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Defeat to Arsenal in the Continental Cup final and FA Cup elimination at the hands of Manchester United has raised questions, but it shouldn't

Emma Hayes’ final season at Chelsea is not following the Hollywood script. When it was revealed in November that the iconic manager will depart at the end of the campaign to become the new head coach of the United States women’s national team, fans – and even some neutrals – were hopeful that the news could galvanise this team to go further than they ever have, to encapsulate their dominance of English women’s football in one last hurrah, to win an historic quadruple.

It was always going to be a big ask. After all, it’s only ever happened once in England, that in 2007 when Hayes was the assistant at an all-conquering Arsenal side. And so it has proved, with only a double left on the table for Chelsea now after March’s Continental Cup final loss was followed up with elimination in the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday.

Hayes’ post-match press conference after that 2-1 defeat to Manchester United was soaked in perspective. Asked how she balanced her own disappointment with being a leader for her team when speaking to them after the game, she replied: “I think always being mindful. No one died. We lost a football match.” Quizzed on whether the past two weeks, which have included those two cup defeats, have been the worst of her professional career, she was extremely dismissive, pointing to her underwhelming time in the U.S. with the Chicago Red Stars as “much worse”. And when asked what success in this last season would look like in her eyes, she joked: “Getting out alive.”

But while Hayes acted to counter the disastrous manner in which this defeat was being taken, some saw it as her checking out, a sign that she didn’t care anymore, that the standards had suddenly dropped. There were even jumps to suggest a disappointing final season in charge would affect the dynasty she has built. It’s all a little dramatic.

GettyGame-changer

After all, we are talking about a manager who has simply transformed a football club. When Hayes took over Chelsea in 2012, the Blues had never won a major title. When she departs this summer, she will do so having added at least 15 trophies to a rather bare cabinet, with there still the chance of another Women’s Super League triumph and, if they can rise to the near-impossible challenge of defeating Barcelona in the semi-finals, a first-ever Women’s Champions League crown.

Hayes has helped Chelsea become the dominant side in England, one that has won four successive league titles and three FA Cups on the bounce. Domestically, they’ve set the standard in the WSL era – and not just in terms of quality and winning mentality, but also investment and resources.

Even if this final season in charge ends trophy-less, Hayes will have guided Chelsea to 15 titles in nine years and a first-ever Champions League final. The 2023-24 campaign would have to be considered a failure, of course, but it would not be for a lack of trying, and it certainly would not impact the legacy she will leave.

AdvertisementGettyBlown out of proportion

Reading into Hayes’ press conference comments for signs of drive or otherwise is a dangerous game, too. Does a manager really need to be seething after a match to be seen as motivated? If that’s the case, conspiracies of her investment in the role would’ve been raised years ago, as instances of Hayes not boasting a calm demeanour in her media interactions are few and far between.

The Chelsea boss has long been one of the media’s favourite talking heads, with random questions about any hot topic in sport likely to pop up in her press conferences, and her comments are certainly under the microscope more than ever in her final season. But there was no need to get the lab coats on for Sunday’s remarks.

GettySetting the standard

The passion Hayes has shown on the sidelines this season is another reason why Chelsea fans should not be worried about whether she is still all-in – and, across the pond, supporters of the USWNT need not be overly concerned about the spot their incoming head coach is in, either.

The Blues have had a target on their backs for a long time, having set the standard in England for several years. Their rivals have been tasked with getting better and better to try and compete for trophies, and they are now doing so. This is the most competitive that women’s football in England has ever been in the professional era and that is part of the reason why Chelsea are not having things all their own way this term.

In a way, the Blues are victims of their own success. At the end of the day, the level of Hayes’ team has not suddenly dropped dramatically. They’ve lost two games in two weeks and now everyone wants answers. It’s a sign of how good Chelsea have been for the past few years that this is seen as something of a crisis moment.

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Getty ImagesFine margins

And those two defeats have been close, too. The Conti Cup final loss to Arsenal came in extra-time, after 120 minutes of football from which either side could’ve justifiably emerged victorious. Both had – and squandered – plenty of chances, until Stina Blackstenius broke the deadlock in the 116th minute.

On Sunday, credit had to be given to United and head coach Marc Skinner for their perfect game plan. The Red Devils chose to let Chelsea have the ball and played more direct when they got their chances, which resulted in two goals that they took clinically. Throw in Mary Earps’ outstanding goalkeeping and two big penalty appeals that Chelsea saw waved away, and this was another tight defeat. “We've lost a cup game that was fiercely competitive,” Hayes summarised.

These are not excuses but instead reminders of how the two results could’ve, on another day, gone the other way. It’s not as if the Blues have been battered and out-classed in these past two weeks.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been quizzed on the Premier League title conundrum he faces, with his farewell tour threatening to become a nightmare.

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German coach stepping down in the summerHas lifted another Carabao CupOut of Europe & wobbling domesticallyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Reds have already savoured Carabao Cup glory this season, meaning that their legendary German tactician will walk away in the summer with at least one piece of silverware to his name. They have, however, slipped out of the Europa League at the hands of Atalanta.

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A quarter-final defeat has been suffered in that competition, with a 3-0 first leg loss on home soil leaving Liverpool with a mountain to climb. They have also started to look tired in the English top-flight, slipping to third in the table, two points back on defending champions Manchester City.

WHAT KLOPP SAID

Quizzed on whether fresh legs or tactics will be most important in a thrilling race to the finish, Klopp said after seeing his side run out of gas in a 1-0 victory over Atalanta in Bergamo: “It’s always a mix of all. Imagine we wouldn’t be tired but with a sh*t tactical plan, not so sophisticated. Or the other way round, a great plan and tired. It is the best league in the world, I have watched a lot football and whatever other leagues say, Italy has improved, Spain is fantastic, Bundesliga is there, but the Premier League is the most intense league, definitely.

“Besides Villa, all the teams are out in the quarter-finals. Because of extra European games they are getting rid of FA Cup replays. It’s just tricky but it’s not my problem any more. It’s my last European game and I’ll watch it and hopefully not speak any more about these kind of things. It’s a tough period and has to be tough. Three teams are going to try to win the Premier League. If that would be easy then something would be completely wrong. It was always a mix of sophisticated plans and physical and mental freshness.”

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Getty WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

Liverpool’s focus has been narrowed on domestic competition, with six games left to take in this season, but the same is true of Manchester City and Arsenal following their Champions League exits. Klopp’s side will be back in action on Sunday when taking in a trip to Fulham.

Glasgow Rangers went through the summer transfer window without a permanent sporting director or director of football to work in tandem with Michael Beale at Ibrox to improve the squad.

This resulted in the English head coach being able to bring in nine new signings to shape the team to his will; including Cyriel Dessers, Danilo, Sam Lammers, Abdallah Sima, Jack Butland, Leon Balogun, Dujon Sterling, Jose Cifuentes, and Kieran Dowell.

A number of these signings have not worked out thus far and Beale was relieved of his duties after a run of three losses from the opening seven Scottish Premiership matches.

Philippe Clement was subsequently brought in to replace him and the club have now ensured that the Belgian will be supported in the transfer market with the appointment of Nils Koppen as the new director of football recruitment.

The 38-year-old chief is due to join the Gers from PSV on the 2nd of January and here are four dream signings he could pull off to make an instant impact at Ibrox…

1 Lawrence Shankland

TEAMtalk reported over the summer that the Gers were eyeing up Hearts centre-forward Lawrence Shankland as a target to replace Alfredo Morelos at the time, as the Colombia international had departed on a free transfer.

However, Beale opted to go with Dessers, Lammers, and Danilo as his forward signings and Dessers, in particular as a number nine, has struggled badly.

The Nigeria international has managed four goals and zero assists in 12 Premiership outings, and has lost a staggering 77% of his ground duels in that time.

He has also made four Europa League group stage appearances for the Light Blues and is yet to contribute with a goal, assist, or 'big chance' created for the side.

Shankland, on the other hand, could come in as an upgrade on Dessers when you consider his form for Hearts since the start of last season.

The Scotland international has produced 11 goals in 21 matches in all competitions for his side, which includes six goals in 14 Premiership games.

Last term, the 28-year-old marksman racked up an impressive tally of 28 goals and four assists in 47 appearances for Hearts – with 24 of those coming in the Scottish top-flight – and these statistics suggest that Shankland could be a big upgrade on Dessers with his superior strike rate.

2 Darius Olaru

In midfield, Koppen could reignite the club's reported summer interest in FCSB attacking midfielder Darius Olaru, who could provide Clement with a creative spark in the middle of the park, and trigger his €5m (£4.3m) release clause.

The 25-year-old has scored seven goals and created ten 'big chances' in 18 league appearances for his club so far this season, along with 2.2 key passes per game.

Last season, the Romania international caught the eye with one goal, 19 'big chances' created, and 2.2 key passes per match across 37 league outings.

James Tavernier (3.4) is the only Rangers player with more than 2.1 key passes per game in the Premiership this season, whilst no Gers midfielder has managed more than 1.7 per clash.

This suggests that the "inexhaustible" playmaker – as described by Alex Scout on X – has the ability to be an outstanding creative option in midfield for Clement.

3 Ryan Kent

TEAMtalk reported last month that the Gers are one of a number of teams keeping tabs on Ryan Kent's situation ahead of his potential availability in January.

The outlet claimed that Leeds United and Bournemouth are both interested in the Fenerbahce forward, who has had a tough start to life in Turkey and could already be on his way out of the club.

They are said to be willing to loan him out for the second half of the campaign and would be open to including a permanent option to sell him for a fee of around £6m.

With the aforementioned lack of creativity within the midfield and wide options at Ibrox, Kent could be a fantastic signing as a forward who could hit the ground running to make an instant impact as an impressive creator.

The 27-year-old whiz already knows what it takes to perform in Scottish football due to his spell with Rangers and caught the eye last season with eight assists, nine 'big chances' created, and 2.2 key passes per game over 29 outings.

Appearances

218

Goals

33

Assists

56

He proved himself to be a reliable option out wide over a prolonged period of time in Scotland and that is why he could be a dream signing for Koppen to make, particularly on loan.

4 Ben Godfrey

Finally, versatile defender Ben Godfrey could come in to bolster the club's defensive options after it was reported by 90min in November that the Gers are keen on the Everton outcast ahead of January.

35-year-old veteran Leon Balogun has started each of the side's last four Premiership matches and lined up against St Mirren with Ben Davies and John Souttar on the bench.

This suggests that Clement does not think too highly of his other centre-back options as Balogun, who arrived on a free transfer from QPR, has ousted them from the starting XI.

FFC published an article last month explaining why Godfrey could come in as an upgrade on Davies and that could, therefore, provide the Nigerian defender with more competition for his place alongside Connor Goldson.

The Everton defender previously showcased his ball-playing ability as a centre-back in a dominant team by ranking within the top 21% of his peers for progressive passes (3.35) per 90 and the top 13% for progressive carries (1.17) per 90 during the 2018/19 Championship season with Norwich.

Whereas, Davies ranks within the bottom 28% of Europa League central defenders for progressive carries (0.20) per 90 this season and does not offer as much drive to push the team up the pitch.

Godfrey is also three years younger than the ex-Liverpool man, and ten years younger than Balogun, which means that he has plenty of time and room to develop further.

Therefore, he could be an impressive addition to the side if Clement can get him firing to the best of his abilities as a ball-playing defender.

South Africa seamer is set to miss the first Test of the home series after sustaining a hairline fracture on his right thumb

Liam Brickhill16-Dec-2018South Africa seamer Vernon Philander is set to miss the first Test against Pakistan on Boxing Day after sustaining a hairline fracture on his right thumb. With Lungi Ngidi out of action until February with a knee injury, South Africa will go into the first of three Test matches with just three fit frontline quicks in Duanne Olivier, Kagiso Rabada and Dale Steyn.Philander had recently returned to action following rehabilitation for a recurring ankle injury, that had flared up during South Africa’s trip to Sri Lanka in July, and had played in one of the early season rounds of the domestic four-day competition, as well as turning out for Durban Heat in seven of their Mzansi Super League matches.”I really don’t even want to think about what would happen should there be another injury,” said South Africa coach Ottis Gibson.All three of the remaining fit quicks will be playing in Sunday’s Mzansi Super League final, but they will not be part of next week’s round of domestic four-day cricket.ALSO READ: Gibson not worried about Amla’s dip in form”If you look at where we are, Steyn, Rabada and Olivier become very important to us. We just want to manage them as best we can. We’ve seen how Dale’s been going. I don’t want to say we’ve seen a transformation because he’s always been a top player, but he’s back to full fitness and performing like the player of old. KG (Rabada) as always is very important to us.””We’ve looked at a few bowling options over the past 14 months and we’ve got what we feel now is a very good bowling attack and group,” Gibson said. “You’ve got Steyn, Rabada, Philander, Ngidi and Olivier, who’s been in-and-out, but always in our thinking. That’s the making of a good attack in any form of the game. My job now is to keep them fit and fresh for them to be at their peak at international level.”

Those of a Tottenham Hotspur persuasion will be more than a little discontented with the events of recent weeks after such an emphatic start to life under Ange Postecoglou's management, but such is the way of football.

Spurs had had little to cheer about over the past year, with an exciting start to the 2022/23 campaign quickly spiralling into a disastrous year, with second-half-of-the-season form resulting in Antonio Conte's dismissal, an eighth-placed finish, no European football and – perhaps most poignantly – Harry Kane's sale to Bayern Munich in the early days of Postecoglou's reign.

But Postecoglou knows how to cultivate a winning mentality and he implemented his system and style swiftly, with the early results sending Tottenham into first place after ten matches before injuries and suspensions ravaged the purple patch and beset the squad with a three-match skid.

Were Spurs not to succumb to the onslaught of woes against Chelsea, it's entirely possible that a position at the forefront might have been maintained, but while the setbacks have been detrimental to Postecoglou's recent progress, Brennan Johnson has emerged as something of a shining light.

Brennan Johnson's season in numbers

Spurs signed Johnson from Nottingham Forest for £47.5m on transfer deadline day in August after the 22-year-old enjoyed a starring role under Steve Cooper's guidance over the past few years, leading his former side into the Premier League and then avoiding relegation.

Across 44 appearances last year, the Welshman clinched ten goals and three assists and led journalist Josh Bunting to note how he "causes so many problems" for opposition.

The £70k-per-week star arrived in London and enjoyed a lively game during his first start against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, but sustained a hamstring injury that ruled him out for the following two league fixtures.

Having now posted a goal and an assist across his past four outings, Johnson is becoming increasingly important under Postecoglou's stewardship and could now prove to be the centrepiece that leads his club back into form.

Brennan Johnson's style of play

While Johnson still needs to work on sustaining his threat across the entirety of encounters, he is excellent with his ball-carrying ability and offers a directness that could work in perfect tandem with the creative ingenuity of James Maddison, when the influential England international returns from injury after the new year.

Player

Club

Callum Hudson-Odoi

Nottingham Forest

Said Benrahma

West Ham

Bobby Reid

Fulham

Anthony Gordon

Newcastle United

Michael Olise

Crystal Palace

*Sourced via Football Transfers

Spurs might have fallen to defeat against Aston Villa last time out but there were plenty of positive moments, with football.london's Alasdair Gold penning his post-match thoughts and saying of Johnson's performance: 'Involved in some bright moments with good movement but just couldn't force the ball home, including controlling and firing an effort that Martinez saved from point blank range.'

Remarking on his performance against Aston Villa, content creator HLTCO took to Twitter to say: 'Brennan Johnson is such an exciting player to watch. He’s got frightening pace and directness; constantly looking to make something happen, it must be an absolute nightmare to defend against him.'

As per FBref, Johnson ranks among the top 5% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 8% for tackles per 90, emphasising his tenacity and energy.

The 25-cap international has so much potential and could develop into a starring figure under Postecoglou in the coming years, and as he continues to grow over the duration of the campaign, his rise might come at the expense of a desired resurgence for Richarlison, who has yet to bloom into brilliant form down the N17.

Richarlison's Tottenham career so far

Prior to his £60m transfer to Tottenham, Richarlison had been among the most menacing forwards in the Premier League and had posted 53 goals and 14 assists across 152 appearances for Everton, even leading erstwhile Toffees manager Carlo Ancelotti to tip him for the Ballon d'Or.

Speaking on the situation, Richarlison said: "Ancelotti himself has already said that I'm among the 10 best strikers he has coached and that's an honour for me. It motivated me a lot, I want to improve even more. He already told me that I'll win the Golden Ball (Ballon d'Or), that I'll win several championships. I'll trust the man's word.

"Now I just need to improve, working hard in training, so I can continue to evolve."

Well, the move to London promised to be the perfect stepping stone to establish himself as one of the leading attacking outlets on English shores, but his maiden year was anything but auspicious, with just one Premier League goal scored all season, in a defeat against Liverpool.

He has improved since Postecoglou took to the dugout this year, posting one goal and three assists from ten matches thus far, having also scored in the Carabao Cup against Fulham.

However, given that Johnson has started to find success on the left wing, Richarlison's future at the club could be thrown into jeopardy, with the Brazilian dynamo currently among the absentees after having an operation on a groin issue last month.

Spurs' forthcoming run of fixtures will be crucial in maintaining a spot in Champions League contention for the foreseeable, and if Johnson can contribute with some effective displays then Postecoglou could be convinced to relegate Richarlison to the bench – with Dejan Kulusevski's position on the right flank seemingly untouchable right now.

Johnson's proclivity to drive into promising areas and instigate passages of play that could lead to a goal is something that Postecoglou simply cannot ignore, and while Richarlison has improved, his overall performance is still some way below the desired standard.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has praised Leandro Trossard after his performance against Wolves on Saturday.

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Arsenal win 2-0Trossard scores openerArteta praises him as a 'magician'WHAT HAPPENED?

Arteta, 42, claimed the Belgian international was a 'magician' following his performance during the 2-0 win against Wolves on Saturday evening.

Trossard scored the opening goal in the crucial clash, after his first time effort curled into the top corner to give Arsenal the lead.

The Gunners looked as if they might be left frustrated by a resilient defensive performance from Gary O'Neil's side, with clear-cut chances few and far between for the club. Outlining how important Trossard's effort to break the deadlock was.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT ARTETA SAID

Speaking after the win at the Molineux Stadium, Arteta said: “He is a little magician. He is a big threat. So composed, so cool.”

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Arteta and his squad have now returned to the top of the Premier League table, one point ahead of his former employers Manchester City.

Last season's treble winners hold a game in hand over Arsenal and will next be in action against Brighton and Hove Albion on Thursday.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Meanwhile, Arsenal have their own battles fast approaching. Tough clashes against Chelsea and the north London derby against Tottenham are now on the horizon, marking a huge week in the Premier League title race.

Aston Villa star Alisha Lehmann has been left stunned by a “DNA” test that left her having to point out that “I’m actually Swiss”.

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Villans forward using social media filterResult was a long way wide of the markDomestic season is coming to a closeWHAT HAPPENED?

The Switzerland international forward has been keeping herself entertained on social media. One of the many filters available on TikTok attempts to predict heritage based purely on the face of the individual in question.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIP

@alishalehmann7

Im actually swiss🇨🇭

♬ Tell Ur Girlfriend – Lay Bankz

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Lehmann has called England home since 2018, when a move to WSL side West Ham was completed. She linked up with Villa in 2021, following a brief loan spell at Everton, and has taken in over 70 appearances during her time in the West Midlands.

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GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Lehmann is multi-lingual, and enjoys travelling the world, but her genes are very much Swiss. With that in mind, it has come as something of a surprise to learn that a virtual DNA determiner has her at 47 per cent British, with Arabic, Russian and Italian added to the mix.

Tottenham Hotspur talks are "underway" to sign a "very quick" player for manager Ange Postecoglou in January, according to reports this week.

Lange transfer targets for Spurs

New sporting director Johan Lange arrived early last month from Aston Villa with a view of guiding Spurs through what will be an all-important winter transfer window.

Spurs planning January bid for "high energy" star who's "leaving" his club

They’re studying an offer for next month.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 7, 2023

The Dane signed big names like striker Ollie Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez during his spell in the Midlands, two names which have since gone on to thrive under Unai Emery, with Spurs supporters now hoping he can replicate that success at N17.

Lange is reportedly chasing a new centre-back and winger ahead of next month. Everton defender Ben Godfrey is a key Tottenham target for Postecoglou's defence, while Juventus forward Samuel Iling-Junior is being linked to Spurs as well.

Postecoglou, speaking in a press conference last month, confirmed that Tottenham's planning for the transfer window is well underway for next month.

"I guess the challenge for us was they all came at once as it hasn't been staggered. In terms of January, the planning is well away with that," said Postecoglou on January transfers.

"Johan [Lange] has come in and he's leading that in terms of all the background work. My involvement and my own sort of ramp up to it as we get closer to January and understanding exactly what our requirements are at the moment, although work has been done in the background with Johan leading it and he's brought in some people to help him in that area. We'll work with him when the time is right."

In terms of Iling-Junior, he's a player who's becoming more and more heavily linked with a move to Tottenham ahead of January. Reports have suggested that Spurs are in pole position to sign the 20-year-old mid-season, while others claim Lange is preparing an offer for Iling-Junior.

Tottenham talks "underway" for Iling-Junior

According to il BiancoNero (via Sport Witness), Spurs contacts are now "underway" to sign Iling-Junior and talks have apparently been held with Juve director Cristiano Giuntoli in England. It's added that the winger "can move" to north London in January, with it looking more and more likely he could be on his way to Tottenham going by other recent reports beforehand as well.

The Englishman has found game time difficult to come by in Turin, and it appears Postecoglou's side could offer him a feasible Premier League route.

According to journalist Michele Neri, the "very quick" attacker, who's also been likened to Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies, is very well-liked at Juve.

“Iling Junior is a very quick player, who loves to take on opposing full-backs and attack the vertical spaces, in a very direct way,” Neri explained to TNT Sports.

“He is a left winger who can also play as a right winger if needed. He has a great sense for dribbling and a speed from a standing start that other Juventus players do not have.

“In these qualities you can absolutely see shades of Rafael Leao when the AC Milan superstar was a bit younger. The fans went crazy for him after the Benfica game where he played 20 minutes and really shone, providing an assist to Milik."

Spin-bowling allrounder Anna Peterson, who was the Player of the Match in the third ODI, has been named as replacement

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Feb-20190:49

‘It’s easier to transition to the T20s after playing the longer format’ – Satterthwaite

New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Bernadine Bezuidenhout has been ruled out of the T20 series against India, owing to a fractured middle finger of her right hand. Spin-bowling allrounder Anna Peterson, who was the Player of the Match in the third and last ODI on February 1, has been named Bezuidenhout’s replacement, and will join the squad in Auckland on Thursday.Coming off an underwhelming run in the three-match ODI series where she scored 22 runs in two innings took two catches, Bezuidenhout was struck on the hand when batting at the Basin Reserve nets ahead of the T20I series opener on Wednesday. New Zealand head coach Haidee Tiffen confirmed Bezuidenhout will return home to rest.”You never like to see players miss out due to injury and it’s no different in Bernie’s case but unfortunately it’s just part of the game,” Tiffen said. “We wish her a speedy recovery and know she will be doing everything in her power to get back on the park.”Peterson, meanwhile, finished as the hosts’ leading wicket-taker with five wickets in two innings in the ODI series, and the second across teams, behind India’s Poonam Yadav.Anna Peterson is congratulated after one of her three wickets•Cricket Australia/Getty Images”Anna joins the side and brings with her experience as well as an option with both the bat and ball,” Tiffen said of the 28-year-old Peterson. “She will slot right in having already been with the squad for the ODI campaign.”New Zealand lost the three-match ODI series 1-2 but their captain Amy Satterthwaite was excited to see what the new faces can do during the T20I series that starts on February 6.Meanwhile, New Zealand Test opener Jeet Raval has been named captain of the New Zealand XI side for a one-off 50-over tour match against Bangladesh, in Lincoln on Sunday. Rachin Ravindra, the Under-19 batting allrounder, has also been included in the squad.”We’ve identified Rachin as a player of interest for a significant period of time now,” selector Gavin Larsen said. “He did a very good job for the NZ A team in both the UAE and at home against India A and we believe another day of international cricket would be very advantageous for him.”New Zealand White Ferns: Amy Satterthwaite (capt), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Caitlin Gurrey, Katey Martin (wk), Frances McKay, Leigh Kasperek, Hannah Rowe, Amelia Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair, Hayley Jensen, Anna PetersonNew Zealand XI to face Bangladesh: Jeet Raval (capt), Andrew Fletcher, Rachin Ravindra, Finn Allen, Dale Phillips, Katene Clarke, Sean Solia, Max Chu (wk), Theo van Woerkom, Iain McPeake, Andrew Hazeldine, Jamie Brown

England batsman cops ODI criticism on the chin as she eyes big score in second T20 against India

Annesha Ghosh in Guwahati06-Mar-20191:07

‘Too good to not be in the team’

England batsman Danielle Wyatt has owned up to her struggles matching potential with performance in ODIs, having put those concerns to rest briefly with her maiden ODI fifty in her 63rd appearance in the format, against India last week in Mumbai.Wyatt reached the milestone a game after she was dropped from the starting XI, in the second ODI, after which England captain Heather Knight explained the decision was based on Wyatt’s inability to “transfer” her explosiveness in T20s to the longer format.”I was unaware she said those comments,” Wyatt said of Knight in Guwahati on Wednesday, having helped England to a 1-0 lead two days before in the ongoing three-match T20I series with an 89-run opening stand alongside Tammy Beaumont. “But it’s probably fair enough. It’s taken me 60-odd games to make my first ODI fifty, which is frustrating.”I’ve shown my talent in the T20 game. It’s just a matter of showing what I can do in ODIs. So to get that first fifty and help us win that last ODI was a bit of a relief, really. Hopefully that’s a start to more runs to come [in the format].”After England’s loss in the second ODI, Knight had underlined that dropping Wyatt in favour of Lauren Winfield wasn’t a decision based solely on Wyatt’s 6-ball 1 in the first ODI.”Danni’s been slightly upsetting the way she’s been getting out,” Knight had said after England’s 66-run defeat in the second ODI. “She’s been outstanding in T20 cricket. She’s become one of the best T20I cricketers in the world, but she hasn’t quite managed to transfer that into ODIs yet.”She’s had a lot of opportunities and she has a lot of talent. We set the challenge for her to try and be the best finisher in the world in ODI cricket. She hasn’t shown that yet… the way Lauren has played in the nets, she’s put pressure on Danni for us to pick her ahead of Danni.”The punt worked in England’s favour to some extent with Winfield making an enterprising 49-ball 28 to help arrest a collapse in the company of half-centurion Natalie Sciver although England lost the game and the series. Had it not been for an injury to left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, though, Wyatt may not have figured in the starting XI in the series ender, where she scored her maiden ODI half-century to deny India a 3-0 whitewash.Mark Robinson, the England head coach, echoed Knight’s assessment of Wyatt’s struggles to deliver on her promise as a potent ODI batsman.”Danni is incredibly frustrating and immensely talented, and a pleasure to be around at the same level,” Robinson told ESPNcricinfo. “She’s got all the skills and attributes, but sometimes it’s about joining it all together. When we left her out, I said to her, ‘You’re too good not to be in this team.'””It’s just that she needs a little bit of extra control at times. We don’t want to put shackles on her because she’s such a naturally talented ball-striker.”Danielle Wyatt plays one to the off side•Getty ImagesRobinson also underlined that as with every other member of the England women’s squads, Wyatt’s job in the two limited-overs sides has been clearly outlined and explained to the 27-year-old batsman.”Her job is to win games for England, her job is to finish games off,” Robinson said. “And at times to accelerate the scoring rate, take risks at times, at times is to sit in and stop the bleeding, and that’s what she must do when batting at No. 6 and 7. The more she does that, she won’t be out of the team. That’s the message.”At the top of the order [in T20Is], she must play with freedom and take on the Powerplay and the best bowlers in the world, and occasionally play with control so we can make sure we convert good scores into big scores”.Wyatt said the challenge for her to attune her style of play to the two formats was more mental than tactical, and that she was aware of the role her coach and captain required.”It’s all in the head,” Wyatt said. “[In] T20, just go out there. My job at the top of the order is to explode from ball one, really, whereas in ODI, you’ve got a lot more time to think. It’s more about knocking the ball around.”What the coaches have said is they don’t want me to lose my aggressive play – the way I play. In that first ODI, I guess that loose shot from me… [I] probably deserved to get dropped in the second ODI, but [I] bounced back in the last game.”Heading into the second T20 in Guwahati, which will be played on a different track at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Wyatt said an encore of her blinding 124 against India at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai last year may not be too far away. In her three appearances for England on this tour, she has made 1 and 56 in the two ODIs, and fell for a brisk 35 in the first T20I.”I want to perform in every game, every time I play for England, “Wyatt said. “Obviously, I’ve got that 124 at the back of my mind, in Mumbai. I know I can do that [here]; it’s definitely that [kind of] wicket. Hopefully in the next two games I can get as many runs as I can.”