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Erik ten Hag hopes Ruud van Nistelrooy will bring along some "DNA of Manchester United" after returning to Old Trafford as an assistant coach.

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Van Nistelrooy returns to Old TraffordWill be a part of Ten Hag's coaching staff along with Rene HakeHas signed a contract until 2026 with the Red DevilsWHAT HAPPENED?

The former striker's return is part of a broader restructuring of the coaching team, aiming to propel the club forward in the upcoming seasons. Alongside Van Nistelrooy, Ten Hag has also appointed Rene Hake to the coaching team. Both have signed two-year contracts, replacing Benni McCarthy and Mitchell van der Gaag. This move marks Van Nistelrooy's return to Old Trafford after 18 years, and Hake joins from his previous position at Go Ahead Eagles.

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Van Nistelrooy's coaching career has been marked by a steady progression through the ranks. After retiring from professional play in 2012, he began coaching in 2013. His journey saw him take on roles with PSV Eindhoven's Under-19 and Under-21 teams, and eventually, the first team, where he won the KNVB Cup in 2023. Despite offers from clubs like Burnley and Leicester City, Van Nistelrooy chose to join Ten Hag at United, demonstrating his commitment to the club where he made his mark as a player.

WHAT TEN HAG SAID

Ten Hag has expressed great confidence in Van Nistelrooy's abilities, both as a coach and a character.

"First of all, his character has brought him so far and it’s an example for everyone here in the building," Ten Hag said.

"Of course, he will also bring some DNA of Manchester United in, but that character is such a strong driver and that is also what he shows as a coach. He has such a highly interesting profile, he’s so ambitious, he has the skills and he already has a lot of experience.

“He’s assisted the Dutch squad, in PSV he did the Under-19s as a manager, he did the Under-21s, Jong PSV, who were playing at the second level and then he was manager of the first team. So much experience, but very young, very ambitious, and very driven. With his skills and his intelligence, he will help all the players and the team.”

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DID YOU KNOW?

Meanwhile, Hake's appointment also reflects a long-standing professional relationship with Ten Hag, dating back almost two decades to their time at Twente. Hake's recent success with Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivisie further underscores his credentials. His familiarity with Ten Hag's methods and philosophies is expected to help streamline the implementation of new strategies at United.

West Bromwich Albion, even after a tricky first 45 minutes away at fellow Championship side Huddersfield Town, managed to come out on top 4-1 at the John Smith's Stadium owing to a devastating second-half display.

Mikey Johnston continues to endear himself to the Baggies fanbase, the Celtic loanee chipping in with two goals during the eventually one-sided contest, whilst Okay Yokuslu goes from strength to strength in a holding midfield role as well for Carlos Corberan's men off the back of his standout display in West Yorkshire.

Typically dogged and determined in approach to allow his playoff-chasing side to tick, the imposing Turkish midfielder even helped himself to a goal in the victory away from his normal duties with a thunderbolt effort sending the travelling West Brom fans into raptures.

The decision to bring the ex-Trabzonspor man into the building on a permanent deal in 2022 continues to look like an ingenious call, with the Baggies paying nothing to win their now star man's services at the time.

Okay Yokuslu's transfer value at West Brom

Once on the books at West Brom as a loanee at the back end of the 2020/21 season, the West Midlands outfit probably couldn't believe their luck when they ended up winning Yokuslu's services on a free transfer.

He has since gone on to become an important part of the Corberan jigsaw puzzle after being initially signed by Steve Bruce, with the forceful 30-year-old midfielder ever-present for large portions of this season to date – making 36 appearances in the second tier in total.

It has resulted in Yokuslu's transfer value rising all the way up to a hefty €3.5m (£2.9m) as per Football Transfers, which sees the West Brom number 35 come in as the second most valuable member of the squad currently according.

1. Jed Wallace

€4.1M (£3.4M)

2. Okay Yokuslu

€3.5M (£2.9M)

3. Brandon Thomas-Asante

€3.4M (£2.8M)

4. Conor Townsend

€3.4M (£2.8M)

5. Darnell Furlong

€3.4M (£2.8M)

Sourced by Football Transfers

His inflated value also sees him rank as a more valuable player than Brandon Thomas-Asante, despite the Baggies striker leading the goalscoring charts at the Hawthorns this season with ten goals.

Surprisingly, Yokuslu – despite hammering home with venom against Huddersfield last match – only has that solitary goal next to his name this season and could well look to kick on for the remainder of the campaign to prove his worth to the Baggies promotion cause.

Alongside the likes of seasoned first-teamers Darnell Furlong and Conor Townsend, who sit just below Yokuslu in terms of their market value, the experienced West Brom side will hope they can push through to the Premier League even if the nail-biting playoffs come their way.

Okay Yokuslu's continued importance

Corberan and Co will just be relieved that they didn't cash in on their Turkish star in January in the end, with reported suitors from his native country sniffing around before the close of the transfer window.

Instead, Yokuslu will hope he can continue to lead by example in holding midfield as a tough but impactful presence for the promotion-chasers on their way to glory being achieved.

The 30-year-old would shine rolling his sleeves up by winning four tackles too in the comprehensive Terriers win, on top of finding the back of the net with confidence.

West Brom star who won seven duels was as good as Johnston v Huddersfield

West Bromwich Albion romped to a big win over Huddersfield Town courtesy of this top star.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 10, 2024

Yokuslu's transfer value could well skyrocket even further if he does end up being one of many heroes in the West Brom camp that enable the West Midlands outfit to return to the top flight, with the 30-year-old loving life under Corberan currently.

Considering he was picked up on a free transfer, it cannot be doubted that West Brom sealed a golden deal by signing Yokuslu when they did.

Tottenham Hotspur are fighting for a return to the Champions League in Ange Postecoglou's first campaign in the dugout, with the club falling by the wayside in recent years.

Shrewd investment in the transfer market is not exactly anything new under chairman Daniel Levy, widely accepted as one of the more economical figures in the Premier League, but thrifty spending hasn't always hit the mark.

Sure, Spurs yield a chequered past in this regard, but well it goes right, it goes right. Gareth Bale is probably the gold standard in this regard, one of the Premier League's all-time greats and he didn't leave for a half-bad price either.

Why Gareth Bale is a Spurs legend

Levy saw a bargain and he snapped Bale up on an initial £5m deal from Southampton back in 2007, with the teenage left-back touted for big things and choosing the Lilywhites over Manchester United as he sought a path to prominence.

Darren Bent

Charlton

Gareth Bale

Southampton

Alan Hutton

Rangers

Younes Kaboul

Auxerre

Jonathan Woodgate

Middlesbrough

Kevin-Prince Boateng

Hertha BSC

Adel Taarabt

RC Lens

Chris Gunter

Cardiff

Gilberto

Hertha BSC

Danny Rose

Leeds

It didn't go according to plan in those fledgeling days, with Bale regarded as an 'unlucky charm' after enduring a 24-match winless streak to start life in London, though an infamous two-legged affair against Inter Milan in the Champions League saw the Wales international bloom into a world-class phenomenon.

Completing a world-record £85m transfer to Real Madrid back in 2013, Bale draped the curtain on a staggering Spurs career, totalling 71 goals and 58 assists across 236 outings after enjoying a season back on loan at the club in the twilight phase of his career.

The iconic winger scored 26 goals alone in his final year in England (before moving to Madrid) and Levy needed to replace his goal threat, but actually found a replacement who had outscored Bale in Roberto Soldado.

The fee Spurs paid for Roberto Soldado

Harry Kane was stirring away in the maiden stage of his Tottenham career but he was not yet ready to flaunt his legendary goalscoring talents in the Premier League, and Soldado was landed to lead the strikeforce in 2013, joining from Valencia for £26m.

He had, in fairness, plundered 30 goals from 46 appearances in all competitions for his La Liga outfit during the 2012/13 term and looked to be a reliable and exciting new member of Tottenham's team.

Let's just say it didn't go to plan,

How Soldado is remembered at Spurs

Journalist Kevin Palmer lamented Soldado for being "so useless" that Tottenham failed to impress in the Europa League during the 2014/15 campaign, losing in the last 16 against Fiorentina in part due to the Spaniard's profligacy.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast's 'First Impressions' series has everything you need.

In total, Soldado chalked up 13 goals and 11 assists across 74 matches for Spurs but this doesn't even paint the full picture of a player who drastically underperformed, incapable of leading the line to even the semblance of Bale in his free-scoring brilliance.

Premier League

52

7

6

Europa League

13

4

1

FA Cup

4

0

3

League Cup

5

2

1

Europa League Qualifying

2

3

0

Realistically, all seven of the signings made to replace Bale fell wide of the mark – bar Christian Eriksen – but Soldado really was the worst of the bunch, giving the transfer fee and weight of expectation after such clinical efforts in Spain.

Soldado flattered to deceive at Tottenham but Levy's blushes were spared two years on as Kane began a ridiculous rate of scoring at Spurs for the best part of a decade.

Still, journalist Sam Tighe mused that Soldado might have been the "flop of the season" – he really was that bad.

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is still “dreaming” of a transfer that would reunite Lionel Messi with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.

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Argentine icon in MLSCR7 settled in Middle EastUnlikely to grace same teamGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Portuguese superstar Ronaldo made his way to the Middle East at Al-Nassr in 2023, shortly after being released by Premier League giants Manchester United as a free agent. Messi was given the opportunity to tread a similar path that summer when severing ties with Ligue 1 heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain.

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Messi opted against following the lead of eternal rival Ronaldo, with the Argentine instead linking up with ex-England captain David Beckham at MLS side Inter Miami. Gerrard, though, is clinging to the hope that Messi may yet be lured to Saudi Arabia. The current Al-Ettifaq boss has told : “It’s a dream for me to have Messi at Al-Ettifaq. He is an incredible player and would be a great asset for the club. I know it’s difficult for him to move to Saudi Arabia, but there’s nothing wrong with dreaming.”

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Former Liverpool skipper Gerrard, who moved to Dammam in July 2023, added on the long-running GOAT debate that continues to divide world football: “Both Cristiano and Messi are incredible players with incredible stories in football. Ronaldo is a great individual goal-scorer, while Messi is a more complete team player. I can’t really choose between them, they are both legends.”

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WHAT NEXT?

Messi and Ronaldo have never played together at club level, with many of their battles taking place will filling spots on opposing sides of the Clasico divide at Barcelona and Real Madrid. Time is running out for them to be team-mates, with CR7 now 39 years of age and both men working on contracts that are due to expire in 2025 – although extensions to their remarkable playing careers are expected beyond that point.

Year-long delay confirmed at ECB board meeting on Wednesday

Matt Roller30-Apr-2020The first season of the Hundred has been pushed back to 2021 following an ECB board meeting on Wednesday.The ECB had intended its new eight-team, 100-ball competition to be the showpiece event in the domestic cricketing calendar and to attract a “new audience” to the sport, with the tournament due to launch on July 17.But with the Covid-19 pandemic meaning that cricket is unlikely to be played in front of spectators this summer, and casting doubts over the availability of the competition’s overseas players, the Hundred’s inaugural season will now take place in a year’s time.Last week, the ECB announced that no professional cricket would be played in England and Wales until July 1 at the earliest, and that, as the most lucrative forms of the game, international cricket and the T20 Blast would be prioritised. Another board meeting was held remotely on Wednesday to discuss the competition’s status, where it was decided that it should be pushed back by a year.ALSO READ: Case for the Hundred ‘much greater’ due to Covid-19 – Tom HarrisonThe ECB said in a media release that a number of reasons were outlined behind the decision, including “operational challenges caused by social distancing, alongside global travel restrictions, making the competition’s ambition to feature world-class players and coaches unattainable in 2020”.Further reasons given included recognition that staging the Hundred behind closed doors “directly contradicts” the stated aim to attract a broader audience, and the furloughing of staff by venues meaning that “the logistics of delivering a brand-new sporting event, without a tried-and-tested delivery plan, would be incredibly challenging”.Tom Harrison, the ECB’s chief executive, stressed that the competition will launch in 2021 rather than being shelved, and said there will be “an even greater need for the Hundred” once the worst of the Covid-19 crisis has passed.”The situation we find ourselves in as a country means that delivery of the Hundred will not be possible this summer,” Harrison said. “Whilst we are naturally disappointed that we won’t get to realise our ambitions this year, the Hundred will go ahead in 2021 when we are safely able to deliver everything we intended to help grow the game.”As we emerge from the fallout of Covid-19, there will be an even greater need for The Hundred. Our survival as a game, long-term, will be dependent on our ability to recover financially and continue our ambition to build on cricket’s growing fan base. That need has not gone anyway, if anything, it is now more critical.”The Hundred will create millions in revenues for the game, through hosting fees, hospitality and ticket sales, as well as delivering £25m in annual financial distributions to all first-class counties and MCC. Its role in driving participation alongside supporting the development of the women’s game will be material in generating take-up of our game across country-wide communities.”The Hundred is an important element of the game’s Inspiring Generations strategy, which has been debated and agreed upon across the whole game. While financially, our plans may be impacted, our ambition, ‘to inspire a generation’ should in no way be diluted.”Moeen Ali, who was due to captain Birmingham Phoenix in the Hundred, said on Wednesday that postponement “makes more sense” than launching the competition in a low-key fashion behind closed doors. “It is better for it to be delayed,” he said. “It is such a big deal for us in this country and we want it to be played when everything is right and no problems around the world.”As things stand, no decision has been made on exactly what the tournament will look like next year, although Harrison told the BBC: “We are envisaging it to be as we planned it. We have a commitment to deliver the Hundred in the way we set out to deliver it this year.” Discussions are likely to take place with the PCA regarding player contracts in the coming weeks.

South Africa fell to their lowest T20I total as Ashton Agar ripped through them at the Wanderers

The Report by Firdose Moonda21-Feb-2020Ashton Agar claimed the 13th hat-trick in T20I cricket and the second for Australia after Brett Lee as South Africa were dismissed for their lowest score in the format to lose by their biggest margin in a thrashing at the Wanderers.Agar finished with a career-best 5 for 24 to take Australia to an eighth straight T20I win, and to the top of the ICC’s rankings. They extend a successful run that dates back to February 2019, and take the lead in the three-match series.While South Africa’s batting implosion will hog the headlines, their fielding should also come under scrutiny after a wayward performance, with too many short, wide deliveries against a rampant Australian line-up. Aaron Finch and Steve Smith galloped along at 10 runs an over in a second-wicket stand of 80 and even though South Africa pulled Australia back, 49 runs in the last five overs left them with a big total to chase.The home batting line-up, which had a makeshift opener in Rassie van der Dussen, and an emergency replacement in Jon-Jon Smuts (who stood in for Heinrich Klaasen after he injured his hip in warm-ups) never got going. South Africa were 38 for 3 after the powerplay, 44 for 7 after Agar’s hat-trick and only had three partnerships in double figures.Agar, Agar, AgarFaf du Plessis’s inside-out loft over the side found Kane Richardson on the rope to end the most competent innings by a South African frontline batsman at the Wanderers and start a magical run for Australia’s left-arm spinner. His next ball was pitched on middle and leg and beat Andile Phehlukwayo’s flick and was given out by Allahudien Palekar. Phehukwayo reviewed but ball-tracking showed the delivery was straightening and hitting leg stump. That brought Dale Steyn to the crease, in the eighth over, to face the hat-trick ball.He was greeted with a ball that was tossed up, went for the drive and outside edged to Aaron Finch, at slip. Agar took off in celebration and South Africa, on 44 for 7, had all but been defeated. Agar could have another hat-trick when he bowled debutant Pite van Biljon at the end of his third over and had Lungi Ngidi caught at long-on with the first ball of his fourth, but his second hat-trick ball of the night missed Tabraiz Shamsi’s off stump by a whisker.Steyn’s alive…but so are the lights Dale Steyn operated mostly behind the scenes in the England series but stormed his way back into the spotlight in the first few balls of this match. His opening delivery was a touch wide and David Warner creamed it through the covers to start with a boundary. That would not have impressed Steyn, who tightened up immediately and sent down a menacing second ball, a bouncer that fizzed up off a length, Warner top-edged and Shamsi collected at fine leg. Steyn celebrated in his customary fashion – the chainsaw – but in slow-motion, perhaps as a nod to his advancing age.But he won’t like the suggestion that his years had anything to do with his inability to repay the favour when fielding in the next over. Ngidi should have had Smith out for a duck when he cut a short, wide ball to third man, where Steyn was stationed. He got himself into position to take the catch but lost the ball in the floodlights at the last moment and it sailed over his right shoulder. When Steyn realised what had happened, he could only smile sheepishly in response. Steyn eventually made up for it in the penultimate over of the match when he made sure Ngidi did not finish wicketless and clung on to a high ball from Mitchell Marsh’s bat at square leg.Slowly does it for South Africa The spin of Shamsi and Smuts – in addition to Andile Phehlukwayo’s change-ups – pulled Australia back in the mid-section of their innings, when they kept big hits to a minimum. The boundary was only breached three times between the end of the sixth over and the end of the 14th, once when Matthew Wade should have been caught on the deep midwicket boundary by van Biljon. Shamsi conceded a slog sweep that went for six towards the end of his spell, where wides were his only weakness, while Smuts’ two overs cost just 15 runs and he should have been used a little more. South Africa gave away 61 runs in those eight overs, at a rate of 7.62, which kept Australia under 200. In the end, it was still more than a hundred runs too many.Starc’s crucial breakthroughWith moisture in the air, it was inevitable that would be some swing but it wasn’t until Mitchell Starc got hold of the ball that it was on display. His third delivery was directed straight at de Kock, who looked to play leg side, snuck past his attempt and pinged the top of middle stump. That meant South Africa’s most in-form batsman of the summer was out, and the rest of the line-up had a mountain to climb.Agar took the honours but it was Australia’s fast bowlers who did the early damage and reduced South Africa to 38 for 3 in the powerplay, leaving them with no way back. After Starc’s early strike, Pat Cummins was responsible for the other two wickets and had van der Dussen caught at third man and Smuts caught by Adam Zampa, running circles from short-fine leg. Australia scored 70 runs in their first six overs and South Africa’s score, of just over half that, was never going to be competitive enough.Fielding fumbles and Faf Steyn’s miss was comical, van Biljon’s may be explained away by debut nerves but Shamsi’s miss in the final over was inexcusable. Agar top-edged Rabada to short third man, de Kock looked to be going for it as Shamsi ran in which made the keeper think twice. At that point, Shamsi should have committed to the catch but he pulled out and the ball fell between him and de Kock.It wasn’t all bad, with du Plessis taking a stunner at backward point when Carey launched one into the night sky, but that was a rare bright moment in South Africa’s effort, compared to a clinical Australian display.

Arsenal are enjoying another brilliant season in the Premier League under former player Mikel Arteta, with his side currently sitting just two points off leaders Liverpool with 12 games remaining.

Arteta's side have only lost four times in the league so far this campaign, with the Gunners boasting the best defensive record in the division – conceding just 23 times in the 26 league games so far this season.

The North London side have also kept ten clean sheets in the Premier League – two more than any other side, with Arteta's side adopting Sir Alex Ferguson's quote that "attacking wins you games, defending wins you titles".

One player has been crucial in the club's attempts to end their 20-year drought without a Premier League title after his summer arrival at the Emirates. However, his time could soon be coming to an end in Arsenal red.

Aaron Ramsdale's record at Arsenal

David Raya joined the Gunners on loan with an option to buy last summer, with the Spaniard being crucial in Arsenal's attempts to get one over Manchester City after their title battle last season.

Aaron Ramsdale has subsequently dropped down the pecking order, with the former Bournemouth 'keeper now becoming Arteta's second-choice behind the in-form Raya.

The "phenomenal" 25-year-old – as dubbed by David Seaman, has made 88 appearances since his debut for the club in 2021. However, only five of those have come in the Premier League this season, with Ramsdale suffering as a result of Raya's arrival.

Very few would have predicted this turn of events on the back of last season, with Ramsdale earning a spot in the PFA Team of the Year after helping Arsenal finish as runner-up behind Manchester City.

During his two and a half years in London, he's kept 28 clean sheets for the Gunners in England's top flight, form that saw him become a regular in Gareth Southgate's England squad.

It's clear from his time at the Gunners that Ramsdale is a top-quality Premier League 'keeper and is way too good to sit on the substitute bench week in and week out, with the club potentially wanting to off-load the 25-year-old due to his high weekly wage.

Wage Burners

Football FanCast's Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.

How much Aaron Ramsdale has cost Arsenal

The Stoke-on-Trent-born goalkeeper joined Arsenal for a deal totaling £30m including add-ons from relegated Sheffield United during the summer of 2021.

His four-year deal saw him earn £110k a week, a figure that is £10k a week more than teammate and flavour of the month Jorginho, who has enjoyed a positive spell in the Gunners' midfield of late, notably winning the Man of the Match award last time out against Newcastle.

#1 Kai Havertz

£280k

#2 Gabriel Jesus

£265k

#3 Declan Rice

£240k

#4 Martin Odegaard

£240k

#5 Thomas Partey

£200k

#6 Bukayo Saka

£195k

#7 William Saliba

£190k

#8 Gabriel Martinelli

£180k

The 'keeper has spent over two-and-a-half years in the capital accumulating over £15m in wages – taking the total price of his deal to £45m since his move from the Blades.

With Ramsdale still having 28 months left on his deal, Sporting Director Edu may look to move him on in the summer whilst his transfer value is still at its peak, subsequently clearing some money off the Gunners' expensive wage bill.

He was linked with a move to Chelsea and Nottingham Forest during the January window, with Arsenal unable to find a replacement for Ramsdale. However, the summer will give both parties a good chance to complete a move away from the Emirates, allowing the talented 'keeper to develop his game further.

Gary Lineker shares his strong reaction to news that Jude Bellingham is being investigated by UEFA over lewd gesture during Slovakia clash.

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Lineker calls out UEFA after Bellingham decisionEngland star under investigationFaces suspension if charges are broughtWHAT HAPPENED?

Lineker slated UEFA's disciplinary arm for getting involved and looking into Bellingham's conduct on the pitch during England's eventual victory. Bellingham scored England's dramatic stoppage time equaliser to keep Gareth Southgate's team in the tournament.

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He was later seen performing a lewd gesture that was initially mistaken for being disrespectfully aimed at the Slovakia bench. But the Real Madrid player later clarified it was an "in-joke" with some friends who were in the stadium watching. That didn't stop UEFA from assigning an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to look into it.

WHAT LINEKER SAID

Posting on , Lineker said: "For crying out loud, the Euro 2024 celebration police are looking into Jude Bellingham. Ridiculous!"

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(C)GettyImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM & ENGLAND?

England have the best part of a week until their quarter-final against Switzerland on July 6. But there will be a nervous wait for some of it to see what UEFA's investigation into Bellingham's conduct yields and whether a charge will be brought against him. If UEFA decides to impose sanctions, the Real Madrid star could be hit with a one-game suspension and miss the tie altogether.

Conversations with Manchester United are to be sought by the Professional Footballers' Association due to growing discontent within the women's team.

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'Growing discontent' within Man Utd women's teamMoved out of training facility to accommodate menPFA ready to speak to club on behalf of playersWHAT HAPPENED?

It's been a tough week for the Red Devils. It began when Sir Jim Ratcliffe caused a stir by admitting there is not yet a detailed plan regarding improvements for the women's team going forward, with the focus of minority owners INEOS having been on the men's team – referred to as 'the first team'.

Since then, news has emerged that the women's side has moved into a temporary facility to accommodate the men, whose own building is being revamped. Two key senior players have also left the club, with Mary Earps and Nikita Parris expected to follow Lucia Garcia and Katie Zelem out of the door in the coming days.

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is now reporting that the PFA is ready to seek conversations with Man Utd on behalf of its players, having learned of the 'growing discontent' when it comes to the management of the women's side. This is the second time in three years that the PFA has been alerted to concerns within the Red Devils' women's team, as players previously reached out in 2021 to try and improve conditions.

DID YOU KNOW?

It's not just off the pitch where there have been concerns for Man Utd. Despite an FA Cup triumph, last season ended in a worst-ever Women's Super League finish of fifth, Marc Skinner's side finishing some 20 points behind eventual champions Chelsea.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

It seems things will get worse before the week is out, too, with Earps in line for a move to Paris Saint-Germain when her contract comes up in the next few days and prolific forward Parris also set to move on.

Bangladesh batsman says the team got fewer runs than they wanted, but they can still fight back with quick wickets

Umar Farooq in Rawalpindi07-Feb-2020Bangladesh’s fight in the middle order was bookended by wickets falling cheaply in the first Test against Pakistan, as they were bowled out for 233 on the opening day in Rawalpindi. Bowling first after winning the toss, Pakistan dismantled Bangladesh’s top order to leave them 2 for 3, before the middle order rallied somewhat. But although there were three stands that crossed fifty, none went beyond 59. Najmul Hossain Shanto, playing in just his third Test, rued that the Bangladesh batsmen didn’t capitalise on their partnerships.Shanto (44 off 110) had put on 59 for the third wicket with captain Mominul Haque, while the highest scorer of the innings, Mohammad Mithun, took part in stands of 54 and 53 for the sixth and seventh wickets. Shanto and Mominul were helped by Pakistan’s bowlers spraying the ball a little, perhaps becoming over-eager after the early strikes on a green top. However, the bowlers settled down and found a nagging length, and continued to strike regularly.Six of Bangladesh’s batsmen – from No.3 to No.8 – got starts, going past 20 but Mithun’s 63 was the only fifty-plus score, a fact that Shanto described as disappointing.”There was little bit of movement in the early few overs, but then later it turned into a good batting wicket,” Shanto said. “But I think we needed to be more patient. With early wickets there, we were under pressure but then the way Mominul batted it was good for us to go on. We needed to build on the partnership, have a stand of over 100 or something. Had we had a good partnership, it could have been different. I am disappointing that we didn’t capitalise.”The day belonged to Pakistan, but Bangladesh can take some positives, having batted the whole day against hostile fast bowling. Shanto was optimistic that Bangladesh were still in the match and could learn from their first-innings experience.”To me, the wicket was good for batting with not much seam movement after the first five to six overs,” Shanto said. “But Pakistan’s bowlers were patient kept on hitting the right line and maintained it. We, however, managed to get some runs on the board. We are still short of runs but if we get a few quick wickets then it will give us a chance. Whatever we have done is done, and we have to look ahead now and think about how well we can bowl. It’s challenging, but we obviously have to bowl well. I believe we can still get back in the game.”