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How will the European champions fare this summer after losing their skipper just three months before the tournament begins?

When England captain and Arsenal star Leah Williamson went down with a knee injury on Wednesday night, one could be forgiven for fearing the worst.

Women’s football has been suffering an ACL crisis for a long, long time now and, on Friday afternoon, Williamson’s name was added to its ever-growing list of casualties.

The 26-year-old will miss the rest of Arsenal’s season, which includes a Women’s Champions League semi-final tie against Wolfsburg, and then, crucially, this summer’s 2023 Women’s World Cup.

After leading the Lionesses to Euro 2022 glory last year, she’ll be forced to watch on from afar for this major tournament.

It’s cruel, cruel news for a player who had been enjoying an incredible moment in her career, with so much to look forward to. It’s devastating for her club, too, with the Gunners already bogged down by a long injury list.

And what about England? To lose your captain and one of your star players as you prepare for a World Cup that you genuinely have the ability to win is a massive blow.

🏆 TOP STORY: England captain Williamson to miss World Cup📣 HAVE YOUR SAY: Who should replace woeful De Gea at Man Utd?🚨 MUST READ: Where it all went wrong for Dele Alli

What impact could it have on the Lionesses' chances of becoming world champions?

GettyThe Lionesses' leader

One impact Williamson’s absence will have on this team is obvious, evidenced by the armband that she sports every time she steps on the pitch for her country.

She’s the captain, she’s this team’s leader, and now they will be without her for the biggest tournament of them all.

When the Arsenal star was officially made England’s new skipper last year, it was something that her team-mates commented on as being a “natural” thing, such are the leadership qualities she possesses.

It’s something Wiegman clearly saw, too, as when Williamson had asked her if she wanted her to do anything more in the new role, the coach simply said: “No, I've given it to you. I'm happy with what you're doing.”

She showed throughout Euro 2022 that Wiegman made the correct decision, too. When Williamson sat with her to talk to the media ahead of the final at Wembley in late July, she oozes calmness and composure. She was laser-focused on the task ahead and, a day later, she went out and led her team to glory.

To go to a World Cup without a player that has traits like that, a player that so many of her team-mates look to in big moments, is huge.

AdvertisementGettyThe formidable duo of Bright and Williamson

One of the most difficult things for England about Williamson's absence is that they lose the fantastic partnership she and Millie Bright have forged in the heart of the defence.

The duo started every game at Euro 2022 and were a big reason why the Lionesses only conceded twice throughout the entire tournament, both exceptional in their own ways and able to complement the other.

Recently, when that pair has been broken up, England haven’t looked as assured. During the April international break, Bright was injured and so Williamson partnered with Alex Greenwood for the Women’s Finalissima and then Esme Morgan for the Australia friendly.

The Lionesses weren’t at their best at the back in that first game, conceding late on before beating Brazil on penalties, and the second match resulted in England’s first defeat of Wiegman’s tenure.

Before the Euros, until it was changed at the last minute, Williamson was actually playing in midfield and it was Bright and Greenwood that had come together to form a great centre-back duo.

If Bright is fit for the tournament, as she's still sidelined with a knee injury at present, Wiegman will hope those two can reproduce that quality and rekindle their fruitful partnership in the pre-World Cup friendlies.

GettyReshuffle needed

One of Wiegman’s big selection headaches during her tenure has been the left-back spot. In February, it seemed she had found a solution: Greenwood.

The Manchester City defender used to play in that position week in, week out before moving into a central role in recent years. Yet, the coach played her on the left during the Arnold Clark Cup and she fared well, seemingly relieving the headache.

In Bright’s absence, Greenwood played at centre-back in April and now Williamson’s injury is likely to see her play there at the World Cup, too. Wiegman needs to shuffle things around again.

Rachel Daly played at left-back during the Euros but she’s naturally a forward, second in the scoring charts in the Women’s Super League this season. As a result of that form, she’s been given more minutes in the front line for her country lately and has done well there.

The injury to Williamson could see Wiegman move Daly back into defence, though, and bring in another forward to bolster the attacking pool. Alternatively, Jess Carter, who started both games in the position in April, could play there. Neither are naturals in the role, though, and therefore cannot really perform to their full potential there.

Could Greenwood stay on the left and another centre-back option be brought in alongside Bright? It is now probably the biggest question Wiegman has to ponder going into the World Cup.

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GettyA loss in more than one position

England don’t only lose a top quality centre-back in Williamson, though. The Arsenal star is a versatile player who has also excelled in a midfield role for club and country.

It’s in that area that the Lionesses are thinnest on the ground and simply by being in squads, their captain has been able to add a little bit of depth to the middle of the park should she be needed.

There is one player in the England team that is almost irreplaceable and that is Keira Walsh. The Barcelona midfielder is one of a kind and plays an incredibly important role for her country.

But the player best suited to replacing her, should she pick up a knock at the World Cup or miss a game through suspension, was probably Williamson.

The Portugal star returned to Manchester United's Premier League line up against Newcastle but failed to take his chance

Manchester United could not make it four straight wins after being held to a frustrating draw by in-form Newcastle on Sunday in the Premier League.

The Red Devils lacked quality and creativity in attack throughout at Old Trafford, but did have chances to win the game, particularly late on as Erik ten Hag's men pushed for a winner.

Fred and Marcus Rashford were both presented with excellent opportunities to snatch all three points, but could not find the target and had to settle for a 0-0 draw.

Yet it could have been a different game entirely if Joelinton had scored in the first half. The Brazilian hit the woodwork twice in a matter of seconds but somehow the ball managed to stay out.

But who came away from the game with any credit, and who had a day to forget? GOAL breaks it down…

Getty ImagesThe Winners

Lisandro Martinez

This was far from a vintage performance from United, which makes picking any winners a tough job. Martinez did, though, show the attitude and leadership needed by Ten Hag's side. The Argentine was a key reason why the Red Devils kept a clean sheet and won 100 percent of his tackles in the 90 minutes. He also ensured it was a tough afternoon for Newcastle striker Callum Wilson, who only really had one sighting of goal and put his shot wide.

Christian Eriksen

Eriksen missed his first Premier League game since joining United in the summer due to illness, and was badly missed by the hosts. Ten Hag’s side lacked inspiration and creativity without the 30-year-old in their side and found it hard to carve out chances. There was also a distinct lack of composure and control, and United will be eager to have Eriksen back when they take on his former team Tottenham next time out.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo was presented with a plate by Sir Alex Ferguson after scoring his 700th club goal last weekend, but there was to be no goal number 701 for the Portguese on Sunday. Starting in the league for the first time since that infamous 4-0 defeat at Brentford in August, Ronaldo endured a frustrating afternoon, seeming to waver between dropping too deep in search of the ball and then being caught offside when United did find him up the pitch. He did manage to get the ball in the back of the net twice, but it was no surprise to see his first effort rightly flagged for offside, before the forward stole the ball off Nick Pope after thinking Newcastle had taken a free-kick short, but his subsequent effort was also waved away before he picked up a booking for his efforts. Ronaldo ended up walked off shaking his head when he was replaced on 72 minutes, but he can't really have any arguments about his substitution.

Fred

Fred was back in the starting XI with Scott McTominay suspended, but it will be a huge surprise if he keeps his place after a truly abysmal showing against Newcastle. The Brazilian's touch was poor, he was easily bullied off the ball and was guilty of conceding possession far too easily on countless occasions. Indeed, he almost gifted Newcastle the opening goal after being hounded off the ball just outside the penalty area, but Wilson could only flash the shot wide. Fred also had a golden opportunity to win it for United late on. The Brazilian did manage to connect with Rashford's cross but missed with the goal gaping.

Joelinton

Neither team created too many chances at Old Trafford, but there's no doubt the best two opportunities to break the deadlock fell to Joelinton in the first half. The Newcastle midfielder did beat David de Gea with his first effort, but then saw the ball hit the crossbar. Joelinton react quickly to the miss, but could only put the rebound onto the post. The Brazilian was able to manage a wry smile afterwards, but there's no doubt it was a huge let-off for United.

GettyMan Utd Ratings: Defence

David de Gea (6/10):

His distribution wasn’t great, but he will be happy to keep a clean sheet on his 500th appearance for the club. Did have his woodwork to thank as Joelinton twice hit the frame of the goal in the first half.

Diogo Dalot: (6/10):

Solid enough and was, like the whole team, better after the break.

Raphael Varane (7/10):

Might have conceded a penalty for an early clash with Wilson, but otherwise a composed showing from the Frenchman.

Lisandro Martinez (7/10):

Was really up for the battle and enjoyed his tussle with Wilson.

Luke Shaw (6/10):

Did a decent enough job at the back but Ten Hag will want him to contribute more going forwards.

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Getty ImagesMidfield

Casemiro (6/10):

The pick of the bunch in midfield but that’s not saying much. Wanted a penalty in the second half but went to ground a little too easily.

Fred (4/10):

A really poor performance from the Brazilian who looked clumsy on the ball and was too easily knocked off it.

Bruno Fernandes (5/10):

Just couldn’t get going and ended up bickering with Ronaldo, which is never a good sign. Booked for a nasty challenge on Bruno Guimaraes that smacked of frustration.

Who are the greatest African players to represent the two Spanish giants?

Getty Images10Alex Song

Song transferred, at the height of his powers, to Catalonia to join Barcelona from Arsenal.

The box-to-box midfielder was indispensable for Arsene Wenger's Gunners, but it never quite worked out for Song in La Liga, and he subsequently returned to England on loan at West Ham United.

He's currently playing in Djibouti following spells with Sion and Rubin Kazan, and it's safe to say that his career hasn't lived up to the early promise of his pre-Barca years.

AdvertisementClive Brunskill/ALLSPORT9​Emmanuel Amuneke

During his playing career, the former Tanzania coach was a glittering wideman who enjoyed dismal fortune at Barcelona, where injuries completely shattered his career in Catalonia.

The 1994 African Footballer of the Year scored twice in the Nations Cup final that year as Nigeria defeated Zambia, and also clinched honours in Portugal, Egypt and in his homeland.

Yet despite a clutch of honours won with Barca, it’s tempting to beg the question, what might Amuneke have become had injuries not taken their toll?

Getty8Emmanuel Adebayor

Adebayor has been a fan favourite at almost every club he has played at, but he is also known for his controversial nature and at times it has overshadowed his excellence at some European giants.

He made 143 appearances for Arsenal managing 62 goals, of which 30 came in the 2007/08 season, which remains his finest campaign.

His brilliance flickered at Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, but he never truly looked the part during a brief loan spell with Real in 2011.

He's currently a free agent after leaving Paraguayan giants Olimpia.

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Denis Doyle/Getty Images7Mahamadou Diarra

Diarra doesn’t always get the credit he deserves for the consistent excellence he brought to the table at Real Madrid during his time at the Bernabeu.

Between 2002 and 2008 the Mali international won six consecutive league titles with Olympique Lyonnais and then Real, helping the Spanish giants to end a four-year trophy drought with their championship triumph in 2006.

Finally, largely thanks to Diarra’s positioning, awareness and sharp tackling,  had a long overdue replacement for Claude Makelele.

David Green, one of county cricket’s great entertainers, has died at the age of 76

David Hopps19-Mar-2016David Green, one of county cricket’s great entertainers, whether on the field for Lancashire and Gloucestershire or in the press boxes on the county circuit after his retirement, has died at the age of 76. He had been suffering from respiratory problems and had spent the past fortnight in hospital near his Devon home.When made Green – “Bodger” to his chums, and there were many – one of their Five Cricketers of the Year in 1969 their judgment could hardly have been more apt. “David Green is undoubtedly the sort of player the game demands – aggressive, talented and entertaining,” was their verdict.Green was true to an era when drinking after a day’s play was considered almost : a man who could down a pint with the same sort of indecent haste that he could hit a half-century. Perhaps his conviction that professional cricket was about camaraderie as well as victory meant that he did not entirely achieve his potential, but the game – and many who followed it – was richer for his presence. He was a raconteur par excellence, a man capable of filling a day with laughter. As one journalist struck by his presence remarked: “I wish I had seen him play; I am very glad I heard him talk.”After his retirement, he would often jovially relate that there was nothing finer than a run-a-ball fifty and the completion of the crossword before lunch on the first day of a Championship match. It was a rebellious act, too, because this was largely an era of dour, defensive cricket on bowler-friendly pitches.He had an acerbic, intelligent wit – his career at Lancashire ended prematurely when he called the chairman a “prat” – “I could have called him much worse,” Green would later reflect – but there was a fairness and gentleness about him, too, that was always reflected in the way he wrote about and discussed cricket. He cared deeply about the standards of the game.Although Green was born in the Caernarvonshire village of Llanengan in 1939, he was raised in Timperley in Cheshire and learned his cricket in Lancashire. He was regarded as a teenage prodigy at Manchester Grammar School and won his cricket Blue at Oxford University, where he studied history, for three seasons from 1959, making his Lancashire debut in the first of those and passing 1000 runs for the first of seven times.Famously, as Lancashire’s vice-captain, he topped 2000 first-class runs in 1965 without hitting a century – a unique statistic – but in 1967 his season was limited by a leg injury, and he was released at the end of the summer. He was snapped up by Gloucestershire and repaid them immediately by scoring 2137 runs at 40.32 including a career-best 233, an achievement that earned him his accolade from . It was his most driven of seasons: Lancashire had been well and truly put in their place. He regarded batting with his opening partner, Arthur Milton, as “an education”.When limited-overs cricket was introduced to English cricket in the late ’60s, it might have been designed for him.He was also a talented rugby union player, turning out for Sale and Cheshire, and later for Bristol. After retiring he worked as a journalist, almost exclusively for the . His writing style was antithetical to his cricket. Given his county cricket wordage for the day, often less than he would hope, he would draw lines down his page, each box representing a single word. He would have caused hilarity for much of the day but his copy was shrewd and analytical.His first book, , published in 2013 and covering both his cricket and rugby lives, was part-autobiographical, part-anecdotal, part-cricket analysis and always irreverent. David Green was not easily compartmentalised.

Shashank Manohar has resigned as BCCI president in the lead up to the elections for ICC chairman, a post that must now be contested by independent candidates

ESPNcricinfo staff10-May-20162:54

Bal: Manohar’s ICC reign could be significant

Shashank Manohar has resigned as BCCI president in the lead up to the elections for ICC chairman, a post that must now be contested by independent candidates not linked to any country’s board. Manohar will not be able to continue as ICC chairman either until the elections because the present post goes to the BCCI nominee to the ICC, which is Manohar.”I hereby tender my resignation with immediate effect from the post of President of Board of Control for Cricket in India,” Manohar said in a letter to BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur. “I also resign with immediate effect as the representative of BCCI on the International Cricket Council, as also the Asian Cricket Council on which I was nominated by the General Body of BCCI.”Thakur confirmed to that Manohar had stepped down because of the upcoming ICC election, for which the nomination process began on May 8. The ICC had announced in February that its new chairman would be independent and no longer be able to hold a position with their home board, like Manohar and his predecessor N Srinivasan had done.The ICC election will be overseen by the body’s independent audit committee chairman and all present and past ICC directors will be eligible to contest. Candidates can only be nominated by a fellow ICC director and a director can make only one nomination. Any nominee with the support of at least two Full Member directors will be put forward as a candidate for chairman.Manohar had been elected BCCI president in October 2015 – his second term – after the death of Jagmohan Dalmiya. According to the BCCI constitution, in the case of the president resigning, the secretary will have to call a special general body meeting with two weeks notice to decide on the way forward.Manohar’s resignation came amid the Indian board’s legal troubles with the country’s Supreme Court in the wake of the Lodha Committee’s recommendations to restructure the organisation.

Less than a month after joining the BCCI’s cricket advisory committee, Sachin Tendulkar has agreed to be a part of the Mumbai Cricket Association’s Cricket Improvement Committee (CIC) as a special invitee

Amol Karhadkar25-Jun-2015Less than a month after joining the BCCI’s cricket advisory committee, Sachin Tendulkar has agreed to be a part of the Mumbai Cricket Association’s Cricket Improvement Committee (CIC) as a special invitee.Dilip Vengsarkar, who became the MCA vice-president last week and will be chairing the committee that will look after all of its cricket activities, announced Tendulkar’s first formal involvement in MCA affairs.”I spoke with Sachin today and he has agreed to share his views on improving Mumbai cricket and attend CIC as a special invitee whenever he is in town,” Vengsarkar said during a media conference on Thursday.The eight-member CIC includes six former international cricketers – Vengsarkar, Ajit Wadekar, Sanjay Manjrekar, Pravin Amre, Ajit Agarkar and Diana Edulji – apart from Amol Muzumdar and Deepak Patil.The CIC, a brainchild of the MCA president Sharad Pawar, was formed in 2001 to look into cricketing affairs. It was disbanded in 2011 after Pawar exited the MCA for a term. It was reconstituted earlier this year but didn’t serve any purpose since it was formed towards the end of the domestic season.Vengsarkar said the first CIC meeting would be held early next week. The first major responsibility of the committee will be to finalise selectors and coaches for all Mumbai teams. Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy team is without a coach, with Amre clarifying that he isn’t interested in extending his stint.The MCA, Vengsarkar said, would also form a disciplinary committee to keep a check on indiscipline by cricketers on and off the field. “We will not tolerate any indiscipline by any player, be it the best superstar or an under-14 cricketer,” he said.Last year, Suryakumar Yadav stepped down as Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy captain midway through the season following prolonged disciplinary issues, including spats with teammates. That was followed by Sarfaraz Khan making obscene gestures at selectors while playing an Under-19 match, after being dropped from the Ranji team. The MCA had decided to withhold both players’ match fees as security deposit for decent behaviour.Vengsarkar also announced that the Kanga League, the only wet-weather tournament in India, will revert to its traditional monsoon format. It had been rescheduled from October to February for the last two years. This year, the tournament will be played from August 2 to October 25.The managing committee also decided, Vengsarkar said, to allot one membership of the clubhouse at the MCA’s Bandra-Kurla complex to each of its 329 affiliates. The promise of membership was one of the decisive factors in the Pawar-Mahaddalkar panel’s sweep in last week’s election.

Brad Haddin, the Australia wicketkeeper, has announced his retirement from ODI cricket, a day before leaving for Test tours of the West Indies and England

ESPNcricinfo staff17-May-2015Brad Haddin, the Australia wicketkeeper, has formally announced his retirement from ODI cricket, a day before leaving for Test tours of the West Indies and England.Amid the Australia team’s celebrations after the World Cup final victory over New Zealand in Melbourne in March, Haddin had revealed that he was not going to play any more one-day games.Haddin played 126 ODIs and scored 3122 runs at an average of 31.53 with two centuries and 16 fifties. He also had 170 catches and 11 stumpings, the third-most dismissals for Australia after Adam Gilchrist and Ian Healy.”I have had a privileged one-day career and I have been fortunate enough to be involved in three World Cups and now is the right time to walk away,” the 37-year old Haddin said.”Not many players get to write a script like mine at the end of their careers and I have been lucky enough to do just that after winning a World Cup on home soil.”I leave the team with Australia ranked No. 1 in the world and I am proud of everything we have achieved.””Australian cricket congratulates Brad on a fine one-day international career,” Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said. “Throughout the years he well and truly maintained Australia’s proud tradition of outstanding wicketkeeper-batsmen in limited-overs cricket. He leaves big shoes to fill as a talented player and important senior figure within the team.”We thank him for his wonderful contribution to one-day cricket and look forward to his continued performances at Test level as the team works hard to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy and the Ashes.”

Seamer Simon Milenko’s 5 for 15 in only his second first-class game, floored Tasmania as they lost to Queensland by an innings and 50 runs inside two days.

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Feb-2015
ScorecardSeamer Simon Milenko’s 5 for 15, in only his second first-class game, floored Tasmania as they lost to Queensland by an innings and 50 runs inside two days.Tasmania had been bowled out for 149 on the opening day after which Queensland’s opening stand of 124 between Charlie Hemphrey and Joe Burns built a platform for a strong first-innings score. Queensland began the second day at 2 for 135 but suffered a wobble, losing five wickets for 41 runs to stumble to 7 for 181. James Hopes, who had taken four wickets on the first day, led a lower-order rally, scoring 98, and added crucial 50 and 75-run partnerships for the eighth and ninth wicket with Cameron Boyce and Mark Steketee. Their fightback helped Queensland stretch their lead to 171 runs.Tasmania’s batsman faltered in their bid to wipe out the deficit and had lost half their side for 62 by the 22nd over. Tim Paine top-scored with 41 and after he was dismissed, with the score at 6 for 108, Milenko and Steketee ran through the tail, dismissing Tasmania for 121. Steketee ended with match figures of 7 for 89 while Milenko, who had failed to take a wicket in the first innings, finished the match with 5 for 36.

Plays of the day from the rained out game between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals

Andrew Fidel Fernando29-Apr-2015Having been dropped for a match last week, Chris Gayle seemed to recover his early-overs mojo against Delhi Daredevils. Three balls into his innings here, he had the stands buzzing. Tim Southee’s first ball was hit straight, and might have gone for four if it hadn’t hit the stumps at the other end. The next ball was carved through the offside and the following one lifted into the sightscreen. But just when the Chinnaswamy seemed primed for a Gayle special, he cracked the next ball straight to Deepak Hooda at midwicket.The pincushion
Harshal Patel might have been displeased when Sarfaraz Khan refused to attempt a second run off the last ball of the innings, but the rest of their side had only love for the young batsman. Virat Kohli was first on to the field to congratulate Sarfaraz for his knock. He clasped his hands together and bowed, offering a lighthearted . Other team-mates were a lot more hands on, mobbing Sarfaraz with back pats, bum slaps, and friendly knocks to the helmet. Thoroughly manhandled, Sarfaraz was still smiling when he eventually made it off the field.The mix-up
Dinesh Karthik had already flung his bat several metres when he had played a part in the miscommunication that led to AB de Villiers’ run out. He was cursing again when in the 17th over, he turned back for a second after Sarfaraz had hit one towards deep midwicket, but was sent back by his partner, a tad late. Karthik’s dive could not save him, but Sarfaraz would ensure the innings stayed on course for 200.The backhand
Sarfaraz had not been at the crease long, but having uppercut his first four, felt brave enough to try a rare innovation. James Faulkner sent down a length ball outside off stump and Sarfaraz played a reverse shot of sorts, only he used the back of his bat instead of the face. Though he sent the ball towards the third man area he had been aiming for, he could not get enough power on the shot to fetch more than a single.

ESPNcricinfo previews the third and final T20 between South Africa and West Indies in Durban

The Preview by Firdose Moonda13-Jan-20151:21

South Africa look to quell ‘Maroon Fire’

Match factsWednesday, January 14
Start time 1800 local (1500 GMT)Big Picture Never mind a few days, what a difference a change in format can make. From being dominated in the Tests to dominating in the T20s, West Indies have done a complete 180 degree turn thanks largely to Chris Gayle.Although he described himself as “not 100% fit” Gayle has been 100% merciless on an inexperienced South Africa attack and answered his own call for consistency by setting up a successful chase for the second time in Johannesburg. That it was also the world-record chase only speaks to the impact he can have on a team.He has left his team-mates questioning what they will do without him and South Africa what to do against him, and at least one of those parties aren’t too interested in finding the answer yet. South Africa have seemingly lost their appetite for this contest and will effectively field a side of reserves for the dead rubber.In addition to resting their big names – Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel – and being forced to leave out JP Duminy and Quinton de Kock through injury, they have given regular T20 captain Faf du Plessis the day off as well. Justin Ontong, long-time Cobras captain, takes charge and called it “probably the proudest moment in my career”. If he can conjure up a way to curb Gayle, it will be that and much more.South Africa will hope to finally knock West Indies off their stride in Durban•Associated PressForm guide South Africa LLLLW
West Indies WWWLLIn the spotlight After being on the receiving end of a Gayle-storm twice in the two matches. South Africa’s bowlers need to come up with a plan to keep West Indies’ main man quiet. They have struggled to hit the find the right lengths, either by erroneously persisting with short balls or feeding full tosses as their attempts at yorkers go wrong, and may need to stick to the simplicity du Plessis hinted at in the lead up to the series – good length, outside off – to restrict their opposition.Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo have not had the opportunity to do much with the bat, thanks to Gayle’s dominance and they have their last chance to make an impact in this series. Neither is part of West Indies’ ODI or World Cup squads and if they want to express how they feel about that omission on the field, this is their window.Team news South Africa will field a third captain this year – after Hashim Amla led in Tests and Faf du Plessis took over for the T20s – with Ontong given the leadership duties. He will have to inspire a squad who have been on the receiving end of what du Plessis kindly termed two “hidings” with the knowledge there is very little to be gained from this fixture. Rilee Rossouw should be given another chance to show what he can do at the top of the order and, without too many bowling options, South Africa will simply have to hope the men they have can tighten up, especially Kyle Abbott who is part of the World Cup squad.South Africa: (possible) 1 Morne van Wyk (wk), 2 Rilee Rossouw, 3 Farhaan Behardien, 4 David Miller, 5 Justin Ontong (capt), 6 Wayne Parnell, 7 David Wiese, 8 Kyle Abbott, 9 Kagiso Rabada/Aaron Phangiso, 10 Marchant de Lange, 11 Imran TahirThe series is wrapped up so West Indies may want to experiment by giving players like Carlos Brathwaite or Andre Fletcher a go but that may take second priority against the prospect of whitewashing South Africa. That could mean they will go with the same XI that did duty at the Wanderers.West Indies: (possible) 1 Chris Gayle, 2 Dwayne Smith, 3 Marlon Samuels, 4 Kieron Pollard, 5 Andre Russell, 6 Dwayne Bravo, 7 Darren Sammy (capt), 8 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 9 Jason Holder, 10 Sulieman Benn, 11 Sheldon CottrellPitch and conditions “I don’t think the conditions will be as good as they were at the Wanderers,” Ontong said. By that, he means they won’t be as fast. Run-scoring may be more laboured on a slower surface, which will make for less of a spectacle and more hard work, if the rain does not intervene. Thunderstorms are forecast from 5pm.Stats and Trivia There have been 11 T20s played at Kingsmead and only one match has seen totals over 200, when India defended 218 against England at the World T20 in 2007. The chasing team has won just four times at this venue. South Africa have only played four other three-match T20 series and, to date, have not been whitewashed.Quotes “I don’t think we can play the way they play their cricket. We have to look at our strengths and the way we go about our business. There was nothing wrong with the batting in both of the games. We just need more work on the bowling front.”
“It’s not often that a team that is ranked below a top team whitewashes them so that’s the focus. We are not going to relax. We are saving the celebration for after the next match.”