نجح فريق تشيلسي في تحقيق الفوز أمام مضيفه برايتون بنتيجة 2/1، في منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وواجه تشيلسي نظيره برايتون، ضمن منافسات الجولة 34 المؤجلة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، على ملعب “فالمر”.

اقرأ ايضاً.. ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي بعد فوز مانشستر سيتي على توتنهام

في الشوط الأول وبحلول الدقيقة 16، احتسب حكم المباراة ركلة جزاء لصالح تشيلسي لكن تقنية الفار ألغت الحالة.

وعند الدقيقة 34، تمكن كول بالمر من تسجيل الهدف الأول لصالح تشيلسي برأسية في شباك برايتون، بعدما تلقى تمريرة عرضية من كوكوريلا.

وغادر مودريك المباراة مصاباً بحلول الدقيقة 42 وحل بدلاً منه كريستوفر نكونكو.

في الشوط الثاني وبحلول الدقيقة 64، أحرز نكونكو ثاني أهداف تشيلسي في شباك برايتون، بعد تلقيه تمريرة حاسمة من جوستو.

وتلقى البديل الإنجليزي ريس جيمس البطاقة الحمراء عند الدقيقة 88.

وبحلول الدقيقة السابعة من الوقت المحتسب بدلا من الضائع، أحرز داني ويلباك هدف برايتون الأول من صناعة جواو بيدرو.

وبهذا الفوز، ارتفع رصيد تشيلسي إلى النقطة 60 في المركز السادس بترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، بينما تجمد رصيد برايتون عند النقطة 48 في المركز العاشر. ملخص واهداف مباراة تشيلسي وبرايتون (2-1) الدوري الانجليزي

MatériaMais Notícias

Editor e colunista do LANCE!, Carlos Alberto Vieira, no ‘Coluna de Vídeo’, programa da TV L!, analisou o comportamento dos grandes times na rodada de fim de semana do Brasileirão e cravou: ainda há muito o que melhorar em todos eles, mas que no São Paulo o treinador Fernando Diniz parece ter encontrado uma fórmula para dar um bom rumo para o restante da competição. Veja acima, o vídeo da TV L! com a análise do nosso editor sobre o seu time do coração até aqui na Série A e deixe o comentário: Você está de acordo ou não?

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NR: Carlos Alberto Vieira é editor e colunista do LANCE! desde 2000 e titular da coluna de vídeo da TV LANCE! às segundas, quartas e sexta-feiras.

Tim Paine, Cameron Bancroft and Shaun Marsh will replace Matthew Wade, Matt Renshaw and Glen Maxwell in Australia’s Ashes Test team to face England at the Gabba

Daniel Brettig16-Nov-2017Wicketkeeper Tim Paine, and batsmen Cameron Bancroft and Shaun Marsh have replaced Matthew Wade, Matt Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell in Australia’s Test team to face England at the Gabba. The squad for the first Ashes Test has raised plenty of eyebrows but bears the captain Steven Smith’s stamp of approval.Having been dropped himself as a younger player, Smith said he understood why the selectors did not feel they could risk choosing Renshaw in the midst of an early-season slump, while at the same time Bancroft had emerged from the pack by piling up 407 runs for twice out in his four most recent Sheffield Shield innings.Australia squad for first two Tests

Steven Smith (capt), David Warner (vice-capt), Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird, Chadd Sayers.

“I spoke to him last night actually and he was obviously disappointed to not be included in the squad, as you should be, you always want to be playing for Australia,” Smith said of Renshaw. “So for him it’s about going back and scoring as many runs as he can. I think he’s an incredibly talented player and I think he’s got a big future for Australia.”But he unfortunately hasn’t been able to get the runs on the board that the selectors wanted, and the Ashes isn’t a place where you need to be trying to find your form. I think it’s great what the selectors have done, they’ve gone with the guys that are in-form and if the top six are getting big runs for us, I’m confident our bowlers can do the job.”As for Bancroft, Smith said a double of 76 not out (when he carried his bat) and 86 against the Test attack for Western Australia against New South Wales at Hurstville had convinced him the 24-year-old was ready. “He’s been looked at for some time,” Smith said. “He was included on the tour to Bangladesh a couple of years go which didn’t go ahead, and I guess the selectors said at the start of the Sheffield Shield that there’s a bit of pressure on for some spots and guys that can put their hand up are going to be considered.”He’s one who I thought played particularly well against a Test attack, particularly the first innings, there was grass on the wicket and it was doing a bit. He’s got a lot of time as a batsman, he’s composed, probably tightened his technique up a lot since I saw him last and if he goes in with that same mindset in Test cricket then hopefully he can score some big runs for us at the top of the order.”Smith was also eager to resume a long-dormant partnership with Paine, who made his Test debut alongside none other than Smith in a match against Pakistan at Lord’s in 2010. “I’ve known Tim for a very long time,” he said. “He’s a guy with an incredible knowledge of the game, he has a great presence on the field and is a terrific gloveman. His inclusion may have come as a surprise to a lot of people but I’m excited what he brings to the team. I’m sure he’ll do a terrific job for us.”Smith had noted the intense lobbying of the WA coach Justin Langer, who vouched for Marsh being “in the form of his life” despite not averaging over 40 in the Shield over three matches. Marcus Stoinis was also considered in strong contention for the No. 6 position, but the death of his father this week after a long illness has taken the allrounder away from the game for the time being.”He’s been opening the batting, so No. 6 is a spot where you could potentially face the second new ball and he’s been doing that,” Smith said of Marsh. “He scored some good runs against us in Hurstville and he’s hitting the ball really well. I think Justin Langer’s saying for some time he’s been in the form of his life and it looked like he was batting incredibly well, so I’m confident in the six batters we’ve picked that they can do a terrific job.”The panel have also included the South Australian seam and swing bowler Chadd Sayers in a 13-man group, which will now assemble in Brisbane to prepare. Paine’s selection for his first Test match in more than seven years – and after he played as a batsman alongside Wade this week for Tasmania – is the headline move, while the decisions to reinstate Marsh and drop Renshaw will also generate heated debate.”Tim was identified as an international player a long time ago and has always been renowned as a very good gloveman, also performing well for us whenever he has represented Australia in any format,” selection chairman Trevor Hohns said. “His batting form in recent outings for the Cricket Australia XI and Tasmania has been good.”Matt Wade has been left out of the squad following some inconsistent performances with the gloves and lack of form with the bat. Unfortunately, his run of performances did not improve in the early rounds of Sheffield Shield and we have opted to make a change.”We still view Matthew [Renshaw] as a player of immense talent, but he is out of form at the moment and we don’t feel an Ashes Test match is the best place for him to find form. We would like him to go back to first-class cricket and push his name forward with the selection panel through big runs.”Hohns said that Bancroft had demanded his spot through weight of runs in recent weeks. “Cameron has been a player of interest to us for some time now, having been unlucky to miss out on the Test tour to Bangladesh that was cancelled in 2015,” Hohns said. “He is a very talented and tough cricketer who shows a good temperament for Test cricket.”He has thoroughly earned and deserves his call-up following some outstanding performances in the early rounds of the Sheffield Shield competition this season. Shaun is playing very well at the moment, having scored consistently in the One-Day Cup and first three rounds of the Sheffield Shield competition. He is a versatile player who can slot in anywhere in the batting order and will add valuable experience to the batting line-up.”Sayers, meanwhile, looks a likely inclusion for the second Test of the series in Adelaide, where he is a noted exponent of moving the pink ball under lights. “Chadd’s inclusion in the squad is with a view to the Adelaide Test and the conditions that we may see there,” Hohns said. “He swings the ball with good control and knows the conditions well at his home ground. He gives us this bowling option if required.”

Leeds United have made an offer to sign a new striker with just weeks remaining of the summer window, according to The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth.

What’s the latest Leeds transfer news?

The Whites have endured a frustrating summer both on and off the pitch, with a number of players activating clauses in their contracts to allow them to leave on loan following relegation.

So far, Brenden Aaronson, Robin Koch, Max Wober, Marc Roca, Jack Harrison, Rasmus Kristensen and Diego Llorente have left the club on loan to join Union Berlin, Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Monchengladbach, Real Betis, Everton and AS Roma respectively, whereas Rodrigo and Tyler Roberts have left on permanent deals to join Al Rayyan and Birmingham City.

On top of this, Leeds currently have 11 players out through injury, whereas Wilfried Gnonto is refusing to play as he looks to force a move away before the deadline and Luis Sinisterra was also ‘not available’ last time out.

Read The Latest Leeds Transfer News HERE…

There hasn’t been an influx of players arriving either, with just four new signings made for manager Daniel Farke. Ethan Ampadu, Karl Darlow, Sam Byram and Joe Rodon have all made the move to Elland Road.

The club are yet to win a Championship game this season drawing against Cardiff City and losing to Birmingham City, and by the looks of things, the 49ers Enterprises are looking to sign a new striker.

Smyth shared a Leeds transfer state of player for The YEP in the last 48 hours, claiming that the club have Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara back on their radar. The reliable reporter also added that ‘Leeds have lodged a bid for an as yet unnamed striker’.

Who has been linked with Leeds?

A new forward before the deadline appears to be desperately needed, especially with Patrick Bamford’s injury issues continuing into the current campaign as he is yet to feature in any of the club's three games, while club record signing Georginio Rutter is yet to get off the mark in Yorkshire after joining in January.

Joe Gelhardt led the line against Birmingham City last time out, so adding to the final third is just one of many areas that could do with bolstering. A number of players have been linked with making the move to Elland Road, including Swansea City’s Joel Piroe. Reports recently suggested that there is a genuine interest in the forward, however, his £20m asking price is proving to be an issue.

Other targets mooted include Aston Villa’s Cameron Archer, however, Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas has claimed that the player would prefer to stay in the Premier League with Sheffield United and Luton Town keen.

Everton’s Tom Cannon is another who has been linked in recent days, with Alan Nixon claiming that Leeds have "been keeping an eye on developments" alongside second-tier rivals Stoke City and Sunderland.

A bid has been made by Leeds for a forward, though, so it will be interesting to see who that is and whether or not the offer is accepted, making this one to watch in the coming days.

Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma hit 80 apiece, putting on the highest opening partnership for India in T20Is, to carry the hosts to 202, a score they defended by 53 runs to register their first T20I win against New Zealand

The Report by Nikhil Kalro01-Nov-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details2:56

Dasgupta: Latham, Williamson shouldn’t have batted together

In American football, a fumble – when a player doesn’t catch or control the ball cleanly – results in loss of possession and significant momentum. A team on the charge then has to guard the opponent’s offense. Cricket’s equivalent is a drop catch. New Zealand spilled three catches of Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Each of them then went on the offense to carry India to 202, a total they defended by 53 runs to register their first T20I win against New Zealand. The loss took away the No. 1 ranking from Kane Williamson and his men with Pakistan rising to occupy the top spot.Dhawan was dropped by Mitchell Santner at cover point for 8 in the second over, and Rohit by Tim Southee at long-off on 16. Both batsmen found their hitting rhythm right after their reprieves, and finished with 80 apiece. Together they added 158, the highest opening partnership for India in T20Is.Dhawan and Rohit not only have the left and right-hand combination in their favour, but also the advantage of preferring different lengths. When New Zealand’s seamers dropped short, Dhawan slashed and slapped merrily on either side of the wicket. New Zealand’s natural instinct was therefore to bowl fuller, which Rohit was waiting for with his lofted drives. It was, therefore, unsurprising that Rohit hit six fours and four sixes, and Dhawan 10 fours and two sixes.New Zealand would have had much more than 203 to chase if not for Ish Sodhi. He used his variations, the googly and the flipper, in addition to a ripping legbreak to keep with the recent trend of wristspin dominating the world. Bowling the 17th over, he fired a googly wide outside off after seeing Dhawan advancing, and had him caught behind. Two balls later, he had Hardik Pandya caught behind with a turning legbreak.New Zealand then had to contend with a wet ball and Kohli in sensational form, hitting through the line to almost any length. Southee and Trent Boult hit back of a length, but Kohli met the ball early, and let his immense bottom-hand power take the ball over midwicket. His 11-ball 26 was the kind of cameo that substantially increases margins in T20s but it could have come to an end on 8 had Martin Guptill taken the catch Kohli offered at deep midwicket.With Rohit on 80, he was given out caught behind to a wide yorker, but the third umpire was asked to check if the catch was clean. Bizarrely, Anil Chaudhary reversed the on-field call and soft signal of out, adjudicating that “bat hit the ground” without sufficient evidence. New Zealand reviewed the decision, and had it overturned. Confused expressions abounded all around the Feroz Shah Kotla.New Zealand’s confusion turned to helplessness in their reply. In the second over, Yuzvendra Chahal had a wide long-off because the ball spinning away tends to go squarer off the outside half of the bat. Guptill, though, managed to hit Chahal straight back over his head. Hardik Pandya ran around to his right, but as he realised he wasn’t going to get there, he put in a full-length dive, both feet off the air, and plucked a two-handed stunner that is every wide receiver’s dream in American football.In the fourth over, Bhuvneshwar Kumar executed a terrific yorker, quick and straight, and Munro’s inside edge could only find middle stump. When Williamson and Tom Latham decided to rebuild, instead of counter-attacking, the game was done. They fell well behind the asking rate against a potent attack.Williamson was caught behind off an attempted cut for 28. Tom Bruce and Colin de Grandhomme were both caught in the deep midwicket region off Axar Patel. Latham top-scored with 39, but it was a laboured effort before he was stumped off Chahal.Ashish Nehra’s farewell game wasn’t perfect, but it wasn’t bad either. He had two tough catches dropped off his bowling, by Pandya running back from cover in the third over, and by Kohli, who couldn’t hold on to a sharp one-handed overhead catch at mid-off. He finished with 0 for 29, and a lap of honour around his home ground to culminate an 18-year career. Shreyas Iyer did not get to bat on his international debut.

Nottingham Forest are still on the search for new additions who can add much-needed quality to the squad this season, and now a fresh update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

Who do Nottingham Forest want to sign?

According to La Stampa (via TuttoJuve), Nottingham Forest are interested in signing star from Juventus this summer.

The player in question is Filip Kostic but Garibaldi chiefs are yet to make a concrete offer.

As per the report, the Serie A giants are willing to part ways with their player this summer to bolster funds and are commanding a €15m (£13m) fee to part ways with the Serbian.

What is Filip Kostic's play style?

The Juventus ace is an extremely versatile and dynamic left-sided player who can play as a left-back, left-winger or a flying left-wing back, with the latter being the most likely role he would be required to play at the City Ground.

Steve Cooper has a number of roles that he is looking to fill over the remaining weeks of the transfer window to ensure Forest can comfortably compete in the Premier League season and the pressure will be mounting after taking their first defeat of the campaign against Arsenal on Saturday.

As a result, the signing of Kostic would add huge quality and a wealth of experience to the team, providing Cooper with a strong creative outlet and dominant presence to work with this season.

The Serbia international – once hailed "extraordinary" by former Frankfurt sporting director Fredi Bobic – is one of the most underrated progressive and prolific wing-backs in the top five European leagues – ranking in the top 10% of positional peers for shots on goal, assists, shot-creating actions, progressive carries and progressive passes received.

As such, the Tricky Trees boss could even land his very own Ivan Perisic as the Tottenham Hotspur wing-back is named as one of the most comparable players to Kostic over the last 12 months, as per FBref.

When comparing Kostic's output to Perisic's last season, the Juve machine shared many similarities with the Spurs star including assists registered (8 v 8), shots on target rate (28.9% v 27.6%), pass completion (68.1% v 63.6%), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.21 v 3.20), goal-creating actions (0.41 v 0.47), successful take-ons (43.6% v 45%) and aerial duels won (50% v 50.8%).

It paints the picture that both are confident in possession with the ability to surge forward at will down the flanks.

Three-time Serie A winner Massimo Bonini waxed lyrical about Kostic in an interview, summarising his best qualities aptly:

“(Kostic) is a great player. He is good in one-v-ones. He creates a lot of assists, and is now also managing to score goals. He is always able to find the right time to cross the ball, despite the presence of defenders."

Meanwhile, former Frankfurt coach Oliver Glasner revealed the Serbian's strongest quality:

"Filip has the outstanding ability to see the free man in the middle under the highest pressure. And the technical quality to find him."

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Forest to secure Kostic's signature this summer as he could be the huge game-changer needed in the attacking threat on Trentside and could be the difference in competing in the top-flight or suffering another relegation scrap this season.

Aston Villa could delight fans with another marquee signing, with a new update emerging regarding their pursuit of Joao Felix.

Unai Emery and Monchi have already smashed the club’s transfer record fee in signing Moussa Diaby in a deal amounting to £51.9m, as well as welcoming Pau Torres and free agent Youri Tielemans to the Midlands.

With the countdown to the new Premier League season almost up, there could still be significant moves made by the Villans, if latest reports are to be believed.

What’s the latest on Joao Felix to Aston Villa?

As reported by Football Insider in June, Villa were claimed to have been ‘offered’ the chance to sign Atletico Madrid sensation, Felix.

While talk regarding the forward’s future in relation to the Midlands club went quiet, a new update has emerged via journalist Ryan Taylor when speaking to GIVEMESPORT.

Taylor advised that Villa are “well-placed” in being the potential new owners of the Portuguese dynamo, who is yet to find a new club following his exile from Madrid.

A previous report from the Evening Standard claimed that the 23-year-old could be available for a price in the region of £80m, despite Atletico wanting a speculated £124m for their talent.

How good is Joao Felix?

Once lauded as “generational” by coach and analyst Aldo Sainati, it’s hard to believe that the former Chelsea loanee is just 23 when studying his career accolades.

With a recorded 238 career appearances and 107 goal contributions under his belt representing Benfica, Atletico Madrid and most recently, the Blues, the versatile forward is one of the most exciting talents in world football.

At just 19, Atletico saw the vision enough to spend £113m on acquiring his talents, after he showcased his ability to the world during the 2018/19 Liga Portugal campaign for Benfica.

That year, the teenager registered a mammoth 24 goal contributions in 26 league appearances for his boyhood club, scoring 15 times and recording nine assists in an astonishing breakthrough season.

While not many could’ve predicted his path to lead where he is currently, it could now be time for the dynamic forward to take a step back from the leading clubs in Europe in order to rediscover his form and value after a trialling year.

For Villa, the direction provided by Emery could be the perfect stomping ground for Felix to exploit his true ability once more with a shot at redemption in the Premier League.

Signing the Portugal international would be a marquee move for Monchi, and one that could provide Villa fans with the essence of a former reliable and exciting forward who once graced Villa Park.

Club legend Gabriel Agbonlahor made 146 goal contributions during his time in claret and blue, and is recognised as one the club’s greatest forward’s in the Premier League era.

Noted as being ‘equally effective’ in a range of positions in the front line by writer Steven Meredith via Bleacher Report, the aura of the Englishman could be encapsulated by the energy and desire identifiable in Felix’s game.

Villa would be missing a trick if they weren’t to go full force for the 23-year-old, who could be a fundamental figure in Emery’s hopes to unearth a new level of performance and quality in the Midlands.

علق ضياء السيد مدرب منتخب مصر الأسبق على مباراة الأهلي والترجي التونسي المقبلة، والتي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وتقام مباراة الأهلي والترجي اليوم على أرضية استاد رادس في ذهاب المباراة النهائية من البطولة القارية.

وقال ضياء السيد في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر “المحور”: “أثق في تحضيرات مارسيل كولر مدرب الأهلي لكل المباريات، وأثق في قراءته للمباراة، لقاء مختلف بالنسبة للترجي، لأنه لم يكن في أفضل مستوى له في السنوات الأخيرة”.

وأكمل: “الترجي مختلف حاليًا وضم لاعبين جيدين وأصبح لديه استقرار، وحقق نتائج ممتازة في دوري الأبطال، فريق يدافع بشكل جيد ولم يدخل مرماه أي هدف”.

وتابع: “في آخر مواجهة بين الفريقين، الأهلي فاز ذهابًا وإيابًا، لكن الترجي فاجأني هذا الموسم خاصة بعد الفوز على صن داونز ذهابًا وإيابًا، هذه المرة الأمر مختلف، الدوافع مختلفة والجماهير ستملأ المدرجات”.

طالع | رغم التفوق التاريخي.. محمد جودة يحذر الأهلي من “فخ” الترجي

وأوضح: “الأهلي يريد أن يؤكد زعامته للكرة الإفريقية ويوسع الفارق بينه وبين المنافسين، الأهلي حقق 11 لقبًا إفريقيًا، وأقرب منافسيه الزمالك بخمسة ألقاب، وتوسيع الفارق في البطولات يعد إنجازًا”.

وأتم: “المباراة سيكون بها تكتيك عالي من الترجي، والأهلي سيقابل ذلك بتكتيك عالي أيضًا، إن شاء الله مباراة تكون جيدة وتسير وفق الاتجاه الذي نريده”.

Manchester City have reportedly agreed on personal terms with Rennes attacker Jeremy Doku, and one journalist has shared how much a deal could cost Etihad officials.

Are Man City signing Jeremy Doku?

The treble winners and new Super Cup champions could be on course for a busy final few weeks in the window, with attacking additions appearing to be on the to-do list for the Sky Blues.

Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol are the two senior signings made so far this summer, with the Croatia internationals arriving from Chelsea and RB Leipzig.

Pep Guardiola will be without star man Kevin de Bruyne after he sustained a hamstring injury in the opening day win at Burnley, whereas City are yet to replace Riyad Mahrez who made the move to Saudi Arabia earlier in the window.

West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta has been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad and could well be viewed as the top attacking midfield target, whereas Doku has also been rumoured to be of interest to City.

Recent reports have suggested that the Citizens were working on a move for the Belgian attacker, and it looks as if they have made progress over a deal.

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, City and Doku have agreed terms on a five-year deal ahead of a proposed transfer. Those in Manchester will make an offer to Rennes son, with the French side wanting at least €55m (£47m).

“Jeremy Doku AGREED on 5 years deal on personal terms with Man City! The Belgian winger already spoke to Pep Guardiola. First written official offer to be submitted at Stade Rennais this week. The French club ask minimum 55M€.

“West Ham United also on the race & currently in talks with SRFC officials wants to hijack the Cityzens with a bigger offer but… Jeremy Doku ONLY wants MCFC! Wait & See.”

How good is Jeremy Doku?

Doku is primarily a right-winger who can also turn out on the left when required and has been with Rennes since 2020 after leaving Anderlecht.

A 14-cap Belgium international, the 21-year-old has turned out on 91 occasions for his current employers, scoring 12 times and registering 10 assists. He appears to have impressed over the last 12 months, which has resulted in his Transfermarkt valuation rocketing to a career-high €28m.

He has also got the eye of Kylian Mbappe, who said back in 2021:

"Recently, I was speaking with my father about a player who impressed me because of his speed qualities, that is (Jeremy) Doku, at Rennes. In 5 years as a professional, I have never seen someone from a standing start demonstrate so much power.”

In the past 365 days, as per FBref, Doku has been compared to De Bruyne and has ranked in the top 1% for goals, successful take-ons, shot-creating actions, touches, progressive passes compared to midfielders, showing that he could be a shrewd addition in the final third.

Lauded as "simply amazing" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Doku may well only get better with age, and with City possibly set to miss out on Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise to Chelsea, they may see it as crucial that they secure the services of Doku, making this one to watch over the coming days.

It began with India’s bowling coach B Arun questioning Sri Lanka fast bowlers’ fitness on day two when they doubled over and vomited as they struggled to cope with the Delhi pollution. Mohammed Shami was more understanding on day three in saying that Indians’ being used to pollution is not necessarily a good thing but at the same time said the situation was not as bad as was being depicted.On day four, having seen his team-mate Shami vomit on the field, Shikhar Dhawan was more understanding of Sri Lanka’s struggles with the Delhi air, but he only went as far as giving them a benefit of doubt.”It is possible (that their discomfort is genuine),” Dhawan said when asked if he would reconsider India’s stance now that he had seen Shami struggle too. “Now only they (Sri Lankans) know (if their concerns have been genuine). Maybe in Sri Lanka the pollution is not that high. There are more beaches in Sri Lanka. It’s natural that coastal areas won’t have so much air pollution. Of course, they may be feeling discomfort. And it is not as if there is no pollution. I won’t hide that. It is what it is. Maybe they are feeling it more, I don’t know. But I still insist playing is our and [the two words loosely translate to duty and deeds but mean much more], which we should do. They must be feeling it (discomfort), though.”Duty was the theme when Dhawan was earlier asked if he sympathised with the Sri Lanka players, who are not used to these levels of pollution. “Maybe they are not used to this, but there will be many in our team who are not used to this pollution,” Dhawan said. “They come from other states. But whatever our job is, we fulfill it. Nothing should come in the way of your work. That’s my thinking. All of us are not from Delhi so it is the same for them as Sri Lankans.”When pointed out that even those players from other parts of India have some experience of playing in Delhi and having travelled to Delhi, Dhawan said: “See, if you are playing at another time in Delhi, the pollution level is different. It is not as though there is no pollution. Of course there is pollution. And it increases in the winters with the smog. Whatever the situation is, we have to mould to that. No matter who you are playing for – for the country or the state – it is a job, and you have to do that job.”Having grown up in Delhi, Dhawan is expected to be the most acclimatised to these conditions. While he showed awareness of what triggers the pollution in the winter months, he said his side didn’t feel impeded by it. “Look I have been born and brought up in Delhi,” Dhawan said. “Because the crops are harvested in other states (and the stubble is burnt for new crops), the pollution becomes a bit too much in these months. These days there has hardly been any sun either. If there had been sunlight, maybe the pollution would have come down a little bit. But it has not impeded us when playing cricket.”Dhawan confirmed Shami was fine, and “you will see him on the ground tomorrow”. Dhawan complimented both his fast bowlers for the effort they put in these conditions. On a dead pitch, Shami and Ishant Sharma took five wickets between them in the first innings. Shami then provided the first breakthrough in the second, moments before he got sick. “Both bowled at a good pace because those of us standing in the slip cordon can feel that pace,” Dhawan said. “This showcases their mindset and fighting abilities. They know that there isn’t much help from the wicket. It’s a (absolute dead track), but they have bowled with a lot of pace, it’s good for them.”