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The second day saw 15 wickets fall on a pitch aiding the quicks as Australia’s Test opening debate continued to rage

Alex Malcolm21-Oct-2024

Will Sutherland was in the wickets•Getty Images

Australia’s next Test opener is yet to announce himself after Sam Konstas and Marcus Harris both missed out on an action-packed second day at the MCG where Steven Smith also fell cheaply as Fergus O’Neill and Mitchell Starc ran riot with the ball but Victoria claimed a significant lead over New South Wales.As two of Australia’s selectors, coach Andrew McDonald and Tony Dodemaide, watched from the stands Konstas and Harris failed to elevate their case while Smith also fell for 3 for 29 balls as O’Neill, who is in the Australia A squad, bagged four wickets in a skillful display of seam bowling in friendly conditions. Starc then tore through Victoria’s top order late in the day with a blistering spell that claimed three scalps, including Harris caught down the leg side for the second time in the match.Related

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It came on a day where openers around the country struggled with Matt Renshaw (2) and Cameron Bancroft (8) also falling cheaply.After Victoria were bowled out for 272, all eyes were on the battle between Konstas and Australia’s back-up Test quick Scott Boland in the morning and the latter held sway, albeit with some help from umpire Sam Nogajski. Boland delivered 10 balls at Konstas who scarcely laid bat on him. The 19-year-old was nearly bowled first ball, hit on the inner thigh pad and got a thick inside edge on one that flew in the air past the diving short leg for his only two runs.Boland then nipped one back from a fuller length to hit Konstas below the knee roll and Nogajski adjudged him lbw. Replays suggested it may have been doing too much to hit leg stump.O’Neill and Will Sutherland then tightened the screws with some frugal bowling as the prodigious movement in the MCG surface never abated at any stage throughout the day.O’Neill was a little fortunate to claim Smith, who tickled a glance down the leg side to Sam Harper. But it was reward for outstanding control as Smith scored just three runs from 29 deliveries.Josh Philippe took a brilliant leg-side catch to remove Marcus Harris•Getty Images

Nic Maddinson had earlier nicked one trying to punch Sutherland forcefully off the back foot before O’Neill found the outside edge of Moises Henriques to leave NSW reeling at 28 for 4.Ollie Davies and Josh Philippe shared a steadying partnership and both looked comfortable at various stages driving impressively down the ground whenever a rare overpitched delivery was offered.But Davies got sucked into a short ball plan from Sutherland and holed out hooking to deep square for 37. Sean Abbott fell in exactly the same way two overs later to leave the Blues 83 for 6. Philippe tried to shepherd the tail with an unbeaten 45 and did get a contribution of 17 from Nathan Lyon but O’Neill and Todd Murphy cleaned up the last four to bowl NSW out for 136 and hand the home side a significant 136-run lead.Starc ensured that Victoria did not build on that advantage easily with a sparkling spell of fast bowling. Backing up after some excellent work on day one he tore through Victoria’s top order. The second ball of the innings was a vicious off-cutter that leapt at Ash Chandrasinghe and ricocheted off his back elbow onto the stumps. In the third over he pinned Campbell Kellaway lbw with a delivery that was full and too fast for the left-hander.Peter Handscomb fell edging Jackson Bird to second slip before Starc claimed Harris again in his fifth over of the spell. Just like the first innings, a quick rising delivery at the hip caused Harris to glance without control, it came off glove onto thigh pad and ballooned behind for Philippe to pouch at full stretch in the right glove.It left Harris with scores of 26 and 16 for the match and Victoria struggling at 32 for 4. But Harper and Tom Rogers steadied late in the day to help reclaim control for the home side extend the lead beyond 200.

أعلن الجهاز الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، بقيادة عماد النحاس، عن اللاعبين الجالسين على دكة البدلاء، في مباراة حرس الحدود، بعد قليل، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثامنة من الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وتقام مباراة الأهلي وحرس الحدود على استاد الكلية الحربية، حيث يسعى الأهلي لتعويض نتائجه المتذبذبة، إذ يحتل المركز العاشر في جدول الترتيب برصيد 9 نقاط من انتصارين وثلاثة تعادلات وهزيمة واحدة.

في المقابل، يدخل حرس الحدود المواجهة برصيد 8 نقاط من 8 مباريات، بعدما فاز في مباراة واحدة وتعادل في 5 وخسر مرتين، محتلاً المركز الثالث عشر بالترتيب.

وتُعد مواجهة اليوم بمثابة البروفة الأخيرة لفريق النادي الأهلي قبل القمة المرتقبة أمام غريمه الزمالك يوم الاثنين المُقبل، الموافق 29 سبتمبر الجاري.

طالع أيضًا | تشكيل الأهلي أمام حرس الحدود في الدوري.. شوبير أساسيًا وجراديشار في الهجوم بدلاء الأهلي أمام حرس الحدود اليوم في الدوري

محمد الشناوي وأحمد رضا ومحمد شريف وعمر كمال عبد الواحد وأحمد عبدالقادر وأشرف بن شرقي وحمزة عبدالكريم ومهند أيمن ومحمد رأفت.

When a player goes from being described as the heartbeat of one team to a forgotten figure in another, it’s rarely down to a simple drop in talent.

Often, as Chris Wood demonstrated, a change of scenery can make all the difference.

Wood left Newcastle as an apparent misfit, having struggled to make an impact after his move from Burnley, but found a fresh start at Nottingham Forest.

There, he reminded everyone of his qualities, scoring 20 Premier League goals last season and helping Forest to their first European campaign since 1996.

Football is filled with such stories: players who are able to flourish once more under the right conditions. One midfielder currently making headlines fits that mould almost perfectly.

Once a key performer in the Premier League, he has endured a frustrating year abroad, hampered by injury and an unstable tactical environment.

But with several English clubs circling for his signature this summer, there’s every chance he could engineer a comeback in the same spirit as Wood.

Latest on Nottingham Forest's transfer search

The midfielder in question is Douglas Luiz, who swapped Aston Villa for Juventus in a €50m (£43m) deal only to see his first season in Italy collapse into disappointment.

He failed to register a single goal or assist in 27 appearances, missed 20 games through injury, and never looked settled under either Igor Tudor or Thiago Motta.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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He played just 45 minutes at the Club World Cup, and Juventus are now reportedly ready to let him go after he missed the opening day of pre-season training – a disciplinary issue that looks set to force his exit.

The Old Lady are now hoping to recoup around €40m (£34m), accepting things haven’t worked out as planned.

According to Corriere dello Sport in Italy, Nottingham Forest have been in direct contact with his camp, sensing an opportunity to acquire a player with proven English top-flight pedigree. The report suggests that ‘a five-year offer with an increased salary is on the table’.

Luiz’s numbers at Juventus paint a stark picture of how things fell apart. He ranked 19th in minutes played with only 841, starting just six matches.

His 0.69 key passes per game put him 9th among Juventus midfielders, while a meagre 0.77 tackles per game ranked him 21st.

For a player described by Statman Dave as an “engine in midfield,” these struggles were uncharacteristic.

Instead, he is on the periphery in Turin, his World Cup 2026 ambitions in danger of being derailed. Could he follow Wood in being revived in Nottingham?

Another Forest revival could be on the cards

There is plenty of evidence to suggest that Luiz could thrive again with the right manager, system, and consistent game time.

At Aston Villa, Luiz was the definition of a modern, dynamic midfielder.

According to FBref, stats from his final Premier League campaign in 2023/24 underlined that: an 85.7% pass completion rate while attempting over 71 passes per 90, and nearly four shot-creating actions per match.

He consistently progressed play, averaging 5.49 progressive passes and 2.15 progressive carries per 90.

Defensively, he contributed too, with 1.74 tackles per 90 and almost one block per match, using positional discipline and work rate to cover ground effectively.

The numbers made clear why Villa fans valued him so highly – a player who could link defence to attack seamlessly while breaking up opposition transitions.

His last season at Villa saw him start nearly every game, a sharp contrast to the chaos of Juventus, where managerial turnover and persistent injuries destroyed any rhythm.

His 89.5% pass accuracy at Juve, still ranking him fifth-best at the club, suggests his technical quality remains intact. But without a consistent role, he looked lost.

The interest from Forest – as well as from Everton – makes perfect sense therefore.

Both clubs would welcome a midfield presence with ball-winning skills, tempo-setting passes, and Premier League experience.

Forest in particular could look to repeat their Chris Wood rescue mission by offering Luiz a stable platform and a clear tactical purpose. Wood had netted just five times in 39 games at St James’ Park, although has since showcased his prior form at Burnley, where the New Zealander scored 53 goals in 165 games.

As for Luiz also suits the style of English football far more naturally than the slower, more congested patterns he faced in Serie A.

His progressive passing, intensity out of possession, and capacity to make third-man runs all align with how many Premier League teams want their midfielders to operate.

What Luiz needs, just like Wood before him, is a manager willing to make him central to the team’s structure.

Wood rediscovered his confidence and instinct for goals at Forest, showing that a so-called failed signing can become an effective weapon when valued.

It is easy to forget how highly he was rated not long ago.

Leonardo Bertozzi’s prediction that Luiz could be a “leading name” for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup still has every chance of coming true, provided he finds a stable environment to rebuild his confidence.

With a Premier League return looking increasingly likely, fans might yet witness a redemption story worthy of Wood’s – proof once more that the right club, at the right moment, can revive even the most stalled careers.

Celtic head coach Brendan Rodgers has not been afraid to make it clear to the board that his squad needs fresh blood before the end of the summer transfer window.

The former Liverpool and Leicester boss is in the final year of his contract at Parkhead and has urged the club to back him with more recruits at the top end of the pitch.

Speaking about transfer plans recently, the Celtic manager claimed that they “need competition at the top end of the field” and said that it is “important” for the Hoops to get that before the end of the window.

The Scottish Premiership champions are set to be without Jota until next year, potentially, as he nurses an ACL injury, and sold Nicolas Kuhn to Como earlier this summer, which has left the squad very light in the wide areas.

At this moment in time, Rodgers only has three ‘natural’ senior wingers at his disposal in Hyun-jun Yang, Daizen Maeda, and 34-year-old veteran James Forrest.

It is, therefore, no surprise to hear that the manager wants the club to bring in attacking reinforcements, particularly as Yang has yet to prove that he can be a frontline option.

Why Celtic need to replace Yang

Kuhn’s departure earlier this summer opened the door for the South Korea international to start the opening game of the Premiership season against St Mirren earlier this month.

Unfortunately, the right-sided attacker did not win a duel, produce a shot on goal, or create a chance for any of his teammates in 59 minutes on the pitch, as per Sofascore, which shows that he was totally ineffective in and out of possession.

It was telling that Yang was then an unused substitute in the 2-0 win over Aberdeen last weekend, as Rodgers clearly felt that he did not offer enough in the win over St Mirren.

The 23-year-old forward’s initial struggles at the start of this campaign suggest that he may be best suited to going back to the role that he played last term, rather than being a frontline option as a regular starter.

24/25 Premiership

Hyun-jun Yang

Appearances

23

Starts

9

Goals

5

Minutes per goal

196

Key passes

18

Big chances created

3

Assists

2

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Yang provided a solid threat as a squad option for the Hoops in the 2024/25 campaign, producing seven goals and assists in just nine starts.

That is a role that suits his ability, as he can come off the bench to make an impact and start the odd game when needed, but he does not have the game-changing quality to be a regular starter as a ‘replacement’ for Kuhn on the right flank.

Celtic eyeing deal for Danish forward

According to the Daily Record, Celtic remain interested in a deal to sign Go Ahead Eagles attacker Jakob Breum before the end of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the 21-year-old talent is on the ‘agenda’ for the Scottish giants, as they note that Rodgers is keen for more attacking talent to be added to the squad.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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It adds that the versatile Danish star, who can play out wide or through the middle as an attacking midfielder, is high up on the club’s wishlist of possible signings.

Earlier this month it was reported that Go Ahead Eagles are looking for a fee in the region of £5m for Breum, and that the Hoops have already had an approach turned down for him.

It is now down to the board to go back in with another attempt to sign the Dane, who was described as an “exciting” talent by Sport Republic video scout RDF Tactics, before the deadline at the start of September, because he could come in as a big upgrade on Yang.

Why Celtic should sign Jakob Breum

The Hoops should swoop to sign Breum because he has played 27 games as a right-sided winger in his career, as well as 60 matches on the left flank, as per Transfermarkt, which suggests that he can fill the current gaps in the squad in the wide areas.

Celtic need to sign at least one winger, given Yang’s struggles and the fact that Maeda is the only left winger in the team, and the Go Ahead Eagles star could be the ideal addition due to the versatility that he would bring.

Whilst Yang, 23, has never scored more than eight league goals in a season in his career, and no more than five in a European league, Breum plundered ten goals in the Dutch top-flight in the 2024/25 campaign.

The 21-year-old star, who is two years younger than the South Korean flanker, put in some fantastic performances in the Eredivisie for his side last term, and his displays in the Netherlands suggest that he could come in as a big upgrade on the right wing for Celtic.

24/25 season

Breum (Eredivisie)

Yang (Premiership)

Appearances

26

23

Goals

10

5

Goals per game

0.4

0.2

Big chances created

6

3

Assists

5

2

Successful dribbles per game

0.9

0.7

Dribble success rate

47%

40%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Breum was far more impressive with his work at the top end of the pitch at league level in the 2024/25 campaign in comparison to Yang.

These statistics suggest that he has the potential to offer more to the team as a scorer, a creator, and a dribbler in any of the positions across the front, whether that is on either flank or as an attacking midfielder.

If Breum is able to translate those performances and the output that he provided over to the Premiership, he would be a superior option for Rodgers to call upon in the final third.

This would also allow Yang to go back to the role that he played last season for Celtic, coming off the bench more often than not to make an impact as a rotation player.

Related Edouard 2.0: "Seriously talented" £13m star has emerged on Celtic's radar

Celtic are interested in a deal to sign a star who could be an Odsonne Edouard repeat at Parkhead.

Posts 1 ByDan Emery Aug 12, 2025

Therefore, the club’s interest in a potential deal to bring Breum to Parkhead before the end of the summer could make a lot of sense, both because of how it could improve the starting line-up and what it would do for Yang’s role.

تحدث نبيل الكوكي، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي المصري البورسعيدي، عن مواجهة البنك الأهلي في الدوري المصري.

وقال الكوكي في لقاء مع قناة “أون سبورت”: “كل مباريات الدوري المصري صعبة، واجهنا فريقًا يمتلك إمكانات ولاعبين وخامات، فهو فريق ثقيل”.

طالع.. عبد الرحيم دغموم: حققنا فوزًا صعبًا على البنك الأهلي.. وسعيد بدعوة الجزائر

وواصل: “بعد التعادل والخسارة في المباراة الماضية، كان هذا الأسبوع تحضيرًا نفسيًا أكثر من كونه تكتيكيًا”.

وتابع: “في الشوط الأول كان ممكن أن نحرز هدفًا أو اثنين أو ثلاثة، ولكننا أهدرنا الفرص”.

وأكمل: “بعد الطرد تحولت المباراة إلى جيم دفاعي، وأُتيحت لنا محاولات كان يمكن ترجمتها”.

وأتم: “اللاعبون خافوا على النتيجة، فأجرينا التبديلات اللازمة وأغلقنا الأطراف على الظهير الأيسر ومصطفى شلبي”.

وحقق المصري، الفوز على البنك الأهلي بهدف نظيف ضمن منافسات الجولة العاشرة من مسابقة الدوري المصري.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em jogo morno em Uberlândia, o Palmeiras empatou com o Tombense em 1 a 1 e se garantiu nas oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil. Com gol de Breno Lopes ainda no primeiro tempo e de Alex Sandro na segunda etapa no estádio Parque do Sabiá, o Alviverde alcançou 5 a 3 no placar agregado, que foi suficiente para despachar os mineiros da competição nacional.

> Veja tabela da Copa do Brasil-2023 clicando aqui

Verdão misto faz jogo morno, mas abre o placar em Uberlândia

Com a formação escolhida por Abel Ferreira, já dava para perceber como seria a postura do Alviverde diante do Tombense, que também usou uma equipe bem modificada. A vantagem palmeirense no agregado ditou o tom da partida no primeiro tempo, que foi bastante morno. Weverton nem sujou o uniforme, enquanto o ataque visitante cansou de desperdiçar oportunidades.

>Palmeiras fatura valor milionário com a classificação na Copa do Brasil

Ao mesmo tempo em que perdeu chances, o Palmeiras criou muitas, mas pecou nas tomadas de decisão, principalmente com Flaco López, tanto nas finalizações quanto nos passes. Mesmo com tantos erros, uma jogada deu certo. Giovani roubou uma bola pela esquerda, partiu para cima da marcação e cruzou no pé de Breno Lopes, que só teve o trabalho de empurrar para o gol. 1 a 0. O placar magro não refletiu a superioridade, mas foi suficiente para administrar o ritmo da partida.

Palmeiras aumenta o volume ofensivo e a quantidade de gols perdidos

Visivelmente com mais time e qualidade que o adversário, o Verdão tinha campo para buscar ampliar o placar e voltou para o segundo tempo com mais volume ofensivo. Mas assim como no primeiro tempo, a quantidade de chances criadas foi proporcional às chances perdidas. Flaco López, Jhon Jhon e Breno Lopes cansaram de desperdiçar gols. Até que Abel Ferreira fez suas primeiras alterações sacando López, Giovani e Vanderlan e colocando Rony, Mayke e Piquerez.

>ATUAÇÕES: Breno Lopes marca e se destaca em classificação de ‘mistão’ do Palmeiras

continua após a publicidade

Verdão abdica do jogo e toma empate de forma merecida

Depois de cansar de perder gols e ter um anulado pelo VAR por conta de impedimento de Rony, o Palmeiras sofreu o castigo que pedia durante quase todo o segundo tempo. Fabinho, que fazia um ótimo jogo, vacilou na intermediária, teve a bola roubada por Alex Sandro, que partiu para a área e tocou na saída de Weverton. Sem forças e vontade para buscar o segundo gol, o Alviverde administrou o empate que era suficiente para a classificação para as oitavas de final do torneio.

E agora?

Com o resultado, o Palmeiras faz 5 a 2 no placar agregado e se garante nas oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil. Agora o Verdão aguarda o sorteio para saber quem será seu adversário. Enquanto isso, o time muda o foco para o Brasileirão, em que enfrenta o Corinthians neste sábado, no Allianz Parque.

FICHA TÉCNICA
TOMBENSE 1 x 1 PALMEIRAS
Local: Parque do Sabiá, em Uberlândia (MG)
Data-Hora: 26/4/2023 – 20h (de Brasília)
Árbitro: Ramon Abatti Abel (Fifa/SC)
Assistentes: Kleber Lúcio Gil (SC) e Thiaggo Americano Labes (SC)
VAR: Rodrigo D’Alonso Ferreira (SC)
Público: –
Cartões amarelos: Elton (TOM)
Cartões vermelhos: –
Gols: Breno Lopes (12’/1ºT) (0-1), Alex Sandro (40’/2ºT) (1-1)

TOMBENSE: Felipe; Kevin (Pierre, aos 22’/1ºT), Wesley, Augusto e Guilherme Santos; Zé Vitor (Luis Felipe, aos 26’/2ºT), Elton e Matheus Frizzo (Patrício, aos 26’/2ºT); Jaderson (Luiz Fernando, aos 26’/2ºT), Alex Sandro e Marcelinho (Mederos, aos 36’/2ºT). Técnico: Marcelo Chamusca.

PALMEIRAS: Weverton; Marcos Rocha, Luan, Murilo e Vanderlan (Piquerez, aos 26’/2ºT); Fabinho, Richard Ríos (Gabriel Menino, 33’/2ºT) e Jhon Jhon (Luis Guilherme, aos 30’/2ºT); Giovani (Mayke, aos 26’/2ºT), Breno Lopes e Flaco López (Rony, aos 26’/2ºT). Técnico: Abel Ferreira.

The last time India played at this venue, they pulled off one of the greatest wins in Test cricket

Alagappan Muthu13-Dec-20241:52

How can India bounce back in Brisbane?

Big picture: A banger for the holiday seasonWe’re back where we started with the series level and two teams with both promise and flaws squaring off again on fabled turf. The cricket has been compelling, at times unpredictable. There’s even been a little heat between the players. The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is veering dangerously close to classic territory. Imagine if it’s 2-2 going into Sydney.Some of the bowling that’s been on show – Harshit Rana taking out Travis Head’s off stump in Perth, Pat Cummins returning the favour against Rohit Sharma in Adelaide, Jasprit Bumrah every single time he runs in – has been dreamy. So the Gabba can’t be blamed for making eyes at them. One day out, the pitch still retains a tinge of green.A first-innings average of 18.65 runs per wicket – a figure so rare it’s only been bettered once in the last 10 years, and that was in a one-off Test between England and Ireland – reflects not just the class of both teams’ bowling attacks, but a little bit about the conditions and the frailty of the batting as well.Australia are blooding in a new opener and their two most reliable run-scorers aren’t operating at the levels they’re used to. India will be able to sympathise because like Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (who could be returning as opener) have been more down than up. The last three are in their mid to late 30s, so their form comes with added scrutiny, on top of the surprise that these high-profile players are yet to really influence this high-profile series. (Kohli has a century but the match-winning innings there came from Yashasvi Jaiswal)Related

Gill toasts old Gabba memories as he prepares to make new ones

Can Smith break out of his slump?

McSweeney hopes to 'throw a few more punches' at Bumrah

Rohit is used to leaving a mark, but not like this

Past and present weigh on India, and Australia

Of course it isn’t a surprise that there are surprises when these two teams go at each other. In 2017, Australia took the lead and India hit back. Ditto in 2021. In 2018 and 2023, India took the lead and Australia hit back. This tells you there isn’t a lot separating these sides. Australia’s win in Indore last year and India’s in Perth two weeks ago bucked expectation and there are bound to be more thrills and spills as these two ring in the holiday season.Form guideAustralia: WLWWL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
India: LWLLLIn the spotlightSteven Smith has 19 runs in two Tests. His last hundred was 24 innings ago. But there was a 91 not out in there, at the Gabba, which he put forward as proof that his opening the batting for Australia was not really the worst idea. Back at No. 4, due to popular demand, he has had a little trouble starting his innings, trouble that he used to avoid, like getting lbw.Rishabh Pant continues to do Rishabh Pant things. In Adelaide, with India three down in the 15th over, he charged out of the crease and flayed Scott Boland over cover. He was also seen at Rundle mall, putting his shopping on hold to play peek-a-boo with a little kid. Now he’s at the scene of his greatest triumph as a cricketer after his greatest triumph as a person.6:02

Cummins on Gabba: Not a ‘fortress’, just another venue for us

Team news: Will Rohit move back up the order?India might be pondering changes, particularly around the make-up of their top order. Does Rohit come back up to open again? Is he feeling like his old self again? There were positive signs in the nets on Thursday, where almost all the batters, Kohli and Shubman Gill especially, were upping their back-foot game.Akash Deep was India’s third fast bowler during the home season and he made way in Perth for a better batter. The team does not consider their depth to be a big concern anymore so Harshit Rana might find his way back on the bench. Washington Sundar might be pushing R Ashwin for a place in the XI as well.India (probable): 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 Rohit Sharma (capt)/ KL Rahul, 3 Shubman Gill, 4 Virat Kohli, 5 Rishabh Pant (wk), 6 KL Rahul/Rohit Sharma (capt), 7 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 8 Washington Sundar/R Ashwin, 9 Akash Deep, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Jasprit BumrahAustralia’s first-choice pace attack will reassemble at the Gabba with Josh Hazelwood rejoining Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.Australia: 1 Usman Khawaja, 2 Nathan McSweeney, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Travis Head, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Alex Carey (wk), 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Josh HazlewoodPitch and conditions: Some wet weather aroundAustralia have lost two of their last four Tests here, after losing nothing in 32 years. There was a pattern to those two defeats though. Both took place at the end of the season, in January. In between, there was a Test against South Africa in December 2022, which ended in two days and was a party for the fast bowlers. And also one against England in December 2021 that ended in a nine-wicket win for Australia. Early-season cricket here is fast-bowler friendly, a likelihood further increased by rain forecast through the course of the Test.”[Yesterday it] looked like a good wicket, like it has the last few years,” Cummins said. “Bit of sun baking on it the last couple of days, don’t think it’s as green and leafy as it was against South Africa.”Stats and trivia Jasprit Bumrah is averaging 11.25 runs per wicket this series. The next best for India is Mohammed Siraj with 19.77 but then the gulf widens. Travis Head is averaging 80 and striking at 94 in this series. The next best for Australia is Alex Carey with 24 and 59.5. There’s a bit of catching up to do there for the hosts. Pat Cummins has an outstanding record at the Gabba: in seven Tests he has taken 40 wickets at 18.22 India could have just four players from the famous 2020-21 victory at the Gabba: Rohit, Gill, Pant and Siraj. It could be five if Washington plays.Quotes”Worked out in the Adelaide Test. It’s always in the back of your mind as a Plan B, or if it’s looking really uncomfortable or likely to take wickets maybe it becomes a Plan A to some of the batters. I’m sure we’ll give it a shot at some point this Test.”
“The mood of the team is very good. We had a team dinner yesterday, we had a lot of fun in the team dinner. I think it is very important to know that we didn’t play well in the Test match in Adelaide, but still the series is one-all. We have a series of three matches, and if we win this match, then in Melbourne and Sydney, I think we will have an upper hand there.”

Wicketkeeper insists team will continue to ‘inspire and entertain’ despite insipid Ashes showing

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Jan-2025

Amy Jones has battled with the bat for England, but fell short in careless circumstances in Melbourne•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Amy Jones has insisted there’s still a “lot of love” for Alex Hartley within the England Women’s squad, as she sought to play down the row over Hartley’s claims that she has been “given the cold shoulder” by certain players during her duties as an Ashes broadcaster.England go into Thursday’s second T20I in Canberra needing nothing less than a win to maintain their hopes of salvaging a drawn series after four consecutive losses. But their on-field struggles have been overshadowed by the team’s alleged response to Hartley’s criticism of their fitness levels, which began with their T20 World Cup exit in October.Speaking on a BBC podcast on Monday, after Australia’s 57-run win had confirmed that they will maintain their decade-long hold on the Ashes, Hartley claimed that Sophie Ecclestone had refused to do a TV interview with her, and that other members of the squad were no longer talking to her on the boundary edge.”The reason I said that they were not as fit as Australia is because I want them to compete with Australia,” Hartley had added. “I want them to be better than Australia, and I want them to win Ashes and World Cups. I’m giving my opinion, and I’ve been given the cold shoulder from the England team ever since.”Replying to the row, Jones acknowledged that the squad had fallen well short of its own expectations during the Ashes, but denied that the players had taken Hartley’s comments personally.”I don’t think it is the case,” Jones said. “I think we all respect that commentators have their own opinions and it’s Alex’s job to say how she feels. And I think we all respect that. Hartley’s a great personality, and we have a lot of love for her within the group. So, I definitely don’t think that’s the case.”Jones herself has been a qualified success in a misfiring batting line-up, making three 30-plus scores in four innings to date, including an unbeaten 47 in a low-scoring ODI in Melbourne.Related

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However, England’s missed opportunities in this series were epitomised by Jones’ glaring lack of game awareness at the culmination of that Melbourne innings, when she failed to run on a free hit that could have kept her on strike going into the penultimate over of the innings. No.11 Lauren Bell was bowled one ball later to condemn England to a 21-run loss.”That one in particular was hard to take, for many reasons,” Jones said. “I felt emotionally drained afterwards [because], with the obvious mistake at the end, you definitely feel responsible for the loss. But the support from all the girls and the staff emphasised that long games don’t often come down to one specific moment, so I guess that definitely helped.”I’ve obviously made contributions along the way, but as a player, you definitely judge yourself on matchwinning contributions. I’ve been lucky to be in a position where I could have really helped influence a few of those games, especially in the ODIs, and I’m disappointed not to be able to get the team over the line. There’s a lot of learnings in there.”Alex Hartley claims she has been given the ‘cold shoulder’ by England players•Getty Images

Even with the series all but lost, Jones says that the squad will be sticking to the same mantras and methods that have been in place since the start of Jon Lewis’ tenure as head coach, in particular their desire to “inspire and entertain” – traits that have arguably been in scarce supply in a dispiriting campaign.”We’re still working hard at training and in team meetings to try and put our best foot forward,” Jones said. “We’ll be very excited to come out play tomorrow, and hopefully get some points on the board.”There was a bit of reconnection after the second ODI about how we want to play, making sure we’re still trying to inspire and entertain,” she added. “That’s worked really well for us in the past, and it’s something that all of us connect to really well.”It brings out more of a fearless playing style, which suits us. I think we’ve lifted a bit away from that, and so reconnecting to that is important for us. We play our best when we take the game on, put their bowlers under pressure with the bat, and have a wicket-taking mindset with the ball. In the field, it’s around energy and enjoyment. When all those things come together, we’re obviously a very good side.”

أوضح جابرييل جرافينا رئيس الاتحاد الإيطالي لكرة القدم، الموقف من لانسحاب من المباراة أمام الكيان الصهيوني، في ظل حالة الغضب التي يشعر بها المنتخب الإيطالي.

وتقع إيطاليا في مجموعة واحدة مع الكيان الصهيوني، في إطار تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.

ووُجّهت دعوات ليقاطع المنتخب الإيطالي للمباراة أمام الكيان الصهيوني على ملعب فريولي، خاصة بعد أسبوع من الاحتجاجات الجماهيرية في إيطاليا على الوضع المستمر في غزة تجاه ممارسات الاحتلال الغاشم.

اقرأ أيضًا | جاتوزو يعلن قائمة إيطاليا لمباراتي تصفيات كأس العالم.. موقف كييزا

قال جرافينا في بودكاست “سيتي فيت”، بحسب ما نشر موقع “فوتبول إيطاليا”: “اتصلت بجاتوزو وقلت له، رينو، لقد نمتُ نومًا سيئًا جدًا، لقد رأيتُ كابوسًا، لذا أخبرني بشيء إيجابي لأعيد هذا اليوم إلى مساره الصحيح، طمأنني، ثم قضيتُ يومًا رائعًا بالفعل”.

وأضاف بشأن سبب عدم الانسحاب من مواجهة الكيان الصهيوني: “هناك فرق واضح بين دوري كمواطن، رجل عالمي غاضب مما نراه، والمسؤولية كشخصية رياضية، أؤكد أن للرياضة دوراً رائعاً في التوحيد والجمع، وتمكين مشاركة كل تجربة، نؤكد على ضرورة لعب المباراة مع إسرائيل، وسنلعبها، ثم سنبذل قصارى جهدنا لتحقيق أفضل نتيجة ممكنة”.

فازت إيطاليا على إستونيا 5-0، ثم تغلبت على الكيان الصهيوني 5-4 في سبتمبر، في مباراة شهدت جدلاً واسعًا لرغبة الجماهير في قيام المنتخب بمقاطعة المباراة.

والآن، تعود إيطاليا للمنافسة بمواجهة إستونيا يوم السبت القادم، تليها استضافة مثيرة للجدل للكيان الصهيوني في 14 أكتوبر الجاري.

Everton manager David Moyes has responded to his opening-day defeat at the hands of newly-promoted Leeds United in the Premier League by striking a deal for a top transfer target.

Yes, a £40m deal has been agreed for Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder who has been described as a “world-class talent” by former Saints academy manager Andy Goldie.

It fixes a gaping hole on the Toffees’ attacking right flank, though there remains a desperate need for greater depth, if Moyes is to pull it all together and ensure his side challenge for a place at the higher end of the league table.

In particular, Everton need a right-back.

Everton pushing to sign new right-back

Everton released the 40-year-old Ashley Young at the end of his contract last season, retaining club legened Seamus Coleman. However, the skipper is into the twilight of his career, and so Jake O’Brien continued to deputise as a right-back at Elland Road.

Nathan Patterson, after all, was sidelined through injury once again.

O’Brien, 24, is a talented, tenacious defender, but he’s naturally a centre-back, and so it’s clear that Everton need to make a signing who could add a bit more dynamism and impetus to the side.

Well, according to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona are preparing for the departure of young prospect Hector Fort, with the 19-year-old at the centre of a loan approach from West Ham United.

The report continues to suggest that the Premier League is the likely destination for the up-and-comer and that other teams, such as Everton, remain in the running.

Just last summer, Barca rejected an offer north of £30m so it would not be a surprise if the Toffees had to pay big to secure his services.

What Hector Fort would bring to Everton

Fort, a versatile full-back, would join a list of players to have made the move from La Blaugrana to the blue half of Merseyside, but his ability to play across both flanks, his technical gifts and his ball-playing acumen suggest he could become Everton’s next version of cult hero Gerard Deulofeu.

Swiftly asserting himself as he joined Everton from Barcelona on loan for the 2013/14 season, Deulofeu notched eight goal contributions across 29 matches for the club, with the manager at the time, Roberto Martinez, going on to hail him as a “real diamond” of a player.

He spent two-and-a-half years at Goodison Park, all told, playing with a point to prove, and though he ebbed and flowed, none can contest the winger’s skilful style.

The same could be attributed to Fort, who, hailed for his “immense” talent by journalist Antonio Mango, would be determined to showcase his qualities and unleash some of his Catalonian flair on the Premier League, be that at right-back or on the left.

Hector Fort – Career Stats by Position (all levels)

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Right-back

43

2

1

Left-back

11

–

3

Data via Transfermarkt

As per FBref, Fort ranks among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, the top 2% for passes attempted, the top 26% for shot-creating actions and the top 14% for ball recoveries per 90.

In La Liga, he might have only featured 17 times last term, but he played his part in winning the title, with Sofascore recording that the teenage talent completed 92% of his passes and avoided making a single error, bespeaking his cultured style even at this stage of his career.

Fort would certainly present Everton with a welcome contrast on the right side of defence, and with a point to prove on a short-term deal, the Spaniard might even find himself enjoying the same success as Deulofeu when his 31-year-old compatriot was in his pomp.

And as a natural right-back, he would surely mark an upgrade on O’Brien too, allowing the Irishman to shift into his own natural berth and enrich the dynamism and fluency that Moyes is trying to achieve.

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Posts ByWill Miller Aug 23, 2025