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A “brilliant” Everton player could now miss his side’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United through injury, having seemingly picked up an issue in training.

Everton juggling injuries ahead of Newcastle clash

The Blues are back in action on Saturday evening, taking on the Magpies at Goodison Park in what should be an entertaining contest. Last weekend, Sean Dyche’s side secured a priceless 2-1 win at home to Crystal Palace, as they got their first victory of the season.

Everton may fancy their chances of two wins in succession, even though Newcastle drew at home to Manchester City in their last league outing, with Eddie Howe’s men actually flattering to deceive in plenty of performances in 2024/25 to date and much poorer on their travels.

Injuries are giving Dyche a headache, however, not least to Jarrad Branthwaite, with the 22-year-old suffering a quad issue, as confirmed by journalist Lewis Steele this week: “Believe Jarrad Branthwaite has suffered a fresh injury concern and is facing a battle to be fit for Everton’s clash against Newcastle on Saturday. Quad injury.”

Elsewhere, Seamus Coleman and Armando Broja are definitely absent from the weekend action, so Everton are without some talented and experienced heads. Now, another setback has emerged, with a key man facing a race against time to be fit.

Everton hit with injury blow to "brilliant" defender

Taking to X, injury expert Ben Dinnery shared the news that Everton left-back Vitalii Mykolenko has likely picked up a calf injury in training on Friday after Dyche’s press conference, making him a huge doubt for the Newcastle game.

Not having Mykolenko fit for Saturday’s match would be a tough one to take for Everton supporters, with the Ukrainian becoming such a consistent performer from his left-back role, making the position his own.

This season, the 25-year-old has started five Premier League games, averaging 3.4 clearances per game, and Blues captain James Tarkowski has lauded him in the past: “He’s been brilliant, he’s come against some really good players. He deserves a goal.”

It remains to be seen if Mykolenko will be passed fit by the time kickoff arrives, but to see him pick up an injury on the eve of the Newcastle game is cruel luck for Dyche, who needs as much good fortune as possible currently, as he looks to take more pressure off his shoulders.

Blow for Everton as £35k-a-week "monster" suffers "fresh injury concern"

This is not what Sean Dyche wanted to hear.

ByHenry Jackson Oct 4, 2024

If the £58,000-a-week Ukraine international is ruled out, it may be that Ashley Young needs to switch to left-back, but potentially having the 39-year-old up against Anthony Gordon is a worrying prospect, should the former Everton man start on the right wing with Harvey Barnes on the left.

Sunderland got their early Championship season back on track with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Middlesbrough last time out after surprisingly coming unstuck against Plymouth Argyle the match before.

That now means Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats have picked up five league wins from a possible six, with a trip to face Tom Cleverley’s Watford up next for the Wearside outfit in the second tier.

The popular Frenchman now occupying the Stadium of Light dug-out will continue to keep picking Romaine Mundle and Eliezer Mayenda in the games to come, having managed to get a tune out of the raw attacking pair since his arrival to England, when other Black Cats bosses hadn’t.

Mundle & Mayenda's form this season

Both Mundle and Mayenda weren’t exactly first-team figures for Sunderland last season, with Mayenda failing to score a single goal across the full campaign as a reserve option up top, whilst Mundle only managed five league starts after joining in January from Standard Liege.

Now, however, they are both taking the Championship by storm, with a combined seven goals and assists managed between them, which included Mundle powering home a strike against Portsmouth last month after being played into space by his attacking teammate.

Both standout performers took a backseat last match against Michael Carrick’s Boro, however, as 17-year-old Chris Rigg basked in the limelight with a clever finish to win the even clash by a solitary goal.

But, it’s very unlikely that either will be dropped for the trip to Vicarage Road this coming weekend with the players in question yet to be absent from a league clash so far this campaign.

Whilst Le Bris will be delighted with the continued efforts of his exciting duo up top, Sunderland are currently being kept off the top spot in the division courtesy of a former youth product’s exploits for West Bromwich Albion.

Maja's form for West Brom

Josh Maja will be remembered fondly at the Stadium of Light as a promising youngster who showed off his ability to be an ice-cold finisher when chucked into the first team.

When Sunderland were swamped in League One, the former Black Cats man was a bright spark that managed to break through the doom and gloom.

He netted a stunning 15 goals from 24 third tier contests during the 2018/19 campaign, before a bumper £3.5m move to French side Bordeaux then materialised.

Games played

6

Goals scored

6

Assists

1

Shots per game

2.8

Scoring frequency

81 mins

Goal conversion %

35%

Big chances missed

4

Sunderland must rue losing the now 25-year-old during the infancy of his playing days even more when you take into account his blistering form for West Brom so far this campaign, with a ridiculous six strikes coming his way from as many games as Corberan’s main man up top.

The 5 foot 11 menace is outscoring both Mundle and Mayenda in the league as a result – who have amassed five league strikes between them – with the former Bordeaux man looking to be an absolute steal for the promotion-chasing Baggies now, who managed to get him in on a free transfer last year.

Of course, strikers are bound to experience a barren patch of form across a full league season, with Le Bris hopeful that Maja’s rich vein of form will dry up soon alongside West Brom then dropping off the top of the table.

At the moment, however, it looks as if everything Maja touches turns to gold, as Sunderland and West Brom continue to battle it out to be the early Championship top dogs.

Sunderland dud who left in 2022 outscored every player at the club in 23/24

This past Sunderland flop has been enjoying life away from the Stadium of Light.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 16, 2024

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe has opened up on which trait of Vinicius Junior he admires the most as the Brazilian picked up another prestigious trophy.

Article continues below

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Mbappe continues finding his feet at Real MadridVinicius wins yet another prestigious awardMbappe praises Vinicius' humility at Real MadridFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Mbappe joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 as a free agent after the end of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain. While the Frenchman and Los Blancos struggled to find their feet at the start of the season, the 15-time European champions have slowly but surely been gaining traction in their performances.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

During the difficult period at the start of the season, there had been multiple reports about animosity within the squad following Mbappe's signing. The Frenchman prefers playing in Vinicius' left-wing position, but the Brazilian was not going to cede his position to Mbappe. However, the Frenchman has now explained what he admires the most about the FIFA The Best award winner.

GettyWHAT MBAPPE SAID

Speaking to Real Madrid TV, Mbappe said: "Everyone knows the player, everyone sees the quality he has.

"He has won many team awards, and now individual awards too. But it's his humility. He's always with us, and with the people, and I really like that.

"I came to the team and had to adapt to the others, but the truth is that the locker room and the team have adopted me very well. They were always good to me and that's why I thank the whole team, Vini too, and all the people at the club."

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WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS AND MBAPPE?

The Real Madrid duo have not let their competitive spirit affect their dynamic so far as Vinicius has been racking up awards while Mbappe continues to grow with Los Blancos. The Brazilian was awarded the EFE's award for the Best Ibero-American Player of 2024.

Liverpool have been strongly linked with signing Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure this summer and a new update has revealed what their plans are for the Mali star.

What is Cheick Doucoure's salary?

The £47,000-a-week-earning Mali international has been an instant hit for the Eagles since arriving at Selhurst Park last summer, proving to be an influential performer in front of the defence.

Doucoure's performances certainly haven't gone unnoticed, with Liverpool eyeing him up as Fabinho's replacement in the defensive midfield role, having missed out on both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea. Palace are clearly desperate to retain the services of one of their most important players, however, so only a sizeable bid has a chance of being accepted.

Wataru Endo may have already joined from VfB Stuttgart, but there is still a feeling that one more midfielder is required in the summer transfer window, considering Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all moved on.

It looks as though Liverpool are still pushing to sign Doucoure before deadline day arrives, following a new update regarding his future.

What's the latest on Cheick Doucoure to Liverpool?

According to Football Insider, FSG do not plan to stop after the capture of Endo, seeing the Palace ace as a primary target, and £70m could be enough to get him:

"Liverpool are keen to follow the signing of Wataru Endo with the capture of Crystal Palace star Cheick Doucoure, sources have told Football Insider.

"Both players have since departed, while Endo, 30, was announced as a new Liverpool player on Friday (18 August). But Doucoure remains high on the Merseysiders’ list despite the Japan international’s arrival."

Doucoure should be considered Liverpool's best option to bring in this summer, with fellow target Ryan Gravenberch also a good choice, but someone who is less adept at shining in the No.6 role in comparison to the Malian.

The 23-year-old started 34 of Palace's 38 Premier League matches last season, showing what an important figure he was, and he averaged 2.3 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 1.4 clearances per game in the competition, outlining his defensive brilliance. He also impressed on the opening day last weekend, completing three key passes in the Eagles' 1-0 victory away to newly-promoted Sheffield United.

With Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai perfect additions in slightly more attack-minded midfield roles, Doucoure could be a great foil for the pair, making Liverpool a strong defensive unit and knitting things together nicely in the middle of the park.

Last Sunday's 1-1 draw away to Chelsea highlighted the need for a proper defensive midfielder to come in – Endo has to be seen as a squad player, considering he is 30 years of age and not exactly a high-profile addition – and the Palace hero has the potential to star at the base of the midfield for years to come, having been praised for being a player who can "do everything" by Seko Fofana.

Last week, Warner called the Ashes “war” and said he wanted to find “hatred” in England but now suggests that may have been too much

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Oct-20172:53

‘Hope Stokes, Hales incident doesn’t make England reclusive’

David Warner has conceded he may have got carried away when he compared the Ashes to “war” last week and talked of needing to find “hatred” of England when the series begins.While on one hand saying he would take a subtler approach to sledging in light of the ICC crackdown on on-field behaviour, he notched up the pre-series talk by insisting he would be looking to verbally take on the England players.Now Warner has acknowledged a degree of “regret” about his choice of words although not the reason behind them.”I probably regret some of the words I used during the week, but at the end of the day, you’ve got to try and have some inward anger,” Warner said on Channel Nine’s . “You’ve got to create a bit of that buzz out there.”Speaking to last week, Warner said: “As soon as you step on that line it’s war. You try and get into a battle as quick as you can. I try and look in the opposition’s eye and try and work out ‘how can I dislike this player, how can I get on top of him?’ You’ve really got to find that spark in yourself to really take it to the opposition.”You have to delve and dig deep into yourself to actually get some hatred about them to actually get up when you’re out there. History is a big part in this and that is what carries us onto the ground.”His comments were called “pathetic” by former England batsman Marcus Trescothick while former captain Michael Vaughan said they were a symptom of the hyped build-up to an Ashes.”I heard David Warner mention the word ‘war’, I’ve never seen any tanks arrive on a cricket field but these kinds of words come out of people’s mouths as they go into an Ashes series,” Vaughan told ESPNcricinfo.When asked this week if he thought the Ashes would be a hostile series, Warner added: “I’d like to think so.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers are still in with a shot of signing Alex Scott from Bristol City, despite the club’s financial woes.

Julen Lopetegui expressed his concerns over his squad going into the 2023/24 campaign, stating that he was “worried” about the size of his team with reference to being able to compete in the Premier League.

It’s been an ongoing battle for the Old Gold this summer since the emergence of the club’s concerns with Financial Fair Play (FFP), however there may still be a light at the end of the tunnel.

What’s the latest on Alex Scott to Wolves?

Scott has been a target for the Midlands side throughout this window, having two bids for the starlet rejected by the Robbins, who want a fee of £25m for the midfielder.

The second bid was said to exceed £20m, however, the Championship outfit are remaining grounded and sticking to their valuation of the young talent.

This week, a fresh update on the stance between the two clubs and the player was given by transfer insider Dean Jones via GIVEMESPORT, who admitted that he still thinks Wolves can strike a deal.

“So, while they have intentions over a third bid for Scott, they must be careful.

"I still think they can get him, but that is as long as no one else makes a massive bid while they are trying to clear more players from the squad, but it’s a bit at risk as we get to August and a key time for recruitment.”

How good is Alex Scott?

After a treacherous and painful summer at Molineux, Lopetegui could turn fortunes around by securing the signature of Scott, who ignited the Championship last season.

At just 19-years-old, the Guernsey-born gem has 83 Championship appearances under his belt, gaining vital experience and working his way to become an integral member of Nigel Pearson’s squad.

Deployed as a central midfielder, the teenager has been identified by talent scout Jacek Kulig as being a ‘near-perfect player for a high-intensity and pressing team’, adding that his ability in ball carrying and passing sets him above the rest.

Utilised best as a box-to-box player in the middle of the park, the Englishman doesn’t shy away from a challenge, whether it be a combative state or in terms of oppositional talent.

In the FA Cup last season, Scott shone against Manchester City during his side’s 3-0 defeat, earning him praise from treble winning manager Pep Guardiola, who branded the starlet as “unbelievable”.

Speaking after the performance, Pearson added that he believes the midfielder is “destined for the very top”, fitting words given the chase from the Premier League for the starlet this summer.

For Wolves, obtaining a talent as bright as Scott at this moment in time could act as a marquee signing, in a player that could arrive at Molineux with the hunger and desire to inspire those around him in what is a bleak time for the club.

With the midfield departures of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho, agreeing a deal for the 19-year-old could be the perfect move for both parties, with Lopetegui able to offer a key role in his side in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.

From spending almost £100m last year to being cut-away from competing in the window this summer, not many would have anticipated the positivity a teen sensation for £25m could bring to Wolverhampton.

Nothing is promised in football, and with such talent comes added interest, leaving Wolves helpless in the situation should another club swoop for Scott prior to them balancing their books.

CSA’s request to grant Test status to a four-dayer between South Africa and Zimbabwe rests with the ICC, which will take a call on the matter in Board meetings in October

Nagraj Gollapudi22-Sep-20174:16

Will there be enough time for results?

The ICC is likely to grant Test status to the four-day match between South Africa and Zimbabwe on Boxing Day, but strictly as a “trial” exercise. A final decision on Cricket South Africa’s request that the experimental day-night fixture in Port Elizabeth be considered a Test will be taken at the ICC board meeting in Auckland in October.Four-day Tests are being seen as one of the solutions to make the longest format more viable and attractive in an age where Twenty20 has become the most popular version of the game. However, the ICC’s Cricket Committee – the forum primarily entrusted with keeping the sport relevant – has not been in favour of reducing the length of Tests from five days to four.In 2015, the Cricket Committee, chaired by former India captain Anil Kumble, opposed the idea of four-day Tests. The ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) and the top brass of the ICC management, however, had voiced support for four-day Tests. In June this year, the Cricket Committee said that while its primary focus will remain on developing cricket structures it was not against experimenting with four-day Test cricket, but without any commitment. According to people involved in the discussions, the support for four-day Test cricket was growing, though there was “considerable reluctance from traditionalists”.The game’s administrators are inclined towards four-day Tests because the concept helps ease their biggest problem: scheduling. With domestic Twenty20 leagues taking up a large part of the calendar, boards have been struggling to find enough time for full international tours. Earlier this week CSA and the BCCI, after months of deliberation, agreed to reduce the Test series from four to three matches and play an extra – sixth – ODI on India’s tour to South Africa in January.Haroon Lorgat, CSA’s chief executive officer, is a firm supporter of four-day Tests, especially as a way to induct Ireland and Afghanistan into the fold. “We recognise that there is a place for higher-ranked teams to play the lower-ranked teams, or even the lower-ranked teams among themselves, in four-day Test match cricket,” Lorgat told ESPNcricinfo. “I hope that apart from being a trial, we could have it as a permanent arrangement.”It is understood that administrators are trying to work towards a resolution that would allow Full Members to decide between themselves whether a Test should be four or five days. Administrators like Lorgat and ECB chief executive Tom Harrison feel there is a need for the cricketing fraternity to adapt to the changing demands of the consumer.The stance of the players, the biggest stakeholders in the game, is not yet clear. Last year, in an annual survey conducted by the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations, they gave the idea a thumbs down.Lorgat, however, was confident. He said he had checked with the South African team management and they were “supportive” of the idea of a four-day Test against Zimbabwe in December.

Aston Villa are looking to strike a deal to bring Barcelona star Franck Kessie to the Premier League ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, according to fresh reports.

Who is Franck Kessie?

Kessie is naturally a central midfielder who has plied his trade at Camp Nou since joining on a free transfer from AC Milan last summer, but his debut season with Xavi’s side didn’t go as well as hoped having failed to receive a consistent run of game time.

In La Liga last term, the 26-year-old made just seven starts and was reduced to being brought on as a substitute on 21 occasions, as per WhoScored, highlighting just how out of favour he is, and he may now have to look elsewhere should he want to get more minutes under his belt moving forward.

The Blaugrana have reportedly been placed under pressure to sell quickly in order to help ease their financial worries and the Ivory Coast international is likely to be one of the players placed in the shop window having been deemed surplus to requirements during his time so far in Spain.

The Midlands outfit have recently announced that Morgan Sanson has joined Ligue 1 outfit Nice on a season-long loan so Unai Emery will need to enter the market to find a suitable replacement, and it sounds like the Ivory Coast talisman has been highlighted as a potential candidate.

Are Aston Villa signing Franck Kessie?

According to reports in Spain (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa are “showing a keen interest” in Kessie and he is indeed a player that Barcelona are “looking to move on” before the end of the transfer window. The Catalans feel that they can demand a “significant amount of money” for the midfielder who has reportedly “already agreed to make a move to England” should he move onto new pastures.

NSWE’s excellent financial backing of their boss so far means that they are definitely “in the mix” to land their target, though it’s not specifically stated how much he would cost.

Aston Villa will know that Kessie wasn’t given a fair chance to prove what he was capable of last season, but having made a hugely positive impact when handed the rare opportunity to showcase his talents, Emery would be acquiring a promising player should he put pen to paper.

The Africa Cup of Nations star, who earns £149k-per-week, posted six goal contributions (three goals and the same number of assists) during his debut campaign at Barcelona, not to mention he also ranked in the 88th percentile for number of attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area, highlighting his desire to get involved with the action in the final third.

Kessie, who has been dubbed a “warrior” for his mindset and attitude towards the beautiful game by talent scout Jacek Kulig, furthermore has the flexibility to operate in four various roles across the centre of the park and even at centre-back, so he would provide the boss with plenty of versatility and be an all-round exciting midfielder to have in and around the building.

Mason Crane marked his maiden England Test call-up with three wickets as Hampshire closed the gap on Glamorgan at the top of the NatWest T20 Blast South Group

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Aug-2017Hampshire 119 for 2 beat Glamorgan 118 for 6 by eight wicketsMason Crane marked his maiden England Test call-up with three wickets as Hampshire closed the gap on Glamorgan at the top of the NatWest T20 Blast South Group.Legspinner Crane was picked for the Test squad to face the West Indies later this month before leaving Glamorgan in a twist. James Vince then completed the thrashing with his 21st T20 fifty to ease Hampshire to an eight-wicket victory.Glamorgan won the toss and chose to bat on a slow pitch which had seen the Western Storm struggled to 70 in their Kia Super League defeat to Southern Vipers earlier in the day.Liam Dawson put aside his disappointment of failing to return to the England fold by bowling Aneurin Donald third ball of the match. And the left-arm spinner bagged the huge wicket of danger man Colin Ingram, who had smacked Gareth Berg over the fence, in the following over as Chris Wood held on at long-on.The visitors were struggling as they only reached 34 in the Powerplay and it was only going to get worse as Crane then came into the attack and proved why he has been called upon by the England selectors.The 20-year-old showed off his incredible googly to bowl opener Nicholas Selman to further pin Glamorgan.Crane then dragged Chris Cooke down the track to sky a top-edge to Gareth Berg at cover before snatching a third scalp a ball later on his dream day by having former South Africa Test star Jacques Rudolph stumped.The home grown leg-spinner ending with figures of 3 for 21, to boast a combined analysis of 5 for 36 with spin twin Dawson. Another Hampshire academy graduate, keeper Calvin Dickinson, again impressed with his quick hands on debut to stump Craig Meschede off the wily Shahid Afridi – leaving the visitors 65 for 6.Pakistan legend Afridi chalked up returns of 1 for 16 – although a dropped caught-and-bowled tainted his evening slightly.The Welsh side were heading for a sub-100 total before Andrew Salter crashed his highest T20 score of 37 – which included a huge six over long on – to help his side score 16 from the final over and set Hampshire 119 to win.Isle of Wight-raised Dickinson opened on his first professional appearance but departed in the first over as he was lbw to Ingram, while attempting a hoicked sweep.But from there Vince and Tom Alsop looked in fantastic nick pummelling the ball to all angles of the Ageas Bowl in a 68-run stand for the second wicket.Alsop in particular punched back-to-back powerful on-drives straight down the track.But after reaching 28 he picked out Marchant de Lange off Ingram on the long-on boundary to end an entertaining knock.At the other end, skipper Vince was caressing the ball through holes in the field with pure guile and appeared unstoppable as he reached a 32-ball fifty – eventually reaching an unbeaten 60.At the half way point Hampshire only required 26 – and they reached the target with 37 balls to spare to go second and within a point of Glamorgan.

Recklessness was the charge laid against England after their double collapse at Trent Bridge, but rarely, if ever, has such an accusation been levelled against Alastair Cook

The Report by David Hopps27-Jul-2017Recklessness was the charge laid against England after their double collapse at Trent Bridge invited South Africa back into the series, but rarely, if ever, has such an accusation been levelled against Alastair Cook. England presented him as the chief witness for the defence at the start of the third Test at The Oval – and defence is what he diligently delivered.On a crabby day frequently taunted by heavy showers, England finished four down, 171 to the good. Two of their three debutants perished as did a third batsman, Keaton Jennings, who at this level – in fact, at all levels – also remains comparatively wet behind the ears.At such times, Cook’s calming presence has often offered England succour – nigh on 12,000 Test runs amassed without excess, and as if oblivious to the tribulations around him. He just about held South Africa at bay, a workmanlike 82 not out fashioned by the time players left the field for the final time around six o’clock.South of the Thames, life is supposedly relaxed and informal, especially with a 100th Test for The Oval to celebrate, but not for England, who knew that restraint was expected of them, but who struggled to prosper after Joe Root’s marginal decision to bat.An unbroken stand of 51 between Cook and Ben Stokes as the rain became more frequent brought a different complexion after they had slipped to 120 for 4. Stokes, who had taken offence at the questioning of England’s dedication after their Trent Bridge defeat, again playing with utmost deliberation. It was perhaps safest not to mention it.England’s task to put Nottingham behind them was far from straightforward. There was swing and, surprisingly at The Oval, some seam movement on offer for South Africa’s attack on a green-tinged pitch. England had cause to be grateful that Vernon Philander had to retreat from the fray for periods of the day with a stomach upset. Once again, he was excellent throughout.The shot that got Cook to fifty – a rare wide one from Philander which he flashed through gully – was uncharacteristic of a patient innings in which he left well and prospered off his pads. It was his first Test fifty in the first innings for more than a year. His focus, though, will be forward – and the potential for a 31st Test hundred.He was grateful, on 28, to survive an lbw appeal from Chris Morris, the ball angling in towards leg stump but Ultra Edge spotting a nick on to his pad after South Africa reviewed.South Africa followed up the wicket of Jennings in the fourth over of the day with three more in the afternoon. Tom Westley looked comfortable enough in making 24 by lunch, but he fell four balls after the resumption, edging an outswinger from Chris Morris to second slip. As with any international newcomer, analysis will immediately begin – and with Westley it will doubtless emphasise his penchant for the leg side – but it was a decent delivery.John Crawley at Lord’s in 1994 was the last time England fielded a debutant No. 3 at home and there were similarities in Westley’s game, notably in a fluent manner and a strong leg-side game. A first-class average below 38 was hardly eye-catching, but he had a dapper air at the crease and, at 28, many believe him to be a late developer. England certainly need one.Dawid Malan couldn’t keep out Kagiso Rabada’s fantastic delivery•Getty ImagesPhilander, who had been limited to four overs with the new ball before lunch, returned in mid-afternoon and removed Joe Root during his second over back. Root was drawn into a work to leg by a slightly back-of-a-length delivery of impeccable line, it left him a fraction and Quinton de Kock changed direction in time to take a fine, one-handed catch to his right.Dawid Malan, on debut at five, is no stodge: selections like this further underline that England are not about to block out the rest of the summer. He was preferred to Liam Dawson as England sought refuge in an extra batsman, but managed only a single before his 17th delivery proved to be his last, a high-class yorker from Kagiso Rabada, which swung late to hit middle and leg and which left the left-handed Malan falling to the floor as it did so, evidence of a closed-off stance.The sum of England’s morning was 62 in 22.1 overs for the loss of Jennings, who made a duck and who is looking increasingly unlikely to survive his first Test summer. Influential figures, Andy Flower among them, like his character, but increasingly England will be disturbed by his batting average.In three Tests, Jennings’ technique has been well and truly filleted. South Africa are experts at it, especially against someone who they regard as one of their own. He has looked increasingly statuesque; as if afraid every move might be his last. Three debutants at The Oval might not preclude a fourth in Manchester.Not for the first time this series, he was skilfully worked over by Philander, his footwork tentative and bat searching blindly as if unsure which way the ball was moving. He deflected a delivery into his pads, not too far short of square leg, and then pushed blindly at the next. Philander then got him at third slip as he dangled his bat without conviction.Jennings’ departure paved the way for an Essex alliance between Cook and Westley, Westley heartened no doubt, in his first Test innings, to have the presence at the crease of a county colleague he holds in such high regard.The Oval is traditionally the ground for England debutants, but that owes much to its regular place in the English calendar as the last Test of the summer. To find three of them, all a little squeamish with nerves, searching for dressing room pegs in only the third Test of the summer, was a sign of England’s problems.Three debutants a few months before the start of an Ashes series is hardly ideal for England. Consolation, though, is easy to find because South Africa caused the same fallout in the last Australian summer. Tough and uncompromising, they are adept at uncovering weaknesses. Westley’s first four scoring shots in Test cricket were all boundaries, the first of them a signature shot as he whipped Morne Morkel to the square leg boundary.He was fortunate to get a thin edge on an lbw appeal from Morkel before taking two more boundaries off the first over from Keshav Maharaj, the left-arm spinner. An aerial drive was too close to short extra cover for comfort; a further boundary off his pads possessed more aplomb.Neither Morkel nor Rabada were at the top of their game before lunch. Morkel was too short, going for 28 in his first six, while Rabada, despite putting himself through a heavy workload in the nets during his one-Test suspension under the totting up procedure, took a while to slip into gear.Both stepped it up after lunch. Morkel was particularly impressive during a demanding afternoon spell of fuller length. Cook and Root were forced to tough it out. The former captain survived; his replacement didn’t. Root slumped back in a dressing room chair, disconsolate and, like many before him, watched Cook dig England out of a hole.