as possible. I think my game is pretty suited to Australian conditions, in terms of [there being] a bit more bounce [than in England], so that’ll be something that I’m looking to capitalise on.”Bethell spent two weeks with his family in Barbados at the end of the summer, and reflected on a summer in which he scored his maiden professional hundred and captained England for the first time with a level of disappointment. “I’m actually not very happy with the summer I had, but it’s something that has lit a fire in me,” he said.It is that attitude that has impressed so many players and coaches in Bethell’s career to date, and means that he is a genuine contender to replace Pope – a man with nine Test hundreds – at No. 3 in Perth on November 21. He could not hope for a better chance to prove it than over the next three weeks in New Zealand.