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Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is personally considering whether to pursue an ex-Man City defender in January after being told that the player could be available for a reasonable fee in the winter.

Ange Postecoglou short of centre-backs amid Spurs injury crisis

Postecoglou faces the very distinct possibility of being without all of his first-team centre-backs as things stand, with Radu Dragusin sustaining ankle damage in their last outing against Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day.

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Depending on a late fitness test before their clash with Wolves on Sunday, the 59-year-old may not have Dragusin to call upon, with injuries to Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies leaving Postecoglou bereft of natural centre-halves.

The emergence of Archie Gray as a makeshift option in that position has seriously helped to plug the necessary gaps, but it is currently unclear as to how Postecoglou plans to cope without the Englishman’s partner if Dragusin is indeed out for an extended period.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Wolverhampton Wanderers (home)

December 29

Newcastle United (home)

January 4

Arsenal (away)

January 15

Everton (away)

January 19

Leicester City (home)

January 26

Naturally, with the January transfer window set to open in a matter of days, Tottenham have been linked with a host of new centre-backs.

RC Lens starlet Abdukodir Khusanov is reliably believed to be a Spurs transfer target heading into the new year, while other reports have linked Leeds United star Pascal Struijk, Feyenoord stalwart David Hancko, PSG’s Milan Skriniar, Getafe’s Omar Alderete and Inter sensation Yann Bisseck as other centre-backs who could join Tottenham in January.

By his own admission, Postecoglou has held numerous recruitment meetings with technical director Johan Lange in the build-up to next month, and the Australian says they’re “working hard” on reinforcing their options.

“There’s certainly a need to reinforce if we can,” said Postecoglou on January signings at Tottenham.

“Everyone knows January’s not an easy time to do that. But the club’s working hard behind the scenes to see what we can do to help players we’ve got at the moment who are giving everything in every game and dipping into every bit of energy they have to try to get us through.”

Ange Postecoglou personally considering move for Ko Itakura

According to GiveMeSport, Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Ko Itakura is a mid-season option for Spurs.

The Japan international’s contract expires in 18 months, which could hand them an opportunity to agree a move for a doable price, and Postecoglou is informed of this situation.

GMS writes that Postecoglou has been made aware that Tottenham could strike a “cut-price” January deal for Itakura, and the former Celtic boss is personally contemplating whether to reignite a pursuit for the Bundesliga centre-back after previously holding an interest.

The 27-year-old was on Man City’s books before the Sky Blues sold him to Monchengladbach in the summer of 2022, where he has gone on to become a pivotal figurehead at the heart of their backline.

Itakura has started all of their German top-flight games this season, helping Mönchengladbach to boast one of the finest defensive records in the division.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na manhã deste sábado (2), no CT Joaquim Grava, o Corinthians deu prosseguimento na preparação para a estreia na Libertadores, terça-feira (5),contra o Always Ready, da Bolívia, em La Paz, no estádio Hernando Siles, às 21h30, horário de Brasília.

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> GALERIA – Relembre as estreias do Timão na Copa Libertadores

A comissão técnica do Timão, chefiada por Vítor Pereira, contou com o retorno de Bruno Melo. O polivalente defensor, que pode atuar tanto de lateral-esquerdo como zagueiro, se recuperou de uma lesão no músculo posterior da coxa esquerda, concluiu a transição com a preparação física e treinou com o grupo durante toda a atividade do dia. Existe a expectativa que Bruno comece a partida contra o Always Ready como titular.

Por outro lado, Fagner (lesão no músculo reto da coxa esquerda) e o meio-campista Luan (desconforto no quadril) deram sequência no tratamento com a equipe de fisioterapia e seguem como dúvidas para a partida contra o Always Ready.

> TABELA – A Libertadores vem aí! Confira a tabela e simule os primeiros jogos

No treino deste sábado (2), após o aquecimento, o técnico Vítor Pereira organizou um trabalho de passes e finalizações com os atletas. Por fim, o treinador português preparou um treino de enfrentamento em campo reduzido.

No domingo (3), pela manhã, o Corinthians volta ao CT Joaquim Grava.O Timão viajará para a Bolívia no fim da tarde desta segunda-feira (4), véspera da partida e passará a noite em Santa Cruz de la Sierra, cidade boliviana que está localizada em região mais plana, apenas a 400 metros de altitude, menor até mesmo que São Paulo, que está a 700 metros.

A volta está programada para logo após a partida, em voo fretado diretamente para São Paulo. O clube também disponibilizará na viagem cilindros de oxigênio, caso atletas ou demais integrantes da delegação sinta os efeitos da altitude durante a viagem para a Bolívia.

Two-year deal with Cricket Ireland, inked earlier this month, terminated by mutual consent

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Apr-2022

Luke Georgeson, the former New Zealand Under-19 player who signed a two-year central contract with Cricket Ireland (CI) earlier this month, has now withdrawn from the full-time agreement and will no longer be in contention for an Ireland call-up.In a statement on Friday, CI said that the contract had been terminated “by mutual consent”. “Georgeson has informed Cricket Ireland that he will be withdrawing from the full-time contract after reconsidering his future playing options,” the statement said. “Georgeson, 23, will remain in Belfast and play for club side CSNI this summer, but will no longer be in contention for an Irish call-up.”Georgeson, who had turned out for New Zealand in the 2018 U-19 World Cup, had a contract with Wellington in New Zealand’s recent domestic season, but chose to commit his future to Ireland after spending last summer playing for Northern Knights in the inter-provincial set-up.”The basis of this decision is that I have come to a clearer understanding that I still harbour ambitions of playing for New Zealand, and I underestimated how much I want to realise this dream until recent days,” Georgeson said. “I would like to take the opportunity to thank Cricket Ireland for their effort and commitment to me over the past year. I have been overwhelmed by the understanding and support shown by all those who have been a part of this decision. It is not one that has been made easily, and I am truly grateful for the support I have been shown throughout.”This, however, will not conclude my involvement in Irish cricket. I am passionate about cricket in Ireland and the NCU [Northern Cricket Union], and I will endeavour to stay involved and make a difference wherever I can. I appreciate everyone’s understanding about this decision.”Andrew White, chair of the national men’s selectors, who revealed that Georgeson had met him as well as other members of the Ireland senior team management, said, “We are obviously disappointed that Luke will no longer be making himself available for Ireland – he is a talented player and was a firm part of our plans going forward.”An Irish passport-holder, Georgeson batted in the middle order for the Knights last year, but opened for Wellington throughout the New Zealand summer. The CI statement added, “Following consultation between Cricket Ireland and Northern Knights’ selectors, the Knights will shortly select a replacement member to join their core squad of 12 to replace Georgeson, which will be announced in due course.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo atuará na primeira partida pela Libertadores-2022 em casa nesta terça-feira, em duelo diante do Talleres, a partir das 21h30 (de Brasília). Para o confronto no Maracanã, o técnico Paulo Sousa já definiu os 11 titulares, e o clube carioca anunciou a escalação há pouco.

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O Flamengo vai a campo: Santos; Willian Arão, David Luiz e Filipe Luís; Matheuzinho, João Gomes, Thiago Maia e Everton Ribeiro; Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique e Gabigol.

No banco de reservas, o Mister terá as seguintes opções ao longo do jogo: Hugo, Diego Alves, Isla, Rodinei, Léo Pereira, Cleiton, Andreas, Diego, Matheus França, Lázaro, Pedro e Marinho.

> Confira a tabela da Libertadores

FICHA TÉCNICA
Flamengo x Talleres-ARG – 1ª rodada do Grupo H da Libertadores
Data e horário: 12/04/2022, às 21h30 (de Brasília)
Local: Maracanã, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Árbitro: Jesús Valenzuela (VEN)
Assistentes: Lubin Torrealba (VEN) e Alberto Ponte (VEN)
Onde assistir: SBT, ESPN e Conmebol TV.

England rue missed chances after unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 149

Valkerie Baynes10-Jun-2022

Stumps As far attempts to negate a swinging ball go, Daryl Mitchell’s display of long-range beer pong was inventive to say the least.Assisted by the ale or otherwise, he and Tom Blundell managed to see out the latter stages of a tricky middle session for New Zealand then navigate their side to the close of an intriguing first day at Trent Bridge at 318 for 4.The duo, who shared 195-run stand in the second innings of New Zealand’s five-wicket defeat at Lord’s last week had put on 149 by stumps in this second Test, Mitchell unbeaten on 81 and Blundell 67 not out.During a morning session when the ball presented little movement through the air or off the seam but bounced appreciably from a good length, New Zealand openers Will Young and Tom Latham started brightly with an 84-run partnership before Ben Stokes and James Anderson struck with consecutive deliveries to remove both.Those same two bowlers managed to get the ball talking after the lunch break, however, combining again to remove a fluid-looking Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls as all of New Zealand’s top-four made starts but none breached fifty.Related

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England, whose fielding in the first Test had been noticeably sharp, were left to rue missed chances which would have made the equation considerably worse for their visitors. Zak Crawley dived from second slip across Joe Root at first and managed only to parry Nicholls’ thick outside edge off Stuart Broad away from both of them. Nicholls was on 17 at the time.Root then shelled a regulation slips chance off Mitchell, on 3, which wobbled ever so slightly as it came off the bat, and a tougher one off Blundell when he was on 2, Root thrusting his right hand out but failing to hold on.Mitchell and Blundell resumed after tea on 20 and 7 respectively and, with Jack Leach continuing after bowling the penultimate over before the break, Mitchell plundered the England spinner down the ground for six, the ball landing in a spectators’ full pint cup.Matthew Potts, clearly more disappointed than amused, indicated that the ball had been completely submerged as the umpire ran over with a towel and set about trying to dry it off. Sure enough, the ball didn’t do much for the bowlers after that until Potts managed to get it moving a little again on the evening breeze.Blundell, on 39, survived England’s attempt to overturn a not-out lbw decision on umpire’s call off Leach and Mitchell top-edged another six off Broad over the keeper’s head.England took the second new ball with about half an hour left in the day’s play and Broad was left cursing yet another missed opportunity when Blundell moved to 67 by edging him through the cordon where Crawley and Jonny Bairstow remained virtually motionless at second and third slip as the ball shot between them to the boundary rope.Earlier, Stokes allayed concerns over his ability to bowl, raised when he showed some discomfort in his side while training on Wednesday, bringing himself on in the 19th over. He opened with a loose delivery outside off stump which Young punished to the boundary through point and which turned out to be the first of two front-foot no-balls for the over.Leach followed Stokes into the attack, having recovered from the concussion he suffered while fielding on the opening day of the first Test at Lord’s, but it was Stokes who made the breakthrough in his second over.Having conceded two more boundaries to Young on the drive, the second misfielded by Leach in the covers, Stokes bowled a tight off-stump line and got the ball to kick into the splice of Young’s bat with Crawley collecting a good catch low at second slip.James Anderson laughs after his long-hop has Tom Latham caught at midwicket•AFP/Getty Images

Potts took a strong catch at midwicket to get rid of Latham, who slapped a short ball straight to him at pace as soon as Anderson returned to the attack and New Zealand had lost two wickets in as many balls, although cause for concern to England was the fact that they conceded 20 boundaries in the first session.After lunch, Stokes accounted for Nicholls with a ball that nipped away off the seam, drawing a prod to wicketkeeper Ben Foakes and ending a 77-run stand with Conway.Conway had produced some eye-catching drives and pulls en route to his score which included seven fours before he was undone by an excellent Anderson delivery that looked like shaping away before jagging back off the seam and finding a big inside edge through to Foakes.Anderson thought he had Conway out for 41 when the batter picked out Potts at midwicket but a soft signal of not-out was upheld when third umpire Rod Tucker ruled that the ball had gone to ground.After losing the toss, Latham – standing in as captain for Kane Williamson who tested positive for Covid-19 on the eve of the match – said he would have liked to bowl first on a green-tinged pitch which he said looked dry underneath, although he would no doubt have taken New Zealand’s score at the end of the day.Willamson’s absence, and that of Colin de Grandhomme who injured his foot while bowling in the first Test and was ruled out of the series, forced two team changes for New Zealand, who also left out left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel. They brought in Nicholls, back from a calf injury followed by a bout of Covid, and added Matt Henry in a four-pronged seam attack, with Michael Bracewell, the left-handed batter who also provides an offspin option, making his Test debut.

سجل أليكسيس ماك أليستر، هدف ليفربول الثاني في المباراة التي تجمع الريدز بـ توتنهام، على ملعب أنفيلد رود، ضمن الجولة 34 من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

النجم الأرجنتيني تمكن من تسجيل الهدف الثاني، بعد دقائق قليلة من تعادل زميله لويس دياز، الذي رد على هدف دومينيك سولانكي.

طالع أيضًا: فيديو | بمساهمة من محمد صلاح.. لويس دياز يسجل هدف تعادل ليفربول أمام توتنهام

هدف ماك أليستر جاء في الدقيقة 24 بصاروخية من خارج منطفة الجزاء بالقدم اليسرى، بعد أن حاول جرافنبيرخ الوصول للكرة ليسيطر عليها بطل العالم ويطلق صاروخية في شباك الضيوف.

ليفربول بحاجة لنقطة واحدة فقط من مباراته اليوم ضد توتنهام للتتويج ببطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وفي حال انتهاء المباراة بهذه النتيجة سيحسم الريدز اللقب. هدف ماك أليستر في مرمى توتنهام

GOAL!

Alexis Mac Allister 🇦🇷💫

Rapid turnaround from the Reds!#beINPL #LIVTOT 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/ODapMCHhxS — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) April 27, 2025

Arsenal kicked 2025 off in perfect style last night.

Mikel Arteta’s side won their third Premier League game on the bounce by beating the inform Brentford 3-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium and looked significantly more dangerous than they did against Ipswich Town in the process.

Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Martinelli were on the scoresheet for the North Londoners, and even though that’s two goals in three games for the latter, he could be about to lose his place in the team.

Yes, recent reports have linked the Gunners with another brilliant attacker who could be an upgrade on the Brazilian winger, an attacker who has some shades of Ethan Nwaneri about him.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal are one of several teams very interested in signing Barcelona’s Dani Olmo.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that fellow Premier League sides Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are all keen on the Spaniard, while Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen have also shown interest.

The report claims that the player has his heart set on staying in Barcelona, but should the club fail in their bid to register him by January 3rd, he’d be unable to play in Spain until next season and be available on a free, which could make a move away almost inevitable.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Olmo’s sensational ability and versatility, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he could be an ideal Martinelli upgrade and shares some similarities with Nwaneri.

How Olmo compares to Martinelli and Nwaneri

So, before we look at how Olmo stacks up against Martinelli, let’s first examine the similarities between him and Nwaneri.

The first is that, like the young Englishman, the Spaniard is more than capable of playing in multiple positions, and while he has played in attacking midfield more than anywhere else, he’s got plenty of experience playing off the right and left of a front three, akin to the teenager’s position last night.

The second similarity is that while both players are very technically gifted and brilliant passers of the ball, capable of setting up chances for their teammates, they’re both real goal threats.

For example, the Gunners’ Hale End gem has already scored four goals for the first team in just 432 minutes of action this season, while the Barça star has six goals to his name in 15 games this year, as well as an assist to boot.

This similarity is also one of the key reasons why the “outstanding” international, as dubbed by former boss Julian Nagelsmann, could be a dream upgrade on Martinelli, as even though the Brazilian has as many goals and one more assist under his belt this season, he’s made 25 appearances.

This means that the former Ituano gem is currently averaging a goal involvement every 3.12 games, while the former Leipzig star is averaging one every 2.14 games.

Moreover, when we look under the hood at their underlying numbers from this season, it’s the “incredible” 26-year-old, as dubbed by Pep Guardiola, who comes out way ahead.

Olmo vs Martinelli

Statistics per 90

Olmo

Martinelli

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.60

0.45

Actual Non-Penalty G+As

0.72

0.52

Progressive Passes

2.32

5.22

Progressive Carries

6.09

1.65

Shots

3.47

1.56

Shots on Target

1.16

0.87

Passing Accuracy

76.1%

70.5%

Shot-Creating Actions

3.32

2.43

Goal-Creating Actions

0.43

0.17

Successful Take-Ons

2.17

1.57

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

For example, the Terrassa-born dynamo comes out on top in practically every relevant metric, including, but not limited to, non-penalty expected and actual goals plus assists, progressive passes, passing accuracy, shots and shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions and successful take-ons, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Martinelli can be a useful asset for Arsenal, Olmo appears to be the superior player in almost every regard, so the club should do all they can to bring him to N5 this month.

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MatériaMais Notícias

O feriado foi movimentado na Série B! Na noite desta quinta-feira (21), o Londrina empatou, em 1 a 1, com Novorizontino. As equipes se enfrentaram no Estádio do Café, em jogo válido pela 13ª rodada da competição. Com o resultado, os paranaenses chegam no G-4. Enquanto isso, os visitantes ficam na 12ª colocação.

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Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS

MOVIMENTADO!

Os dois times começaram com tudo e não demoraram a assustar. O Londrina, porém, dominou as primeira jogadas e quase abriu o placar com Thiago Ribeiro, em três oportunidades. Enquanto isso, o Novorizontino aproveitou a chance e saiu na frente. Aos 13, Jhony Douglas pegou sobra da intermediária e finalizou com força. A bola ainda desviou em Augusto e morreu no fundo das redes.

Depois disso, o Londrina voltou a dominar o duelo e teve boas oportunidades de empatar. O gol, porém, veio somente aos 31. Na jogada, Caprini cobrou falta com a canhota, e Augusto se antecipou, deixando tudo igual. O time da casa até poderia ter ampliado a vantagem, mas perdeu as chances criadas.

EM BUSCA DA VITÓRIA!
Os times seguiram em alta pressão e voltaram com tudo para a segunda etapa. O Novorizontino chegou com perigo logo no primeiro minuto. Wálber, na jogada, acertou a trave. Caprini, em resposta, mandou para fora. Os donos da casa foram novamente superiores em relação aos adversários.

A melhor chance foi aos 22. Gabriel Santos passou no meio de dois e tocou para trás. Caprini chutou com desvio, mandando para fora. Os visitantes responderam na sequência com Felipe Vieira e Hélio Borges. No entanto, nada marcaram.

FICHA TÉCNICA
LONDRINA X NOVORIZONTINO

Local: Estádio do Café, em Londrina (PR)
Data: 21/04/2022 – 19h (de Brasília)
Árbitro:Alexandre Vargas Tavares de Jesus
Assistentes:Thiago Henrique Neto Correa Farinha eThiaggo Americano Labes
Cartões amarelos: Jhonny Lucas e Gabriel Santos (Londrina); Hélio Borges (Novorizontino)
Cartões vermelhos: –

GOLS: Jhony Douglas (13’/1ºT) (0-1); Augusto (30’/2ºT) (1-1)

LONDRINA (Técnico: Adilson Batista)
​
Victor Souza;Samuel Santos,Augusto,Saimon eFelipe Vieira (Dudu, aos 46’/2ºT);João Paulo,Jhonny Lucas (Luis Mandaca, aos 46’/2ºT) eEltinho (Mossoró, aos 0’/2ºT);Caprini (Douglas Coutinho, aos 38’/2ºT),Gabriel Santos e Thiago Ribeiro (Mirandinha, aos 17’/2ºT).

NOVORIZONTINO (Técnico:Allan Aal)

Giovanni;Willean Lepo (Felipe Rodrigues, aos 20’/2ºT),Joílson, Wálber eRomário; Jhony Douglas,Gustavo Bochecha eDanielzinho (Cléo Silva, aos 32’/2ºT);Douglas Baggio (Hélio, aos 20’/2ºT),Quirino (Welliton, aos 32’/2ºT) eLucas Tocantins (Diego Torres, aos 20’/2ºT).

Nottingham Forest have their eye on a new midfielder as Nuno Espirito Santo looks to strengthen his team this month, according to a recent report.

Nottingham Forest transfer news

The Reds find themselves in an unexpected Premier League title race, as well as a race to secure their place in next season’s Champions League. Given where Forest are, this month is perhaps a chance for Nuno and Co. to go for broke and strengthen the side in an attempt to pull off the unthinkable.

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Speculation has started to gather pace in recent days, with former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz linked with a move to the City Ground. The Brazilian joined Juventus in the summer, but the move has yet to work out, and he could now find himself back in the Premier League, helping Villa’s Midlands rivals on loan.

Meanwhile, as well as being interested in signing Luiz, Forest are also readying a fresh attempt to sign Baris Alper Yilmaz from Galatasaray. The Turkish giants have already rejected an offer from the Reds and remain confident they can keep hold of the winger. However, there is still over two weeks remaining in this transfer window, so Forest may not have given up just yet.

Nottingham Forest monitoring £8m versatile midfielder

If a deal for Luiz doesn’t work out, according to Turkish outlet Taka Gazete, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest could turn their attention to Batista Mendy, who they are monitoring ahead of a possible move.

The 25-year-old, who is predominantly a defensive midfielder but can also operate at centre-back, plays for Turkish side Trabzonspor and has done so since September 2023. Mendy started his career at FC Nantes, but he soon moved to Angers SCO, impressing in Ligue 1 with over 70 matches combined for both sides, and that earned him his move to Turkey, where he has continued to play well.

The midfielder is under contract until the summer of 2027, but a move could be on the cards this month, as Forest hold a long-term interest. This report states that the Reds are monitoring Mendy’s situation after being linked with a move to the City Ground a few months ago.

Batista Mendy’s 24/25 Süper Lig stats

Apps

17

Starts

16

Assists

1

Passing accuracy

89%

Key passes per game

0.5

Interceptions per game

0.8

Tackles per game

1.1

Balls recovered per game

4.6

Trabzonspor are under no pressure to sell the player, but it is reported that they will listen to offers for Mendy. However, they will only negotiate if an offer of €10 million, which is roughly £8 million, is made. At this stage, there are no signs that Forest have made an offer to sign Mendy this month, but he could become an option for the club if they require a new midfielder and if a deal for Luiz doesn’t work out.

South Africa three wickets down and still 78 runs behind heading into final day

Valkerie Baynes29-Jun-2022

Issy Wong provided the spark on a gloomy evening to put England firmly in control heading into the final day of their Test with South Africa.After hours of watching rain fall, 20-year-old debutant Wong removed dangerous opener Laura Wolvaardt for the second time in the match after also dismissing Lara Goodall to take two wickets in as many overs.Nat Sciver has been at the heart of the action throughout this match, her unbeaten 169 allowing England to declare 133 runs ahead and she took two crucial catches as South Africa were reduced to 55 for 3 at the close on the third day, still 82 runs in arrears.Play only resumed at 6.30pm local time after a second rain delay lasting nearly three hours and, with just 11 balls bowled, the rain returned, although play continued and the shower passed.It was just as well for England when Wong had Goodall caught behind by Amy Jones amid an excellent spell, firing the ball in full down the leg side and catching a faint edge as it passed by.Wong then claimed the prize wicket of Wolvaardt for just 16, edging to gully where Sciver took a sharp catch diving to her right.The weather was surely a factor in the timing of England’s sporting declaration with about half an hour left in the morning session. And while it left Sciver 20 runs shy of Betty Snowball’s record for the highest Test score by an England Women’s player, set in 1935, the fact that more rain is forecast for the final day and that England were keen to force a result, team goals took precedence over personal milestones.Sciver was in the action again when England made an early breakthrough in South Africa’s second innings, Kate Cross claiming her fifth wicket for the match when she invited Andrie Steyn to drive at a ball pitched up just outside off stump and got an edge to fly to gully, where Sciver took a sound, low catch.England then thought Cross had Goodall out lbw but their attempts to overturn umpire Anna Harris’ not-out decision failed when the DRS confirmed that Goodall had put bat on ball. Moments later rain arrived and the players sprinted from the field.Only another eight overs were bowled when play resumed with South Africa closing the gap to 106 before another heavy shower brought about an early tea.Earlier, Sciver, 119 not out overnight, surpassed Marizanne Kapp’s 150 in South Africa’s first innings. Having resumed with a 44-run advantage, Sciver and Sophie Ecclestone added another 65 runs in the first hour of the day, both finding the boundary with relative ease as they looked to accelerate.Sciver had shared a 207-run partnership for the sixth wicket with old schoolmate Alice Davidson-Richards, who fell on the final ball of the second day with a century on Test debut to her name.Anneke Bosch dropped a return catch off Ecclestone, on 18 at the time, in her second over of the day, the firmly struck chance slipping through her hands during her follow-through. Then Sciver immediately picked off consecutive boundaries, pulled through square leg and cracked over midwicket. She brought up her 150 a short time later pushing Nonkululeko Mlaba to long on for a single.Ecclestone fell for a handy 35 when walking across her stumps trying to clip Mlaba towards fine leg she was struck on the front pad in line with leg stump.Cross’ dismissal four balls later prompted England’s declaration after Sciver hit another Mlaba delivery towards midwicket where Nadine de Klerk gathered and threw to the non-striker’s end. Cross had turned back but failed to ground her bat.Sciver had admitted the previous evening that the desire to put on a show in the context of wider discussions about the future of women’s Tests, had been raised in the England camp before the match.”We spoke about that before we started the game,” she said. “And yeah, there were comments that didn’t support women’s Test matches, which is not something that we agree with so we are playing I guess in the limelight after that comment a little bit. So yeah, we want to push for a result.”For me, I didn’t take it out onto the pitch. We spoke about it a little bit before the game but when I’m out there, we’re playing cricket, we’re playing for each other, we’re playing for our team.”With only seven wickets needed, the hosts’ prospects of that looked brighter, provided the weather doesn’t play too big a factor. Sune Luus was unbeaten on 4 at the close alongside nightwatcher Tumi Sekhukhune on 1.