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There’s one batting spot in the XI to fill for Perth, and maybe a reserve player as well

Andrew McGlashan17-Oct-202410:42

Newsroom: How are Australia shaping up for the India Tests?

There have been a couple of key developments in Australia’s selection plans for the Test summer with Cameron Green’s back injury and confirmation that Steven Smith will move back down the order. But there remains a fascinating few weeks ahead with a combination of Sheffield Shield and Australia A matches for players to push their claims for a Test call-up.The likelihood is that the vacancy will be at the top of the order but there may also be a spot for another reserve batter in the era of concussion substitutes. Here’s a look at the runners and riders.Marcus HarrisHarris has started the season well with 143 and 52, albeit on a lifeless Junction Oval surface, and has been named in the Australia A squad. Before that comes a potentially high-octane Shield clash against New South Wales where he will face Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott and Nathan Lyon. Harris has spoken openly about his frustrations after being overlooked in recent times having been a long-term back-up around the Test squad, but he retains significant support within the set-up. He lost his Test place one game after an excellent 76 on a tough pitch against England at the MCG, but overall an average of 25.29 from 14 matches leaves plenty to prove if another chance does come his way.Related

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“It’s not like it’s going to be the first time I’ve ever played for Australia A before a Test series,” he said last week. “There’s obviously always a bit of attention around those games. Pressure wise, I’m not going to be trying to put the same pressure on myself as I had before. It will just be a great opportunity.”Cameron BancroftAs with Harris, we are back to where we were 12 months ago amid the debate about who would replace David Warner. As history shows, that took an unexpected twist with Smith’s promotion – a move which has proved short-term. So Bancroft’s name is firmly back in discussions. A pair in the opening game of the season hasn’t changed anything – “There’s plenty of batters that have managed to get a feather on an early Michael Neser ball,” chair of selectors George Bailey said – and over the last couple of seasons Bancroft couldn’t have done much more to push his claims. He has averaged 50.67 in the Shield over the last two summers (even including that pair) with last season’s runs being particularly hard to come by.Sam Konstas is the name on everyone’s lips•Getty ImagesSam KonstasHe is the 19-year-old new kid on the block and generating plenty of excitement. Konstas has been compared to Ricky Ponting and joined him as a teenager to make twin hundreds in the Sheffield Shield. Bailey was careful to temper expectations and it would be a very rapid rise – and against the grain for Australian men’s cricket – if he was catapulted into the Test squad in a few weeks.”He’s in the mix as are plenty of others,” Bailey said. “I certainly don’t want to single him out. Think the consistency of Cam Bancroft over a number of years, the consistency of Marcus Harris over a number of years, they’ve both had a look at Test cricket as well, so don’t think there’s a need at this stage to put any undue pressure or expectation on Sam.”But the opportunity is there for him to make the selectors think hard. He will face Scott Boland at the MCG from Sunday before what will likely be a strong India A side. Another couple hundreds against those attacks and the momentum could be unstoppable.Matt RenshawRenshaw was the reserve batter against West Indies and New Zealand earlier this year but has been overlooked for the Australia A squad. He made 6 and 15 in the opening round of Sheffield Shield against Western Australia. However, Bailey said that doesn’t mean the selectors have moved on from him, while also referencing a couple of other experienced domestic players who have had a taste of Test cricket.”We still really like Matt’s ability to play,” Bailey said. “As far as Australia A selection goes, part of the process around that is trying to identify opportunities that may come around in the short term but also making sure we do keep an eye on developing opportunities for those players who may become important in different roles in the future as well. Whilst there’s an Australia A squad there, I think Matt Renshaw, Peter Handscomb, Nic Maddinson, as three examples, are guys who we’ll continue to watch really closely in Shield cricket.”The other aspect is that even after the initial Test squad is named there will be three more rounds of Shield before the BBL for players to impress should back-up be needed during the series.Nathan McSweeneyThe South Australia captain would not be a contender to open the batting so a call-up for him would reopen the debate about an incumbent moving up to the top therefore appears an unlikely route, but McSweeney is very highly regarded, both for his run-scoring and his leadership. He will captain Australia A as he did last summer and has already started the season with an impressive match-saving 127 not out off 283 balls against South Australia.”I’m definitely confident in my game at the moment and if I were to get an opportunity I think I would be ready,” he said on Thursday. “But all I can do is to continue to focus on what I can control and that’s preparing well for South Australia and hopefully winning games for my state.”Beau Webster’s returns over the last two seasons have been outstanding•Getty ImagesBeau WebsterAn immediate question after Green’s injury was whether his replacement would be a like-for-like, or as close as could be found. That sounds an unlikely option with Bailey and Pat Cummins pointing out how often Australia have managed without an allrounder, while there remains confidence in Mitchell Marsh being able to bowl. Still, it is interesting to ponder the next in line given Green faces a lengthy lay-off.Webster, the Tasmania allrounder, has numbers that speak for themselves over the last two seasons. With the bat he has averaged 53.12 in the Sheffield Shield – including an opening-round hundred last week – while has taken 66 wickets with a combination of brisk medium pace and offspin. Add in bucket hands at slip and he’s an ultimate allrounder. The Australia A series is a chance for him to do it a level up and success there will keep him in the frame should there be a need for another allrounder down the track. His versatility could also put him in consideration for the Sri Lanka tour early next year.Aaron HardieAlongside Webster, Hardie is the other emerging allrounder and had an excellent limited-overs tour of England, especially with the ball whereas overall his batting is his primary suit. Bailey told that there had been consideration to trying to get Hardie one of the Australia A matches but with Green’s injury it was felt he would be needed through the ODI and T20I matches against Pakistan. There may be an opportunity for him to bat slightly higher in the order in the ODIs. He is due to return to Shield action at the weekend where he will be expected to slot in as part Western Australia’s top order. Hardie hasn’t scored a Shield century since his unbeaten 174 in 2021-22 final although did make one for Australia A in New Zealand a few weeks after that. In the last two seasons for WA he has averaged 31.45 so he may need a big season to push his case.And what about the bowlers?There is probably less mystery about who will be the back-up to the big three. It appears unlikely that Lance Morris will be in consideration amid his managed return from back problems (and a more recent thigh niggle) which leaves Boland and Michael Neser leading the way. Sean Abbott was part of the squad when India last toured in 2020-21 and, along with Neser, is someone who would bring some extra batting depth.

Ipswich Town have now last back-to-back games in the Premier League by a single goal, as Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace just about got the better of the Tractor Boys on a cold winter’s night at Portman Road.

The 1-0 win was secured in Palace’s favour courtesy of a sumptuous Jean-Philippe Mateta strike, after the number 14 had somehow wriggled free of various Ipswich markers, before then delicately lifting the ball above Arijanet Muric.

Kieran McKenna was crying out for one of his players to come up trumps in a similar way, but in the end it was a drab defeat for his men to take, with a number of Ipswich shirts underwhelming.

Ipswich's underperformers vs Palace

Not even the likes of Liam Delap could spark into life for the Premier League strugglers in order to attempt to pull off a result, with all three of the former Manchester City striker’s shots unfortunately not finding the back of Dean Henderson’s net.

In truth, it was a poor overall showing from the Suffolk side in the forward areas, with Omari Hutchinson lackadaisical in the number ten role just behind a misfiring Delap, as the ex-Chelsea midfielder squandered possession a hefty total of 19 times.

There were some positives to cling onto defensively at least, with Jacob Greaves standing out as a powerful presence in the heart of defence by completing 12 successful duels, but that wouldn’t matter much considering Ipswich lacked end product up the other end.

On top of that, even for all of Greaves’ glowing numbers, Mateta still managed to waltz through and break Ipswich hearts with his solo strike, with the slim defeat sending McKenna’s men all the way down to 19th spot in the league standings.

The frustrated Tractor Boys boss could well need to be more cutthroat with his team selections moving forward to try and get more out of his up-and-down troops, therefore, with Wes Burns in danger of being axed after a poor showing versus the Eagles.

Burns' performance in numbers

Away from Delap regularly fluffing his lines and Hutchinson continually losing possession, Burns really struggled to get going against Glasner’s visitors too, which would act as a detriment to his side attempting to fashion an opening down the right wing.

Only managing one assist to date since making leap up to the Premier League, it could be that the Welshman isn’t cut out for the huge step-up in quality from the EFL, as the lacklustre Ipswich number seven failed to strike any sort of fear into the Palace defence whenever he roamed forward.

Stat

Burns

Minutes played

66

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Shots

1

Touches

33

Accurate passes

8/13 (62%)

Accurate crosses

1/8

Possession lost

15x

Total duels won

2/3

Looking at the table above, not a lot went right for Burns at Portman Road, with his 33 touches coming in at less than Muric’s 51, whilst the experienced attacker regularly failed to beat the first man when firing crosses into the box, resulting in just one accurate cross being tallied up from eight attempted.

Also giving up possession a costly 15 times, it wasn’t a great shock to see East Anglian Daily Times journalist Alex Jones dish out a 5/10 rating to the 30-year-old post-match, as he could now find his right wing spot is taken up by a new face for Ipswich’s next league encounter versus AFC Bournemouth.

Beloved in Suffolk for his heroics last season on the way to promotion being reached, with Burns helping himself to an impressive ten goal contributions in the Championship, it’s clear that the Premier League might just be a bridge too far for the out-of-sorts forward to handle.

Therefore, a fresher option could be thrown into the XI by McKenna next, who will want a reaction from his camp when the Cherries travel to Portman Road shortly.

Hutchinson 2.0: Ipswich could sign £100k-p/w "superstar in the making"

The incredible talent could provide Ipswich with what they need to stay up.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 1, 2024

Welsh Fire bowled out for 108 chasing 123 for first victory of season after Dunkley 49 lifts Brave

Matt Gilby22-Aug-2022Anya Shrubsole took three wickets as Southern Brave beat bottom-placed Welsh Fire by 14 runs in a rain-impacted match to move top of the Women’s Hundred table at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.Sophia Dunkley made an impressive 49 before skipper Shrubsole took 3 for 20 as the visitors ripped through a dismal Fire batting line-up who were bowled out for 108 and never looked like chasing down the total after openers Tammy Beaumont and Hayley Matthews were removed.The Fire initially struggled on a wet outfield, unable to back-up their impressive bowling which featured six wicket takers, as they dropped five catches which proved costly as Brave posted 122 for 8.Amanda-Jade Wellington, the leading wicket-taker in the competition, moved her tally to eight after picking up 1 for 21 and Lauren Bell and Georgia Adams, who scored a quick-fire unbeaten 25 with the bat, also bowled superbly to take two wickets apiece.Brave had got off to a quick start with the bat before Fire removed Smriti Mandhana for 13 and Dani Wyatt for 16 to prevent the Southampton-based side from posting a fourth 50-run opening partnership in as many matches.Alex Hartley, in particular, was excellent in the middle period and finished with 1 for 12 from her 20 balls to prevent Brave’s acceleration as key wickets fell at fairly consistent intervals. Fire would have been looking at a much smaller chase if it wasn’t for poor fielding that included a couple of simple chances, one of which was knocked over the boundary rope for six by Annabel Sutherland.Dunkley was put down on 12 before going on to top-score with a composed 49 from 43 and Adams, who was also dropped late on, played well for her 16-ball knock at the back end of the innings.In reply and with Rachael Haynes out ill, Fire were even more reliant on Matthews and skipper Beaumont, but she was caught off the bowling of Bell for 9 on the ninth ball of the innings and Matthews struggled to get going before being caught at slip for a run-a-ball 20 off the in-form Wellington.Brave used the drying pitch effectively to continue to pick up consistent wickets throughout. When Shrubsole had Sutherland caught behind for 22 to leave Fire 67 for 5 and requiring 56 more, the result felt inevitable. Shrubsole and Adams tore through the tail and got home comfortably despite a late attack from Sarah Bryce, who made 28 before being run out on the penultimate ball to leave Fire 108 all out.Fire sit bottom and are still winless from their three matches, whilst Brave took their fourth win from four to leapfrog Birmingham Phoenix at the top before Phoenix play on Tuesday, against Oval Invincibles.

Chelsea have vowed to take action after defender Wesley Fofana was racially abused after the Blues' Premier League defeat to Arsenal.

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Fofana features in Chelsea's clash with ArsenalAngers Gooners with challenge on Declan Rice Racially abused after the gameFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Fofana has taken to social media to share screenshots of racist messages he received after Chelsea were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.

Chelsea have been quick to react to the abuse and have pledged to work with social media companies in a bid to discover the identities of those involved.

AdvertisementCHELSEA ISSUE STATEMENT

"Chelsea Football Club is appalled and disgusted by the recent rise in online racial abuse towards our players," the club said in a statement. "The abuse Wes Fofana has been subjected to following yesterday’s fixture is abhorrent and will not be tolerated. Wes and all our players have our full support. We will work with the relevant authorities in identifying the perpetrators and take the strongest possible action."

WHAT FOFANA SAID

On top of the statement from his club, Fofana spoke out on Instagram, saying: "2025, stupidity and cruelty no longer hide. It's not just football, it's not just a 'game' when some believe that their skin color makes them superior to others. It's time for things to change, for platforms to take action, and for everyone to take responsibility."

Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Fofana played 86 minutes of the defeat at the Emirates Stadium and was in the spotlight for a challenge on Declan Rice. The defender escaped a red card for the tackle which angered some Arsenal fans and saw former referee Dermot Gallagher tell Sky Sports that Fofana was fortunate to stay on: “I think this was really really lucky throughout the game, it wasn’t just this, he committed a number of offences. Ironically he got yellow carded later in the game for delaying the restart but I don’t think that’s a red card if it’s a yellow card he can’t argue and if he gets a yellow card, it may stop him from committing a number of the challenges he committed after.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was backed by the board in the summer transfer window after key player Matt O’Riley was sold to Brighton.

The attacking midfielder left the Scottish giants to sign for the Premier League side in a deal that was reported to be a fee of more than £25m, breaking the domestic transfer record for the Hoops.

His departure from Parkhead was a big blow for the Northern Irish head coach and the team, as he had been a big player for the club last season.

Starts

37

Goals

18

Assists

13

Minutes per goal

181

Key passes per game

2.5

Assists per game

0.35

As you can see in the table above, O’Riley made a huge impact at the top end of the pitch with his ability to score and assist goals from a central midfield position.

However, Celtic did swoop to sign the likes of Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo, Kasper Schmeichel, Auston Trusty, and Adam Idah, among others, to bolster the squad.

With the January transfer window on the horizon, the club could dip into the market again, and here is how the dream Celtic XI could look in February if everything falls into place.

1 Kasper Schmeichel

Firstly, there is no need to upgrade on Kasper Schmeichel, who arrived on a free transfer from Anderlecht in the summer, between the sticks.

The 38-year-old colossus has kept nine clean sheets in 12 appearances in the Premiership, saving 87% of the efforts on his goal, so far, and has Viljami Sinisalo as his back-up.

2 Alistair Johnston

Another player whose position in the team should be secured is right-back Alistair Johnston, who has been a terrific performer since his move to Glasgow.

The Canada international has scored four goals and created eight ‘big chances’ in 12 appearances in the Premiership so far this season for the Hoops, which illustrates the attacking impact he can have from a full-back position.

3 Cameron Carter-Vickers

At the heart of the defence, Rodgers will be hoping that Cameron Carter-Vickers can return to fitness and avoid any further injury issues, having already missed seven matches this season.

The 26-year-old star has been a dominant presence, winning 73% of his duels across eight league games, when he has been available to play.

4 Auston Trusty

This is a position that is still up for grabs, as Liam Scales and Auston Trusty are fighting it out to be the first-choice option in the left-sided centre-back role.

In the Premiership this season, the American summer signing has completed 95% of his attempted passes, made 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game, and is yet to make a single error that has led to a penalty or goal in the Premiership.

Whereas, Scales has completed 92% of his attempted passes, made 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game, and has made an error that led to a shot and given away a penalty, which suggests that Trusty has the edge over him at the moment.

5 Greg Taylor

At left-back, Greg Taylor could remain the first-choice option for Rodgers, having started nine of the club’s 12 matches in the Premiership so far this season.

6 Callum McGregor

At the base of the midfield, there is little doubt that the captain, the leader of the team, Callum McGregor will remain a regular ahead of the second half of the season.

The former Scotland international has scored an eye-catching five goals in ten league games so far this season, to go along with a pass completion rate of 93%.

7 Arne Engels

Another summer signing who could continue to shine is Arne Engels, who has scored two goals and created three ‘big chances’ in seven league starts since his move from Augsburg.

8 Lennon Miller

The first potential new signing in this starting XI comes in the third and final midfield position, as Lennon Miller could be brought in to bolster the middle of the park.

It was recently reported that the Hoops are preparing a swoop to sign the Motherwell star, who is valued at £4m, alongside Rangers and Liverpool ahead of the January window.

Appearances

12

11

12

Goals

3

1

2

Big chances created

5

4

6

Key passes per game

1.3

1.7

2.0

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.6

2.5

3.1

Ball recoveries per game

3.8

3.6

6.3

As you can see in the table above, the 18-year-old star has outperformed Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo in a host of key statistics in the league this season, which suggests that he could offer more as an all-round midfielder if he signs in January.

Therefore, the Scottish star, who has been hailed as “ridiculous” by James McFadden, could be a fantastic addition to the squad for the second half of the season.

9 Nicolas Kuhn

In a dream world, Celtic will be able to keep hold of Nicolas Kuhn, who has scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists in 18 appearances for the club this season.

10 Kyogo Furuhashi

In the centre-forward position, Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah will still be fighting it out to start. Rodgers has preferred the former so far, starting him in nine of the 12 league games, and that could stay the same.

Stats highlights from a day when England’s two fast bowlers showed, yet again, why they are among the best in the world

S Rajesh04-Nov-20152 Number of times England have scored 284 or more in the fourth innings of a Test in Asia: they made 285 for 7 in a drawn game in Kandy in 2003, and 312 in Dubai in the previous Test.4 Number of 150-plus scores for Mohammad Hafeez in Tests, out of his nine Test hundreds. His last three centuries have all been 150-plus – 197 against New Zealand in Sharjah last year, 224 against Bangladesh in April 2015, and 151 here. It’s also his highest second-innings score, comfortably beating his previous-best of 104.2 Number of Test hundreds for Hafeez in Sharjah; it’s the only venue where he has more than one Test century.31 Wickets taken by England’s fast bowlers in the series, at an average of 24.58 and economy rate of 2.29 runs per over. England’s spinners took 20 wickets, at an average of 59.85 and an economy rate of 4.06.1.87 James Anderson’s economy rate in the series – he bowled 108.1 overs and conceded just 203 runs. It’s the first time he has gone at under two an over in a series, while Stuart Broad’s economy rate of 2.07 is also his best in a series.10 Wickets for Shoaib Malik in this series so far, at an average of 20.60. His wickets tally twice as many as his previous-highest in a series. His match haul of six wickets so far is also his best in a Test – he had never previously taken more than four in a match.9 Number of times Ian Bell has been dismissed for 0 or 1 in 24 Test innings in 2015. It’s the joint second-highest by any player in a calendar year, next only to Mervyn Dillon’s ten such dismissals in 2002. In Dillon’s case, all ten such dismissals were for ducks, while Bell has six ones and three ducks. In 181 previous innings before 2015, Bell only had 17 such dismissals.325 Runs added by Pakistan’s first, third, fifth, seventh and ninth wickets in their second innings; the even-numbered wickets contributed exactly 30 runs.

Ipswich Town have been one of the Premier League’s surprise packages this season.

There was an expectation before a ball was kicked this year that Kieran McKenna’s side would struggle and that perhaps their rapid ascent up the English football pyramid would catch up with them.

However, we’re now 11 games into the campaign, and the Tractor Boys have picked up eight points courtesy of five hard-fought draws and an imposing win away to Tottenham Hotspur just before the international break.

One of the goalscorers that day was summer signing Liam Delap, who has been simply sensational for the club so far, and should the board want to get even more out of him, they should look to sign another up-and-coming talent they were linked to in the summer.

Delap's incredible form

Ipswich decided to splash around £20m on Delap back in July.

While fans were aware of his ability in the Championship thanks to his loan move to Hull City last season, signing him was risky as he’d had minimal experience of top-flight football at City.

Those concerns even remained a few games into the season for some, as the Winchester-born poacher had only scored one goal in his first five games for the club, but then, against Aston Villa in gameweek six, he announced himself.

In his 90 minutes of football that day, the 21-year-old phenom put the ball in the back of the net twice to earn his team an unlikely point, and since then, he’s scored another three goals and provided an assist for good measure.

That means the former City gem now has seven goal involvements in just 11 league appearances for the Tractor Boys this season, equating to a sensational average of one every 1.57 games.

It’s hard to overstate just how much of a success Delap has been at Portman Road this season, but the board could make him even better if they make an effort to sign another 21-year-old talent who’s been quite the creative spark in the Championship this year.

The Championship gem Ipswich should sign

So, the player in question is West Bromwich Albion star Tom Fellows.

Interestingly, there seems to be some confusion about whether Ipswich were interested in him over the summer, as Football Insider claimed that they began talks over a potential £11m move, while other reports claim that there was no interest at all.

Whatever the truth is, the Tractor Boys should be in for the talented 21-year-old regardless, as he was impressive last season and has looked even more so this season.

For example, in 38 appearances for the Baggies last year, the “explosive” wideman, as football talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, scored five goals and provided four assists, equating to a goal involvement every 4.22 games.

However, this season has seen the Solihull-born gem become far more of a creator, and as things stand, he’s provided five assists in just 15 appearances, equating to one every three games.

Season

23/24

24/25

Appearances

38

15

Goals

5

0

Assists

4

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.23

0.33

It’s this ability to create chances from the right-hand side that would make him an ideal teammate for Delap, as so far, Leif Davies has the most assists in the Ipswich squad with just two to his name, while the most productive right-sided player is Omari Hutchinson with just one.

Ultimately, it might prove a challenging transfer to get over the line, but given his creativity talents and what that could mean for Delap, they should be doing all they can to bring Fellows to Portman Road in 2025.

Ipswich want to sign future "Premier League star" who's outscoring Delap

The sensational winger would make Ipswich much more dangerous.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 14, 2024

Chelsea could reportedly send Jadon Sancho back to Manchester United in a stunning reversal of their loan deal by paying a "financial penalty".

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Chelsea have obligation to buy SanchoYet the Blues could bypass this clauseMan Utd return still possibleFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Sancho moved to Stamford Bridge on a season-long loan following a breakdown in his relationship with former United boss Erik ten Hag last season. The agreement includes an obligation to buy if Chelsea finish 14th or higher in the Premier League, triggering a fee between £22-25 million depending on their final position. With Enzo Maresca's side currently sitting in fourth place, well clear of 14th-placed United ironically, the conditions for a permanent transfer appear likely to be met.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

According to thethere remains a possibility that Sancho could return to Old Trafford this summer if Chelsea decide to back away from the deal, though this would come at a 'significant financial cost' as per the terms agreed with United. The west Londoners are said to be scouting several wingers, with Real Betis talent Jesus Rodriguez emerging as a potential target for the summer transfer window.

Another factor complicating the situation is Sancho’s contract negotiations. Typically, when a player joins a club on loan with an obligation to buy, personal terms are agreed in advance to ensure a seamless transition. However, the report claims that the 24-year-old has not yet reached an agreement with Chelsea regarding long-term wages and other terms.

DID YOU KNOW?

United are still feeling the financial burden of Sancho’s £73m transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2021 with club chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who name-checked the winger as one of several signings from the previous regime INEOS are having to put up with, confirming that another £17m of the transfer fee was due to be paid this season. Sancho, who has 16 months remaining on his lucrative five-year contract, earns a reported £250,000 per week, with United currently covering a portion of his wages while the Blues paying £100,000. If he were to return to Old Trafford, the club would once again be responsible for his full salary, creating further financial headaches for United’s new ownership group.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR SANCHO?

Sancho’s potential return would present a major challenge for INEOS, as the club would be forced to find a new buyer for yet another high-earning player who is no longer part of their plans. With the summer transfer window approaching, Chelsea must soon decide whether to keep Sancho or cut their losses, while United face the risk of being stuck with an expensive and unwanted asset.

Strikes have lost pace bowler Sarah Coyte who has joined Melbourne Renegades

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Aug-2022Former West Indies allrounder Deandra Dottin, who recently announced her surprise retirement from international cricket, has signed with Adelaide Strikers in the WBBL while South Africa batter Laura Wolvaardt will return for a third season.Last week Dottin ended her West Indies career citing issues around the team culture and environment but added she would continue to play in various T20 leagues.Dottin has previously played for Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat, making 424 runs in 29 matches with a top score of 60 not out alongside taking 17 wickets.Related

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“Deandra is a match-winner who will bring big game experience and elite performance to Adelaide this summer,” Strikers heads coach Luke Williams said.”With more than 250 international appearances across T20 and ODI cricket, including multiple World Cups, as well as caps in the Hundred and WBBL, Deandra will be a fantastic addition to our squad.”Dottin said: “I am so excited to get to Adelaide and play in the WBBL again. The Strikers are a brilliant team and I hope I can help them take that extra step and bring home the title. I can’t wait to meet all the fans and put on a show for everyone with my new teammates.”Meanwhile, Strikers will also be able to call on the top-order class Wolvaardt who continues her association with the team. Last season she scored 381 runs at 29.30 and a strike-rate of 121.33However, Strikers have lost the services of pace bowler Sarah Coyte who has signed a two-year deal with Melbourne Renegades.Coyte, who was capped 81 times across all formats by Australia, has taken 93 wickets in the WBBL from 91 matches and is renowned as one of the best death bowlers in the game.”I’m looking forward to a new challenge,” she said. “I think this Renegades group is an exciting one to be part of and when the opportunity presented to come across, I jumped at it. Hopefully I can continue my form in the Big Bash from the last couple of seasons.””I like to keep things very simple. Hopefully I can add a bit of experience to the group with my bowling and through the lower order and also help some of the younger players to trust their skills out in the middle.”Meanwhile, Brisbane Heat are close to completing their WBBL squad after re-signed pace bowler Zoe Cooke and handing 18-year-old legspinner Grace Parsons her first contract.

We dug through the archives to put together a collection of some of our best features on the Sri Lankan maestro

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Aug-2015The individualist (December 2004)
Charlie Austin: A tough-talking, sharp-thinking, ball-bashing man with a planUnrewarded brilliance (November 2007)
Peter English: Whenever Sri Lankans look back to 2007 they will always wonder what would have happened if Kumar Sangakkara did not tear his hamstring in the tour game in AdelaideWhen Sanga took on Australia (December 2012)
In an interview with Andrew Fidel Fernando, Sangakkara looks back on his epic 192 in HobartPractice makes perfect (December 2007)
The secret of a purple patch: practice, and keeping things simpleSangakkara’s sensational 2007 (December 2007)
S Rajesh: A statistical look at one of Sangakkara’s most prolific years’I felt a bullet fizz past my ear’ (March 2009)
A day after the Lahore terror attack on the Sri Lankan team, Sangakkara talks about the harrowing incident’I want to score 30 Test hundreds’ (March 2010)
Sangakkara talks to Harsha Bhogle about his ambitions, captaincy, the roles he juggles in the team, the future of Test cricket, and what he plans to do after retirementSangakkara’s challenge to cricket (July 2011)
Peter Roebuck: His speech at Lord’s should serve as a wake-up call to administrators to use the game to serve people, and not for selfish gains’There’s nothing that comes close to Test cricket’ (September 2011)
On the eve of his 100th Test, Sangakkara looks back on 11 years in international cricket in an interview with Dan Brettig’Mental strength is about not being afraid to make mistakes’ (February 2013)
A year before Sri Lanka won the World Twenty20, Sangakkara talks about the side’s problems performing in finals of big tournamentsMy father, my critic (December 2013)
Andrew Fidel Fernando meets the Sangakkara family, including Kumar’s father, who wants him to strive for a standard of consistency only matched by Don BradmanThe case for Sangakkara’s all-time greatness (February 2014)
Andrew Fidel Fernando: Sangakkara does not usually feature in discussions of modern batting greats. His numbers demand for that to change’A lot has gone out of the game with two new balls’ (March 2015)
After topping the run-charts in the 2015 World Cup, Sangakkara talks about one-day batting: technique, mindset, risk calculation, touch v power, and innovationThe cult of Sanga (August 2015)
Andrew Fidel Fernando: Few Sri Lankans have been as widely adored. None has so painstakingly chiselled his way to greatness