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The 23-year-old has the rare gift of slowing down an ultra-quick sport

Sidharth Monga06-Feb-20232:05

The secret to Gill’s back-foot play

Cricket the sport and cricket the spectacle are two entirely different universes.The operative part of sport happens in an extremely brief moment in time. It is actually a sport of milliseconds. If we assume the average pace of a fast bowler is 135kph, it almost translates to two pitches per second. The ball does lose speed, and on average, goes at 32 metres per second off the surface, according to Nathan Leamon, England’s former analyst.The quickest recorded human reaction to a visual stimulus is 120 milliseconds, which is roughly a tenth of a second. Most of the elite batters have to be roughly there or do no worse than being half as quick. That is to say they react to the ball in 20% of a second.Related

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• Stats – Gill becomes youngest to 200, and fastest Indian to 1000

The spectacle, though, loves languid, a word whose dictionary definition is the exact opposite of what the sport is. The spectacle can also, at times, overlook the competitive nature of the sport to whose essence only the cold numbers on the scoresheet matter and not the aesthetics of it.Languid is, admittedly, a guilty pleasure. It can also be high praise. If someone can compete and excel in this ultra-quick sport while looking languid or effortless, it follows that such a player must be extraordinarily gifted.These gifts are spotting the ball perhaps five milliseconds sooner than others, having made half your movements before the ball is released (trigger movement, for short), and having put in millions of repetitions in your formative years to almost make the shots you play your muscle memory.All this translates into a languid Shubman Gill square-drive. Or a low slip catch taken effortlessly that put one of our readers of live ball-by-ball commentary in the mind of Mark Waugh.Waugh is not a bad comparison. Similar height, similar build, similar languid movements, both excellent slip fielders, openers in limited-overs cricket, with their spiritual home in Tests in the middle order.Shubman Gill seems to have that extra millisecond to play his shots than most other players•Associated PressPart of the reason Gill seems to have so much extra time that he can play languidly is his trigger movement. It is not the classic back and across, but along where he stands, which is, unlike many modern batters, well inside the crease. Many a batter these days prepare themselves for the movement by moving forward to cut it down rather than playing the ball after it has moved. They prepare themselves by batting for hours against the sidearm, which can simulate extreme pace. So pace for modern batters is less of a problem than movement. They want to play the ball before it has moved.Gill, though, stays inside the crease with his back foot across and the front foot slightly open. The weight is committed on neither foot. Most of his shots to good balls then are just the transfer of weight back or forward. Because he plays back, he has that extra millisecond or five.A trigger movement is not always set in stone. For bowlers of extreme pace, his back foot actually goes back. His batting against New Zealand in the ODIs in New Zealand perfectly illustrated that. Against Matt Henry, his trigger was parallel and across with the front foot slightly open. Against Lockie Ferguson, he actually went back and across in preparation to face the ball.As a result, there are no frantic movements, the flow of his bat is smooth from his high back lift, and there is no bat tap. If the ball merits a back-foot shot into the off side, he just transfers his weight back. If it merits a front-foot shot, he moves the front foot only to cover the line. To cover for a length that is not exactly a half-volley, he plays on the up. As a result, it looks like things are happening a touch slowly when Gill is batting. This has been hardwired into him from a young age and repeated millions of times.This is where the difference between spectacle and sport is: Gill doesn’t do this to look aesthetically pleasing, he does it to score runs. It is the cold numbers that matter. Ask Rohit Sharma, who will happily trade his aesthetics for runs in the initial years when he was finding his feet in international cricket.Shubman Gill’s technique was put to stern test in his debut Test series in Australia•Patrick Hamilton/AFP/Getty ImagesGill’s technique was put to test in the sternest manner possible when he made his Test debut in Australia. Day one of the Boxing Day Test after India had been bowled out for 36 in the previous Test, 40 minutes or so, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood doing all sorts of things with the ball, a wicket lost in the first over, Gill was beaten three times in his first over of Test cricket, bowled by Cummins. Gill went on to score 45, which was crucial in the low-scoring Test. His 91 in the Gabba chase often goes unnoticed.There are many perks of playing cricket in and for India, but they come with the downside of hyper scrutiny. It is not just external. The competition for slots is so intense it is tempting to look at those outside and forget the natural law of cricket that you will fail more often than succeed. Gill faced question marks too. His luck was such that every time the team management thought of giving him a middle-order slot – he played mostly in the middle order under Rahul Dravid for A teams – a Test opener would get injured.This year, things are coming together beautifully. In ODI cricket, despite a great start to his career, he would have known he was keeping out a double-centurion and a dear friend, Ishan Kishan. He went ahead and became the youngest double-centurion in men’s ODIs. He has averaged 74 and struck at 110 per 100 balls on his way to being the quickest Indian to 1000 ODI runs. There can’t be better news for India in a World Cup year.There should ideally be room for only one anchor in a T20 side, and he went on to become the youngest T20I centurion for India while playing the anchor role at a 200 strike rate.Nobody wants it, but as luck would have it, right when Gill is in the purplest of touches, Shreyas Iyer’s injury has opened up a middle-order slot for him, and for a change, both the regular openers are fit too.If he does well at No. 5 or 6, Gill will be the heir apparent for No. 4 whenever Virat Kohli is done, just like Kohli was in the final phase of Sachin Tendulkar’s career.Gill’s time has arrived. And he has the extra milliseconds to relish it.

Australia’s back-up bowlers showed promise, but their death bowling was a concern

Shashank Kishore09-Dec-2020ALSO WATCH: Match highlights: Kohli 85 in van in 3rd T20I as Wade, Maxwell shine (Indian subcontinent only)Nerveless Natarajan makes a markExactly a month ago, T Natarajan was named as one of four net bowlers in India’s tour party to Australia. The team management was impressed with his left-arm variety. With India’s fast bowling attack looking off-colour in their first two defeats on tour, he was handed an ODI debut in similar circumstances to Jasprit Bumrah’s in 2016. He’ll return home to a newborn, whom he is yet to meet, having made an impact in three of the four white-ball matches he featured in.Natarajan’s spell of 4-0-20-2 in Australia’s total of 194 in the second T20I helped India pull things back somewhat before Hardik Pandya helped clinch the chase. Natarajan finished the series with six wickets in three games and an economy rate of 6.91. This didn’t earn him the Player of the Series award, but Pandya, the winner, certainly underlined his impact. Kohli’s go-to death bowler in Bumrah’s absence, Natarajan showed there was more to him than just his ability to nail yorkers. His temperament and calmness under pressure have stood out – all promising signs a year out from the T20 World Cup.The Pandey-Iyer-Samson questionNone of the three managed to nail down a position. Sanju Samson thrilled like he often does with his six-hitting but failed to build on his starts. Manish Pandey had just one outing, where he struggled. Shreyas Iyer had a match-winning cameo sandwiched between two ordinary outings. With Suryakumar Yadav waiting in the wings, and India potentially having to move KL Rahul down the order when Rohit Sharma gets fit, Pandey, Iyer, Samson, Suryakumar and Rishabh Pant could jostle for two batting positions in the squad. Also, it’s entirely possible there could only be one spot up for grabs in the XI if India decide Ravindra Jadeja and Pandya, on current form, can bat at Nos. 5 and 6.ALSO WATCH: Video highlights: Sanju Samson falls cheaply in 3rd T20I(Indian subcontinent only)Sundar and Chahal add to India’s bowling varietyHaving been left out of India’s first T20I following an outstanding IPL season for Royal Challengers Bangalore – 21 wickets in 15 games and an economy rate of 7.08 – Yuzvendra Chahal made a mark as a concussion substitute to pick up three wickets and win India the first T20I single-handedly.Washington Sundar also had an excellent series, delivering frugal spells and going at only 7.08 in the 12 overs he bowled. Both his wickets – Aaron Finch and Steven Smith – came in the final T20I. But it was in the series opener, where he went for 0 for 16 in four overs, that he set the tone as India successfully defended 161. While Chahal cleverly used the advantage of bowling to big boundaries on one side, Sundar varied his lengths, and his nagging lines forced batsmen to try and improvise early in the innings.Now picture India’s bowling attack with a fully fit Pandya, Jadeja, Sundar, Chahal and three seamers – potentially Natarajan, Bumrah and one of Shardul Thakur or Mohammed Shami.Matthew Wade drops his shoulder and plays the ramp•Getty ImagesWade hits, Short missesNo Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc (for two matches), Josh Hazlewood and Kane Richardson. Aaron Finch missed the second T20I. David Warner missed the entire series with a groin injury. This was a chance for the back-ups to stand up. Where D’Arcy Short couldn’t capitalise, Matthew Wade, the stand-in captain, did with two half-centuries including a match-winning 50-ball 83 in the final game on Tuesday.ALSO WATCH (Indian subcontinent only): Video highlights: Sams stunner snares DhawanWithout Marcus Stoinis, Moises Henriques enjoyed good bowling returns, but couldn’t replicate that impact with the bat. Daniel Sams and Andrew Tye fell short while trying to defend 72 off the last six with Australia’s series on the line. Faced with a near-similar situation, their spin-twins Swepson and Zampa combined to take 4 for 44 in seven overs to help Australia secure a consolation win.Had Ashton Agar not been ruled out, Swepson may not have been summoned into the squad. Zampa provided Australia control in the middle overs on the face of some serious ball-striking. Among his three wickets, the one to dismiss Pandya in the final T20I with India needing 43 from 18 was game-changing.Who comes into the middle order?Just like India’s, there are a few contenders in Australia’s middle order too. Alex Carey, Wade, Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green and Short could all possibly tussle over limited batting spots. This is considering Warner and Finch will be reunited at the top of the order, with Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell floating around with Stoinis. Australia potentially have a five-match series against New Zealand and the BBL to narrow down their combinations for the T20 World Cup in October 2021.

We’ve had to wait a while, but Football Manager 2026 is finally on its way.

After a number of delays, the latest version of the iconic game will finally be released on 4 November and with it, will come a number of changes.

The changes indicate that the wait will prove more than worthwhile, with over 40 new roles coming to the game and the chance to prove that Ruben Amorim’s system really is the problem at Manchester United.

What’s more, if club football isn’t enough to seal your legacy in the dugout, then a road to glory with San Marino could now do the trick.

So, with the tactics board at the ready, which of course is set up in 4-2-3-1 gegenpress, we’ve taken a look at five changes coming to Football Manager 2026.

5 Official FIFA tournaments

Forget taking the summer off on FM26, because the World Cup is calling.

For the first time ever, Football Manager will have official FIFA tournaments in a revamped international management module. The partnership will allow licensed graphics and leave players with the decision to make regarding international teams.

Will you finally bring football home for the England men’s side? Or will you pull off the impossible by getting San Marino to the World Cup and, dare it be said, much, much more?

4 The introduction of women's football

The women’s game has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, so much so that England have benefitted from winning the Euros and bringing football home.

Big steps have included broadcast deals to finally add further funding to the game and a number of games at the likes of Anfield and The Emirates. At long last, these players are beginning to receive the respect that they have deserved for some time.

Now, Football Manager has taken a big step after confirming that women’s football will be introduced for the first time in FM26. They confirmed that their database will consist of more than 36,000 players and a further 5,000 non-players alongside 14 playable leagues. 2026 really is the year to become the next Emma Hayes.

3 New tactical visualiser

At long last, players won’t have to wait until they’re 3-0 down within 30 minutes against a bottom-half side to realise that their system is not working. On FM26, players will be able to use the new tactical visualiser to see how their system will play out on the pitch.

It will divide the pitch into three vertical zones (defensive, middle and attacking third) and by clicking on any of the nine grids, players will be able to see how their teams move as the ball travels across the pitch both in and out of possession.

For example, when utilising an inside wing-back, players will be able to see that they move into a traditional wing-back position in the defensive third, drift inside in the midfield third and continue their central movements to support when in the attacking third.

2 Premier League license

Back in June last year, the Premier League and Sports Interactive signed a multi-year licensing deal to bring official logos, kits and player photos to Football Manager. Now, over a year later, players are finally set to benefit.

The agreement should give the game a fresh new look and add that extra bit of realism. Winning the Premier League will now feel even more glorious with the official trophy awaiting to add to your list of achievements.

1 Over 40 new roles

As if there weren’t enough bold ideas to choose from, FM26 will feature over 40 new roles. The ability to use both in and out of possession systems should bring a tactical evolution for many players rather than just the one, more limited role.

Advanced CB

Breaks into CDM role in build-up

Playmaking wing-back

Central to creating attacking chances

Dropping CDM

Drops into backline

when under pressure

Wide-covering CM

Shifts wide to give defensive protection

on flanks

Channel forward

High-energy runner into wide channels

It’s been a long two-year wait, but the thought of finally having a midfielder to cover overlapping fullbacks may just make it all worthwhile. See you in the World Cup final, San Marino…

MatériaMais Notícias

Na tarde deste domingo (14), antes da partida entre Fluminense e Vasco pela semifinal da Copa do Brasil, membros de torcidas organizadas dos dois clubes entraram em confronto na Baixada Fluminense. Um homem, ainda não identificado, foi socorrido e encaminhado à Unidade de Pronto Atendimento de Mesquita vítima de esfaqueamento. Outro foi detido pela Polícia Militar.

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➡️ Fluminense x Vasco: acompanhe ao vivo o clássico pela Copa do Brasil

A confusão entre torcedores aconteceu nos arredores da comunidade da Chatuba, e a ocorrência foi registrada na 53ª Delegacia de Polícia, no Centro de Mesquita.

A Polícia Militar do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, em nota, informou que “equipes do 20º Batalhão foram acionadas para a Rua Magno de Carvalho, em Mesquita, onde estaria ocorrendo uma confusão. No local, ao avistarem os policiais, os indivíduos fugiram. Um deles foi detido. Uma pessoa foi encontrada ferida por golpes de faca, sendo socorrido à UPA”.

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Em vídeos repercutidos nas redes sociais, é possível ver membros das principais torcidas organizadas dos rivais segurando pedaços de madeira e outros objetos para a confusão. Os grupos correram pelas ruas da Chatuba com fogos de artifício e aterrorizaram moradores da região.

Fluminense e Vasco decidem neste domingo, às 20h, no Maracanã, uma vaga na grande final da Copa do Brasil. No jogo de ida, o Cruz-Maltino venceu pelo placar de 2 a 1 e conta com a vantagem do empate.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Vasco
➡️ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Fluminense

Tudo sobre

Copa do BrasilFluminenseVasco

Rob Edwards will be under no illusions about the size of the job ahead of him after his first Premier League match in the dugout for Wolverhampton Wanderers ended in a defeat last weekend.

The Old Gold were beaten 2-0 by Crystal Palace at the Molineux, thanks to goals from Daniel Munoz and Yeremy Pino, and that leaves them bottom of the table with two points after 12 matches.

Edwards needs to find a way to turn results around in the short term, no doubt, but he also has the upcoming January transfer window to make some changes to the squad. One player, of many, who should be replaced is central midfielder Marshall Munetsi.

Why Wolves need to replace Marshall Munetsi

He started in the middle of the park against Crystal Palace on Saturday and won three of his 14 duels in 66 minutes on the pitch, per Sofascore, which shows how lightweight the midfield flop was.

The 29-year-old dud has failed to impress in the Premier League since his move from Stade Reims in February, with poor form in the second half of last season and in the current campaign.

Munetsi lost 51% of his duels and only completed 74% of his passes in the 2024/25 campaign, and has lost 54% of his duels with a dismal 62% pass accuracy this season in the top-flight, per Sofascore.

Transfer Focus

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These statistics show that the £70k-per-week midfielder has not been reliable enough in or out of possession, which is why Edwards should replace him by swooping for one of his former Middlesbrough stars, Hayden Hackney.

Why Wolves need to sign Hayden Hackney

During Vitor Pereira’s time in charge during the summer transfer window, it was reported that Wolves were willing to pay a fee of around £30m to sign the Boro ace, but a move never materialised.

Now, Edwards must reignite that interest in the January transfer window because the England U21 international could arrive at the club as a big upgrade on Munetsi in the middle of the park, allowing the manager to finally ditch him.

Hackney, who was hailed as a “fearless” talent by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has caught the eye with his performances in the second tier this season and could arrive with a positive mentality that could inject some energy into the currently dull Wolves squad.

25/26 season

Munetsi – Premier League

Hackey – Championship

Appearances

12

16

Pass accuracy

62%

85%

Goals

1

3

xA

0.38

3.24

Assists

1

2

Completed dribbles per game

0.4

1.3

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.4

2.4

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the English talent has shown a lot of quality in possession in the middle of the park for Middlesbrough, whilst Munetsi has struggled to make much of an impact with the ball at his feet.

Whilst Hackney has played in the division below the Premier League, the Boro star’s statistics suggest that he does have the potential to come in as an upgrade on the former Ligue 1 midfielder.

The 23-year-old star, who scored five goals for Middlesbrough in the 2024/25 campaign, is also six years younger than Munetsi, 29, which means that he has far more time left ahead of him to develop and improve as a player.

Wolves fans may not want to read this, but Hackney would also be a signing who could be incredibly useful for the club if they do get relegated, because he is a proven Championship star, whilst Munetsi has never played at that level.

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Therefore, Edwards should push for a reunion with the English gem in January in order to finally ditch Munetsi from the starting line-up, hopefully improving the team in the process.