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Former Australia bowling coach says he ‘had no idea there was any sandpaper involved’ and that he said everything to officials

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jun-202111:36

Runorder: Is it time to put the Newlands ball-tampering scandal to rest?

David Saker has called for Cricket Australia (CA) to make the report into the Newlands ball-tampering scandal public to try and put the issue to bed after it recently resurfaced following Cameron Bancroft’s comments.Saker, who was an assistant coach with Australia at the time, had previously responded to Bancroft’s views last month by saying blame for the incident could be laid at the door of a lot of people although only Bancroft, David Warner and Steven Smith were sanctioned following the report compiled by CA’s then head of integrity, Iain Roy.”I can’t see any point why it wouldn’t be released, but that’s up to Cricket Australia and the way they want to handle that,” Saker told reporters on the day he was appointed as the new Melbourne Renegades men’s coach. “These questions keep coming up, if it’s released then maybe the questions might stop but I don’t think they will.”Related

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Australia’s attack from that game in Cape Town – Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon – put out a strong joint statement following Bancroft’s comments that it was “probably self-explanatory” that there was awareness from the bowlers around what was happening.CA reiterated that anyone with new information should come forward. They contacted Bancroft and were satisfied he had nothing to add.”The investigation was a thorough one. As far as we are concerned, the investigation is closed and we move forward,” Nick Hockley, the CA chief executive, said last month.Saker, who has since worked with Sri Lanka, has made peace with the situation and insisted everything that he needed to say was put in the report compiled in the aftermath.”I’ve said everything about it I have seen,” he said. “I had no idea there was any sandpaper involved. As far as we knew, we were using normal tactics to get the ball reverse swinging, So, if other people have got other things that they saw or did, they can come out and say it at a later stage but I’ve said everything that I’ve seen.”I’m comfortable with where I’m at about it all. I think it’s always going to be brought up. I brought it up the other day…I was involved in the team obviously. So it’s going to get kept being brought out, but I’m not sure it’s going to get anywhere.”We’ve all gone in and done our bit so I can’t see it going any further, but the questions will keep coming. There’s no doubt about that, but that’s just a part of life, you got to deal with that but it’s never going to go away, that’s for sure.”

The League One club are hoping to secure an easier route into continental competition, but just how realistic is that goal?

Wrexham might be playing in the Championship next season. That would have been little more than a pipe dream for most supporters three short years ago, but Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have changed everything.

When the Hollywood duo completed their £2 million takeover in February 2021, Wrexham were sitting in the National League play-off places. Now, the Red Dragons are second in League One after 18 games of the 2024-25 season, and a third-successive promotion is well within their grasp.

It's been nothing short of a fairy-tale story, further boosted by the success of the documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham', which has allowed fans a sneak peak into the Reynolds and McElhenney revolution. Their ultimate goal is to reach the Premier League, and if Phil Parkinson's team continue to improve at such a rapid rate, it could be achieved sooner than anyone expected.

But Wrexham also hold European aspirations. Conference League qualification is currently on the agenda at the Racecourse Ground, with "transformational" plans having been submitted to UEFA, the Football Association, the Premier League and clubs in the Welsh top-flight.

Getty Images Sport'Fantastic opportunity'

Wrexham, and Wales' three other English Football League clubs – Swansea City, Cardiff City and Newport County – could all be given a potential new route into European competition as a result of an initiative called Prosiect Cymru (Project Wales). Swansea commissioned the project on behalf of all four clubs and the Football Association of Wales (FAW) after an independent report conducted by consultancy firm Deloitte.

Wrexham, Swansea, Cardiff and Newport are requesting to play in the Welsh League Cup instead of the English equivalent. At the moment, there is no European place on offer for the winners of the Welsh League Cup – also known commercially as the Nathaniel MG Cup – but a revamp of the competition has been proposed that will change that.

Conference League qualification will be the reward for Welsh League Cup success if Project Wales is approved, with reporting that the new format could be in place from the start of the 2025-26 season.

“To bring European football back to Wrexham would be amazing,” Red Dragons boss Phil Parkinson has said of the potential shake-up. “Great to test yourself against teams from different countries around Europe. Be fantastic to have that opportunity.”

Advertisement'All of Wales is united behind this'

Wrexham, Swansea, Cardiff and Newport are all set to remain in the English football pyramid, meaning they can still compete in the FA Cup and EFL Trophy if they also enter the Welsh League Cup. It's yet to be confirmed exactly how the revamped competition will look, but the four EFL clubs would be competing alongside all the teams from Wales' top two divisions and Merthyr Town – who currently play in English football's seventh tier.

It has been reported that talks over the changes initially began 18 months ago, and Swansea City chairman Andy Coleman "is really excited to see what the next steps are". Coleman added to : "I think this is a perfect example of what can happen when people come together. All of Wales is united and behind this."

When pressed on whether he believes the project will be approved, Coleman replied: "I am confident we are going to do every single thing we can, myself included, to make sure we do what's best for Wales. We are in the process, and once we get through the process, we'll let everybody know."

Wrexham are said to be in favour of the plans alongside Swansea, which is no surprise, certainly from a commercial standpoint. Filming for series four of 'Welcome to Wrexham' is already under way, but a potential European journey would likely boost the chances of Disney and FX renewing the show for a fifth season.

GettyWrexham's stance

Indeed, Wrexham director Shaun Harvey is fully behind the prospect of potentially fast-tracking the club's return to Europe after a 30-year absence. "It’s not creating something new because the club has been there before, but it will give the new generation of fans the opportunity to share the same experiences that their predecessors had," Harvey told . "Every so often opportunities like this present themselves and we have got an obligation to both ourselves and football in Wales to look at them."

Harvey also admitted that the main motivations behind all those involved in the project is "unashamedly financial". Only 711 fans watched the 2023-24 Welsh League Cup final between Cymru Premier League champions The New Saints (TNS) and Swansea's U21s side, and an attractive increase in the stakes and overall quality of the competition is being sold as a driver in the growth of football in Wales.

“People ask why would the Cymru Premier clubs and the FAW support it,” Harvey continued. "The answer is that they are satisfied that it would be in the best interests of football as a whole in Wales. Value is measured in many different ways, but in this case, the measure is unashamedly financial. The more money that is available to develop and promote the game throughout Wales, the better it has to be for everybody.

"The FAW would hopefully receive significantly more funding as a result of improved performances to support the development of the women’s game and football below the Cymru Premier. There would be financial benefits for whichever club managed to win the Welsh League Cup, but only one of the four [EFL clubs] could win it and it doesn’t mean the Cymru Premier clubs can’t win it either.”

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Proud European history

Wrexham actually boast a very proud record in Europe, which began in 1972 when they qualified for the European Cup Winners' Cup by winning the Welsh Cup. The Red Dragons beat FC Zurich 3-2 on aggregate in the first round, only to exit the competition against Hajduk Split in the next stage.

Four years later, Wrexham enjoyed a memorable run to the quarter-finals, where they were narrowly beaten by Belgian giants Anderlecht. And in the 1984-85 season, while playing in English football's fourth tier, Wrexham produced one of the all-time great upsets by knocking Porto out of the European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Porto were considered heavy favourites as one of the best teams in Europe at the time, having made the final against Aberdeen the previous year. However, Sir Alex Ferguson famously provided then-Wrexham boss Bobby Roberts with videos he'd made to study the Portuguese giants before Aberdeen's victory, and the Red Dragons proceeded to edge a thrilling tie on away goals, despite losing the second leg 4-3 away from home.

“The club, like the other three clubs, is steeped in European history, albeit going back over a period of time," Harvey said. “If those days can return to Wrexham at some stage in the future then it’s another step on a remarkable journey."

Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared what he's heard about an "impressive" Tottenham talent who has the potential to be "huge".

Spurs prepare for opening Premier League game against Leicester City

All eyes will be on Spurs and manager Ange Postecoglou next Monday, as the Lilywhites prepare for their opening game of the new Premier League season against newly-promoted Leicester City.

Hansi Flick green-lights Barcelona move for £120,000-a-week Tottenham ace

The Catalans have turned their attention to him.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 13, 2024

Tottenham narrowly missed out on fourth and a place in this season's new Champions League format last campaign, instead having to settle for fifth after a hotly-contested race with Aston Villa and ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery.

However, there were promising signs during Postecoglou's debut season, and you can make a case that they would've finished higher if it wasn't for a few key injury problems – with the likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and others sidelined for extended periods.

Team

Date

Leicester City (away)

August 19

Everton (home)

August 24

Newcastle United (away)

September 1

Arsenal (home)

September 15

Brentford (home)

September 21

Postecoglou even made the best start by a new manager in Premier League history last term, winning eight out of his opening 10 league games, before eventually succumbing to defeat against Chelsea in November.

This time round, Spurs will be boosted by the arrival of English sensation Archie Gray from Leeds United, who sealed a £40 million switch to north London earlier this summer. Meanwhile, Tottenham have finally signed a replacement for Harry Kane, having completed a £65 million deal for striker Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.

Postecoglou could yet see Spurs make further signings after Solanke, which would be ideal, as the club have also let a host of players leave. With Tottenham competing in the Europa League, a more congested fixture calendar comes with it, so Postecoglou requires strength in depth to compete on all fronts.

This new campaign may see some of Tottenham's most promising crop of academy graduates get more of a look-in as well. Jamie Donley, Alfie Dorrington and Ashley Phillips all appear ones to watch over the coming year, with another very highly-rated young forward in Mikey Moore also looking to make an impression.

"Impressive" Mikey Moore has the potential to be "huge"

Moore, who scored 16 goals and notched a further nine assists in all competitions for Tottenham's Under-18s over 23/24, was handed his senior debut by Postecoglou last season – making two Premier League appearances for the first team.

The 17-year-old can play out wide and as a traditional centre-forward. This week, Spurs tied Moore down with a first professional contract to showcase just how highly they rate him.

Following this news, Romano took to X with what he's heard about the teenager, claiming Moore is "impressive" and has the potential to be "huge" at Tottenham.

The Englishman could well be one to keep an eye on this season, as it appears that he is sticking around rather than going out on loan, unless somebody makes a last-minute approach.

“He will be 17 at the beginning of next season, Lewis Miley was starting for Newcastle in the UEFA Champions League at that age,” said pundit John Wenham to Tottenham News.

“We’ve seen other big clubs give chances to their young stars, why can’t Tottenham do that?

“From speaking to him personally on multiple occasions, the thing I noticed is his incredible mentality. Forget his ability, he has already got the mentality to be a first-team player.”

Many players have graced the European Championship since its first edition in 1960. However, it wasn’t until 1996 that UEFA decided to officially commemorate the efforts of the very best by creating an award for the best player.

Following each tournament, UEFA’s team of Technical Observers, made up of former footballers from across the continent, decides who to name as the tournament’s star man.

Given it has only existed for less than 30 years, there have only been seven winners to date, meaning the likes of Michel Platini and Marco van Basten do not appear on this list.

But who has had the honour of being named as the tournament’s best player? Football FanCast has the rundown of the previous winners.

Year

Player

Nation

1996

Matthias Sammer

Germany

2000

Zinedine Zidane

France

2004

Theodoros Zagorakis

Greece

2008

Xavi

Spain

2012

Andres Iniesta

Spain

2016

Antoine Griezmann

France

2020

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Italy

2024

Rodri

Spain

Euro 2024 tournament guide: Teams, matches, dates, TV channels, odds & more

Football FanCast has put together a guide for all things Euro 2024, with venues, fixtures, tables, stadiums and more all covered here.

ByStephan Georgiou Jun 11, 2024 1996 – Matthias Sammer Germany

International caps

51

International goals

8

International honours

Euro 1996

Matthias Sammer was part of the Germany side that became European champions at Euro 1996 in England. Die Mannschaft saw off the hosts on penalties as well as finalists Czech Republic with a golden goal winner to secure their first major title as a reunified nation.

With Sammer helping to keep goals out at one end – Germany conceded just twice all tournament – he also contributed at the other with two of his own, including the eventual winner in the quarter-final against Croatia.

Along with being named in the Team of the Tournament, Sammer became the inaugural winner of the individual award, which he followed up with a Ballon d’Or later that year.

Match

Result

Mins played

Goals

Group stage

Germany 2-0 Czech Republic

90

0

Group stage

Russia 0-3 Germany

90

1

Group stage

Italy 0-0 Germany

90

0

Quarter-final

Germany 2-1 Croatia

90

1

Semi-final

Germany 1-1 England (6-5 pens)

120

0

Final

Czech Republic 1-2 Germany (aet)

95

0

2000 – Zinedine Zidane France

International caps

108

International goals

31

International honours

1998 World Cup, Euro 2000

It is difficult to imagine France becoming world and European champions at the turn of the century without Zinedine Zidane. The Frenchman’s brace in the World Cup final two years prior to the Euro 2000 finals had already announced his prowess on the international stage, but he was arguably more instrumental as he helped guide France to a second successive international honour.

He may only have got on the scoresheet twice throughout the tournament – which included a superb free kick against Spain in the last eight, as well as an extra-time golden goal penalty in the semis against Portugal – but Zidane’s influence on the team was unmatched, even with stars like Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet alongside him.

A master of individual brilliance, there were plenty at the time calling Zizou the best player in the world, and UEFA certainly agreed on this occasion.

Match

Result

Mins played

Goals

Group stage

France 3-0 Denmark

90

0

Group stage

Czech Republic 1-2 France

90

0

Group stage

France 2-3 Netherlands

0

0

Quarter-final

Spain 1-2 France

90

1

Semi-final

France 2-1 Portugal (aet)

117

1

Final

France 2-1 Italy

103

0

2004 – Theodoros Zagorakis Greece

International caps

120

International goals

3

International honours

Euro 2004

Once of Leicester City, Greek midfielder Theodoros Zagorakis led his nation to one of the most unlikely of international triumphs as Greece went all the way at Euro 2004.

Rank outsiders heading into the tournament, players like Zagorakis came to the fore in Portugal as the Greeks saw holders France and host nation Portugal – twice – to record one of the tournament’s biggest shocks.

Not only was Zagorakis a captain marvel, but he was tenacious at the back, foiling attacks as part of a stout defensive rearguard that recorded three successive 1-0 victories in the knockout stages to secure a first-ever international honour for Greece.

Zagorakis’ crowning moment perhaps came in the quarter-final against France, when his cross was converted by Angelos Charisteas as Greece showed Europe they were not just there to make up the numbers. He would lift the trophy in Lisbon ten days later having kept the likes of Thierry Henry and Luis Figo at bay.

Match

Result

Mins played

Goals

Group stage

Portugal 1-2 Greece

90

0

Group stage

Greece 1-1 Spain

90

0

Group stage

Russia 2-1 Greece

90

0

Quarter-final

France 0-1 Greece

90

0

Semi-final

Greece 1-0 Czech Republic (aet)

105

0

Final

Portugal 0-1 Greece

90

0

Ranking the ten biggest upsets at the European Championships

With Euro 2024 fast approaching, Football FanCast has created a list of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history…

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 14, 2024 2008 – Xavi Spain

International caps

133

International goals

12

International honours

Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012

During Spain’s period of unrivalled dominance in European football, there will have been plenty of candidates who could have claimed to be their best player.

Indeed, nine of their playing squad made the Team of the Tournament at Euro 2008, which included top scorer David Villa and scorer of the winning goal in the final, Fernando Torres. UEFA’s Technical Team decided to hand Xavi the ultimate gong, saying he “epitomises the Spanish style of play”.

Xavi’s only goal at the tournament came in the semi-final win over Russia, showing that his game was more about the passing brilliance that we would all become accustomed to in the years that followed.

Match

Result

Mins played

Goals

Group stage

Spain 4-1 Russia

90

0

Group stage

Sweden 1-2 Spain

59

0

Group stage

Greece 1-2 Spain

0

0

Quarter-final

Spain 0-0 Italy (4-2 pens)

60

0

Semi-final

Russia 0-3 Spain

69

1

Final

Germany 0-1 Spain

90

0

2012 – Andres Iniesta Spain

International caps

131

International goals

14

International honours

Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012

Not only did Spain make it back-to-back European Championships in 2012, but another Barcelona midfielder picked up the tournament’s best player award.

This time it was Xavi’s teammate, Andres Iniesta, who had almost effortlessly guided his side to more international glory two years after scoring the winner in the World Cup final.

Iniesta scooped up three Man of the Match awards during the tournament – a feat only matched by Andrea Pirlo, who may well have been named as the best player but for Spain ripping through the Italians in the final, during which the Spaniard starred, with his incisive through-pass getting the ball rolling as Cesc Fabregas laid it on a plate for David Silva’s opener.

Part of a Spanish forcefield that only conceded once throughout the tournament, Iniesta was a key part of their exceptional defence of the title.

Round

Opposition

Mins played

Goals

Group stage

Spain 1-1 Italy

90

0

Group stage

Spain 4-0 Republic of Ireland

78

0

Group stage

Croatia 0-1 Spain

90

0

Quarter-final

Spain 2-0 France

84

0

Semi-final

Portugal 0-0 Spain (4-2 pens)

120

0

Final

Spain 4-0 Italy

86

0

2016 – Antoine Griezmann France

International caps

129

International goals

44

International honours

2018 World Cup, 2021 Nations League

He may have ended up on the losing side in the final, but France’s Antoine Griezmann truly made a name for himself at his home European Championship.

Scoring six goals (double anyone else’s tally) and taking home the Golden Boot in the process, there is little debate over which standout player deserved the accolade more.

An underwhelming group stage meant Les Bleus had to look for individual quality at times, at that’s exactly what Griezmann did when scoring a late clincher against Albania when the game looked destined for a draw.

He then came to life in the knockout stages, with a brace against the Republic of Ireland before getting in on the act as France trounced Iceland in the quarters.

But it was perhaps his match-winning double against then-world champions Germany that really set him apart from the rest, taking responsibility from the spot before impudently prodding home and celebrating in true Griezmann style.

Match

Result

Mins played

Goals

Group stage

France 2-1 Romania

66

0

Group stage

France 2-0 Albania

22

1

Group stage

Switzerland 0-0 France

77

0

Round of 16

France 2-1 Republic of Ireland

90

2

Quarter-final

France 5-2 Iceland

90

1

Semi-final

Germany 0-2 France

90

2

Final

Portugal 1-0 France

120

0

2020 – Gianluigi Donnarumma Italy

International caps

62

International clean sheets

49

International honours

Euro 2020

Italy have had some fine goalkeepers over the years, but none could say they had conquered Europe since the team of 1968.

And while the Azzurri only won one of their knockout games at Euro 2020 in normal time, there was no disputing that their progression through the tournament – and indeed, winning two penalty shootouts – was down to their man between the sticks.

Donnarumma, just 22 at the time, was crucial as Roberto Mancini’s men needed spot kicks to eliminate Spain and England, both times under the Wembley arch.

His save from Alvaro Morata in the semi-final handed Jorginho the chance to send Italy to the final, and while the midfielder couldn’t repeat the trick just a few days later, Donnarumma’s saves from Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka showed how key he was as Italy remain the reigning champions heading into 2024.

Match

Result

Mins played

Clean sheets

Group stage

Turkey 0-3 Italy

90

1

Group stage

Italy 3-0 Switzerland

90

1

Group stage

Italy 1-0 Wales

89

1

Round of 16

Italy 2-1 Austria (aet)

120

0

Quarter-final

Belgium 1-2 Italy

90

0

Semi-final

Italy 1-1 Spain (4-2 pens)

120

0

Final

Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens)

120

0

2024 – Rodri Spain

International caps

56

International goals

4

International honours

2023 Nations League, Euro 2024

Despite being taken off at half-time in the final, Rodri played a key role as Spain went on to win for a seventh consecutive finals match – the first team to do so since the expansion of the tournament in 2016.

More known for doing the dirty work in the middle of the park, the Manchester City midfielder also popped up at crucial moments for his side, scoring the equaliser in the round of 16 after Georgia had taken a shock lead.

It has become customary for a player with a winners' medal to take home the best player gong, but Rodri's influence on the pitch was clear for all to see – and at 28, he could well remain a key part of their title defence in four years' time.

Match

Result

Mins played

Goals

Group stage

Spain 3-0 Croatia

86

0

Group stage

Spain 1-0 Italy

90

0

Group stage

Albania 0-1 Spain

0

0

Round of 16

Spain 4-1 Georgia

90

1

Quarter-final

Spain 2-1 Germany

120

0

Semi-final

Spain 2-1 France

90

0

Final

Spain 2-1 England

90

0

The top 12 European Championship goalscorers of all time

With the Euros now upon us, here’s who leads the way as the tournament’s all-time top scorer.

ByBrogan Clasper Jun 11, 2024

A number of players have already left Nottingham Forest this summer, and it appears that the side could be set for further exits from the City Ground before the transfer window closes.

Forest set for further exits this summer

With much of last season clouded by the looming threat of financial sanctions, it had long been known that this summer would see Forest part ways with numerous star players. So far, the window has seen this prediction come true, with a number of players calling time on their careers at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest eye "fantastic" former player who wants to quit his club

They could finally get their man…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 18, 2024

Moussa Niakhaté

Olympique Lyon

£27m

Orel Mangala

Olympique Lyon

£15m

Remo Freuler

Bologna

£3.8m

Odysseas Vlachodimos

Newcastle United

Undisclosed

Brandon Aguilera

Rio Ave

Undisclosed

Jonathan Panzo

Rio Ave

Loan

Marko Stamenic

Olympiacos

Loan

Despite the multitude of players who have already left the club, Forest could be set for further exits, with attacking talents Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga both attracting interest from other sides.

The duo have both been linked with moves to fellow Premier League side Newcastle United, with the Magpies attempting to bolster their attack ready for next season and cover for the potential loss of Anthony Gordon.

With the Forest departures set to continue, it looks as if a club official is travelling to England to negotiate a deal for another of Nuno Espírito Santo's players.

Club official set for talks over Forest midfielder

Sport Witness has relayed a story from the Turkish press claiming that Fenerbahce are showing interest in Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangare, with a club official set to travel to England for talks.

The outlet states that Fenerbahce's sporting director, Mario Branco, will be travelling to speak to clubs about both Sangare and Crystal Palace's Jefferson Lerma. It is claimed that the Süper Lig side are still in the market for a new midfielder after seemingly losing the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur's Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, and will choose to pursue one of the other midfielders.

Lerma has been previously linked with a move to Fenerbahce, though Sport Witness reports that the Colombian recently played down these rumours in the press. Sangare, on the other hand, is a new name for the Turkish side and could be a likely exit from the City Ground after failing to impress during his time at Forest.

The Ivorian midfielder arrived at The City Ground on deadline day of summer 2023, joining for a reported fee in the region of £30million. In his first season in England, the former PSV man struggled, starting just 13 Premier League games last term.

Speaking shortly after his appointment as Forest manager in December 2023, Espirito Santo spoke of Sangare's struggles, telling the press:

“He is not in his best moment yet. He was seriously ill, he lost weight and has had injury problems. But he is an option for us. I know him and I expect him to help the team. He can be very, very helpful to us.”

Having signed a five-year contract with Forest, the club may choose to persevere with Sangare into the future or just cut their losses and hope to recoup as much of the initial fee as possible this summer.

After hobbling through last season with just one fit senior striker for much of the campaign, there is seemingly a world in which Manchester United begin the new term with three centre-forwards in their ranks – even after Anthony Martial's recent departure.

Having splashed out an initial £64m on Atalanta starlet Rasmus Hojlund last summer, the Red Devils have now raided Serie A once again for the signing of Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee, forking out just over the Dutchman's £33.7m release clause.

The Athletic, among other sources, have suggested that signing another number nine is still not out of the question, however, with rumours rife that Brentford's Ivan Toney is keen to make the move to Old Trafford this summer – while a further target has also cropped up of late…

Latest on Man Utd's striker search

As per a report from TEAMtalk, United are among the clubs to have been credited with a 'firm interest' in Lille sensation, Jonathan David, with the 24-year-old in line for a long-awaited exit with just a year remaining on his current deal.

The piece adds that the Canadian hotshot – who is also of interest to the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United – could be available for as little as £25m, making him a worthy, bargain alternative to the likes of Toney.

How Jonathan David compares to Zirkzee

Now, it would be harsh to so instantly right off Zirkzee amid his arrival in Manchester, with the former Bayern Munich man certainly not short on quality having even been likened to a certain Ronaldinho by his ex-Bologna boss, Thiago Motta.

A return of 12 goals in all competitions last term saw the 6 foot 4 marksman claim Serie A's Young Player of the Year award, although that haul is hardly the hallmark of a prolific striker – the forward's best-ever return seeing him net 18 times in 2021/22 while on loan at Anderlecht.

Impressive, but unspectacular, the jury is out on whether Zirkzee is the clinical rival that is needed for the aforementioned Hojlund, particularly with the Dane making encouraging strides last term with 16 goals of his own across all fronts.

With that man Toney also failing to set the world alight with just four Premier League goals following his return to action after suspension, looking to "one of the best strikers in the world" in David – as hailed by podcaster Tony Marinaro – could well be the wiser approach.

The New York-born star has repeatedly delivered the goods in France in recent times, reaching double figures for league goals in each of his four Ligue 1 campaigns, having previously netted 18 top-flight goals during his final season for Belgian side, Genk.

Since 2021/22, in particular, David has hit new heights after scoring 43 league goals in that time, with his return of 19 last season only bettered by the relentless presence of Kylian Mbappe in the division.

David v Zirkzee v Toney – 2023/24 league stats

Stat

David

Zirkzee

Toney

Games

34

34

17

Goals

19

11

4

Assists

4

4

2

Big chances missed

15

4

11

Big chances created

8

11

3

Key passes per game

0.9

1.3

0.7

Successful dribbles per game

0.4

1.5

0.6

Total duels won

40%

40%

48%

Stats via Sofascore

Just a year older than Zirkzee, the in-demand ace already has 121 senior career goals to his name – plus a further 27 at international level – while his Dutch counterpart, meanwhile, has scored just 36 senior goals to date, across his time in Germany, Italy and Belgium.

With almost four times as many goals as United's new man, it is clear the potential upgrade David could represent, having repeatedly and consistently proven himself as a reliable goalscoring presence in Lille.

Of course, Toney's brief yet telling impacts for England this summer – including his assist for Harry Kane against Slovakia – have only increased the clamour for his signature, yet overlooking the "phenom" that is Jonathan David – as described by Marinero – could represent a costly mistake.

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The opener will not be part of the India contingent that flies from Dubai to Sydney on Wednesday

Nagraj Gollapudi11-Nov-2020

Rohit Sharma sports a pensive look•BCCI

Rohit Sharma will not be part of the Indian contingent flying from Dubai to Sydney on Wednesday for the Australia tour. Sharma, who led the Mumbai Indians to their fifth IPL title on Tuesday, will instead return home to recover completely from the hamstring injury he suffered during the IPL.The Indian selectors initially left Rohit out of all three squads for the Australia tour, which will be played between November 27 and January 19 and will comprise three ODIs, three T20Is and four Tests. This was because Rohit had suffered a hamstring tear in his left leg on October 18 while completing a run against Kings XI Punjab. He sat out Mumbai’s next four matches before returning to play for their last league match followed by Qualifier 1 and the IPL final, in which he was the top-scorer.On November 9, the eve of the IPL final, the BCCI said in a media release that Rohit would feature in the Test series, but was being rested for the limited-overs leg of the Australia tour to “regain full fitness”. It is now expected that Rohit will undergo his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and, once he passes a fitness test, head to Australia ahead of the Test series, which begins in Adelaide on December 17.Kohli unlikely to return to Australia post paternity leaveIt is also understood that India captain Virat Kohli will not rejoin the Test squad in the New Year once he returns to India on paternity leave following the first Test. Kohli and his partner Anushka Sharma are expecting their first child around early January, so he requested the BCCI to release him after the Adelaide Test, which will the India’s maiden overseas day-night Test and is scheduled from December 17 to 21.According to the Australian government’s travel guidelines imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a person entering the country has to undergo a 14-day quarantine. So the India team management has accepted that Kohli will not have enough time to be ready for the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which are scheduled in Sydney (January 7-11) and Brisbane (January 15-19).Wriddhiman Saha collects low to his left•BCCI

Kohli, though, would be part of the Indian contingent, comprising all three squads along with their families, flying late on Wednesday on a charter flight organized by the BCCI to Sydney from Dubai. The Indian touring group will start the tour with a two-week quarantine, during which they are allowed to train subject to clearing the testing protocols put in place by Cricket Australia in coordination with the local government. It is understood the Indian party will start training from November 14 in Sydney.Ahead of the Test series the Indians will play two warm-up matches, the second of them under lights, ahead of the pink-ball Test. The first warm-up game between India A and Australia A, scheduled to take place from December 6 to 8, clashes with the T20I series, so only the Test specialists, along with the some of the net bowlers, will take part. The entire Test squad, though, will be available for the second warm-up game against Australia A, scheduled from December 11 to 13.Saha flying to AustraliaWriddhiman Saha, who injured the hamstrings in both his legs while playing an IPL match for Sunrisers Hyderabad, will be part of the touring group flying out on Wednesday. Saha is one of two wicketkeepers named by the selectors for the Test series along with Rishabh Pant.It is understood that fast bowler Ishant Sharma will travel separately to Australia ahead of the Test series once he is declared completely fit by the NCA, where he is undegoing rehab after suffering an abdominal muscle tear during the IPL. Recently the NCA, which is headed by the former India captain Rahul Dravid, had communicated to the BCCI that Ishant would be ready to start bowling from November 18, after which he will need to prove his match fitness.

Philander says family “coming to terms with the brutal murder”

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Oct-2020

Vernon Philander’s young brother was shot dead•AFP

Tyrone Philander, the younger brother of South African seamer Vernon Philander, was shot dead on Wednesday afternoon in the family’s home town of Ravensmead in Cape Town. Vernon confirmed the news in a statement released on Twitter.”Our family is coming to terms with the brutal murder in my hometown of Ravensmead earlier today,” Vernon wrote. “I would like to ask that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.”The murder is now the subject of a police investigation and we respectfully ask that the media give the police the space to conduct a thorough investigation. There are no details around the incident at the moment and speculation will make it very difficult for us as a family to mourn in peace. Tyrone is forever in our hearts. May his soul rest in peace.”According to local reports, Tyrone was delivering water to a neighbour when he was shot. Police are investigating the incident. Vernon has two older brothers, Brandon and Darryl.

The left hander was the Heat’s second-highest scorer in last season’s tournament

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Sep-2020

Matt Renshaw celebrates after taking a difficult catch•Getty Images

Matt Renshaw has moved from the Brisbane Heat to the Adelaide Strikers on a three-year deal.Renshaw, 24, was the Heat’s second-highest run scorer last season with 348 at a strike-rate of 129.85 and has made himself into a middle-order batsman in the format who can also send down some handy offspin. His highest T20 score, 90 off 50 balls, came against the Strikers in the 2018-19 season.”The Adelaide Strikers have always been an impressive franchise and to be joining them for the next three years, I’m just ecstatic,” he said. “I’m looking forward to having Adelaide Oval as my home ground, which is an oval that I know well and is also one of the best in the world.””Hopefully it will be possible to play in front of our home crowd at some point, as they really do make such an incredible atmosphere.”The Heat said they had made Renshaw their “best offer” to stay. “While we’re disappointed to see him leave, we wish him well,” coach Darren Lehmann said. “In the three seasons he had with us, he worked hard to develop his T20 skills and his enthusiasm was good to have around the team.”Renshaw took a break from the game after last season’s Big Bash and coupled with the onset of Covid-19 had not played a competitive match since a Queensland 2nd XI fixture in early February until returning to Premier Cricket last weekendRenshaw’s signing is the second part of the Strikers’ pre-season moves after they agreed a trade with the Melbourne Stars to swap Billy Stanlake for Dan Worrall.

West Bromwich Albion cannot afford to have another anonymous showing up top this Friday night, with the Baggies having to win at Southampton to seal their progression through to the Championship playoff final.

That could mean some cut-throat decision-making from Carlos Corberan is in order, mainly involving Brandon Thomas-Asante who has really struggled in front of goal recently in pressurised contests.

The former Salford City man only registered four accurate passes and managed just one solitary effort on Alex McCarthy's net last time out in the 0-0 draw, before being substituted off with nine minutes left to play.

It looks unlikely now that Thomas-Asante will be afforded the same luxury of 81 minutes on the pitch at St. Mary's, dropping out of the starting lineup altogether against Russell Martin's hosts potentially.

Thomas-Asante's poor end to the season

Southampton won't struggle to name a striker on the pitch for the second leg that knows where the back of the net is on the contrary, with the potential for 17-goal star Che Adams to be back fit for this crunch clash after sitting out the first contest with a niggle.

West Brom will know they will have to pack their shooting boots as well, therefore, which could see Thomas-Asante rightly sacrificed as a result.

BTA vs Adam Armstrong vs Adams – last ten games of the regular season

Player

Goals scored

Assists

BTA

2

0

Armstrong

3

2

Adams

5

1

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Thomas-Asante's numbers pale in comparison to both Armstrong and Adams over the last ten games of the regular campaign, with Armstrong even bettering his goals return whilst mainly playing down the wing.

The misfiring 25-year-old never really looked like bagging a vital strike in the first leg, shut out of the game by the likes of Taylor Harwood-Bellis at the back for the visitors with only one successful dribble attempt from three pulled off, on top of his lack of testing McCarthy with notable shots.

It's been a worrying drop-off from an attacker who still is the Baggies top scorer this season, with 11 strikes amassed, but desperate times such as these can call for drastic measures.

Jed Wallace could even be given the shout to start as a lone striker on the South Coast on Friday, having had luck previously there this campaign despite being more naturally suited to patrolling down the flanks.

The player to replace Thomas-Asante

Despite predominantly playing as a right winger at previous clubs, Corberan has managed to make Wallace a jack-of-all-trades this campaign by even slotting him into his lineups as a centre-forward.

It has paid off, with the 30-year-old helping himself to six goal contributions when starting this season from that spot.

Jed Wallace's positions this season when starting

Position

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

CF

12

3

3

RM

10

1

0

AM

6

0

0

RW

6

0

1

LW

1

0

0

CM

1

1

0

Stats by Transfermarkt

Playing in six different positions remarkably this campaign, with his numbers playing as a striker standing him in good stead to be selected for the selected leg in this spot, it could well prove to be an ingenious switch-up by Corberan.

Described as possessing "unbelievable" quality on the ball by ex-Sheffield United defender Jack O'Connell when analysing his game for Sky Sports last year, a player of Wallace's experience and talent could be key in getting his team over the line against the Saints as relative underdogs.

If West Brom were to fall at this late hurdle, it would still go down as a fantastic season for all involved. But, with a final at Wembley within touching distance, nobody really wants to come up short.

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