The New York Yankees are hosting the Seattle Mariners this week giving fans in the Bronx a chance to see a true slugger up close in MLB's home run leader Cal Raleigh. The Mariners catcher has a career-high 35 home runs and we're still a few games away from the All-Star break.
He also has a distinctive nickname, "Big Dumper," which YES Network's Michael Kay had to tell the viewers about during Tuesday's broadcast. With Raleigh reaching first on a fielder's choice in the top of the first inning, Kay explained the situation in detail to Paul O'Neil while the production team got a good look at the subject of the discussion.
"They gave him the nickname Big Dumper because he has a pretty large posterior," said Kay. "And he did not like it. His former teammate Jarred Kelenic said he hated it. Hated it. Said just wait, he'll come around. Then they're making T-shirts about it. Then he did come around."
"We're getting a close-up!" O'Neil then exclaimed as the camera focused on Raleigh's backside.
"I don't know if we need that guys. Goodness," Kay continued. "In Seattle they sell No. 29 jerseys with the name Big Dumper on the back."
And if you have any other questions about Cal Raleigh's butt, the Yankees and Mariners play on Prime Video on Wednesday and MLB Network on Thursday.
Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Thomas Frank amid the mounting pressure surrounding his position as Tottenham boss.
Thomas Frank facing sack calls after underwhelming Spurs start
The north Londoners have failed to impress under Frank lately and are winless across their last five games in all competitions.
Much has been made of their lack of creative spark going forward too, not to mention their dire home form.
Tottenham have lost 10 home games in the Premier League alone this calendar year, their joint-worst record in club history, with Spurs also losing 10 in 1994 and 2003 respectively.
Only bottom-side Wolves, who appear destined for relegation to the Championship, have a worse record on their own patch this season.
16. Burnley
2
1
4
7
-2
17. Nottingham Forest
2
1
4
7
-5
18. West Ham
2
0
5
6
-9
19. Tottenham
1
2
4
5
-1
20. Wolves
0
1
6
1
-11
Granted, their problems at home this year stretch back to Ange Postecoglou’s final half a season in charge, but the Australian notably had fewer options to play with during one of the worst injury crisis’ Spurs had ever seen.
Frank was backed with a £171 million transfer war chest in the summer window, including a deal for highly-rated young playmaker Xavi Simons, yet Tottenham’s head coach has relegated him to the bench in each of their last four outings.
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ByEmilio Galantini Dec 2, 2025
Frank’s constant tinkering has also drawn criticism, with ex-Lilywhites defender Ramon Vega recently telling talkSPORT that this will be affecting the players’ rhythm.
Vega went on to suggest that Frank doesn’t have the bottle to manage a club like Spurs, while sections of the fanbase also call for his dismissal early doors.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has already been linked with the Tottenham job, but Romano has now provided his own update on Frank’s future at N17.
Fabrizio Romano shares Thomas Frank update out of Tottenham
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano says that Spurs are monitoring Frank closely amid the growing fan unrest, but there are no immediate plans to replace him as yet.
Frank is poised to take on former club Brentford this weekend, and nothing but a win will do at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to convince some supporters that he is indeed the right man for the job.
Spurs have another crucial home game just a few days later when they face off against Slavia Prague in the Champions League, two very winnable games that could seriously help to change the mood.
They also travel to Nottingham Forest on December 14 before their final match pre-Christmas against Liverpool in north London, with Frank hoping for a vital points swing to get them nearer the Champions League places.
January is right around the corner as well, and reports suggest that Tottenham are intent on signing a new attacker to provide that much-needed extra threat going forward.
Tottenham Hotspur’s unbeaten run across all competitions has now extended to three games across all competitions after Tuesday’s Champions League win over Slavia Prague.
The Lilywhites claimed a superb 3-0 victory in Europe after penalties from Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons and an own goal from opposition defender David Zima.
Thomas Frank looks to have finally found a winning formula, as seen in recent weeks, after previously failing to win in any five matches, four of which came in the Premier League.
Some may argue that the Dane is starting to get the best out of his current playing squad, with a period of adaptation evidently needed after his summer appointment.
However, despite the three-goal triumph in North London last night, the manager will no doubt have seen some glaring flaws that will need correcting in the weeks ahead.
Spurs's biggest underperformers against Slavia Prague
After starting each of the last four games on the substitutes bench, winger Wilson Odobert was handed the chance to start from the off against Slavia Prague.
However, the Frenchman struggled to make the desired impact, as seen by his tally of 86% duels lost, leading to his withdrawal in the 76th minute of the clash.
Other figures, such as zero dribbles completed and two big chances missed in the final third, also highlight his lack of positive impact despite Frank’s faith shown in the youngster.
He wasn’t alone in struggling to deliver during the win, with Pedro Porro unable to produce the regular attacking quality the fanbase have become accustomed to in recent years.
The Spaniard only managed to complete one of his five attempted crosses, whilst completing just 66% of the passes he attempted – largely being ineffective when in possession.
He also failed to win any tackles against the Czech side, whilst failing to complete any of his attempted dribbles – showcasing his lack of quality at both ends of the pitch in North London.
Spurs star needs to be dropped after Slavia Prague
Spurs have spent heavily over the last couple of years to try and be competitive in the Premier League and try and compete for titles under Frank in the years ahead.
In the recent summer alone, the Lilywhites hierarchy backed the manager with over £120m worth of funds to make an immediate impact during his first year at the helm.
Xavi Simons was just one of the additions made by the hierarchy during the off-season, but he’s struggled to make an impact across various competitions in recent months.
He went 17 games without a goal until last week, but the Dutch star has started to find his feet – as seen by his tally of two goals in his last two games for the Lilywhites.
The same can’t be said for striker Richarlison, who has constantly struggled for consistency after his own £50m transfer from Everton back in the summer of 2022.
The Brazilian international has been Frank’s starting centre forward for the majority of 2025/26 to date, subsequently managing to net a total of seven goals across all competitions.
Whilst such a tally may seem respectable, he’s often gone missing in major moments this campaign, as seen against Slavia Prague in the meeting on Tuesday.
He was once again handed a start at the top end of the pitch, but he was unable to provide the goods in front of goal and was subsequently replaced in the 68th minute.
Richarlison was only able to register a measly tally of 22 touches, a tally fewer than goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who managed 50 – showcasing his lack of impact in North London.
Richarlison – stats against Slavia Prague
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
68
Touches
22
Passes completed
9
Possession lost
7x
Big chances missed
1
Aerials won
50%
Passes into final third
1
Fouls committed
2
Stats via FotMob
He also only managed to complete nine passes and lost possession on seven separate occasions, further highlighting his lack of positive impact during the Champions League clash.
The Brazilian also missed one big chance in front of goal and won just 50% of his aerial battles, often struggling to provide the focal point Frank has massively craved.
As a result of his showing, the striker was handed a measly 6/10 match rating by Football London’s Alasdair Gold, further showcasing his struggles in North London.
After such a showing, Frank must certainly be left with no choice but to drop the forward and hand the likes of Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani the chance to stake their claim for the number nine role.
Richarlison has no doubt been a decent option for Spurs over the last couple of years, but it’s becoming increasingly evident week on week that he’s not at the level needed for success.
Frank's new Mbeumo: Paratici set to make Spurs bid to sign "world-class" CF
Tottenham Hotspur could be about to land a new talisman in the upcoming January window.
Leeds United are now considering a January approach to sign a “fantastic” Premier League forward, who wants to leave his current club.
Leeds looking to bolster attacking options in January
Former scout Mick Brown has made it clear that Leeds still want to sign a new centre-forward next month, despite a recent uptick in form, telling Football Insider: “Leeds will still want to sign a new striker,”
“It’s easy to get caught up in recent results, and Calvert-Lewin has been very impressive, but that doesn’t take away from all of the games when he wasn’t performing.”
The former Everton man now has four goals to his name in 13 Premier League outings, which is a respectable return, and Daniel Farke should be encouraged the striker managed to score against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool in consecutive games.
That said, with the Whites still only two points above the relegation zone, bringing in another forward during the upcoming transfer window could help boost their survival chances.
Not only are they keen on a new striker, but a new winger is also of interest, with contact being made over a deal for Barcelona’s Roony Bardghji, and another target has now entered the frame.
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Leeds are now considering a January approach for Chelsea forward Tyrique George, who has decided he wants to leave the Blues, having struggled for minutes under Enzo Maresca.
George is yet to start a Premier League game in 2025-26, having fallen behind Chelsea’s new signings in the pecking order, and clubs are now queuing up to secure his signature, with Everton, Southampton and Fulham also keen.
The Whites are keen to bring in a creative player, capable of playing on the wing and in the number 10 role, and the 19-year-old might fit the bill…
"Fantastic" George could be solid Wilson alternative
Harry Wilson has been a long-term target for Leeds, having pursued the Fulham man during the summer, but it would not be surprising if the Cottagers are keen to keep hold of the winger, given that he has been in red-hot form.
Indeed, the Welshman has four goal contributions to his name in his last six Premier League outings, so Farke’s side may have to move onto alternative targets, and the Chelsea ace could be an exciting option, having received high praise from scout Jacek Kulig.
The Englishman has been impressing for club and country whenever given the opportunity, chipping in with three goals and one assist in ten outings for the Blues this season.
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ByDominic Lund Dec 7, 2025
However, George needs more game time if he is going to fulfill his lofty potential, so a move to Elland Road could be ideal.
Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly considering launching a 2026 bid to sign an impressive defender who just scored a Premier League brace.
Carragher name-drops Marco Silva as pressure grows on Frank
Thomas Frank should be pleased that his side showed some resilience to complete their comeback against Newcastle United late on in midweek, but it was ultimately another attacking performance to forget. The Lilywhites found themselves relying on Cristian Romero brace to salvage a point as their frontline once again struggled to create.
The pressure is certainly growing on Frank, who is quickly losing the backing of supporters thanks to his pragmatic style. It remains to be seen whether ENIC pull the plug so early into the manager’s tenure, but that didn’t stop Jamie Carragher from suggesting a manager that he’s always seen heading to Spurs.
The Sky Sports pundit and Liverpool legend said: “I actually think he was the one manager Everton should have stuck with. I’ve always seen Silva at Tottenham, I’m not saying Tottenham as in change Thomas Frank put Marco Silva in.
“The point I’m trying to make is not quite go from Fulham to like you know a Liverpool or Manchester City you think going to sort of compete for the league but sort of that sort of level just belong with it trying to get you know Champions League maybe, you know Aston Villa, that type of team that would almost be the next step for him in the Premier League.”
Of course, if Spurs are to make a decison then it should come before the January transfer window, when they could look to sign a defensive addition.
Tottenham eyeing Van Hecke bid
According to TeamTalk, Tottenham are now eyeing a bid to sign Jan Paul Van Hecke in 2026 following the defender’s impressive start to the campaign for Brighton. Like Romero in midweek, Van Hecke netted an unlikely brace for the Seagulls, highlighting his surprising goalscoring threat in a dramatic 4-3 defeat against Aston Villa.
That said, Van Hecke’s set-piece threat is unlikely to be the main reason for Tottenham’s interest. Instead, their focus will be on his defensive prowess – especially as Frank continues to experiment with an occasional back three.
In Romero, Micky van de Ven and Van Hecke, the Lilywhites would suddenly have a solid trio to choose from in a back three. That, in itself, would go a long way towards turning things around for Frank.
Brighton rarely make things easy for buying clubs, however, and the praise of manager Fabian Hurzeler suggests that the Seagulls will be keen to keep hold of their man.
Fabrizio Romano shares Thomas Frank update amid mounting Tottenham pressure
The reliable journalist has some information.
ByEmilio Galantini Dec 4, 2025
The young manager told reporters last season: “I think it’s very important that we recognise he’s a very young player. He’s 23 and he plays an unbelievable season. He shows great character. I like his character because he’s very straight. He says his opinion, he always has good intentions.”
Tottenham in 'very advanced' talks with £88m Semenyo alternative over Spurs move
عزز فريق ريال مدريد تقدمه بهدف ثانٍ أمام أتلتيك بلباو، خلال مباراة الفريقين ببطولة الدوري الإسباني لموسم 2025-2026، والمقامة مساء اليوم الأربعاء.
ويستقبل أتلتيك بلباو خصمه ريال مدريد، على ملعب “سان ماميس”، في مباراة مؤجلة من الجولة التاسعة عشر للدوري الإسباني “الليجا”.
وأحرز الفرنسي إدواردو كامافينجا هدف ريال مدريد الثاني في شباك أتلتيك بلباو، وذلك بالدقيقة 42 من عمر اللقاء.
ولعب ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد كرة عرضية وصلت لكيليان مبابي الذي لعب رأسية تجاه كامافينجا، ليسجل الأخير برأسية في شباك اصحاب الأرض.
وكان كيليان مبابي سجل الهدف الأول لريال مدريد في الدقيقة السابعة من عمر المباراة، وتشير النتيجة لتقدم الضيوف بثنائية دون رد. هدف كامافينجا في مباراة ريال مدريد وأتلتيك بلباو
Arsenal’s title aspirations suffered a crushing blow at Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime as Emiliano Buendia’s stoppage-time strike completed a dramatic 2-1 turnaround for Aston Villa.
The Gunners’ remarkable 18-match unbeaten streak across all competitions has now come to an end, with Mikel Arteta’s side sent crashing back down to Earth.
Arsenal dominated possession throughout lengthy spells but ultimately paid the price for failing to convert superiority into goals, succumbing to Unai Emery’s tactical masterclass at a venue where Arsenal ironically boast their best away record in Premier League history.
The defeat allows Man City the opportunity to reduce the gap at the summit to just two points, piling pressure on Arteta’s men as they navigate a mounting defensive injury crisis.
Villa deservedly seized the initiative in the 36th minute when Matty Cash powered home from the back post, meeting a deflected cross with a thunderous half-volley that caught David Raya flat-footed.
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The right-back’s spectacular finish rewarded Villa’s aggressive pressing and energetic start, with Arsenal struggling to establish their usual rhythm against Emery’s well-drilled side.
Arteta responded decisively at the interval, introducing Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres for the ineffective Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino. The Belgian substitute needed just seven second-half minutes to justify his manager’s faith, pouncing on a loose ball after Emiliano Martínez could only parry Bukayo Saka’s initial effort.
Trossard’s predatory instincts breathed life into Arsenal’s challenge and appeared to shift momentum decisively towards the visitors.
Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal – best players
Match Rating
Emiliano Martínez
7.8
Declan Rice
7.7
Matty Cash
7.5
Boubacar Kamara
7.5
Martin Odegaard
7.2
via WhoScored
Arsenal dominated proceedings thereafter, pinning Villa deep inside their own territory while creating numerous opportunities to snatch victory.
Declan Rice orchestrated attacks from deep despite struggling with the calf complaint that nearly ruled him out, while Saka tormented Villa’s left flank repeatedly. Noni Madueke came agonizingly close late on, firing into the side netting when well-positioned at the back post.
However, Emery’s inspired tactical substitution proved decisive.
Buendia’s introduction for Cash in the 85th minute pushed Villa into a more aggressive attacking configuration, with Lamare Bogarde dropping to right-back. The Argentinian playmaker delivered the killer blow deep into stoppage time, reacting quickest to a scramble inside Arsenal’s penalty area and firing home emphatically to send Villa Park into raptures.
The defeat represents a significant setback for Arsenal’s title ambitions, particularly given the circumstances surrounding their performance.
Arteta’s side controlled vast stretches of play, registered more shots and dominated possession statistics, yet left the Midlands empty-handed.
Villa’s victory extends their remarkable home form to just one defeat in their last 25 league matches at Villa Park, underlining the fortress mentality Emery has built there.
The result lifts Villa within three points of Arsenal while maintaining their challenge for Champions League qualification, perhaps even the title itself.
Mikel Arteta confirms Cristhian Mosquera blow after Aston Villa defeat
With William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes already sidelined, the loss of Cristhian Mosquera to injury against Brentford forced Jurrien Timber into an unfamiliar centre-back role alongside Piero Hincapie.
Reports have suggested that Mosquera faces several weeks out through injury, and that’s now been confirmed by Arsenal’s manager.
Speaking after the match, Arteta said that the 21-year-old faces a significant spell on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury against Brentford, stating the layoff is ‘much more’ than they initially expected.
The Spanish defender underwent tests on Friday, with initial assessments already suggesting a potential absence of six to eight weeks.
Arteta described Mosquera’s situation as “more complicated” when addressing the media ahead of kickoff, acknowledging the injury represents another substantial blow to Arsenal’s already weakended defence heading into the congested festive schedule.
For the north Londoners, it is yet more bad news after what was a gutting defeat in the Midlands.
Dimitri Payet será desfalque do Vasco no duelo com o Palmeiras nesta quinta-feira (13), pela oitava rodada do Brasileirão. O camisa 10 sofre com dores na perna e sequer viajará para São Paulo com o elenco cruz-maltino. A informação é do portal “ge”.
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➡️ Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Vasco
O francês já era tido como dúvida desde segunda-feira (10) por conta do problema. Como as dores persistiram, o meia será preservado pela comissão técnica e seguirá fazendo tratamento no Rio de Janeiro.
Além de Payet, quem desfalca o Vasco na partida contra o Palmeiras é Praxedes. O volante eve lesão na coxa direita constatada e não tem condições de jogo. O chileno Gary Medel, que negocia com o Boca Juniors e não deve mais vestir a camisa do Cruz-Maltino, também fica fora do confronto.
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No entanto, o técnico Álvaro Pacheco contará com a volta do atacante Adson, poupado no clássico com o Flamengo por conta de um desconforto muscular. Como o exame não detectou lesão, o ponta treinou normalmente durante a semana e reforça o Vasco nesta quinta-feira (13).
The former SA captain had reversed her decision to retire in August
Firdose Moonda21-Nov-2025
Dane van Niekerk is set to add to her 107 ODIs and 86 T20Is•Getty Images
Former South Africa women’s captain Dane van Niekerk will make her comeback to international cricket in the home series against Ireland, more than four years after her last appearance. Van Niekerk announced her retirement in March 2023, after being left out of South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad for the 2023 tournament, but reversed that in August this year. She has been included in both the ODI and T20I squads to face Ireland in a six-match series starting on December 5.Since retiring, van Niekerk featured briefly at the WPL but made a proper return to the domestic game for South African provincial team Western Province. She was included in a national training camp ahead of the 2025 ODI World Cup but did not make the final squad and continued playing locally as she made her case for a return. She is currently the third-highest run-scorer in the Pro50 competition and fifth highest in the Pro20, which has earned her a recall. Now, the door is open for her to push for a spot at the T20 World Cup.”We all know how talented she is, her knowledge of the game and she just needs to perform,” Mandla Mashimbyi, South Africa’s coach, said. “I want her to focus on winning games for this team. She has got a legacy behind her and now she has a second chance to showcase what she can do. She needs to focus on that. I don’t want to create any added expectations on her. She must just try and win games for this team.”Asked specifically about van Niekerk’s fitness, as that was the reason she was initially left out in 2023 – she did not make the running time trial of two kilometres in 9 minutes 30 seconds – Mashimbyi made it clear that is in the past. South Africa no longer strictly applies fitness criteria when it comes to selection and van Niekerk is eligible to be picked by virtue of her performances. “For me, you have to look like a cricketer, move like a cricketer and think like a cricketer If you are able to do that. I am happy,” Mashimbyi said. “As long as she can bat, move in the field, and think, we are good and from what I have seen, she can do that.”Van Niekerk is one of six additions to the ODI squad that reached the World Cup final in India last month, including one uncapped player. Allrounder Leah Jones, who captains Western Province, is in line for her first ODI cap. There are also returns for batters Lara Goodall and Faye Tunnicliffe, while seamer Ayanda Hlubi and allrounders Eliz-Mari Marx and Miane Smit are all in that squad, which will be without several frontliners, who will only play in the T20I series. Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk will all be rested for the ODIs. Anneke Bosch does not feature in either squad and will return to domestic cricket with the Titans.With next year’s T20 World Cup eight months away, South Africa’s focus is on that format and they have selected a first-choice squad for those matches. Captain Laura Wolvaardt and allrounder de Klerk and Kapp will return from the WBBL to play in the series that starts on December 5. Van Niekerk and Tunnicliffe are the only additions to the T20 squad from the 2024 World Cup.South Africa’s run to the last three World Cup finals across formats means they have plenty to work with as they enter a new cycle, and plan towards the 2029 ODI World Cup. The Ireland ODIs do not form part of the Women’s Championship, which will begin with fixtures against Pakistan in March, and therefore allows South Africa some room to experiment as they cast the net as wide as possible.”This is a period full of promise and new energy following our World Cup campaign. Reflecting and resetting were crucial, and I believe we have done that well,” Mashimbyi said. “I am looking forward to working with all the players selected, both the new faces and the returning ones, as we continue our journey. I am particularly interested to see how the new combinations come together, as these elements will contribute to our continued growth as a team.”With the men’s national team involved in a series in India and with no home Tests this summer as per the FTP, the women’s side has the opportunity to take centrestage this summer. They will play at the country’s major venues including the T20I series opener against Ireland at Newlands and the ODI finale at the Wanderers.South Africa T20I squadLaura Wolvaardt (capt), Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon, Faye Tunnicliffe, Dane van NiekerkSouth Africa ODI squadLaura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Leah Jones, Sune Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, Dane van Niekerk
It was pitches in 2015-16, it was the tosses in 2019-20, but India took the pitch and the toss out of the equation in dismissing South Africa for 159 on the first day of the 2025-26 series. The visitors won the toss on a decent batting surface at Eden Gardens, raced away to 57 for 0 in 10 overs, but then became victims of Jasprit Bumrah’s 16th five-wicket haul and excellent support work from Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj. India, with a new No. 3 in Washington Sundar, were 37 for 1 in 20 overs possible before stumps.Guilty of playing too little bowling in the past, India went in with six of them as Washington moved to No. 3, making room for Axar Patel in the XI. For a while, as Siraj struggled for rhythm and Axar was taken down, it seemed India would need all the bowling they could muster.However, Bumrah had been excellent at the other end. Out of those 57, he had conceded only nine runs in five overs. He pushed himself for two more overs in that first spell, and produced two near unplayable deliveries. He went round the wicket to swing one in to Ryan Rickelton and then nip it away a touch to take the off stump. In his next over, he got Aiden Markram with one that kicked off a length. Bumrah ended his spell with figures of 7-4-9-2 out of a score of 62 for 2.Related
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It might not have been an unplayable pitch, but it had enough to keep bowlers interested. Kuldeep found that with some quick turn in his first spell. Accordingly, he and Shubman Gill went for a backward short leg as opposed to one in front of square. In no time he had Temba Bavuma edging one there for a sharp catch for Dhruv Jurel, who handed over the big gloves to the returning Rishabh Pant but retained his spot in the XI on the back of a century against West Indies and two against South Africa A.Tony de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder somehow saw South Africa through to lunch, but immediately after they had to face the double trouble of Bumrah and Kuldeep. In just six overs, both had been sent back for an addition of just 15. Mulder, who got off the mark with a reverse-sweep off Kuldeep, fell lbw on the same shot for 24. De Zorzi got a similar delivery to the one that Rickelton did, but this one nipped in and beat him on the inside edge.The ball had just started to reverse for Bumrah, and Siraj took over to continue the nightmare for South Africa. Kyle Verrreynne’s big back lift was always an invitation for Siraj, who eventually hit him pad first right in front. In the same over, he hit the top of off of Marco Jansen.Axar Patel, 3-0-20-0 in his first spell, now returned to find some turn. With his long arms and low release creating an extreme angle, Axar becomes dangerous once he gets one to turn. He now had Corbin Bosch playing for the non-existent turn and had him lbw with what proved to be the last ball before tea.Jasprit Bumrah is congratulated by his team-mates after completing his five-for•Getty Images
Tristan Stubbs, the specialist batter, didn’t farm strike and left the two spinners Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj at the mercy of Bumrah, who had them both in one over to go level with BS Chandrasekhar on five-fors and into India’s top five. It consigned South Africa to their second-lowest score against India in the first innings of a match.Batting wasn’t quite straightforward for India either, which is where South Africa dearly missed Kagiso Rabada, who was out with a rib injury. In fading east Indian light, Jansen was on the money but couldn’t quite find the length with which he could threaten the stumps. He still got the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal on the cut.KL Rahul and Washington had to be watchful with little to gain really. In the brief period of spin possible, Maharaj came close to bowling Rahul, and Harmer showed he was a much-improved bowler from the one that toured India in 2015-16. That Bumrah five-for began to look even more important with a few puffs of dust towards the end of the day.