'He's class' Bethell proved No 3 was right call, says Stokes
The Guardian|December 09, 2024
After securing a win inside three days in a gale, the series victory against New Zealand also claimed with a Test match to spare, Ben Stokes was himself blown away.
Ali Martin
'He's class' Bethell proved No 3 was right call, says Stokes

"Quite phenomenal," was the England captain's reaction to the 323-run scoreline, not least after losing four wickets on the first morning of the match.

What followed from Stokes was a deluge of praise for his players, including Harry Brook for a game-changing 123 in the first innings and Gus Atkinson for continuing a remarkable first year of Test cricket with a hat-trick. But Stokes was also happy to give himself and the head coach, Brendon McCullum, a pat on the back for thrusting young Jacob Bethell into the No 3 spot and watching him flourish.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE GUARDIANView all
Postecoglou claims coach's life is harder than being PM
The Guardian

Postecoglou claims coach's life is harder than being PM

A Premier League manager has a tougher job than the prime minister, according to Ange Postecoglou.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 19, 2024
Rashford rebuked Players must talk to manager not media - Amorim
The Guardian

Rashford rebuked Players must talk to manager not media - Amorim

Ruben Amorim has said when he was a player he would have spoken to his manager about being dropped rather than react in the media, as Marcus Rashford has done.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 19, 2024
Tonali double puts rampant Newcastle into last four
The Guardian

Tonali double puts rampant Newcastle into last four

A sticking plaster for Newcastle's internal tensions or a potential long-term cure for their problems? Whatever the reality Eddie Howe's inconsistent team are a two-leg semi-final away from a potentially transformative Wembley showpiece after two stellar first-half goals from Sandro Tonali and another from Fabian Schär undid an immensely disappointing Brentford on Tyneside.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 19, 2024
Jesus hat-trick delivers early Christmas gift as Arsenal topple Palace
The Guardian

Jesus hat-trick delivers early Christmas gift as Arsenal topple Palace

It seems fitting that Gabriel Jesus should have chosen this time of year to end his goalscoring drought.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 19, 2024
Elliott the difference as Rusk's Southampton put up late fight
The Guardian

Elliott the difference as Rusk's Southampton put up late fight

It was a night that Simon Rusk will never forget, the one when he took charge of Southampton for the first time in the wake of Russell Martin's sacking and carried the fight to Arne Slot and Liverpool.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 19, 2024
United circus has derailed Rashford but fresh start is no guarantee of success
The Guardian

United circus has derailed Rashford but fresh start is no guarantee of success

It was two years ago yesterday that Argentina won the World Cup. England had gone out to France in the quarterfinals and, beyond the usual kneejerk attacks on Gareth Southgate, there was a sense of general optimism.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 19, 2024
Maresca still 'trusts' Mudryk after failed drugs test
The Guardian

Maresca still 'trusts' Mudryk after failed drugs test

Enzo Maresca has thrown his support behind Mykhailo Mudryk, saying he believes the Chelsea winger's insistence that he is innocent of taking a banned substance.

time-read
1 min  |
December 19, 2024
The Guardian

Caldentey's late spot-kick secures first place for Arsenal

A late Mariona Caldentey penalty powered Arsenal to the top of Group C in the Champions League at Bayern Munich's expense after a Magda Eriksson double looked to have secured a draw for the visitors.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 19, 2024
Taylor 'desperate' for a break as brilliant Barça take top spot from City
The Guardian

Taylor 'desperate' for a break as brilliant Barça take top spot from City

Manchester City's head coach, Gareth Taylor, says his team desperately need the upcoming winter break to bolster their squad, after they were comprehensively outplayed by a Barcelona side who reminded everybody why they are the reigning European champions with an emphatic win.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 19, 2024
Freddie calls up Flintoff as teen makes the grade for Lions tour
The Guardian

Freddie calls up Flintoff as teen makes the grade for Lions tour

Rocky Flintoff has been called up to his father's Lions squad for next month's tour of Australia, with England using the trip to give young bowlers who are already in contention for a place in the senior Test squad experience of local conditions before next winter's Ashes.

time-read
1 min  |
December 19, 2024