تعرض ثنائي الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالزمالك، للإصابة خلال مباراة الأبيض الجارية حالياً أمام البنك الأهلي، والتي تجمع بينهما ببطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.
ويلتقي الزمالك مع البنك الأهلي على أرضية استاد القاهرة الدولي، في ختام مواجهات الجولة 20 من عمر الدوري المصري.
وفي الدقيقة 11 من زمن الشوط الأول سقط مصطفى الزناري على أرضية المعلب مصاباً، وقرر البرتغالي جوزيه جوميز استبداله ونزول حسام عبد المجيد.
طالع أيضاً.. طريق الزمالك حتى نهائي كأس مصر 2023-2024.. مواجهة ساخنة مرتقبة
بينما تعرض مصطفى شلبي لإصابة خلال أحداث المباراة في الدقيقة 22، وغادر ملعب المباراة وشارك سامسون أكينيولا بدلًا منه في الدقيقة 26.
الزمالك يحتل المركز الثاني عشر بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، وفي رصيده 21 نقطة من الفوز في 6 لقاءات والتعادل بـ 3 مواجهات وتلقى 4 هزائم.
بينما يتواجد فريق البنك الأهلي في المركز الخامس عشر بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 18 نقطة من الفوز في 5 مباريات و3 تعادلات والهزيمة بـ11 لقاءً. إصابة مصطفى الزناري في مباراة الزمالك والبنك الأهلي بالدوري
The Australia coach praised the fight shown by the two batsmen on an extremely hot and humid day in Chittagong
Brydon Coverdale05-Sep-2017
Peter Handscomb and David Warner put Bangladesh on the back foot•Getty Images
It wasn’t quite at the levels of Dean Jones wetting himself and vomiting in the Madras heat on his way to a double-century in the tied Test of 1986, but Peter Handscomb was still forced to draw on all of his physical stamina on the second day in Chittagong. The extreme heat and humidity made the partnership between Handscomb and David Warner, which had reached 127 by stumps, all the more impressive as Australia tried to fight their way back into the series.The sight of Handscomb batting in a wide-brimmed white hat – an extreme rarity in these days of helmets and the occasional baggy green – and then on his haunches, struggling with the heat, could not fail to conjure memories of Jones’ epic innings. Of course, the difference is the small matter of 140-odd runs; Handscomb went to stumps on 69, with Warner on 88, and Australia need more from the two men on the third day, with their deficit still at 80 runs.And while Handscomb’s innings was impressive, Warner’s was particularly notable for his restraint: at the close of play he had occupied the crease for 170 deliveries and had struck only four boundaries. The application of both men made their stand the biggest not involving Steven Smith by an Australian pair in Asia since the 2014 series against Pakistan in the UAE, when Warner and Chris Rogers put on 128 for the opening wicket in Dubai.”Really gutsy, obviously it’s pretty hot out there, we saw that yesterday and you have to work really hard for your runs,” Australia’s coach Darren Lehmann said after play. “So to get through and the way they played was excellent. They’re in the ice baths now and we’ll leave them with the medical team to get them right for tomorrow. Very special day and hopefully tomorrow they can kick on.”It’s really just focusing on each ball and trying to get through. I thought they used their feet really well, playing forward and back, made good decisions and towards the end of the day, it was just about getting through each ball and just take your time. The umpires handled it really well and so did the Bangladesh team to make sure they’re right to play.”Handscomb’s innings came after there was pre-match speculation that his part-time wicketkeeping could be employed in place of Matthew Wade, who had struggled behind the stumps and with the bat in Mirpur. However, Lehmann said that if Handscomb was to keep wicket it would be difficult for him to take such a responsibility in the batting order.”If he did it that way he probably couldn’t bat as high,” Lehmann said. “At the end of the day he’s picked to bat No. 4 or No. 5 for Australia and we want him making runs. I thought Matthew Wade answered his critics really well in this game – a great stumping, a couple of catches, so that was pleasing for Matthew as well.”Despite the strong show from the Australians on the second day in Chittagong – Nathan Lyon completed his fourth Test haul of seven or more wickets, before the batsmen reached 225 for 2 – plenty of work remains on a surface that is expected to become tougher to bat on as the match wears on.”From the first Test it’s a totally different wicket,” Lehmann said. “But that’s not our choice. If that’s what Bangladesh want to do, that’s well within their rights. I thought it would turn more, no doubt. They obviously beat us on a pretty big turner in the first Test but it’s played pretty well so far. I think it’ll break up and still turn as the game goes on.”
Bangladesh captain defends decision to bowl first; says bowlers need to take a hard look at themselves after loss in first Test
Mohammad Isam02-Oct-2017
Mushfiqur Rahim feels his fast bowlers must look inwards for improvement•AFP
When asked of his decision to bowl first in Potchefstroom, a decision that baffled many, Mushfiqur Rahim claimed lack of local knowledge as one of the factors that influenced him. The move backfired, with Bangladesh conceding close to 500, and he wasn’t happy with the bowlers. In reality, it was also perhaps a case of having little confidence in his batsman, especially early in the Test against a fiery pace attack on foreign soil.In Bangladesh’s second innings, those fears were realised as they were bowled out for their first sub-100 score since 2007. Mushfiqur said the decision to bowl was taken by consensus, surprising given how tightly the team management controls decision-making.”All of us took this decision [to bowl first],” Mushfiqur said after the 333-run loss. “We didn’t know much about South African wickets, so it was hard for us to predict. We practiced on totally different wickets. On any flat wicket, the help for the bowlers stay for the first two hours. If you think about what will happen in the fourth innings and then get bowled out for 100 in the first innings, it becomes difficult.”I think the second innings was the best time to bat but we still didn’t score 400-500 runs. So you can’t say that had we batted first, we would have scored 500 runs. But yes, had we applied ourselves better on the second or third day, we could have scored more runs.”Mushfiqur was critical of his fast bowlers, saying at least they should have kept the lid of runs even when wickets didn’t come by. But even that wasn’t to be in the first innings as they managed just two wickets across 78 overs.”You can say that we should have batted first on a flat wicket but I didn’t believe our bowlers couldn’t bowl on a flat wicket,” he explained. “At least they could have bowled in the right line and length, if not taking wickets. This skill gets you to play for the national team. Even I could have bowled two balls out of six in the right place. The bowlers disappointed me a lot in the first innings. A team benefits if you can at least contain the runs when you can’t take the wickets.”He didn’t stop there. The work ethic of the fast bowlers was also questioned. “How long will we keep giving this excuse? If they don’t play well, they would be playing five or 10 Tests in 10 years,” he said. “We have to find an alternative if they are not doing well. One has to develop these skills individually. I don’t think anyone can teach you these things.”Our bowling unit hasn’t improved like our batting has over the last five years. They must have the hunger to do well. They can, at least, bowl in the right areas; forget about swinging the ball both ways. You don’t need a coach to help you if you want to do it yourself. You represent your country to bowl five out of six balls in the right place. We have a lot to learn as a bowling unit and for that the bowlers need to show the passion.”In the second innings, the fast bowlers fared slightly better. Mustafizur Rahman picked two wickets, Shafiul Islam had one. Taskin Ahmed, however, went wicketless. Mushfiqur felt Taskin didn’t aim high enough.”If you look at Taskin’s record in the last few Tests, he might have thought he did better on a flat pitch. But it doesn’t mean we bowled well overall. Maybe it is his personal opinion,” he said. “This is where a benchmark comes into the picture because if you are happy with so little, your improvement will stop. Even if you take five or six wickets, there will be room for improvement.”Bowling aside, Mushfiqur was equally disappointed with the final-day meltdown, saying they didn’t show the requisite skill and character they’d developed over the last three years. “It is disappointing,” Mushfiqur said. “I don’t remember the last time we batted like this, to be honest. I knew it wouldn’t have been easy to face their bowlers on the fifth day although the wicket was good. I thought we would at least bat for two sessions today.”There are ways to lose or draw a game, but we didn’t show our skills and character. I am really hurt. I apologise to our nation. But we have another opportunity in the next Test where we need to take a massive step. We have to maintain the respect that we have gained in the last two-three years. Otherwise we can only take humiliation back home.”
O empresário Wagner Ribeiro, que pertence ao escritório que cuida da carreira de Igor Gomes, deu sequência à troca de farpas com Fernando Diniz e disse na noite deste domingo que o jovem perdeu a vaga no time titular do São Paulo por “vingança”.
No sábado, Wagner fez uma postagem em seu Instagram criticando o técnico do Tricolor por “coloca o pulmão do time (Igor Gomes) para jogar de ponta e de costas”, “colocar o lateral da Seleção Brasileira e ex-Barcelona de meia”, “perder o pulso” e “trabalhar o São Paulo como se fosse o Audax”. Diniz respondeu após a vitória por 1 a 0 sobre o Sport:
RelacionadasSão PauloMudado, São Paulo marca logo no começo e vence o Sport na IlhaSão Paulo23/08/2020São PauloReinaldo vê queda no segundo tempo, mas valoriza vitória do São PauloSão Paulo23/08/2020São PauloDiniz explica mudanças no São Paulo e alfineta agente de Igor GomesSão Paulo23/08/2020
– O Igor não tem nada a ver com seu empresário, tenho certeza que faço mais pelo Igor que o seu empresário, certeza absoluta – disse o técnico.
Pouco depois, em entrevista ao programa Mesa Redonda, da TV Gazeta, Wagner reforçou as críticas.
– Postei isso ontem de manhã e ontem à tarde ele tirou o jogador. Já teve a vingança dele, uma coisa ridícula. Quando li ontem na internet que ele estava sendo sacado, fiquei realmente preocupado. Falei: “poxa, o treinador sacou o jogador pelo que postei?”. Quem falou aquilo fui eu, não foi o Igor. Acho isso uma forma muito mesquinha de trabalhar. O empresário fala por ele próprio. E eu também falei como torcedor – declarou o agente, que descartou oferecer Igor Gomes no mercado europeu por causa da confusão.
– O Igor joga no meio de campo e foi colocado pelo Diniz na ponta e recebendo de costas. Falei como torcedor. O São Paulo é muito cobrado, tem uma torcida diferente do Audax. Diniz é um treinador mediano em um grande clube, está fazendo péssimo trabalho.O que ele fez (pelo Igor)? O garoto está conosco há muitos anos. Levamos o Igor para Cotia quando o Diniz nem imaginava trabalhar no São Paulo.O Fernando Diniz não tem a cara do São Paulo. Ele é treinador para clube pequeno.
Aston Villa are reportedly remaining on the tail of Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto, as Unai Emery seeks further summer reinforcements.
The Spaniard has already made sufficient signings this transfer window with the help of Monchi, breaking the club’s transfer record fee to obtain the services of Moussa Diaby in a blockbuster £51.9m deal.
Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres have also joined the party at Villa Park, however, the spending may not be over just yet.
What’s the latest on Wilfried Gnonto to Aston Villa?
As reported earlier in the summer by outlets in Italy (as relayed by Sport Witness), Villa were named in the mix to snatch Leeds teenager Gnonto.
Everton have been widely reported as joining the Villans in the race to secure the winger, who is speculated to be valued at around €22m (£19m) by the Whites.
A refreshed update via GIVEMESPORT from journalist Rudy Galetti, reinforced the Midlands side’s interest in the Italian, saying that Villa are “monitoring” the forward who is “likely” to leave Elland Road.
Another name is mentioned by Galetti, with ongoing interest in Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson relayed.
Should Aston Villa sign Wilfried Gnonto?
Having been lauded as a “real diamond” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 19-year-old lit up the Premier League at every opportunity provided to him in his debut campaign in the English top-flight.
The Italian registered 14 starts for Leeds, averaging just 56 minutes per game over a total of 24 appearances in his first taste of the league, via Sofascore.
In a trialling campaign for the Whites, the teenager was explosive in the final third, amounting to six goal contributions through two goals and four assists, including a memorable opening goal at Old Trafford against Manchester United.
After Leeds’ relegation, it looks increasingly likely that Gnonto could be on the move this summer, in a swoop that could be a strong coup for Monchi and Emery at Villa Park.
The Midlands club have been linked with other forwards this window, including Johnson, with the assumption that the claret and blues will opt for one or the other taking into consideration the money already spent this summer.
While Johnson had an impressive individual campaign for Forest last term, the Welshman is said to be valued by the Reds at an eye-watering £40m, suggesting that Gnonto could be a more cost-effective acquisition to target, at half the price.
Price aside, Emery could find himself striking a better deal in signing the Italian over the 22-year-old, with the 19-year-old prevailing as the stronger forward based on his numbers per 90 in the Premier League last season.
As per FBref comparisons, the Leeds starlet averaged 4.39 progressive carries and 1.46 key passes per 90, with Johnson averaging lower in such areas with 2.70 progressive carries and 0.86 key passes per 90.
A similar narrative is evident in other decimals typical of a dynamic forward, with Gnonto registering an average of 5.12 take-ons attempted to the Forest gem’s 2.70, suggesting just how much of an impact the youngster could have on Emery’s flourishing side.
There’s no denying the quality of Johnson, however, Monchi and Emery could save the club millions in capturing a forward with the quality of the teenager for a price much more suitable.
تأهل إبسويتش تاون إلى الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز بعد الفوز على نظيره هيدرسفيلد، ضمن منافسات الجولة 46 من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي للدرجة الأولى “الشامبيونشيب”.
ودخل إبسويتش تاون المباراة وهو يحتاج للتعادل فقط من أجل التأهل إلى الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، لكنه تمكن من الفوز بثنائية نظيفة.
سجل الهدف الأول الويلزي ويس بيرنس، في الدقيقة 27 من الشوط الأول، قبل ان يعزز زميله اوماري هوتشينسون النتيجة في الدقيقة 48 من صناعة النجم المصري سام مرسي.
طالع ايضًا.. سام مرسي يهاجم زعماء العالم بسبب إسرائيل: الفلسطينيون يُذبحون
سام مرسي قائد الفريق تمكن من قيادة فريقه للتأهل إلى الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز باحتلال المركز الثاني، ليلحق بـ ليستر سيتي الذي توّج باللقب في الجولة الماضية.
هذه النتيجة رفعت رصيد إبسويتش تاون إلى 96 نقطة في المركز الثاني، بفارق 6 نقاط عن ليدز يونايتد الثالث، بينما هيدرسفيلد في المركز 23 وقبل الأخير.
هذا التأهل هو الأول لـ إبسويتش تاون لبطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز منذ آخر مشاركة في موسم 2001\2002.
وستكون تلك المشاركة في الموسم المقبل هي الأولى لـ سام مرسي ببطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، حيث لم يسبق له اللعب في البريمرليج طوال تاريخه في إنجلترا. أهداف مباراة إبسويتش تاون وهدرسفيلد في الدوري الإنجليزي
ضاعف فريق مانشستر سيتي تقدمه أمام توتنهام، في مباراتهما الجارية حاليًا في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
ويستضيف ملعب “توتنهام هوتسبير” مباراة الفريقين المؤجلة من الجولة الرابعة والثلاثين من الدوري الإنجليزي، 2023/24 (لمتابعة اللقاء من هنا).
وتحصل مانشستر سيتي على ضربة جزاء، في الدقيقة 89 من عمر المباراة بعد سقوط دوكو في المنطقة عقب تدخل من بيدرو بورو.
وانبرى هالاند لضربة جزاء مانشستر سيتي، لينفذها بنجاح، ويحولها إلى هدف ثانِ للضيوف، مع العلم أنه سجل الأول في الدقيقة 51. هدف هالاند الثاني أمام توتنهام
Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag is now looking to accelerate a move for one of his key midfield targets following the Red Devils' lacklustre defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, according to reports in Italy.
What's the latest transfer news at Manchester United?
90min reported last week that Amrabat's proposed move to Manchester United was at risk of stalling due to their failure to offload squad players to finance the deal. Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire have both been heavily linked with West Ham United this window but to no avail, whereas Donny van de Beek's impending loan move to Real Sociedad has slowed down, with both sides struggling to agree terms to facilitate an exit from Old Trafford for the Netherlands international.
According to a new report however, Manchester United are now speeding up the deal for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat quicker than expected as their humiliation at Tottenham 'moved the cards' with regard to the importance of bringing in another body in midfield.
The update from La Nazione, via Viola News, claims that a proposal between €25-30 million could now arrive for the Morocco international in the next 48 hours from Manchester United. Fiorentina general manager Joe Barone issued a message to players who may be keen to exit the Serie A outfit this summer in the lead-up to their 4-1 victory over Genoa last weekend, stating: "We are always ready for other entries and exits. If there is someone who is not happy, we can satisfy them by the end of the market."
La Reppublica, via Viola News, have recently indicated that Liverpool also hold an interest in £31k-a-week earner Amrabat and Jurgen Klopp has had 'telephone contact' with the Huizen-born enforcer.
How good would Amrabat be for United?
At this point in time, it may be a necessity for Manchester United to attract another holding midfielder to Old Trafford after being dominated by Ange Postecoglou's side in the middle of the park last weekend, particularly in the second half of proceedings.
Mason Mount, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are yet to gel as a midfield trio and encountered similar problems in their opening-day victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at home, where the Red Devils fortuitously ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a Raphael Varane header.
Amrabat would help to add some steel in the engine room for Ten Hag and comes with high appraisal indeed, having been labelled as "extraordinary" by former Spain coach Luis Enrique, cited by Football Italia via talkSPORT.
Last campaign, Amrabat was a reliable presence in midfield for Fiorentina, featuring 49 times in all competitions and registering a solitary assist, as per Transfermarkt. At the base of his current employers' midfield, Amrabat has demonstrated his ability to kickstart offensive moves with efficiency, maintaining a pass accuracy of 89.8% in Serie A over the course of 2022/23, according to WhoScored.
Combining his successful tackles and interceptions, the Morocco international made 60 successful contributions for Fiorentina in the Italian top flight alongside 23 blocks, providing real stability in front of his backline, as per FBRef.
Copo meio cheio ou meio vazio? No sentido de desempenho, a atuação do Botafogo sobre o Corinthians, no último sábado, na Neo Química Arena, foi a melhor da equipe no Campeonato Brasileiro – e quiçá em toda a temporada. O empate em 2 a 2, com um gol do Timão no fim da partida, contudo, traz um sentimento de frustração ao Glorioso.
A partida ficará marcada pelo primeiro gol de Salomon Kalou com a camisa do Botafogo. Mesmo em dois jogos, o marfinense deu uma nova cara ao sistema ofensivo do Alvinegro. Se diante do Coritiba, na última quarta-feira, a melhora se deu apenas por méritos individuais do camisa 8, desta vez houve um avanço coletivo, passando muito pelo jogo na segunda metade do campo.
No primeiro tempo, a estratégia do Botafogo passou por fechar as linhas de passe de Victor Cantillo. O colombiano, principal jogador na articulação do Timão, ficou sobrecarregado e limitou-se a apenas 23 passes certos nos 45 minutos iniciais. O Corinthians se via obrigado a jogar pelas pontas, sem a participação efetiva do camisa 24.
RelacionadasBotafogoKeisuke Honda parabeniza Salomon Kalou no Botafogo: ‘Grande gol’Botafogo05/09/2020BotafogoATUAÇÕES: Kalou e Bruno Nazário são os destaques do Botafogo em empateBotafogo05/09/2020BotafogoAutuori, do Botafogo, fica na bronca com empate no fim: ‘Inaceitável a maneira como sofremos o gol’Botafogo05/09/2020
Com a bola, o Botafogo assustava o Corinthians justamente atrás dos volantes. Bruno Nazário e Salomon Kalou se posicionavam entre os meio-campistas e os zagueiros e, saindo das pontas para o meio, geravam problemas para a defesa do Corinthians. O camisa 10 do Alvinegro, inclusive, marcou o primeiro gol na atual edição do Campeonato Brasileiro e assumiu a artilharia do Glorioso na temporada, com seis bolas na rede.
Para acionar os dois, o Botafogo contou com Caio Alexandre e Honda. Figuras importantes na pressão aos meio-campistas do Corinthians, a dupla era responsável por ditar o ritmo do Glorioso na partida. O japonês, por exemplo, não errou nenhum passe no primeiro tempo. O jovem criado em General Severiano, por sua vez, teve bom aproveitamento nos lançamentos – quatro acertos em seis tentativas.
Muito do jogo do Botafogo passava por incomodar a saída de bola da equipe comandada por Tiago Nunes, que não tinha conforto para jogar desde o campo de defesa. No segundo tempo, contudo, faltou perna, algo até natural pelo esforço colocado nos primeiros 45 minutos da partida.
O segundo gol do Corinthians, aos 47 minutos do segundo tempo, sai de erros de posicionamento da defesa do Botafogo. Guilherme Santos se confunde com a dobra do Corinthians no lado direito e, já cansado, não acompanha Léo Natel, que cruza para Jô finalizar às redes. As substituições tardias, mais uma vez, tiveram um impacto negativo.
Having worked on the mental aspects of the game during his recovery phase, the India opener is looking forward to replicating his overseas performances again
Gaurav Kalra in Mumbai24-Oct-20176:33
‘Mentally and physically ready to return’ – Vijay
Having earned a recall to the Indian Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka in November following after recovering from a wrist injury, opener M Vijay says he is “prepared mentally and physically” for the sterner tours to South Africa, England and Australia over the next year and beyond. Vijay notched up hundreds in England and Australia and 97 in second Test of the 2013 tour to South Africa in Durban.”I am prepared for them [overseas tours] rather than thinking about it,” Vijay told ESPNcricinfo in Mumbai on Monday. “I am looking forward for the tours coming ahead. I am a person who takes one match at a time. I have a domestic tournament now, so I have to contribute here and take the form and momentum to the Sri Lankan series.”Definitely opening becomes very crucial when you play abroad. A good start will make a whole lot of difference in a side’s mindset. We are aware of it. We have been giving good starts. It is just a matter of time when we collectively go about it, first innings or second innings. We create our own situation rather than succumbing to the situation. I feel you have got to be ahead of what’s happening and be a little smarter overseas. We are working on that and hopefully we can win this time.”Vijay was originally included in the Indian squad for the series in Sri Lanka in July-August before deciding to pull out after experiencing pain during a preparatory match. After an underwhelming series against Australia earlier in the year – he made 113 runs in three Tests at 22.60 – he opted out of the IPL and underwent surgery in England.Recovery took longer than expected. Since returning, Vijay has featured in a Duleep Trophy game, few matches in the Tamil Nadu Premier League and the state side’s Ranji Trophy opener. Though he hasn’t produced a substantial score yet since his return, the national selectors have decided to stay invested in him as one of their three choices for the opening position, besides KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan.”Actually, I could not get much cricket before calling myself fit,” Vijay said. “I was pushing myself to play against Sri Lanka. That was my first choice to get ready when we went to England to get the operation done. Unfortunately, I did not get a lot of games before that. I wasn’t 100% mentally because I didn’t find myself in a comfortable position to pick my bat. So, I thought I should be honest there and put it across to the management so that a fit player goes for the tour. I was pretty sure that if I wasn’t going to be giving the team 100% then I shouldn’t be playing.”I feel every sportsperson would have faced an injury problem at some point in their careers. I have been facing injuries for a couple of years, but I have been managing it. It is more of a mental thing than physical. I am pretty sure everybody can push themselves to any limit, but once it’s in your thought process that’s when as a sportsperson you have to think, ‘what am I going to do about my cricket.’ Being a batsman, it is very important to have my game plans right, so if something is hampering on that it is going to be a tough call. So, I was battling with that, rather than physical pain.”Nobody can trust their body fully if you are a sportsperson but yes, I am charged up. I have thought about my game. It is a good opportunity for me to start from where I stopped and be more consistent. So, there are a lot of things to look forward to.”Associated Press
In Vijay’s absence, Dhawan, his replacement in Sri Lanka, and Rahul have made strong cases to retain their spots at the top. Dhawan made two hundreds in Sri Lanka and Rahul has constructed a sequence of seven consecutive half-centuries in Tests. Vijay, however, is undaunted at the prospect of having to convince the team management to restore him to his spot. He insists watching his replacements make the most of their opportunity while he had to sit out with injury wasn’t frustrating in the least.”When I was 23, I really gave this issue a lot of thought, because I wasn’t enjoying my cricket so much,” he said. “Once I got to play for India I thought, whoever plays for India it is going to be difficult. When I got the call for the Indian team, from that day I started believing that everybody who puts in the effort should perform. One day their turn will come. I know whoever is performing out there, I know what difficulties they would have gone through and I know what it takes to perform at that level.”I started enjoying it and take some good things about what they are doing right rather than feel bad that it’s my turn and somebody has picked up my spot. It happens in any sport, so I channelise myself in such a way that to ensure I see the right things.”I was just wishing them (the other openers) luck. I am sure that’s how I will go for the rest of my phase in cricket. It was a great learning for me. I have to search what is happening inside me rather than think about what is happening to others and their performance. I can only wish them luck. I don’t have time to sort my issues, I am more in that mode rather than thinking about who is performing or not.”I want everybody to perform because it is a good thing for Indian cricket. I am like that. I like to have fun if it comes to me. I should be in the best place possible to go and perform. I am competitive about improving my game, about going about my cricket in a stronger manner than where I left. These are the things that are more of a kick for me rather than thinking about fighting for spots.”With the first Test against Sri Lanka still nearly three weeks away, Vijay intends to use his time on the domestic circuit to notch up consistent scores. The troublesome wrist wasn’t permitting him to manoeuver the ball into gaps on the field like he wanted to. That will be one of his focus areas before he fronts up against Sri Lanka.With his confidence fully restored, Vijay is now eager to make up for lost time and is also convinced he can shut up doubters who have bracketed him as a one-format player by earning a recall to India’s limited overs teams.”I have a lot of dreams, few have come true, and few are there for me to go and achieve, so I am looking forward to those,” he said. “I am pretty confident about how I am going to go about it. I am a person who relishes challenges and likes to tell in advance and go and achieve it but with my injuries at the moment, I have to be a little silent and conservative. But once I start getting into the groove, it will be much more fun for me.”I am in the mode to play all three formats and I am working on every aspect possible that I possess. So, these are the things that give me a good kick rather than my competition. It is about how ready I am going to be when the call comes up. These are the things I am waiting for and I think I will make it happen.”