Assistant coach admits timing of departure ‘isn’t right’ but felt it was time for a change after five years with England

George Dobell16-Feb-2019

Stand-in coach Paul Farbrace is flanked by Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler•Getty Images

Paul Farbrace was unable to face telling his England colleagues he would not be with them for the World Cup. So upset was Farbrace, England’s assistant coach for the last five years, that, having told a couple of key individuals such as head coach, Trevor Bayliss, he sent a WhatsApp message to the rest of the coaches and players. The decision, he said, was “the hardest thing I have ever had to do”.For the timing of his departure is not ideal. England have been planning for the World Cup for four years and Farbrace has been at the centre of those plans. It was on his watch, after all, that England’s white-ball resurgence started.But now, with about 100 days to go until the tournament starts, one of the architects of their limited-overs improvement is to leave them. He will start his new role, as director of sport at Warwickshire, almost as soon as this tour of the Caribbean ends in mid-March.In a perfect world – Farbrace’s perfect world, anyway – he would have stayed with England until the end of the Ashes. Warwickshire were prepared to wait for him until the end of the World Cup and, as he has a six-month notice period, England could have insisted he stayed until mid-August. He was not out of contract until the end of September.But, after discussions, it was decided – ultimately by Ashley Giles, the managing director of England men’s cricket – that Farbrace’s departure at the end of the Caribbean tour would cause minimum disruption. There’s no confirmation of a successor, though Paul Collingwood would appear to be well placed.ALSO READ: England lose Farbrace to Warwickshire before World Cup”It’s a huge wrench,” Farbrace said. “I found it hard telling one or two people yesterday and I couldn’t tell too many this morning. I had to send a Whatsapp around the players and management groups.”It’s tough because I’ve had the opportunity to do something I never dreamed I would come close to doing. I wasn’t good enough to play international cricket and I only played a little bit of county cricket. The reason I left the coaching job with Sri Lanka was that I thought the opportunity to work with England would never come again.”The timing definitely isn’t right, but things don’t always work out. There is never a perfect time. From a very selfish point of view I’d love to have been there at Lord’s on the 14th of July watching Eoin Morgan lift the World Cup. I’d love to have been part of England winning the World Cup and Ashes in the same summer.”He would have liked to have the chance to succeed Bayliss as England’s head coach, too. But sometime over the last 12 months or so, it has become apparent that the dressing room might benefit from some fresh voices and Farbrace could do with a change. Living out of a suitcase and sleeping in hotel rooms has, for now at least, lost some of its charm for him. Instead he will swap tracksuit for suit – a significant change for a man who has always been hands-on in a coaching role – and the travelling for relative stability.Warwickshire, are one of the biggest counties with a large budget and impressive ground, offers both security and the chance to improve his CV. He is only 51 and does not rule out the possibility of returning to international cricket in a few years.”Of course every coach wants to coach their national team,” he said. “But I don’t think I could have committed to another four years. I don’t think I’ve got the energy to commit to another four years of international cricket. Therefore I’d have been doing it from a very selfish point of view: just to say I’d done it, as opposed to because I really want to do it and it really was the right thing for me to do.”You travel the world with the team and it’s tough; it’s hard. As much as you tell your mates that you’re spending two months in the Caribbean and no one feels sorry for you, in terms of your home life, you as a person and the energy you’re trying to bring to the job every day, it’s quite a drain. I just felt at the end of this summer, with Trevor moving on, it was the right time for me to move on and look for something else.”I did tell Ashley Giles in Antigua [during the Test series] that I didn’t see myself carrying on after September because I thought the time was right for me to walk away. I got the feeling it wasn’t right for me and the team to carry on. I think the Test team need fresh voices. And personally I need to do something different. I need to freshen up. International cricket is not something you can do half-heartedly.”Farbrace’s role in England’s limited-overs resurgence is well documented. As interim coach at the start of the 2015 English season – Bayliss had been appointed but did not start until July – he oversaw a change of approach that saw the ODI team improve sharply from the debacle of the World Cup.England’s new coaching team of Trevor Bayliss (left) and Paul Farbrace show off the Ashes urn•Gareth Copley/Getty Images

He also encouraged a more positive approach in Test cricket. Ben Stokes was moved to No. 6 and given assurances he would be given an extended run there, at a stroke providing the side with a balance it had lacked since the retirement of Andrew Flintoff. Meanwhile, Jos Buttler was established at No. 7 and Moeen Ali No. 8. In short, the middle-order that has proven England’s strength in recent times, was largely established under Farbrace.He describes his role as “filling the gaps”. And, as a man steeped in county cricket – he could sometimes be seen, on rare days off, watching from the shadows at one county ground or another – he certainly helped Bayliss with background knowledge of players. At other times, he was the one put before the media to explain why England didn’t have any fast bowlers or why their batsmen had been rolled over in a session. As he put it: “As an assistant coach, you don’t necessarily do the glitzy days.”But Farbrace did a lot to define the way this England team play. And if they do go on to win the World Cup, he’ll deserve his share of the credit. Equally, if they fail to do so, perhaps we will look back and wonder if England might not have been wise to insist on his retention for another three months or so.”I was worried about rocking the boat,” he said. “And I told Ashley if he wanted me to stay until after the World Cup I was happy to do that and Warwickshire were happy for me to do that.”But the feeling was the right time is at the end of this series. Making the change now still allows enough time through the Pakistan ODI series, the World Cup warm-ups and the World Cup itself. I don’t think it will destabilise the mood at all. And, if I left at the end of the World Cup, it is literally a week before the Ashes starts and that could cause even more disruption. There isn’t a perfect time.”But I’m desperately hoping England win the World Cup and, if they do, I’ll know I’ll have played a very small part.”

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A segunda-feira foi especial para o volante Marcão. Em sua segunda passagem pelo Sport, o meio-campista alcançou a marca de 50 partidas pelo clube da Ilha do Retiro, diante do Red Bull Bragantino, em confronto válido pela 36ª rodada do Brasileirão.

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Ao longo da sua trajetória, Marcão mostrou a sua qualidade no sistema defensivo do clube pernambucano e, apesar do clube lutar pela sobrevivência na elite do futebol nacional, ele pinta como uma das boas opções no mercado de transferências.

De acordo com fontes apuradas pela reportagem, dois clubes do Brasileirão monitoram a situação de Marcão junto ao Sport e devem apresentar oferta nas próximas semanas.

Enquanto o seu futuro não é decidido, Marcão pretende melhorar seus números pelo Leão e ajudar o time a permanecer no Campeonato Brasileiro.

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Queensland quicks hit back to reduce visiting side to 7 for 67 after folding for 115

The Report by Daniel Brettig11-Mar-2019Shane Warne’s favoured maxim “if it seams it spins” held true on day one of the Sheffield Shield match between Queensland and South Australia at the Gabba, as left-arm orthodox tweaker Tom Andrews plucked six wickets in the hosts’ paltry 115 before the Redbacks tumbled to 7 for 67 at the hands of the local pace attack in reply.Andrews was one of the inclusions as SA sought to pull themselves out of a pronounced rut this season – the experienced duo of Callum Ferguson and Tom Cooper were among the jettisoned players. His accurate finger spin delighted in the bounce and deviation available on a fresh Gabba pitch, the ground the last of the major ones still playing a part in the Shield competition during March with all the rest handed over to football.Having elected to bat, Queensland lost opener Matt Renshaw to Nick Winter’s left-arm swing early on, and Joe Burns was Andrews’ first victim when he was well held at mid-on, before seeming to steady via Marnus Labuschagne. However, his exit, pouched at gully when Andrews extracted steep lift, led to a slide that saw the final eight wickets go down for a mere 64 runs.Andrews’ haul was his first of five wickets in a first-class match, after he started the season behind wristspinner Lloyd Pope, who had also enjoyed himself against Queensland with a first-innings collection of seven wickets in the earlier head-to-head fixture at Adelaide Oval.Queensland had wriggled out of that match with a draw, and their defence of a meagre total in Brisbane was to be fired by regular wickets to Michael Neser, Luke Feldman, Cameron Gannon and Mark Steketee, while Jake Weatherald, Kelvin Smith and Travis Head all had reason to ponder their shot selection in hanging their bats out at balls angled across them.

Mohammad Amir, the Pakistan left-arm seamer, will return to Essex for part of the 2019 Vitality Blast. Amir, who was involved in Essex’s 2017 Championship success, has signed for eight games in the T20 competition.Amir is due to arrive in time for Essex’s first fixture in this year’s Blast, against Middlesex at Lord’s on July 18, before missing two games due to family commitments. He will then be available until mid-August before heading to the Caribbean Premier League.”I’m very excited to return to Chelmsford and re-join my Essex team mates,” Amir said. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time here in 2017 and I’m looking forward to playing my role in the club’s success this season.”Essex have already re-signed Australia legspinner, Adam Zampa, one of the few successes of last season, as well as bringing in T20 veteran Cameron Delport for 2019. Last year, they finished third from bottom in the South Group, winning just two of their 14 games.The club also failed to reach the Blast quarter-finals in 2017, but Amir was a success, taking 14 wickets in 13 games and with an economy of 6.77.”Mo is one of the most exciting bowling talents in the world and I’m ecstatic he’s going to be back with us,” Essex’s head coach, Anthony McGrath, said. “He has the ability to bowl at a fast pace whilst swinging the ball both ways and showed a real desire to come back to Chelmsford and be an Eagle again.”Everyone has seen how devastating he can be with the ball and the talent he has, so I think alongside our other overseas player, Adam Zampa, we’re going to have one of the most dangerous bowling attacks in the Vitality Blast this year.”

Tottenham are believed to weighing up a pretty exciting transfer option as an FA registered intermediary shares what he's heard on their 2024 plans.

Spurs seeking early January signings

As made public by Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, the Lilywhites are already hard at work ahead of the looming January window as their manager seeks to make early window signings.

Postecoglou spoke of the importance of sealing their business quickly, as he'll want these proposed new players to come in and make an impact for Spurs over what will be a busy first month of 2024.

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"The reason [we want to do business early] is obviously where we're at injury-wise and the players we're going to miss," said Postecoglou to Standard Sport.

"We've got some significant games in January and signing somebody late in the month could mean they haven't been able to make an impact in those games. It is a challenge, I get that, but everyone at the club is working hard to get the best outcomes for us and we’ll see how it goes.”

According to recent rumours, Postecoglou is targeting three major signings in defence, midfield and further forward (The Mail). Spurs talks have already been held over Jean-Clair Todibo, who is currently a real figurehead at Nice as they enjoy a terrific Ligue 1 season thus far (football.london).

While centre-back is believed to be a priority, there is the small matter of replacing club-record goalscorer Harry Kane, and reports suggest Richarlison is of real interest to Saudi sides.

If the Brazilian were to leave mid-season, Tottenham would almost certainly need a new striker as they chase Champions League qualification and potential silverware.

Tottenham weighing Gimenez move

There have been a few interesting forward names linked, but perhaps one of the more exciting ones is Feyenoord star Santiago Gimenez.

The Mexico international striker has scored 18 goals in 16 Eredivisie appearances this season as one of Europe's most in-form marksmen right now.

FA registered intermediary Paul O'Keefe, a reliable source of information when it comes to news out of Tottenham, says Gimenez is one of a number of forwards the club are weighing moves for.

Indeed, Spurs are believed to be "assessing" Gimenez ahead of a potential swoop next year.

The 22-year-old is a brilliant young age for Spurs, and would seemingly slot into Postecoglou's long-term project quite nicely. Chairman Daniel Levy, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, could also strike a deal for as little as £39 million.

Gimenez, beyond his goalscoring exploits, could have the speed to do well in a division as physical as the Premier League.

Ajax 0-4 Feyenoord

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Feyenoord 6-1 Almere City

9.26

Excelsior 2-4 Feyenoord

9.18

PEC Zwolle 0-2 Feyenoord

8.55

FC Utrecht 1-5 Feyenoord

8.42

“He’s back here in the middle of the defenders and he’s really fast," said former Liverpool star Dirk Kuyt on Gimenez (ESPN via One Football).

"Watching the keeper before he shoots, the rest. In my opinion, he is currently the best striker in the Eredivisie."

Wolverhampton Wanderers have registered their interest in a free-scoring gem as Gary O'Neil and company plan for the long-term future at Molineux, according to a report.

Wolves look ahead to January…

In his limited time at Molineux, Old Gold boss O'Neil has certainly made a positive impact across his spell so far in the West Midlands, helping his side to take 19 points from 17 fixtures so far, giving them a current position of 13th in the Premier League.

Nevertheless, he will be acutely aware that Wolves will need to strengthen several key positions and offload excess players in January to balance his squad in the January transfer window and ensure his side evades further problems with Financial Fair Play.

According to The Telegraph, Wolves are set to target two new arrivals in the New Year despite being poised to post a financial deficit of £65 million. Viktoria Plzen striker Rafiu Durosinmi has emerged as a name of interest and will cost in the region of £7 million; however, Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt also hold serious admiration toward the Nigerian youngster.

Related O'Neil could be forced to bench 5/10 Wolves man after West Ham

Wolves endured a heavy defeat against West Ham United over the weekend

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In terms of departures, both Fabio Silva and Sasa Kalajdzic could leave the club due to being short of first-team minutes this campaign, either on a loan agreement or a permanent deal. Full-back Jonny Otto could also go his own way following his recent exile from the senior squad after an incident involving an Under-21 player.

The transfer rumour mill is well into full swing as clubs search for critical reinforcements to try and improve their chances of achieving their aims for the season and Wolves are no different in this respect, with a cut-price move for Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill also said to be on the table at Molineux.

Wolverhampton Wanderers' next five fixtures – Premier League

Opponent

Venue

Chelsea (H)

Molineux Stadium

Brentford (A)

Gtech Community Stadium

Everton (H)

Molineux Stadium

Brighton & Hove Albion (A)

Amex Stadium

Manchester United (H)

Molineux Stadium

Casting an eye to the future, O'Neil and company now look to have their eye on a talented young gem who would fall under the bracket of a developmental signing in January, according to a report.

Wolves eyeing Jack Hastings

According to Football Insider, Wolves are in the mix to sign Larne youngster Jack Hastings, who is also on the radar of Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Southampton. The report states that all four clubs have made frequent scouting checks on the 17-year-old, who has already notched 20 goals this campaign.

Northern Ireland Under-17 international Hastings has also made one senior appearance for Larne in the Irish Cup. He has also trained with their senior side on a regular basis after impressing at both Under-18 and Under-20 levels.

Despite the need for first-team-ready signings in the West Midlands, building for the coming years will also be important for Wolves as they look to save millions by unearthing the next stars of the future.

Hastings has already demonstrated his qualities as a poacher at youth level and could now be set for a dream move from Northern Ireland to the Premier League to continue his development.

Tottenham Hotspur's season sank to a new low as West Ham United became the latest side to come from behind to defeat Ange Postecoglou's side in the Premier League.

Buoyed by the return of Cristian Romero after the tough-tackling defender's three-match suspension, the Argentine emphatically announced his return with a pinpoint header from Pedro Porro's corner to open the scoring and get the home crowd cheering.

But after the break Spurs dwindled, with Jarrod Bowen capitalising on a fortuitous deflection to bypass Guglielmo Vicario's goal before Destiny Udogie's calamitous backpass allowed James Ward-Prowse to score his third goal for the Hammers after slotting into an open net, having hit the post with his initial effort.

Destiny Udogie's game in numbers

It's a massive shame for the young Italian to have started so well and seen strides taken crumble in an instant after such a mess of a pass back to his keeper.

Such a mistake is a reminder (granted, a poignant one) that he is very young and very inexperienced in the English game.

However, this should not detract from the exemplary start to life under Postecoglou that has left the likes Hunter Godson claim that he "gets into nearly every team in the world already."

Against West Ham, as per Sofascore, he won eight duels and made four clearances and interceptions apiece but indeed saw his efforts marred by such a detrimental error, also taking 73 touches and completing 86% of his passes.

While his defensive mishap cost Postecoglou, the real blame should lie with those of an attacking persuasion, with Dejan Kulusevski flattering to deceive after an ineffectual – if spirited – display.

Dejan Kulusevski's performance vs West Ham

Kulusevski has been immense for Tottenham this term and he is comfortably one of the most important and influential players in the squad, but having been entrusted with a starting berth across every Premier League fixture this season, the 23-year-old winger will be disappointed to have made little use of his efforts.

Having branded the 35-cap Sweden international with a 4/10 match rating, football.london's Alasdair Gold said this: 'Plenty of hustle and bustle but like the rest of the front three very little at the end of it.'

Indeed, he was a constant threat down the right channel but failed to fashion promising openings, with this notion perhaps epitomised in the closing seconds as he broke free down the wing only to lose his footing and fail to cross the ball into the box.

To illustrate this, Kuluevski succeeded with just two of his nine attempted dribbles, failed with all four crosses, won just five of his 21 contested ground duels, and lost possession 26 times. Damning numbers indeed as the Lilywhites' slump continued against the Hammers.

That being said, he was always attempting to craft success, but it just wasn't to be and he will be left rueing his lack of incisiveness on the night.

The American midfielder is killing it in Spain, earning himself plenty of admirers on both sides of the Atlantic

The term 'meteoric rise' is thrown around plenty in soccer, and it could easily be used to describe Johnny Cardoso in 2024. Just a few short months ago, the midfielder completed a relatively under-the-radar move to Real Betis. Now, having dominated La Liga since his introduction, the rumor mill is already linking him to Barcelona.

It's insane how quickly Cardoso has adjusted to life in Spain. He's stepped right into one of the league's better teams and established himself as one of that team's better players. It's no fluke that Barca are taking notice – Cardoso has earned that type of attention.

But his rise has only been meteoric to those who haven't been paying attention. The 22-year-old has been a player on the U.S. men's national team radar for years. This summer, though, it looks like he could take a leap from the radar to the starting XI just in time for the Copa America.

Cardoso's reputation is growing, both at home and abroad, and it looks like his rise is only just getting started.

GettyBig move to Betis

Born in New Jersey to Brazilian parents, Cardoso spent nearly all of his life in his family's homeland. He moved back to South America at three months old, and, prior to January's big move, developed his game in one of the most competitive soccer countries on the planet.

After stints with Avai and Criciuma, Cardoso joined the academy of Internacional, rising all the way to the first team. He made his professional debut in 2019, and never really left the starting line up after properly breaking through in 2020. He played at least 22 league matches in each of his final three seasons with the club, while also featuring 11 teams in the Copa Libertadores in 2023.

Throughout that year, the American midfielder was linked with a move to Betis. A proposed summer transfer didn't come to fruition, but the Spanish side came right back in for Cardoso in January. They paid a reported fee of $6.3 million to sign the USMNT midfielder, and what a bargain that is looking like just a few months later.

AdvertisementLife in La Liga

It took no time for Cardoso to prove himself with Betis. He was named La Liga's Under-23 Player of the Month in February, and his momentum hasn't slowed down in the weeks since.

Playing under ex-Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, Cardoso has established himself as one of the league's top midfielders. In fact, defensively, there may not be a better midfielder in Spain. He's in the 99th percentile for interceptions, 96th percentile for clearances and 95th percentile for aerials won. He's also in the 88th percentile for tackles, but he's not just limited to defending; you can find him in the 71st percentile for passing percentage, too.

In addition to his midfield work, he's also provided two assists and a goal. That goal came against Athletic Club, a stunning long-range effort in February's 3-1. win.

In all facets, Cardoso has been a revelation in La Liga, and Europe's top clubs have taken notice.

Getty ImagesBarcelona links

It seems that Cardoso could be in La Liga for a long time, but his stay with Real Betis may be short. reported that both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are chasing the USMNT midfielder, and that both clubs have reached out to his representatives in recent weeks. Cardoso reportedly has a release clause of €80m (£68m/$85m), but Betis would be willing to accept a bid of around €30m (£25m/$32m) if it arrived.

Barca and Atleti aren't the only clubs interested, though. The report adds that Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are also looking at Cardoso, with both Bundesliga teams having also been in contact with Cardoso's entourage. Premier League clubs and teams in Serie A are also keeping an eye on Cardoso, who looks like he'll be a wanted man this summer.

A potential transfer isn't the only thing on Cardoso's agenda in the coming months, though, as the midfielder will have one eye on the USMNT squad for the Copa America.

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Getty ImagesUSMNT career so far

Cardoso has been in and around the USMNT for years. He made his debut in 2020 and, at just 22, already has 11 caps to his name. However, it's never really felt like he's gotten a consistent run of games. It's been an appearance here and there, as he he has started just twice in his grand total of 315 minutes. So, in some ways, the midfielder is still somewhat unproven at international level.

The reason Cardoso has never quite gotten a USMNT shot? The USMNT's established MMA midfielder of Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams is all but locked in when healthy. That trio were fantastic in the lead up to and during the 2022 World Cup, and it makes no sense to break up a good thing.

USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter could be forced into some changes, though, and Cardoso could certainly be the answer he's looking for.

Real Madrid will be presented with their new La Liga trophy twice in the coming week after a disagreement with the RFEF.

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• Real Madrid have already won La Liga title
• Will receive trophy at their training ground
• And for a second time ahead of Alaves clash

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Real Madrid will enjoy not one but two trophy presentations after winning the 2023-24 La Liga title. Los Blancos have secured top spot in the Spanish top flight with four games to spare and will be able to celebrate with their fans shortly. Yet Real Madrid will not be handed their latest piece of silverware next time out in La Liga against Granada, instead fans will have to wait until Tuesday, May 14, when Alaves visit the Santiago Bernabeu.

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  THE EXPLANATION

  The RFEF had wanted the trophy presentation to go ahead at Granada but Real Madrid asked for a change as José Ramón Sandoval's could be relegated on Saturday. Los Blancos felt a trophy presentation would therefore not be appropriate, according to . The trophy will now be officially presented at Madrid's training ground on Sunday morning, allowing the team the chance to show it off later to fans at a celebration event at Cibeles Fountain and at the City Hall in Madrid. A second presentation will then take place at the Bernabeu when Alaves visit the Spanish capital.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Real Madrid have won 87 points in LaLiga this season, their second-best points tally after their first 34 games in a single campaign in the competition's history. Their best-ever tally came in 2011-12 under Jose Mourinho when they hit 88 points.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID

  Real Madrid's will turn their attention back to European competition next time out when they take on Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final tie. The match is level at 2-2 ahead of the return at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. The winners will play either PSG or Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley.

England captain Heather Knight puts faith in shero Cross, now for Sri Lanka

Annesha Ghosh in Guwahati09-Mar-2019

Kate Cross in Kia Super League action•Getty Images

In a few hours’ time, England women will be flying to Sri Lanka for their next assignment, the very reason their last post-match media conference on this near-one-month-long tour of India, is somewhat rushed. That’s not to suggest, though, it would be bereft of insight or calm.Presiding over the formalities is captain Heather Knight, herself the face of composure, with Kate Cross, the shero of their scintillating last-ball win in the third T20I against India, by her side.There was a moment in June 2016 when, after bowling an expensive over in an ODI against Pakistan, Cross, the first female cricketer accepted into the Lancashire Academy and among the first 18 women to be awarded professional contracts by the ECB, had to put on her glasses to hide her tears. It wasn’t so much a show of mortification as it was of something she could barely express.”I’m so out of my depth – I don’t know what I’m doing here,” she would recount of that moment, of her struggles with anxiety, in a poignant interview to the BBC, last August.But the Cross who is preparing to field the first question in the Barsapara Stadium’s press room after scripting the heist, cuts an effervescent figure (akin to her Twitter persona that’s perennially engaged in retweet-worthy banter with team-mate Alex Hartley).Cross is beaming and, much to the relief of anyone remotely aware of her journey, the sunglasses are perched atop her cap. Most pertinently, there’s no hint that Cross, now 27, had, during the peak of her battle with anxiety in the wake of that Pakistan ODI, nearly convinced herself that there was “nothing for me to carry on with”.Three years on and after much support, she acknowledges, from England head coach Mark Robinson, management and her team-mates, those dark times seem so long ago, particularly in light of the last over she bowled in the third T20I.Kate Cross conceded just one run in the final over•PTI

Defending 119, and two off the last over, Knight picked Cross to bowl. In response, the medium-pacer delivered three dots, two wickets, a single – and victory.”It’s been a long couple of years [for me],” Cross says after setting up one of England’s most memorable performances, in her third T20I since February 2015. “But it’s nice to be back on the field. Taking the match till last over was unbelievable. I am glad I pulled off the last over, managed to defend the low total.”Cross put on the England shirt for the first time, in 2013, two years after being called up to the national squad for the 2011 tour of Australia. A match-winning 4 for 51 in that game would be followed by impressive returns in Tests, before that ODI against Pakistan kept her out of international cricket until July 2018.In the past four months, though, Cross has emerged as an upgraded version of herself on the cricket field – as a bowling allrounder who can hit the long ball. The first glimpse of it came in her first innings with the Perth Scorchers, where she struck a 10-ball 20 at No. 5, including a six off Sydney Sixers’ Dane van Niekerk.”The Big Bash was a big help for me because I got to play some tough cricket consistently, which is something that I have not been able to do in international cricket, Cross says. “I have been in the nets a little bit more. Obviously when you are not playing, you will have some time to practice and develop some skills.”In this series, though, she had not had to use the bat, but her four wickets across the three T20Is helped England’s cause as did their match simulations back home and the presence of a psychologist on their support staff. In contrast, their rivals, India, to this day don’t have any such personnel to seek help from, despite having fluffed their lines time and again under pressure. Most telling of those instances came against England, in the 2017 World Cup final and the 2018 World T20 semi-final.”We’ve come a long way as a side,” Knight says of closing out tight games and learning from their mistakes. “Speaking to Laura [Marsh] at the end of the game, she said we would have probably lost that three or four years ago. It’s just about knowing how you work as a player, and I guess me trying to work out what the best thing to say to a player is and try and keep them quite calm, and quite slow as well [because] in pressure situations, you tend to speed up things, you go through situations quickly.”We actually did a few pressure tests in terms of batting with some crowd noise playing whilst we were training. It’s more individual, knowing how you react to certain situations.”Cross wasn’t part of that drill, for she was playing in the WBBL. But on a day she silenced a stadium crowd of more than 10,000 people, she says replicating match scenarios in training had set her up for Saturday’s final-over glory.”That’s the kind of thing we practise when we’re back home, in indoor school,” Cross says. “We practise scenarios when you’re defending a low total, you’re setting your fields. That’s the most pressure obviously we can create when not out there in the field. So it almost felt to me [today] like I’ve been in that situation before.”