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Real Madrid and Chelsea legend Arjen Robben has embarked on a surprising new professional career in padel, four years after retiring from football. The 41-year-old, who boasts 12 league titles and a Champions League trophy, recently earned his first ranking points in the International Padel Federation and is aiming to emulate Zlatan Ibrahimovic's impact in popularising the sport.

Arjen Robben transitions to professional padel

Former PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Groningen star Robben has made a professional transition into the sport of padel, four years after his final retirement from football in July 2021. The 41-year-old, known for his illustrious playing career as a winger, is now a ranked professional padel player, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Robben's decorated football resume includes 12 league titles across four different top flights, a Champions League trophy, and 96 caps for the Netherlands over a 14-year international career. Now, at 41, he is applying his competitive spirit to a new athletic challenge.

In late August, Robben achieved his first ranking points in the International Padel Federation (FIP) by entering the FIP Bronze Westerbork tournament, part of the CUPRA FIP Tour, in his native Netherlands. Alongside his partner Werner Lootsma, Robben secured his first-ever victory on the tour, overcoming six match points in a qualifier to defeat Ralph Boekema and former footballer Mark Weldmate with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 7-6.

AdvertisementGettyEarly results and high-profile recognition in padel

While Robben's debut victory was a significant milestone, his journey in professional padel is still in its early stages. Following their win, Robben and Lootsma were outclassed in their last-32 clash, suffering a heavy 6-1, 6-0 defeat against world No 155 Sten Richters and world No 144 Thijs Roper.

Despite the loss, the event garnered significant attention, with hundreds of fans turning out to watch Robben play. Richters and Roper paid tribute to the former footballer post-match, commenting: "He's the best former professional footballer we know who plays padel."

Robben, ever gracious in defeat, maintained a humble perspective on his initial foray into the professional circuit. He stated: "I don't think I can take myself too seriously. I started with low expectations. But I tried to fight on the court, and score as many points as possible."

Emulating Zlatan Ibrahimovic's impact in the Netherlands

Robben's passion for padel dates back to his time playing for Bayern Munich, where he regularly engaged with the sport. He revealed: "I used to play three times a week when I was in Germany." This long-standing interest has now evolved into a professional pursuit, with clear ambitions beyond personal enjoyment.

Robben has explicitly expressed his desire to emulate the impact of other former footballers who have embraced padel, specifically pointing to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's influence in Sweden. "Zlatan Ibrahimovic made padel an important sport in Sweden, and I think I can do the same in the Netherlands," Robben stated, indicating his aspiration to popularise the sport in his homeland.

In 2023, Robben even teamed up with former Netherlands strike partner Robin van Persie in the Pro-Am of the World Padel Tour Amsterdam Open. The iconic duo showcased their competitive spirit, winning the "Legends Game" at the event. Van Persie remarked afterwards: "What an incredible experience to play at the Amsterdam Open once again! An intense match in excellent company."

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Current world ranking and future prospects

Robben currently holds a world ranking of 1,980 with three ranking points in the International Padel Federation. While this places him a considerable distance from the top-ranked players – Argentine Agustine Tapia and Spaniard Arturo Coello, who are joint world No 1 with 20,200 points apiece – Robben's entry into the professional ranks is notable for a recently retired footballer.

His current ranking places him significantly behind players like Argentine Franco Stupaczuk, who is fifth in the standings with 8,835 points. The gap between Robben and the elite of padel is substantial, but his renowned determination and competitive drive suggest he may look to climb the rankings in the coming years.

Robben's transition into padel adds another dimension to his post-football career, which also includes some involvement in coaching. His dedication to learning and competing in a new sport, even at 41, highlights his enduring athletic spirit.

تلقى محمد صلاح نجم ليفربول إشادة من زميله السابق آدم لالانا، بعد التصريحات التي أطلقها النجم المصري ضد ناديه ومدربه آرني سلوت والتي أدت لاستبعاده من المشاركة ضد إنتر ميلان في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وقال لالانا في تصريحات نشرتها “بي بي سي” البريطانية :”محمد صلاح يستمد حافزه من سعيه الدائم لإثبات خطأ الآخرين”.

وأضاف: “إنه ليس متغطرساً، لطالما تحدثت مع أولادي عن سلوكياته، وكيف أنه لا يبالغ في الفرح وفي لحظات النجاح”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. موقف النصر السعودي من ضم محمد صلاح لمرافقة رونالدو

وواصل: “صلاح لا يلوم نفسه كثيراً في لحظات الضعف، هو دائماً ما يركز تركيزاً كاملاً على المهمة المسندة له، كنت أنظر إليه فأشعر بالطمأنينة لشدة تحكمه بنفسه طوال الوقت”.

وتابع: “أعرف محمد صلاح جيداً، فهو دائماً يكافح ويتحلى بالمرونة ويسعى دائماً لتطوير نفسه”.

جدير بالذكر أن ليفربول قد حقق الفوز على إنتر ميلان بهدف نظيف مساء أمس على ملعب سان سيرو في إطار منافسات مرحلة الدوري بدوري أبطال أوروبا.

When MLB expanded its playoff format to 12 teams in 2022, the hope was that it would create a more compelling final few weeks of the season. Four years in, it seems that mission was accomplished.

With just over a month to play, the races for each league’s three wild-card spots are far from settled. In the American League, five teams are within three games of the final bid. In the National League, the Cubs, Padres and Mets are fighting to fend off the Reds, who are just a game back. As each club jockeys for position, the margins will be thin in determining who makes it to October and who gets left out in the cold.

The household names will need to produce during this crucial time, of course, but so too will the x-factors and complimentary pieces. With a focus on the latter, here’s a pick for who will be each wild-card contender’s key difference maker for the stretch run.

New York Yankees

Current standing: 69–57, AL East 4 GB, AL wild-card 4 GU on fourth place
X-factor: SP Cam Schlittler

The rookie has impressed during his first two months in The Show, allowing no more than three runs in any of his first seven starts. Schlittler was considered among the Yankees’ top pitching prospects entering the season and is coming off his best outing when he threw 6 2/3 shutout innings against the Rays on Wednesday, giving up just one hit while striking out eight. Given Max Fried’s continued struggles, New York can use all the quality starts it can get down the stretch, and Schlittler is proving he can provide them.

Boston Red Sox

Current standing: 68–59, AL East 5.5 GB, AL wild-card 2.5 GU on fourth place
X-factor: SP Dustin May

Although it’s not time to breathe a sight of relief just yet, reports have suggested that one Sheffield Wednesday candidate has travelled to Hillsborough and a bid for the club is expected.

The Dejphon Chansiri era is officially over, but the Owls entered administration as a result and were handed a 12-point deduction to turn their Championship survival push into their very own mission impossible.

The good times, however, are on their way. Fans flooded to the club shop when Chansiri’s exit was confirmed, before they packed out Hillsborough in a 1-1 draw with Norwich City. This is, at long last, a club pulling in the same direction from top to bottom and co-administrator Kris Wigfield took time to thank supporters earlier this week.

Timeline for Sheffield Wednesday takeover as candidates move to next stage

A positive sign for the Owls.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 6, 2025

The Begbies Traynor managing partner said: “Ahead of the Norwich game, we wanted to give a brief update as best we can to keep fans informed.

“Whilst we are bound by confidentiality for much of this process, it is worth saying that the fantastic support of the fans through attending matches and buying merchandise from the club shop has been vital to running the club and the ground day-to-day – this includes paying the wages of employees and players.”

Regarding prospective buyers, there’s been plenty of interest in Sheffield Wednesday. Several parties have reportedly presented proof of funds worth £50m and the likes of John McEvoy and former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley have been mentioned.

Administrators have set an loose deadline of November 21 for when they want new owners through the door and the latest update suggests that they are on course to meet that deadline this month.

Sheffield Wednesday takeover candidates take Hillsborough tour

As confirmed by Wigfield, an unnamed Sheffield Wednesday takeover candidate has now travelled to Hillsborough for a tour of the stadium and a look at other facilities such as the training ground. Other parties are set to follow suit and opening bids are expected to commence as the Owls move closer and closer to welcoming new owners.

The 12-point hit dealt Sheffield Wednesday an undeniable blow but with Chansiri finally gone, things are beginning to look up at Hillsborough.

Liam Cooper alert to transfer possibility as Sheffield Wednesday hold EFL talks

MatériaMais Notícias

A Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) alterou data e horário de jogos da oitava rodada do Brasileirão a pedido da TV Globo. Em documento enviado a clubes e federações, a entidade informa que quatro partidas sofrerão mudanças por conta de solicitação da detentora dos direitos de transmissão; a tabela já está atualizada no site oficial da competição.

➡️ A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

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Entre as mudanças estão os confrontos entre Atlético-GO e Corinthians, Juventude e Vitória, Botafogo e Fluminense e Red Bull Bragantino e Atlético-MG. Todos os jogos listados aconteceriam no dia 12 de junho, quarta-feira, e foram antecipados para o dia anterior (terça, 11/06).

A mudança se deve, provavelmente, por conta do amistoso da Seleção Brasileira com os Estados Unidos, que está marcado para o próximo dia 12. Confira abaixo data e horário dos jogos do Brasileirão que tiveram alteração da CBF a pedido da Globo.

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Atlético-GO x Corinthians
De: 12/06, quarta-feira, às 17h
Para: 11/06, terça-feira, às 19h
Local: Estádio Antônio Accioly, em Goiânia (GO)

Juventude x Vitória
De: 12/06, quarta-feira, às 17h
Para: 11/06, terça-feira, às 19h
Local: Estádio Alfredo Jaconi, em Caxias do Sul (RS)

Botafogo x Fluminense
De: 12/06, quarta-feira, às 17h
Para: 11/06, terça-feira, às 20h
Local: Estádio Nilton Santos, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

Red Bull Bragantino x Atlético-MG
De: 12/06, quarta-feira, às 17h
Para: 11/06, terça-feira, às 21h30
Local: Estádio Nabi Abi Chedid, em Bragança Paulista (SP)

Tudo sobre

BrasileirãoCBFGlobo

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta terça-feira, o Campeonato Brasileiro da Série B terá o início da sua 5ª rodada e o Botafogo-SP recebe a Chapecoense em duelo que vale tanto para a luta contra o rebaixamento, assim como para a briga pelo acesso. A bola rola à partir de 21:30 (horário de Brasília) no estádio Santa Cruz e terá a transmissão ao vivo na TV aberta, no Steaming e no Pay-per-view. Respectivamente pela TV Brasil, Canal Goat e Premiere.

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➡️A boa do Lance!Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

Confira todas as informações que você precisa saber sobre o confronto entre Botafogo-SP e Chapecoense (onde assistir, horário, escalações e local).

✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
BOTAFOGO-SP X CHAPECOENSE
5ª RODADA – SÉRIE B

🗓️ Data e horário: terça-feira, 14 de maio de 2024, às 21:30h (de Brasília);
📍 Local: Estádio Santa Cruz, em Ribeirão Preto (SP)
📺 Onde assistir: TV Brasil, Canal GOAT (Youtube) e Premiere
🟨 Árbitro: Dyorgines Jose Padovani (ES)
🚩 Assistentes: Douglas Pagung (ES) e Cipriano Sousa (TO)
📺 VAR: Adriano Milczvski (PR)

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➡️ Assine o Premiere e assista esse e mais jogos de graça por 30 dias!

BOTAFOGO-SP

Michael; Matheus Costa, Lucas Dias e Schappo; Wallison, Matheus Barbosa, Patrick Brey (Jean Victor) e João Costa; Robinho, Douglas Baggio e Leandro Pereira. (3-4-3). Técnico: Paulo Gomes.

CHAPECOENSE

Matheus Cavichioli; Marcelinho (JP Galvão), Leonardo, Eduardo Doma e Mancha; Foguinho, Rafael Carvalheira; Thomás, Giovanni Augusto e Marcinho; Mário Sérgio. (4-2-3-1). Técnico: Umberto Louzer.

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Tudo sobre

Botafogo-SPBrasileirão Série BChapecoenseFutebol BrasileiroSérie B

The USAC-ACE contract termination has created uncertainty around USA’s preparations for next year’s T20 World Cup as well as the future of the MLC

Nagraj Gollapudi05-Sep-2025USA Cricket’s decision to terminate its contract with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), its primary commercial partner, which is also the parent company of Major League Cricket (MLC) – has left USA’s players “extremely affected” while dealing with uncertainty about their future. According to USA allrounder Corey Anderson, who is the operational director of the US Cricketers’ Association (USCA), the players fear that cricket in the country could be derailed if ACE pulls out.Anderson, the former New Zealand allrounder who moved to the USA and became eligible to play for them in 2023, suggested that ACE had been integral to the development of cricket in the USA for the past several years having invested in both Minor League Cricket and the MLC, which is now three seasons old.Related

• ICC suspends USA Cricket board

• ACE takes USA Cricket to court as power struggle intensifies

• MLC parent company calls its agreement termination by USA Cricket 'unlawful' and 'wrongful'

“I guess the termination of this contract between USAC and ACE just leaves players in a limbo and in a scenario where they are now so uncertain of their futures,” Anderson told ESPNcricinfo on a call from his home in Dallas. “And this is something that they’re extremely affected by in the way that they earn a living. How long does this last for? What does future seasons of Major League or Minor League or anything like that – what does that start to look like from that regard?”Apart from the significant sums of money it spends to conduct cricket in the country, ACE is also the backbone of cricketing operations in the USA. ACE owns the ground that houses the High Performance Centre at Grand Prairie in Dallas, Texas, holds exclusive license to the ground in Morrisville, has agreements with Broward County in Florida, and owns two drop-in pitches at the Oakland Coliseum, which made its debut during the 2025 MLC.As part of a long-term deal inked in 2019, ACE is contracted to funnel a minimum of USD 1.2 million annually to the USAC to cover the contracts of the national team including support staff. A failure to pay out that money consistently, the USAC has claimed, was one of the breaches that led to the termination of the contract. ACE strongly disputes this, claiming it has actually paid more than the agreed amount.Another thing that bothers Anderson, in case the standoff continues, is its potential impact on several important events leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup, which is set to be played in February-March in India and Sri Lanka with USA among the 20 participating teams. In consultation with USAC, ACE had planned a high-performance camp for 35 top men’s players with trial matches – three 50-over games and three T20s – in Morrisville against West Indies A.Anderson, the former New Zealand allrounder who now plays for USA, is the operational director of the US Cricketers’ Association•Major League Cricket

The objective of this camp was to identify the best players for the T20 World Cup as well as prepare the team for World Cricket League 2 in October, which is USA’s qualification pathway for the 2027 ODI World Cup. ACE is also meant to be hosting the USA Women’s team at the HPC in Grand Prairie along with five-match T20 series against West Indies in October-November.”Is that all still taking place or not? These camps have to take place for the players to get ready for those things,” Anderson said. “All of those things are very much in a big question mark at the moment, which again just creates more uncertainty around the players. And effectively anything that goes on regarding those contracts ends up ultimately just affecting the players.”It’s just throwing a question mark on what players don’t know and their uncertainty around even that, which is again so unfortunate, because we’re in a space now with USA [where cricket] is growing and it’s growing very fast, and there’s a lot of money getting put into it and a lot of investment. But again [as things now stand], for what? Because players are now disrupted, unsure of what they need to do, unsure of where they’re going, and what their future looks like.”Has USAC written to the players since the public termination of the ACE contract? Not yet, according to Anderson. He pointed out that while the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) recognizes USACA, USAC doesn’t. “We haven’t heard anything from USAC,” he said. “Again, I do want to establish that we aren’t recognized by USA Cricket, so in terms of being bound by anything, they do not have to say anything to us. But again, it would be very neglectful of them not to inform the players’ association considering we do have majority of the members [players] of Major League Cricket and in fact we have the majority of the USA national team as our members. And so when we speak up and get into bargaining discussions and things like that, we are doing it for them. It’s a players’ union run by the players.”Anderson said he had personally not reached out to any USA players, although there had been several discussions between players during the ongoing Minor League, where he plays for Dallas Kings Eleven. “I have not been in touch with any of the players because at the moment we don’t have any information to provide those players. If they’ve been provided information, that hasn’t been given back to us or given to any other players. This is where things can get pretty messy, because it starts becoming a little bit of the whispers start going around, and the rumour mill starts up, and [nobody knows] what’s actually true and what’s correct. And everyone’s a little bit unsure of what that actually looks like. So again, it’ll be nice to hear from the governing body [USAC] itself and understand what it looks like.”We’re currently in the middle of Minor League at the moment, so there are a lot of players asking what’s happening. Text messages, phone calls, what does this look like for Major League and our World Cup preparation? Minor League is currently running, but what does the future of that look like? Is this going to continue? So again, messages that unfortunately don’t have any answers.”According to USAC chairman Venu Piske, ‘it’s too early to make any assumptions’ about the future of the MLC•Sportzpics for MLC

USAC open to ‘renegotiate’ and ‘sanction’ 2026 MLC

Venu Piske, the USAC chairman, said he understood the concerns raised by Anderson, and added that players would always be the priority. “I certainly can understand the sensitivity and also the players may have some concerns,” Piske said. “It’s understandable, but players are our No. 1 priority without any doubt. We have made sure we take care of players in all situations even when we are getting our funding as per the contract from ACE, or not getting the funding.”Piske said while there remained outstanding issues to sort out with ACE, USAC would not overlook players’ welfare including the financial aspect. Piske said USAC had given out 15 national contracts, which he said were the highest number offered in the board’s history. Piske said he could understand players being concerned about the future of MLC, and whether it would happen next season, but remained optimistic, saying USAC were open to “renegotiate” with ACE and even “sanction” the next season.”I know there may be some concerns around what’s going to happen with MLC, that’s understandable, but it’s too early to make any assumptions. As per our communication to ACE at the time of termination, we are committed to renegotiate on different terms because the current terms they [ACE] have not met; we always had a friction environment for the last six years, but considering their [ACE’s] commitment and investment to MLC, we are open to even sanction MLC while this is going on or we are open to some agreeable terms to resolve this.”MLC CEO Johnny Grave said ACE was not in breach of any terms in the original agreement and said it was focused on continuing to support USA Cricket. “We are fully compliant with our agreement with USAC and we continue to work to build all aspects of cricket in America.”According to Anderson, the best solution ought to involve ACE, without whose support he felt USA Cricket cannot provide a “premium product”. A “resolution sooner rather than later”, Anderson said, would benefit not just the game in the USA, but also reassure players that they have a secure future. “It needs to be anything that’s going to benefit the players in terms of just answers that will give us some suggestion that the future of the game here in the States is going to continue to be invested in and continue to grow, and players understand that they have a way of earning a living and being able to play quality cricket here again,” he said. “With the runway of what the USA team specifically has in terms of a World Cup and then an Olympics in 2028, those are massive markers for USA cricket to be able to hit. And I don’t see a world in which they can provide a premium product or quality of product without funding from ACE.”

In his capacity as a Fox Sports analyst, Alex Rodriguez had a front-row seat to the magical World Series that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays pushed to, and beyond, its limits. In the end it was the defending champions who were able to secure back-to-back titles by outlasting their Canadian hosts last Saturday night in a game that brought more eyeballs to baseball than any in the previous eight years. So he had plenty of time to take in the energy and atmosphere that only added to the drama fans at home were able to enjoy. And to compare it to all previous versions of the Fall Classic.

Asked by if we just watched the greatest World Series every played, Rodriguez explained why he believes so.

"Yes," he said. "Well, in my lifetime, I've never. You know, that's obviously very subjective, but in my lifetime, I've never seen a better one. It had all the elements of just the juiciest, most delicious, World Series."

Rodriguez is not alone in his assessment, as many have wondered if the sport just enjoyed a high-water mark that will be difficult, if not impossible to match. The way he processed the seven-game greatness, however, is unique. Seated next to David Ortiz, Derek Jeter and Kevin Burkhardt, the former player was able to witness all the ingredients that went into making things buzz.

"It had three S’s, right?" Rodriguez said. "It had, it had superstars, it had strategy and it had incredible storylines. And what's great about baseball."

Rodriguez also spoke about the episodic nature of a baseball playoff series as opposed to the immediacy and one-and-doneness of other sports.

"Super Bowl has one like Tom Cruise movie. Over 100 million people will watch. What's different and what I think more compelling about a seven-game World Series, which are very rare—we only had two prior to this one in the last eight years—is that is like a mini docuseries and there's seven episodes.

"And just like , if you watch all six now, you're invested. You're hooked. You're hooked in the characters, the storyline, the strategy. And then you must watch game seven. So it was just awesome. I'm so proud of the game."

أسفرت قرعة نهائيات بطولة كأس العالم 2026، التي أقيمت اليوم الجمعة، عن تحديد مجموعة منتخب مصر في المونديال العالمي القادم.

وتنطلق منافسات بطولة كأس العالم، خلال الفترة من 11 يونيو وحتى 19 يوليو 2026، بمشاركة 48 منتخبًا، في كندا والمكسيك والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

وأقام الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا”، قرعة كأس العالم 2026، في تمام الساعة السابعة مساء اليوم بتوقيت القاهرة، في العاصمة الأمريكية واشنطن.

طالع.. رسميًا | مجموعة مصر في كأس العالم 2026

وسيشارك منتخب مصر للمرة الرابعة في نهائيات كأس العالم، بعد أعوام 1934 و1990 و2018.

وأسفرت قرعة كأس العالم 2026، عن تواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة السابعة من المونديال مع بلجيكا ونيوزيلندا وإيران. مواجهات مصر في كأس العالم 2026

الجولة الأولى: مصر وبلجيكا.. الإثنين 15 يونيو.

الجولة الثانية: مصر ونيوزيلندا.. الأحد 21 يونيو.

الجولة الثالثة: مصر وإيران.. الجمعة 26 يونيو.

The visitors spent well beyond their designated three hours on a picturesque morning at Newlands

Danyal Rasool01-Jan-2025Cape Town slept in bleary-eyed after a New Year’s Eve that drew a record number of visitors – in excess of 35,000 piled into the picturesque Waterfront for a free music concert and midnight fireworks, with Table Mountain as the epic backdrop. The streets around Newlands, the genteel suburb where the cricket ground looms almost as large as the mountain itself, were deserted as 2025 was welcomed in by clear blue skies punctuated only by wispy clouds, a 22-degree sun bathing the city in its golden hue. On another day – perhaps any other day – the area would have been heaving in the morning. But walk into Newlands Cricket Ground on New Year’s Day before noon, and you have the whole place to yourself.Except for those who, presumably, drew the short straw. That would appear to be Pakistan this morning, scheduled for the morning training session, with South Africa only getting to work in the afternoon. Down by the nets behind the ground, Naseem Shah, Mir Hamza, and Mohammad Abbas are all batting; Pakistan have worried about the length of their tail of late. A couple of startlingly quick net bowlers put them through their paces. Mir Hamza gets an outside edge headed to an imaginary first slip pretty soon. Naseem Shah’s defence is solid, but the short ball can trouble him. He shared a smile and a work of encouragement with the bowler.Related

Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma centuries drive South Africa's day

Secrets of Newlands pitch keep Pakistan guessing on team combination

Deflated Pakistan look to set record straight in South Africa and level series

Mohammad Abbas shows Pakistan there's more to pace bowling than pace

When the orchestra played as one – South Africa's journey to their first WTC final

You idly wonder what these three beginning the session with the bat means for Aamer Jamal, who was largely unused with the ball in Centurion. A couple of hours later, though, he’s bowling at the ground in the nets, three strips across from the match pitch, so probably not much. Salman Ali Agha, who came out to speak to the media, says Pakistan don’t really know their team yet.”It looks like a different pitch to Johannesburg [Centurion],” he says as the reporters huddle around underneath a sun that has by now begun to prickle. “Less grass on it. We don’t know, we’ll see tomorrow. Then we’re going to be able to know how we play the Test match. The stats say that spinners does come into it, but we haven’t decided yet. Everyone is fit and available.”I just saw the wicket and I thought I probably will bowl in this game. I haven’t bowled in the last three Test matches, but my role will be key here I feel.”Back at the training nets, a security guard shuffles up slowly, saying “You can’t watch from here,” as I stand behind the batter on the other side of the meshing, shaded by the London Plane trees. This is unusual, because the players never seem to mind; Pakistan, in general, have never really bothered with who’s watching their training and practice sessions. I say I’m from the media, and show him my accreditation. He barely glances, gives me a friendly nod, and moves on. No one feels like an argument this early on New Year’s Day.Soon enough, all the players have moved back to the ground itself, and the bowlers are back to performing their day jobs. Mir Hamza appears to be having the best of it, getting the ball to shape away and constantly beating Saud Shakeel’s outside edge. As the day grows hotter, Naseem has lost none of his energy after his morning excursions, and is steaming in full pelt every ball. Despite some murmured concerns around his fitness, he appears to be bowling fine, and at high pace.Mohammad Abbas is not bowling at high pace, of course, but he’s very accurate. A right handed batter- it’s hard to make out whom for the Newlands press box – is very disciplined about leaving everything that doesn’t hit the stumps. For Pakistan’s sake and for all the troubles he’s had with this kind of dismissal, one hopes it’s Babar Azam.The Table Mountain, the sun and blue skies: Newlands is a beautiful combination of them all•AFP/Getty ImagesAgha, meanwhile, uses his press chat to gush about Abbas. “I’ve never seen anyone who knows his skill as much as he does. He was a bit rusty in the first innings with the new ball, but that’s what you can expect from a guy who’s coming back after three years. The way he came back in the second innings was outstanding, the way he bowled. The way Markram and Bavuma were going, I thought it was going to be a one-sided game. He just came and bowled a whole session; that’s outstanding. I’ve never seen a fast bowler bowl a whole session like that.”The training session seems to be going on awfully long, well beyond the designated three hours. So much so that South Africa, who were scheduled to do their press conference after Pakistan, send Wiaan Mulder in first while Pakistan continue to be put through their paces.”Definitely,” he says about spin coming into this Test. “Generally, over the last couple of years, it has spun more here than at Centurion. It’s a little bit slower as well here, maybe a touch tackier in the mornings.”Speaking of which, Kamran Ghulam is now sending a few of his orthodox left-armers down to Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan takes a strike out to defend, but it’s gone straight on, and raps him on the pad. Ghulam turns around and breaks into a loud appeal at whoever they have standing in as umpire; again, it’s hard to tell. He’s no longer appealing, he’s pleading, but the man remains unmoved. Ghulam immediately signals for a review; after all, he spent a decade on the domestic circuit before being first playing a Test. He’s not going to take no for an answer.Perhaps Pakistan keep on going because what better arena is there to play cricket? Watching the nets from across the dugouts, it’s hard not to be struck by the grandeur of the place. Table Mountain, possibly the oldest mountain in the world, looks down at the ground, perhaps the oldest cricket spectator in the world. No one, presumably, wants to disappoint it.Pakistan finally begin to pack up, and it’s finally South Africa’s turn now. There are a few routine warm-downs as the players lap around the field. Media interactions done, the journalists begin to shuffle out of the ground, and emerge back out into the city. A few afternoon risers mill about now, but serene quiet still defines Newlands as afternoon takes over from the morning. It must have been a really good New Year’s Eve. Pakistan, unlikely to have participated, want to ensure it’s an equally good New Year’s Test, too.