تحدث لوكا سوريني مدرب منتخب جُزر القُمر، عن مباراة المغرب التي تجمع بينهما في مستهل مباريات بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا.
وتنطلق بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا 2025 في المغرب، خلال الفترة من 21 ديسمبر 2025 إلى 18 يناير 2026، بمشاركة 24 منتخبًا.
وقال لوكا سوريني في تصريحات لموقع بطولات: “منتخب جُزر القُمر يتطلع لإحداث مفاجأة أمام المغرب في مباراة افتتاح كأس أمم إفريقيا”.
طالع أيضاً.. تركي آل الشيخ يعلن مفاجآت بشأن مباريات الأهلي والهلال في كأس العالم للأندية
وتابع: “منتخب جُزر القُمر مستعد لمواصلة عمله ونتائجه الجيدة التي يحققها مؤخرًا، والمغرب بالطبع من أبرز المرشحين للتتويج بالبطولة مثل غيرها من المنتخبات القوية في البطولة”.
وأكد: “لذلك جُزر القُمر سيكافح من أجل الظهور بشكل مشرف، ومنتخب مصر قوي جدًا في رأيي”.
منتخب جزر القمر يحتل المركز الأول في المجموعة التاسعة بتصفيات كأس العالم، وحسم تأهله بعدما تصدر مجموعته برصيد 12 نقطة.
Potentially stealing the headlines in the transfer window once again, Chelsea chiefs now reportedly believe that the addition of one particular defender would boost Enzo Maresca’s options in the Premier League.
Chelsea transfer news
The Blues have quietly silenced some of the doubters in their project in recent weeks, easing past Wolverhampton Wanderers, defeating Bournemouth late on and, most impressively, smashing London rivals West Ham United. Of course, such games should be routine, but such is the disastrous form that Chelsea have been in throughout the last couple of years, no result is a guarantee.
The aim for Maresca’s side will simply be to push on even further. They’ll want to turn such results back into routine victories, whilst competing with the rest of the Premier League’s top six. And to do that, they may just turn back to the transfer market.
Poch wanted Chelsea to sign a "£100m player" but Jackson arrived instead
The Blues may have made a mistake in the transfer market.
ByEthan Lamb Sep 20, 2024
According to reports in Spain, Chelsea chiefs now believe that Milos Kerkez would make Maresca’s defensive options perfect, with the Bournemouth left-back providing backup for Marc Cucurella over the out-of-favour Ben Chilwell.
The Blues aren’t alone in their interest, however, with Liverpool and Manchester United also eyeing the Hungarian. That said, what Chelsea want in the transfer market, they usually get thanks to Todd Boehly’s willingness to splash the cash.
Kerkez, just 20 years old, enjoyed a solid debut campaign at Bournemouth last season and has picked up where he left off so far in the current campaign. A player with plenty of potential, he’d certainly suit the profile of players that Chelsea have signed since the arrival of Boehly.
"Fantastic" Kerkez can replace Chilwell
After losing his place to Cucurella, an exit seems inevitable for Chilwell at Stamford Bridge, making room for Kerkez to arrive and provide competition for the Spaniard under Maresca. On the rise, the left-back has been receiving high praise since arriving at the Vitality Stadium since his very first game, with journalist Bence Bocsak dubbing his debut as “fantastic” last season.
What will be interesting to see is just how much Bournemouth demand for the Hungarian, having signed him for a reported £15.5m just last summer. Of course, the Cherries are no strangers to demanding a hefty fee, having sold Dominic Solanke to Tottenham Hotspur for a reported £65m a few months ago.
Kerkez, no matter his price tag, is one to watch amid interest from around the Premier League in a race that Chelsea will hope to win. When it comes to the transfer market, the Blues rarely lose out.
Em busca de reforços, o Vasco anunciou, nesta quinta-feira, a sua quinta contratação para a próxima temporada 2022. Trata-se do zagueiro Anderson Conceição, de 32 anos, que rescindiu com o Cuiabá, onde atuou nos últimos três anos, e chega com contrato atéo final de 2022.
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O defensor tinha mais um ano de contrato com o clube do Mato Grosso, mas disputou apenas três partidas como titular na última edição do Campeonato Brasileiro. Ele rescindiu com o Dourado, que agradeceu pelos serviços prestados, e chega ao Gigante da Colina para um setor que foi o calcanhar de Aquiles do time na temporada.
+ Confira a classificação final da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro
Anderson Conceição é natural de Caravelas, na Bahia e se profissionalizou pelo Mogi Mirim (SP). Ele acumula passagens por equipes como Bahia, América Mineiro, Joinville, Figueirense, Criciúma e CRB. No exterior, o novo zagueiro cruz-maltino defendeu as cores de Mallorca (ESP), Desportivo Chaves (POR), Philadelphia Union (EUA) e Umm-Salal (CAT).
Em 2019, voltou ao Brasil para atuar pelo Cuiabá e se firmou entre os titulares. Nesse mesmo ano,o experiente defensor assumiu a braçadeira de capitão e liderou o Dourado na campanha que resultou no acesso para a Série A. Em três anos no clube mato-grossense, o zagueiro disputou mais de 100 partidas e conquistou dois títulos, a Copa Verde de 2019 e o Campeonato Mato-Grossense de 2021.
FICHA TÉCNICA DE ANDERSON CONCEIÇÃO
Nome completo: Anderson Conceição Benedito Apelido: Anderson Conceição Data de Nascimento: 24/10/1989 (32 anos) Local de Nascimento: Caravelas (BA) Altura: 1,88 m Posição: Zagueiro Clubes: Mogi Mirim (SP), Resende (RJ), Tombense (MG), Criciúma (SC), Figueirense (SC), Mallorca (ESP), Atlético (GO), Bahia, Joinville (SC), América (MG), São Bernardo (SP), Philadelphia Union (EUA), Chaves (POR), CRB (AL), Umm-Salal (CAT), Cuiabá (MT) e VASCO DA GAMA
Vasco da Gama finaliza a contratação do zagueiro Anderson Conceição.
أوضح أحمد حسام ميدو لاعب ومدرب الزمالك السابق، سبب موافقته على عضوية اللجنة الفنية، مؤكداً على رغبة مجلس الإدارة في تقديم شكوى إلى فيفا ضد حكام الدوري المصري بشأن مباراة زد.
الزمالك واجه زد، على أرضية استاد القاهرة الدولي، في إطار لقاءات الجولة 16 من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز، وتعادل إيجابياً بهدف لمثله.
وقال ميدو في تصريحات خلال قناة “الزمالك”: “حبي للزمالك دفعني لقبول المهمة حتى لو خاطرت باسمي، ندعم الفريق ونأخذ القرارت الفنية الصحيحة لكي نضع الفريق في الطريق الصحيح”.
وأضاف: “حريص جدًا أن لجنة التخطيط تكون برقم محدود، يجب أن يكون عدد معين واللجنة تكون أفكارها مختلفة، يجب أن ندعم خط الدفاع بشكل جيد، الونش عائد من إصابة طويلة ووقع اختيارنا على صلاح مصدق ومحمود جهاد لاعب صغير وإضافة كبيرة للفريق وأحمد حسام، وعملنا على التعاقد مع الجفالي، هذا اللاعب ميكس بين محمد صبري وأيمن حفني ومصطفى فتحي”.
طالع أيضاً.. فيديو | في أول ظهور لـ علي ماهر.. سيراميكا كليوباترا يسحق بتروجيت برباعية في الدوري المصري
وتابع: “قرار تغيير جروس مخاطرة محسوبة، بالنسبة لنا تاريخ كبير ولكن كانت هناك نواقص كثيرة متواجدة، كان يجب أن يكون لدينا شجاعة القرار ونتحمل مسؤوليته، قلت لحسن لبيب يجب أن يكون هناك تغيير”.
وأفاد: “الزمالك أصبح في وضع أفضل، نشعر بالحزن لفقدان 6 نقاط في ثلاث مباريات، وكنا نستحقهم، ما يحدث مع الزمالك من الحكام لم يحدث في التاريخ، نحن لم نطلب أفضلية عن أحد، طوال عمرنا نريد العدل”.
وأكد: “الزمالك يخسر على الأقل 10 نقاط من قرارات تحكيمية وأخطاء فاضحة، نلعب (كرة ليه اصلا)؟، لماذا هذه الأخطاء لا تظهر إلا أمام الزمالك”.
وواصل: “لدينا حكام جيدين جدًا ويلعبون تحت ضغوط كبيرة وبدون حماية، الصباحي لمدة أكثر من عام لم يدر مباريات، واثنين رؤساء حكام أجانب قالا إنه ليس جاهزًا، معظم أخطاء الصباحي بسبب عدم جاهزيته”.
وأشار: “نريد أن يكون لدينا منافسة شريفة في كل شيء داخل الملعب وخارجه، الزمالك لديه جمهور كبير جدًا، حرام الذي يحدث في الزمالك، ليس لدي مشكلة أخسر كرة، ولكن كل مباراة تحدث مشكلة في التحكيم”.
وأكمل: “توجد حالة تحفظ من الحكام ضد لاعبي الزمالك، يجب أن تكون هناك تعليمات من رئيس لجنة الحكام بشأن هذا الأمر، نحن نستحق ركلة جزاء، لاعبو زد وقفوا على أساس أنها ركلة جزاء، إنذارات بدون داع وكروت حمراء”.
وأتم: “هناك اتجاه داخل النادي لتقديم شكوى للاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا” حال استمرار الكوارث التحكيمية، أمتلك ملف عن كل الأخطاء التحكيمية التي تعرضنا لها خلال المباريات الماضية ونستطيع الحصول على حق الزمالك عبر فيفا”.
Somerset look to shore up opening combination in push for maiden County Championship
Matt Roller19-Aug-2021
Azhar Ali has had two previous spells at Somerset•Getty Images
Somerset have brought Azhar Ali back to the club in a bid to solve their top-order batting problems and spearhead a push to win their first-ever County Championship title.Somerset have averaged 18.46 for the first wicket in the Championship this season giving them the lowest average opening stand in the country, with Tom Banton and Tom Lammonby both short of runs at the top of the order. Tom Abell has been prolific at No. 3 and has returned to fitness following a hamstring injury but appears unlikely to shuffle up to open.They signed Devon Conway for two Championship games in July during his spell as the club’s second overseas player for the T20 Blast, but he has since returned to New Zealand after suffering a finger injury while playing for Southern Brave in the Hundred.As a result, they have brought Azhar back for a third spell at the club, following stints in 2018 and 2019. They expect him to be available for “at least three” of the final four rounds of Championship games following international duty in the Caribbean, and the Bob Willis Trophy final if Somerset finish in the top two.”I am very excited to be returning to Somerset – it has become like a second home for me,” Azhar said. Andy Hurry, the club’s director of cricket, described him as a “class act… [who] embodies everything that you want an overseas player to be.”Meanwhile, Gloucestershire have brought in Azhar’s Pakistan team-mate Zafar Gohar for their final four Championship fixtures. Gohar, the left-arm spinner, made his Test debut against New Zealand earlier this year and has experience playing in England for Moddershall and Oulton and Warwickshire’s second XI in 2019.Gloucestershire’s defeat in their final game in the first stage of the Championship means that they are in Division Two and playing only for prize money in September. “Gloucestershire are a fantastic club with a rich history, and I’m looking forward to hopefully playing my part in ensuring the season finishes on a high,” Gohar said.
Arsenal have come on leaps and bounds in the almost five-year reign of Mikel Arteta.
The North Londoners have transformed from midtable fodder into one of the most formidable teams in the world, let alone England.
It’s not just down to the Spaniard’s influence and tactics, however, as he has also welcomed in a swathe of incredibly talented players such as Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and even the previously much-maligned Kai Havertz.
The German has become a core component of the Gunners’ first team, but at the moment, he is being outscored by a player the club were intently interested in over the summer.
Havertz's recent form
It’s no secret that Havertz struggled to make an impact at Arsenal for much of last season, as while he was playing games and proving to be reasonably useful here and there, he wasn’t stamping his authority on the team from his left-eight position.
However, in early February, Arteta decided to move the German international from midfield to the centre-forward position, and to say he has been effective in his new role would be a colossal understatement.
For example, in the 32 games he played as a recognised midfielder, the former Chelsea ace racked up a lacklustre haul of six goals and no assists, but in the 18 games he played as a striker, the 25-year-old scored eight goals and provided seven assists, equating to a practically world-class average of a goal involvement once every 1.20 games.
Havertz’s 23/24
Position
Midfield
Centre-forward
Appearances
32
18
Goals
6
8
Assists
0
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.18
0.83
All Stats via Transfermarkt
It wasn’t a flukey run of good form either, as the Aachen-born poacher has remained a real goal threat this season, scoring five goals and providing one assist in nine appearances, or just 748 minutes, which equates to a goal involvement once every 124 minutes.
Considering the teams the Gunners have played and the fact they have been down a man twice, that is a superb rate of return.
With all that said, the club were interested in signing another up-and-coming striker in the summer and, considering he is actually outscoring Havertz at the moment, Arteta and Co may go back in for him next year.
Arsenal's interest in Benjamin Sesko
Yes, the in-form striker in question is RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, who Arsenal were incredibly interested in during the summer.
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko
For example, according to this report from the Guardian in June, the Gunners and cross-city rivals Chelsea were prepared to trigger the Slovenian’s €65m – £55m – release clause, only for him to go and agree to a new deal with the German club to further his development out of the spotlight that the Premier League brings.
Unfortunately for the North Londoners, this new deal means that the 21-year-old poacher will be far more expensive to sign next year, with La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Marco Guidi suggesting that depending on his performances this season, the price in the summer “will not go below 70-80 million,” which is between £59m and £67m, and considering his recent form, we’d hazard a guess at it being nearer the latter.
For example, in his eight appearances for Leipzig this season, the 6 foot 5 “monster”, as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored six goals and provided three assists, meaning he is currently averaging a goal involvement once every 0.88 games.
Now, that is better than the Gunners’ number 29, but we also have to take into account the reduced pressure of playing for the East German outfit and the general level of the league itself. Even so, the Slovenian marksman looks like he is well on his way to becoming a superstar striker.
Sesko vs Havertz in 24/25
Player
Sesko
Havertz
Appearances
8
9
Goals
6
5
Assists
3
1
Goal Involvements per Match
1.12
0.66
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Ultimately, Arsenal are lucky to have a player as talented as Havertz in their team at the moment, but given the form of Sesko, it might still be worth chasing him again in the summer, as having both in the squad would make the Gunners one of the most dangerous teams in Europe.
Arsenal wanted to sign Man City star for £0 but ended up getting Havertz
The Gunners’ midfield could have looked very different last season.
كشف هاني شكري، عضو مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك، عن تلقيه اتصالًا من ممدوح عباس، رئيس النادي السابق، عقب انتقادات الأخير لتصريحاته بشأن إمكانية استكمال الفريق لمنافسات الدوري بالناشئين.
وكان شكري قد صرح في وقت سابق بأن مجلس الإدارة يدرس خيار الدفع بفريق الناشئين في المباريات المقبلة اعتراضًا على القرارات التحكيمية، وهو ما أثار جدلًا واسعًا.
من جانبه، هاجم ممدوح عباس الفكرة بشدة، مؤكدًا أن الفريق الأول سيواصل مشواره في البطولة، مشددًا على أنه “لا مجال للصبيانية في اتخاذ القرارات”.
طالع أيضًا | ممدوح عباس يرد على عضو إدارة الزمالك: لا مجال للصبيانية في القرارات”.. وأين أبو ريدة المحسوب على القلعة البيضاء
وفي تصريحات اليوم الإثنين عبر قناة “أون سبورت”, قال هاني شكري: “ممدوح بك اتصل بي أمس وأخبرني أنه لم يكن يعلم أنني صاحب هذا التصريح، فأوضحت له أن الأهم ليس من قاله، بل إنه كان أحد الحلول المطروحة للتعبير عن استياء المجلس مما يحدث في الدوري، لأن الأوضاع غير عادلة”.
وأضاف: “في البداية، كنت أعتقد أن الأخطاء التحكيمية ناتجة عن سوء مستوى، لأنني لا أميل إلى سوء الظن. لكن عندما تتكرر الأخطاء ضد الزمالك فقط، وفي كل مباراة تقريبًا، فهذا يعني أن الأمر ليس مجرد سوء مستوى، بل هناك حكام يتعمدون ذلك”.
وواصل: “أعلم أن القائمين على اتحاد الكرة أشخاص محترمون، وتولوا المسؤولية في ظل تحديات كبيرة، لكن هذا ليس مبررًا لما يحدث”.
واختتم: “الزمالك نادٍ كبير يدفع الملايين ويتعاقد مع لاعبين من أجل المنافسة وتحقيق طموحات جماهيره، ثم تأتي مباراة واحدة لتضيع الموسم بأكمله، لو كنا فزنا بخمس مباريات فقط، لكنا الآن في صدارة الدوري، ولهذا نشعر بالظلم”.
Chelsea will be without an “absolute dream” player in their squad until “November or December”, as he attempts to recover from an injury problem.
Chelsea winning streak ends with 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side brought Chelsea’s winning streak in all competitions to an end, holding the Blues with 10 men after midfielder James Ward-Prowse was sent off for obstructing a goalscoring opportunity by stopping the ball with his hand.
Chelsea could sign perfect Madueke upgrade with move for £42m "road runner"
He’s shaping into a top talent…
1 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 8, 2024
It was a chaotic, action-packed 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge – filled with clear goalscoring opportunities, heroic saves and plenty for the highlight reel at both ends. Chris Wood handed Forest a shock lead soon after the second-half restart, poking the ball past Robert Sanchez from close range, but it didn’t take long for Noni Madueke to level the score again with a low effort past Matz Sels.
The Forest keeper then had a blinder to stop Chelsea from taking the lead, denying superstar forward Cole Palmer with a heroic double save from inside the area, before Sanchez matched it at the other end by clawing an effort away from the top corner.
Chelsea’s next Premier League fixtures
Date
Liverpool (away)
October 20
Newcastle (home)
October 27
Man United (away)
November 3
Arsenal (home)
November 10
Leicester City (home)
November 23
Selz was then on hand again to deny a gaping free header from Christopher Nkunku, who arguably really should’ve given Enzo Maresca’s side the lead, and they were very nearly made to pay when Jota forced an excellent diving save from Sanchez from inside the area.
The scores ended level, but it was definitely one of the most entertaining draws of the Premier League season to date.
“I think first 45 minutes we didn’t concede nothing, we controlled the game, created the chances and the performance was very good because you can get frustrated against this kind of team,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Forest.
“But, as I said, compared to the Brighton game it’s a completely different kind of game so you need to learn how to play.
“I thought first half was top and then second half we concede the goal and become a little bit more up and down. After we score immediately and then again we were in control.
“Probably the red card we think most of the time that 11 vs 10 is more easy but probably today was even more difficult as they were a line of five with more players inside the box defending. Then you take the risk to lose some balls and you concede counter attacks or set-pieces that they are very strong. But overall I thought the performance was very good and I think we deserved to win the game.”
Nicolas Jackson put in a “frustrating” performance against Forest during an otherwise excellent start to the season, while Palmer was unlucky not to add to his scintillating goal tally.
Omari Kellyman out until "November or December" at Chelsea
One player who didn’t play a part against Forest, and is yet to make his debut for the club after joining in the summer, is midfielder Omari Kellyman.
The 19-year-old is currently out with a hamstring injury, with journalist Ben Jacobs sharing an update on when he could return. The reporter, taking to X, writes that Kellyman won’t return for Chelsea until “November or December”.
The west Londoners don’t want to rush him back, though, so there is no set return date just yet as they wait for how he fairs during the rest of his rehabilitation. Reports have claimed that Chelsea may even loan Kellyman out in January once he returns to fitness, as they seek to hand him game time over the second half of the season.
“Omari always had his place in the group,” said Derby County’s Lead Foundation coach, Josh Butler, to The Athletic on Kellyman.
“There were other players who were a bit louder but he was the chilled one. I’ve known him for 12 years and he’s always been the same; low maintenance, no dramas. The extent of his success will be circumstantial because it won’t be down to talent or attitude. His greatest strength is that you can’t not like him. He’s an absolute dream for a football club.”
O Athletico carimbou vaga para próxima fase da Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior após vencer, na última segunda-feira (9), a equipe do União São João pelo placar de 2 a 0.
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Receba as principais notícias em tempo real com o novo canal do LANCE!
Titular e jogador mais jovem a marcar um gol pelo Athletico na atual edição da Copinha, Leonardo Dourado soma passagens pela equipe Sub-17 e Sub-20 do Furacão na temporada passada e, rapidamente, conquistou a titularidade da equipe mesmo com 17 anos de idade. Zagueiro de ofício, Dourado tem sido peça importante para equipe que ainda não levou gols no torneio nos três primeiros jogos disputados.
– Marcar gol é sempre especial, mas, na Copa São Paulo, isso foi ainda mais forte. É o grande torneio nas categorias de base e não só eu, como a grande maioria, sonha com este momento, de jogar, de avançar de fase e principalmente marcar um gol. Conseguimos uma excelente vitória, nossa defesa ainda não sofreu gols e isso é muito importante. Temos um elenco jovem, mas muito qualificado e com uma cabeça muito boa. Temos tudo para alcançar grandes coisas e almejo o melhor para o clube dentro desta competição – disse o atleta.
O bom triunfo do Furação não só garantiu vaga para a próxima fase como fez a equipe avançar na primeira colocação do grupo com 7 pontos conquistados nos três primeiros jogos do torneio. Com confronto definido na primeira fase do mata-mata, o Athletico encara o América-MG, às 15h (de Brasília), em Araras, na próxima quarta-feira (12).
Saqib Mahmood to be assessed after leaving field with apparent side problem
Paul Edwards05-Sep-2021
Joe Clarke gets forward to drive•Getty Images
When he opened Nottingham’s Arboretum in 1852, the city’s mayor, William Felkin, decided to get his front leg out of the way and clear the rope. “All society around them can mix together in harmony, good feeling, self-respect and respect to others,” said the wealthy lace manufacturer about the trees, some of which had been imported from the Empire’s outposts. No doubt the 30,000 folk in the crowd applauded warmly although within a decade it was clear that respect stretched no further than the Channel. The Arboretum’s Chinese tower commemorates the capture of a bell from Canton during the Opium Wars and is flanked by two cannon seized at Sebastopol during the Crimean contretemps.If any descendants of that very grand opening were present at Trent Bridge on this first Sunday in September they will have left the ground tonight with equal reason for satisfaction. The high summer of Victorian England is now the concern of revisionist historians but our cricket this warm afternoon in early autumn will require no reassessment. Most judgements will probably say that having been asked to bat on a misleadingly green pitch Nottinghamshire’s top-order enjoyed themselves, no one more so than the loanee Sam Northeast, who was one of three half-centurions.But having reached the ball before tea abundantly placed on 211 for 3, the home side lost five wickets in seven overs, three of them in ten balls to Danny Lamb, one of Lancashire’s players of the season. Nottinghamshire were then dismissed for 272 with both Lamb and his fellow trench warrior, Tom Bailey, taking four wickets. That might not have been an outcome for which Dane Vilas would have settled when he invited Steven Mullaney to bat at 10.30am but he would have welcomed it when first Ben Duckett and latterly Joe Clarke were rattling out the fours in the first two sessions.But Clarke was the first of Lamb’s victims in that rather dramatic post-tea session and the Nottinghamshire batter has now made seven half-centuries in this year’s County Championship without ever making more than 67 in any innings. For a batter of his talent that is surely an inadequate return but what will concern Lamb and his colleagues is the loss of Alex Davies, caught behind off Brett Hutton for nought, and Luke Wells, snapped up at short leg off Hutton just before the close; and what will have bothered Lancashire even more was the sight of Saqib Mahmood leaving the field and holding his side just after tea. Given the present casualty rate among England’s fast bowlers Mahmood’s injury will also be a concern to the national selectors but everyone must wait to know the precise state of the injury until the bowler has been properly assessed overnight. (Rather clearer is the situation regarding Liam Livingstone, who was not selected for this game because he was unwell following his second Covid-19 vaccination.)As it happened, Mahmood was having one of his less impressive days. Rather than stick to a steady line and length to allow his pace to earn its rewards on a wicket offering bounce and carry, he had bowled either too full or too wide. Both Duckett and Northeast had tucked in, the opener pulling and clipping Mahmood to the rope in the eighth over before the ex-Kent batter milked him for six of the nine fours in his fifty. This is Northeast’s third county this season and his fourth in all, albeit he barely stayed long enough with Yorkshire to open a building society account. But having fallen out with Hampshire – absolutely ‘non-speakers’ at the moment apparently – he finds himself an itinerant bat for hire and Nottinghamshire, ever eager to bolster their resources, have signed him up. One saw the wisdom of that decision during Northeast’s innings. Haseeb Hameed will be with England until the final round of games and Nottinghamshire have had one or two collapses in them this season.So much was made clear before and after tea this afternoon. Lyndon James had stroked five pleasing fours in his 21 runs before a ball of full length from Bailey gave him the chance to notch a sixth, only for his cover drive to go straight and low to Josh Bohannon. As James departed regretting another lost opportunity, the scones and cream arrived at Trent Bridge. No reports were received on the state of play at Grantchester but it had become that sort of afternoon.And the relatively conventional pattern of the day did not lessen our enjoyment in the least. Across the country batters were coming and going like hapless game show contestants – 102 in the eight County Championship matches by the end of play – but at Trent Bridge Luke Fletcher’s 27 ensured Nottinghamshire reached a competitive score and we surely have three more days of this stuff ahead of us.For those of us who watched two Bob Willis Trophy games here last August, when cricket was played against the background a white unpeopled vastness this day was rich beyond easy words. That ripe Nottinghamshire accent was heard again on the packed middle deck of the Radcliffe Road stand, the ball ran off the face of the bat and the fields towards Eastwood stretched away as perhaps they did in DH Lawrence’s day. At least, it was easy to think so.