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Trent Alexander-Arnold, born on October 7, 1998, in Liverpool, England, embarked on his football journey at an early age. He joined Liverpool's youth academy when he was just six years old, showcasing remarkable potential as a versatile player. His incredible work ethic and innate footballing intelligence quickly propelled him through the Anfield ranks.

In 2016, at the age of 18, Alexander-Arnold made his first-team debut for Liverpool, marking the beginning of a meteoric rise. His breakout season came in 2017/2018, where he played a pivotal role in Liverpool's run to the Champions League final. Known for his exceptional crossing ability and vision, he notched up 12 Premier League assists that season.

Trent's records continued to pile up as he became the youngest Liverpool player to start in a Champions League final. His unique skill set and consistency earned him a spot in the PFA Team of the Year and the Premier League's Young Player of the Season award in 2018/2019. His vision and passing range set him apart, with an astonishing 28 assists in the league over the course of two seasons, making him one of the most prolific defenders in the modern game.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's early career serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication and immense talent, solidifying his status as one of the brightest stars in world football.

Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold's career at Liverpool has been nothing short of extraordinary. Rising through the club's youth ranks, he has become one of the world's best right-backs, contributing significantly to Liverpool's successes.

Alexander-Arnold made his Liverpool debut on October 25, 2016, in an EFL Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur. At the tender age of 18, he demonstrated his versatility, playing as a right-back and showcasing his potential. However, his breakthrough season came in the 2017/2018 campaign under Jurgen Klopp.

Alexander-Arnold's standout performances in 17/18 came in the Champions League. He played a pivotal role in Liverpool's journey to the final, where they ultimately fell short against Real Madrid. His composure, accurate crossing and defensive contributions were vital throughout the campaign. In the quarter-final against Manchester City, his precise free-kick assist to set up a goal highlighted his unique skill set.

The 2018/2019 season marked Alexander-Arnold's ascent to stardom. He recorded 12 assists in the Premier League, the most by any defender, showcasing his remarkable vision and crossing ability. His partnership with fellow full-back Andy Robertson on the opposite flank became iconic, as they provided an unprecedented attacking threat from the back.

He received numerous accolades that season, including a spot in the PFA Team of the Year and the Premier League's Young Player of the Season award. Trent was instrumental in Liverpool's title challenge, narrowly finishing as runners-up to Manchester City.

Liverpool finally ended a 30-year wait for a Premier League title in 2019/2020. Alexander-Arnold's contributions were once again pivotal. He registered 13 assists in the league, breaking his own record for assists by a defender in a single Premier League season. His ability to pick out precise passes and deliver pinpoint crosses was unrivaled.

The 2020/2021 season posed challenges for Alexander-Arnold. He faced injury setbacks, which limited his game time. Despite this, his impact when on the pitch remained significant. He contributed with key assists, including a memorable late winner for Diogo Jota against West Ham United.

Trent Alexander-Arnold played a pivotal role in Liverpool's remarkable journey to win the 2018-2019 Champions League. His performances in the knockout stages were exceptional, including standout displays against Barcelona in the semi-finals. In the second leg at Anfield, his quick-thinking corner caught Barcelona off guard, setting up Divock Origi's crucial goal, a moment that is now permanently etched into Liverpool history.

In the final against Tottenham Hotspur, Alexander-Arnold provided a composed and assured defensive display, helping secure a clean sheet and Liverpool's sixth European Cup/Champions League title.

In 2021/2022, Alexander-Anrold played a crucial role in Liverpool's FA Cup triumph, which made the defender the youngest ever player to win six major trophies for an English club, aged just 22 years and 219 days. Earlier that season, Liverpool also lifted the EFL Cup.

The 2022/2023 campaign saw Alexander-Arnold's form drop off slightly, but he still reached some huge career records and milestones. In April 2023 he provided his 50th Premier League assist and later that month, he became the first player to assist a goal in five consecutive Premier League matches on more than one occasion. However, those feats weren't enough to help Liverpool finish in the top four, and they ultimately failed to qualify for the 2023/2024 Champions League.

By the end of the 2022/2023 campaign, Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool record stood at an impressive 16 goals and 72 assists in 273 first-team appearances.

Alexander-Arnold's Honours at Liverpool

Premier League (1)

2019/2020

FA Cup (1)

2021/2022

EFL Cup (1)

2021/2022

FA Community Shield (1)

2022

UEFA Champions League (1)

2018/2019

UEFA Super Cup (1)

2019

FIFA Club World Cup (1)

2019

Trent Alexander-Arnold with England

Trent Alexander-Arnold's international career with the England national team has mirrored his success at the club level, marking him as one of the most promising talents in world football. Since making his senior debut, he has become an integral part of England's squad

Alexander-Arnold earned his first senior cap for England in June 2017, and his impressive performances with Liverpool soon translated onto the international stage. His versatility and ability to deliver precise crosses from wide areas made him a valuable asset for the national team.

One of his notable milestones came during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he was part of England's run to the semi-finals, their best performance in the tournament in 28 years.

Alexander-Arnold continued to be a regular in the England setup and played a key role in the UEFA Euro 2020 campaign, where England reached the final. His contribution from right-back, both defensively and in attack, was vital as the Three Lions eventually lost in the final on penalties to Italy.

While statistics and records can fluctuate, his consistent presence and impact on the England national team have cemented his status as one of the country's most promising and talented young players.

To date, his England record stands at two goals and five assists in 20 appearances.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's Personal Accolades & Records

Trent Alexander-Arnold has accumulated a remarkable list of personal records and awards that underline his exceptional talent and contributions to both Liverpool and England.

These records and awards serve as a testament to the right-back's exceptional skill, versatility and consistency at both club and international levels, establishing him as one of the brightest talents in modern football.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's Personal Honours

Liverpool Young Player of the Season (2)

2016/2017, 2017/2018

PFA Premier League Team of the Year (3)

2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2021/2022

PFA Premier League Young Player of the Year (1)

2019/2020

UEFA Champions League Team of the Season (2)

2018/2019, 2021/2022

FIFA FIFPro World XI (1)

2020

UEFA Team of the Year (1)

2019

Premier League Young Player of the Season (1)

2019/2020

ScorecardVictoria has vaulted back into contention for the Sheffield Shield final after a crushing 255-run win over Western Australia at the WACA.The Bushrangers needed just two wickets on the final morning to complete the rout but they were frustrated by Josh Inglis and Matt Kelly, who put together a 109-run partnership for the ninth wicket.Victoria opted not to bowl any of their frontline quicks on the final day leaving Daniel Christian, Cameron White and Glenn Maxwell to try and finish the job. Inglis moved within sight of his first Sheffield Shield century before he was trapped in front by Christian on 87.Kelly also fell to Christian nine balls later for his highest first-class score. Christian finished with 2 for 27. Chris Tremain was named Man of the Match for his first career 10-wicket haul.

Andre Onana was reportedly left fuming at his AFCON snub by Cameroon, with the Manchester United keeper asking: “Why did I come on a private jet?”

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Red Devils shot-stopper delayed journey to Ivory CoastArrived in time for tournament openerLeft out of matchday squad by head coach SongWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Devils star figured for his club in a Premier League clash with Tottenham on Sunday, before immediately making his way to John Lennon Airport in Liverpool and catching a flight to the Ivory Coast in order to link up with his national team.

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He was unable to land in Yamoussoukro – where Cameroon were kicking off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Guinea – but did complete a 5,000-mile journey three hours prior to that game getting underway. Onana was still left out of Rigobert Song’s matchday squad, with Fabrice Ondoa taking on starting duties while Devis Epassy and Simon Ngapandouetnbu filled spots on the bench.

WHAT ONANA SAID

Onana reportedly had to be calmed down by former Liverpool and Senegal star El Hadji Diouf, with the 27-year-old shot-stopper said to have bellowed in the direction of Cameroon’s coaching team: “If I wasn't going to play or make the team, then why did I come here on a private jet?”

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Onana has endured a strained relationship with Song, leading to him being sent home from the 2022 World Cup. An international retirement decision was reversed in order to join AFCON plans in 2024, but a man that has struggled for form at Old Trafford now has to convince his head coach that he should figure against Senegal on Friday – with the Indomitable Lions being held to a 1-1 draw in their opening game of another quest to savour continental glory.

Newcastle United are interested in signing Joachim Andersen from Crystal Palace and are mulling over opening further talks for the Denmark international, though are yet to make an official approach.

Are Newcastle interested in Joachim Andersen?

That's according to the Guardian's Ed Aarons, who has revealed that the Magpies, as well as Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, are pursuing a deal for the Eagles centre-back, though given the lack of ground covered it could go "to the wire".

The 27-year-old has been valued at £50m by the Selhurst Park side, and while his signature would not come cheap, his stellar showings for the club have left the likes of Eddie Howe's high-flying Magpies hoping to seal a deal.

Read the latest Newcastle transfer news HERE…

Newcastle have bolstered the midfield and attack with astute deals for Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes, while a £40m deal for full-back Tino Livramento has been agreed, but the central defence is yet to receive a fresh face.

How good is Joachim Andersen?

The £80k-per-week central defender put pen to paper with the Eagles in 2021, signing from Lyon on an initial £15m deal after impressing on loan with Fulham the season prior.

Described as a "leader" with the potential to be a "top defender" by former coach Svend Graversen, while playing for Midtjylland, Andersen has now chalked up 72 appearances for Crystal Palace and is an indispensable member of their backline.

The 6 foot 4 colossus is also a multi-faceted defender, ranking among the top 18% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for total shots, the top 20% for passes attempted, the top 13% for touches in the attacking box, the top 16% for aerials won and the top 1% for clearances per 90, as per FBref.

Given that FBref list Andersen as a comparable player to Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate, Andersen could be viewed by the Toon hierarchy as the perfect ace to complement the imperious Sven Botman at the back, who has had an "incredible impact" on Newcastle's team since joining from Lille for £35m last year, according to pundit Leon Osman.

That likeness to Liverpool's French titan, who stands at 6 foot 4 himself, falls down to the respectively imposing statures, combative nature and inclination to make a difference in the attacking penalty area, with Konate ranking among the top 10% of centre-halves for successful take-ons, the top 12% for touches in the attacking box, the top 13% for tackles and the top 21% for aerials won per 90.

Konate has been dubbed a "monster" by Liverpool writer Charlotte Coates for his brutish efforts in the defensive third, having also won 77% of his aerial battles in the Premier League last season and made 3.1 clearances per game, as per Sofascore.

Hailed as "commanding" by pundit Robbie Earle, Andersen is already matching this in the English top-flight, winning 72% of his aerial duels and exhibiting his first-rate sweeping skills with an average of 5.8 clearances per game.

Howe already boasts a top-class defence, having concluded the 2022/23 campaign with the Premier League's joint-best defence alongside champions Manchester City, and he could now take Newcastle's ascension one step further by wrapping up a deal for Andersen.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified a leading candidate to replace Bayern Munich target Harry Kane this summer, with reports in Italy indicating that Ange Postecoglou and co are interested in Lille striker, Jonathan David.

How much would Jonathan David cost?

According to Gazzetta dello Sport – via Sport Witness – the Canadian international is said to be being 'followed' by those at N17, with the 23-year-old seemingly at the 'top of their list' with regard to potential centre-forward replacements for Kane.

The report suggests, however, that while the former Gent hitman is valued at around €50m (£43m) at present, the impending switch of Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United for a fee of around £72m could inflate the striker market.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

The piece does though add that David's price tag could drop to as low as €40m (£34m) this month, with the Ligue 1 outfit potentially inclined to cash on the Brooklyn-born menace with just two years left on his current deal.

Who is Jonathan David similar to?

There have perhaps been doubts regarding the 5 foot 9 marksman's ability to make an impact in the Premier League, with journalist Dean Jones previously suggesting that David had failed to impress watching Man United scouts last season.

That being said, however, it is perhaps hard to argue with the striker's impressive goal return in Ligue 1 in recent times, with the £28k-per-week asset having notably scored 24 league goals during the 2022/23 campaign – a record only bettered by Alexandre Lacazette and Kylian Mbappe in the division.

Lauded as a "phenom" and "one of the best strikers in the world" by podcaster Tony Marinaro, the emerging gem now boasts a haul of 58 goals in 136 games in all competitions for his current side, after previously bagging 37 goals in 83 games during his time in Belgium.

While the jury is out on whether he could be the man to fill Kane's shoes in north London – with the Englishman netting 30 league goals last season alone – it is interesting to note that David is said to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities with Arsenal youngster, Folarin Balogun, according to Opta's Player Radars.

That comparison between the latter man – who scored 21 Ligue 1 goals last season while on loan at Reims – and his Lille counterpart can be seen by just how clinical they are in the final third, with David ranking in the top 6% among his European peers for goals, while Balogun ranks in the top 10% in that regard.

The pair are also alike with regard to their poaching prowess and desire to impact the game where it matters most, with the reported Spurs target ranking in the top 9% for touches in the opposition box, while Balogun ranks in the top 10% in that regard.

The Gunners gem is a worthy player to be compared to have been touted for a £50m move away from the Emirates of late, with the 22-year-old having proven himself to be an "unbelievable" talent during his latest stint in France, according to Reims boss Will Still.

With their north London rivals having an exciting striking talent on the books in the form of Balogun, perhaps Spurs could find Postecoglou's answer to the United States international with the signing of David.

Arsenal may still sign "another midfielder" this summer if Ghanaian international Thomas Partey is to leave the club, and with the 30-year-old attracting "a lot of interest", that's a distinct possibility, claims Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Will Thomas Partey leave Arsenal this summer?

It has been an unbelievable start to the transfer window for the Gunners this summer.

The club have long since rid themselves of the cautious spending that came to define much of the latter Arsene Wenger years, but this window has been entirely on another level.

The North Londoners kicked off their business with the £65m signing of German international Kai Havertz from cross-city rivals Chelsea, which in any typical summer would likely have been the club's most expensive acquisition by quite some way.

However, the club proceeded to set their sights on West Ham United captain Declan Rice, and after what must've felt like months for both sets of fans, confirmed the transfer for an eyewatering £105m, a new record fee for a British player, and the second most expensive transfer in Premier League history, behind only Chelsea's £106.8m spent on Enzo Fernandez.

If that wasn't enough, the club have also added Dutch international defender Jurrien Timber to the side from Ajax in a deal worth a reported £34m.

However, despite Arsenal completing what feels like an entire summer's worth of transfer business in under a month, they might need to go back into the market for a new midfielder if reports suggesting that Partey might be on the way out are to be believed.

According to the Daily Express, who have cited reports in local Saudi Arabian media, the player has agreed to a £50m move to the burgeoning Saudi Pro League, which might be a deal the Gunners can't afford to turn down.

Should the Gunners receive a deal like this, they will likely accept it and begin the work required to bring in a replacement, per Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

He explained the situation live on Sky Sports News (via Football Daily), saying:

"Keep an eye on another midfielder because Thomas Partey is 30 years old, he's got two years left on his contract, and there is a lot of interest in Thomas Partey.

"Now if Arsenal were to receive an offer that maybe they thought, 'We cannot refuse this,' and Partey was open to leaving the club, then I think Arsenal may look in that position as well."

What midfielders have been linked to Arsenal this summer?

Arsenal have already been linked to a fair few midfielders this summer, but in light of the recent rumours surrounding the future of Partey, CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has reported that the club could go in for Southampton's highly-rated youngster, Romeo Lavia.

Jacobs states that the likes of Chelsea admire the 19-year-old and a move to the Northwest to sign for Liverpool is a "real possibility", but the valuation of £50m is higher than any of the potential suitors are willing to go at the moment.

Another name touted for a move to the Emirates is Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo.

The Ecuadorian international was a target for the Gunners back in January, but the Seagulls stood firm and quashed any chance of a deal, but they now look willing to sell, with Chelsea leading the race.

However, with the price set around £100m, and the club's previous spending this summer, it feels a little less likely.

Whatever happens over the coming weeks, it'll be fascinating to see who is lining up in that midfield next month alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Harry Kane's transfer saga with Bayern Munich isn't "going away this summer" even after Tottenham Hotspur rejected the Bavarian club's initial offers, claims journalist Paul Brown.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news – what's the latest on Harry Kane?

It has been a positive start to the summer transfer window for Tottenham so far this year. Despite finishing outside the European places for the first time since the 2008/09 season, the North London outfit managed to secure the signature of one of their top transfer targets and most sought-after players in the league, James Maddison.

That said, the main task for the Lilywhites this year looks to be keeping their club captain and talismanic centre-forward Kane in N17.

Spurs' all-time top scorer now has under a year left on his £200,000-a-week contract, and with no indication that he will be signing a new one, Europe's top clubs have begun circling.

The latest elite side to show their interest, and with some persistence at that, is German giants Bayern Munich.

The Bundesliga champions had a first official bid of €70m (£60m) plus add-ons rejected last month and are now preparing a second deal worth an estimated £70m; however, Spurs are set to reject that one as well, per the Daily Mail.

Despite these setbacks, the Bavarian side will likely continue to test Daniel Levy's resolve, especially as Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has reported that the England captain "definitely wants to join FC Bayern now."

What has Brown said about Harry Kane?

Brown points out that Bayern won't give up on this deal and that they perceive Spurs to be in a weak position here due to Kane's current contract situation.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "Yeah, I don't think this is going away this summer. I think Bayern will push really hard. The interesting thing is that the first time the news leaked out of Germany that Bayern had bid for Kane, people at Spurs were denying that that had ever happened.

"This time, they're offering no comments and going no further. So, make of that what you will. I think Bayern are trying hard to sign Kane this summer, and they will continue right up until the window closes.

"They think that Daniel Levy and Spurs are not in a strong position because Kane's contract is running out."

How many goals has Harry Kane scored in his career?

Kane has established himself as one of the top five strikers in world football over the last decade, but how many goals has he scored so far?

In 435 appearances for Spurs, he has scored 280 goals and provided 64 assists, giving the "England Legend" a genuinely outstanding goal contribution every 1.2 games. Of those 280 goals, 213 have come in the Premier League, 21 in the Champions League, and 24 in domestic cup competitions, per TransferMarkt.

The Walthamstow-born machine performs just as well for his national side as he is now the all-time top goal scorer for both club and country.

In 84 appearances for the Three Lions, Kane has scored 58 goals and provided 18 assists, giving him a frankly outrageous goal contribution every 1.1 games in international football.

While Levy and Co are certainly playing a dangerous game by keeping such a valuable asset whilst his contract runs down, it's unlikely that they could replace him with the money Bayern have offered thus far anyway.

Cristiano Ronaldo plunged into an ice bath ahead of Portugal's final Euro 2024 qualifying game against Iceland.

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Ronaldo plunges into an ice bathPortugal face Iceland nextA Selecao have qualified for Euro 2024WHAT HAPPENED?

The Portugal and Al-Nassr star shared a photo on his Instagram story where he can be seen calmly meditating as he plunged into an ice bath ahead of the national's team final Euro 2024 qualifying match against Iceland. The Ronaldo-led side have already booked their place in Germany while maintaining a 100% win record through their nine qualifying matches.

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The 38-year-old looks to be in great shape both on and off the pitch. He has scored 16 times in 17 matches and provided nine assists for his club this season and was also on target for A Selecao in their recent 2-0 win over Liechtenstein in the Euro qualifiers.

WHAT RONALDO SAID

The superstar uploaded his Instagram story with the caption, 'G Night' with a 'cold face' emoji.

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WHAT NEXT FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO?

The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend will be next seen in action against Iceland on Sunday before heading back to Saudi Arabia where Al-Nassr will be playing against Al-Akhdoud in the Pro League on Friday. Ronaldo and Co currently trail leaders Al-Hilal by four points.

Lionel Messi is “very happy” at the moment and that should help to keep him on course to play at the 2026 World Cup, says Javier Zanetti.

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• All-time great savoured global glory in 2022
• Boasts record-breaking cap and goal tallies
• May be tempted to grace more tournaments

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has offered a mixed response to questions of his international future. Messi originally suggested that, after guiding Argentina to global glory at Qatar 2022, he would bow out before FIFA’s flagship event heads to the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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  He has backtracked on those comments slightly since then, offering hope to the Albiceleste that he can be convinced to play on, and the legendary 36-year-old is playing with a smile on his face again after leaving European football to continue his club career in MLS with Inter Miami.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  Argentina icon Zanetti has told when asked for his assessment of Messi in 2023: “I see Messi really very happy. He looks whole and eager to continue playing football, which is what he loves the most. I hope he continues playing for a few more years because someone who loves football enjoys watching him play.”

  Pressed on whether the all-time great can be talked into gracing the 2026 World Cup, Zanetti added: “I am one of those who thinks that one must live in the present. And if Messi's present is to be content, it is very likely that between now and when the World Cup arrives he will continue to feel the same way, wanting to continue playing and wanting to play in another World Cup. You have to take it little by little and take care of him. Above all, that he feels comfortable and that he has the desire to continue competing.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Messi already boasts record-setting hauls of 178 caps and 106 goals for his country and will be enhancing those tallies over the coming months as he takes part in World Cup qualifiers at the 2024 Copa America – another title that Argentina are looking to defend.

Allan Border, Australia’s famously hard-bitten former captain, was scathing in his assessment of Matt Renshaw’s temperament, after he opted to retire ill midway through his battling half-century on the first day of the first Test in Pune.After a solid opening stand of 82 in over 27 overs, Renshaw’s partner David Warner was bowled in Umesh Yadav’s first over, whereupon Renshaw himself went straight to the umpires for a conversation before following up with his incoming captain, Steven Smith, who was walking out to bat at No. 3.The two had a chat and, after a bit of confusion and several hand signals, Renshaw was asked to wait, presumably because the next man Shaun Marsh was not ready. There was apparent confusion as to whether Renshaw would be asked to play out the over and then go off, but Australia’s team management subsequently confirmed he had to “retire hurt” with an “upset stomach”.That excuse cut no ice with Border, however, who famously refused to allow Dean Jones to retire with dehydration during his epic double-century in the tied Test in Chennai in 1986. Border mocked Jones as a “weak Victorian”, saying he wanted a “tough Queenslander” out there alongside him. Although Renshaw was born in England, he now plays for Queensland.”I hope he’s lying on the table in there half dead,” Border said on . “Otherwise, as captain, I would not be happy.”I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before. He’s obviously just got an upset stomach to some degree and he was probably trying to use the situation where David Warner had just been dismissed to race off the ground and go to the toilet.”What happened in the ensuring time there, I can’t ever think of a situation like that that’s happened before where someone’s gone off because they’re a bit ill.”If David Warner hadn’t got out then he wouldn’t have even thought about it. It’s a bit of an odd situation. He probably thought he had time to race off the ground and get back on while the new batsman was coming out to the crease.”I can tell you what, if Shaun Marsh was dismissed in those last 15 minutes I would’ve been ropeable as captain.”Fortunately for Renshaw, Marsh was not dismissed until after the break, and he eventually resumed on 36, at the fall of the third wicket in the 60th over, going on to make a hard-earned 68 before falling to R Ashwin.