Dane van Niekerk proves Invincible as the Hundred is launched with a thriller

Kate Cross stars with three wickets for Originals, but victory is sealed with two balls to spare

Matt Roller21-Jul-2021A fluent, unbeaten half-century from captain Dane van Niekerk saw Oval Invincibles recover from 12 for 3 to chase down 136 with two balls to spare on the opening night of the Hundred as English cricket ushered in its new 100-ball competition.The standalone women’s match launched the competition in front of a 7,395 crowd in at The Oval, with Kate Cross, Manchester Originals’ captain, admitting “we don’t know what a good score is so we thought we’d go out and give it a go” as she opted to bat first.The Originals’ total of 135 for 6 was held together by Lizelle Lee’s anchoring innings of 42 off 39 balls, with middle-order cameos from Harmanpreet Kaur and captain Cross injecting some life into the innings and dragging them up towards a defendable score.Cross struck three times in her first seven balls in the run chase, as the Invincibles slipped to 12 for 3 and then 36 for 4 as their hopes quickly faded. But van Niekerk added 73 with Marizanne Kapp to keep them in the game, profiting from two dropped catches and cashing in when the Originals’ spinners dropped short.Kapp fell for 38 to a sharp leg-side stumping by Ellie Threlkeld – though subsequent replays suggested she had taken the ball in front of the stumps – with 27 needed from 17 balls, but Villiers’ straight six off Sophie Ecclestone kept the rate in check, and van Niekerk flashed an edge for four past Threlkeld with the scores tied to seal the win.Opening salvoKapp took the new ball for the Invincibles and emulated Sussex’s James Kirtley by starting a new format of the game with a wide, spraying one down the leg side to her compatriot Lee. But after an ignominious start, Kapp found both rhythm and nip, seaming the ball to beat Lee’s outside edge twice in her first set of five balls.That was enough for van Niekerk to decide to leave her on for a second set of five balls, and the move was vindicated almost immediately, as the in-form Emma Lamb nicked her second ball through to Sarah Bryce. Umpire Tim Robinson was the only person in the ground to miss the noise as the ball passed the bat, and his not-out decision was quickly overturned via the DRS.Kate Cross was the pick of the Manchester Original attack with three early wickets•AFP/Getty ImagesBut with the powerplay shortened to 25 balls, the Originals decided to keep attacking. Lee dispatched Tash Farrant for consecutive boundaries to get herself up and running, before crunching Shabnim Ismail for four through point, while Georgie Boyce lashes consecutive fours off Kapp as the Invincibles conceded 31 runs in the final 15 balls of fielding restrictions.Kaur, blimeyThe Invincibles opted to use their spinners – van Niekerk and Mady Villiers – in initial 10-ball bursts from each end, and after Villiers had Boyce caught at extra cover, van Niekerk opted to keep her on for a second consecutive set of 10 balls from the Pavilion End. It proved to be a mistake: having conceded 13 from her first 15, Villiers was taken for four fours in five balls as Kaur evoked the spirit of Derby 2017 and found full flow.

Farrant had Lee caught at cover for an anchoring 42 off 39 and removed Kaur shortly after, dinking to short fine leg, but her 29 off 16 balls had added impetus to the innings. Cross and Ecclestone traded sixes in the final set of 10, and while Farrant added a third by having Ecclestone stumped thanks to a canny offcutter, the Originals’ 135 looked like a competitive score.Invincibles’ false startCross struck twice in two balls during her first set of five, having Alice Capsey caught behind while lap-sweeping and crashing one into the top of Grace Gibbs’ stumps. Fran Wilson calmly flicked her hat-trick ball down to fine leg for four, but fell shortly after as she chipped a catch to Kaur at mid-off to give Laura Jackson a wicket with her first ball.Related

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Cross’ third wicket, Georgia Adams plinking a pull to short midwicket, left the Invincibles four down inside 32 balls and reeling, but van Niekerk cut and pulled hard against the spin, trying to marshal the strike in partnership with Kapp and getting a life on 30 when Kaur put her down at mid-off.Captain fantasticEcclestone held the key as one of the world’s premier death bowlers, and had conceded only three runs off the first 11 balls of her allocation before Kapp thumped her over long-on for six. Her dismissal off the next ball, stumped down the leg side with lightning hands by Threlkeld, but when Mignon du Preez shelled a chance in the deep off van Niekerk with 24 needed off 15, the momentum shifted once more.

Van Niekerk back-foot punched Hartley for four more to take the equation to 16 off 10 balls before Ecclestone’s final set of five, and when Villiers slapped her second legal ball over long-on, the required rate was a run a ball. With six to win off the last over, Villiers backed away and squeezed Cross’ yorker away behind square on the off side, before van Niekerk’s thick outside edge sealed the deal with two balls to spare.

Notts Outlaws suffer T20 Blast blow as Dan Christian departs for Australia

Captain of defending champions handed possible T20 World Cup chance

David Hopps08-Jun-2021

Dan Christian led Nottinghamshire to the 2020 T20 Blast title•Getty Images

Dan Christian, captain and inspiration of defending T20 Blast champions the Notts Outlaws, has pulled out of the group stages on the eve of the tournament after winning an international recall at the age of 38.Overseas withdrawals from England’s flagship T20 tournament are a fact of life, such is the crowded nature of the calendar, but this one counts as the most unexpected.Christian has not played for Australia for nearly four years – a T20I against India in Ranchi – but he now returns to Australia ahead of the tour to the West Indies wondering if he can gain an unlikely selection for the T20 World Cup.Related

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For Notts, this is more than just another overseas drop-out. Arguably no overseas player has been embedded into a county T20 side to such good effect.Christian has featured in their last seven campaigns and took over as captain as 2016, supervising their development into the most powerful T20 side in England. He has since led the Outlaws to four Finals Day appearances in five years, winning the trophy in 2017 and 2020.Nottinghamshire’s head coach Peter Moores said: “It changes things for us late in the day ahead of the tournament, but first and foremost you can only be really pleased for Dan.”To be called up again by a nation as strong as Australia, and for that to come on the back of playing some of the best cricket of his career and at the age of 38, it’s a great achievement for him. We’re proud, as a club, of the role we have played in that.”It’s going to be strange not having Dan around. He’s been here for every Blast campaign since 2015 and he’s led the side brilliantly as well, but what it will do is create opportunities for other players to step up.”Steven Mullaney will step up to captain the side, whose tournament begins on Wednesday evening against Worcestershire Rapids at New Road. They are regarded as favourites for the tournament, with considerable batting depth, but they are an ageing side and Christian’s departure will be a considerable blow.Christian said: “Getting picked by Australia again is a significant ambition fulfilled for sure, and particularly exciting in such an important year of T20 cricket heading into the World Cup.”It’s disappointing that I won’t get to don the Notts jersey this year. It’s become a big part of my life in recent times and I’ll miss it. But there is depth in our squad and a huge amount of experience in there as well.”Australia’s expanded preliminary squad also includes Ben McDermott, the wicketkeeper-batter who was due to feature in the Blast with Derbyshire. His call-up is a further blow to Derbyshire, after they lost Australia fast bowler Billy Stanlake to injury.

Everton handed boost regarding "outstanding" £100k-a-week hero’s future

Everton have been given a huge boost regarding the future of an "outstanding" player on the eve of their season opener against Brighton, according to a new update from journalist Graeme Bailey.

Everton transfer news

The Blues get their new Premier League season up and running this weekend, with a home clash against Brighton coming their way on Saturday afternoon. It will be fascinating to see how the new signings fare at Goodison Park, following a summer that has seen the likes of Jake O'Brien, Jesper Lindstrom and Iliman Ndiaye come in.

There is still time for further reinforcements to arrive at Everton, with plenty of rumours doing the rounds in recent days. That includes Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra, who could help fill the void left by Amadou Onana, having joined Aston Villa earlier in the transfer window.

Habib Diarra in action for Strasbourg

The Blues are also believed to have made contact with Borussia Dortmund teenager Youssoufa Moukoko over a summer move after his proposed move to Marseille fell through. The 19-year-old scored five goals in the Bundesliga last season, despite only making four starts.

Another young player, Barcelona's Vitor Roque, has also emerged as a summer transfer target for Everton, with the La Liga giants seemingly happy to let him go despite only snapping him up recently. Now, a key update has emerged over the future of a current Goodison hero, too, in what could be a welcome boost for Sean Dyche.

Everton boosted over "outstanding" player

Speaking to Everton.News, Bailey claimed that Everton are "hopeful" that Dominic Calvert-Lewin will stay put this summer, despite interest from Newcastle.

"I still wouldn’t rule Newcastle out of this. There’s still two weeks to go. Newcastle like him a lot. He still hasn’t signed that contract. Nothing imminent, but I think over the last two weeks I wouldn’t rule anything out. I think there’s still interest there from a few teams.

"There’s been a few sniffs around him from what I’m hearing, but there’s not a lot Everton can do at this point. He’s got a year left, they want him to stay. From what I’m hearing they’re pretty hopeful."

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Keeping hold of Calvert-Lewin would feel like a massive positive for Everton, even though injuries have plagued him down the years, preventing him from consistently finding the form that saw him score 29 Premier League goals in 2019/20 and 2020/21 combined.

When available, the 27-year-old remains a formidable striker who combines pace, power and strong finishing, with Dyche hailing him last season.

"I thought he was excellent. He's had a bit of illness. We're hopeful that has passed, he had it before the game, so I must commend him on that. His physical performance was outstanding, he's not quite over it but we hope it settles down a bit."

Everton tracking £45k-p/w Onana replacement with "insane athletic ability"

He could be perfect for Sean Dyche’s system.

ByBen Browning Aug 15, 2024

Newcastle could still potentially chance their arm, looking to make a late move for the £100,000-a-week-earning Calvert-Lewin, but if Everton can retain his services beyond this summer, it could end up feeling every bit as important as any new signing that comes in.

As it happened: Queensland vs New South Wales, Sheffield Shield final, 1st day

Recap how the opening day of the final in Brisbane unfolded

Andrew McGlashan15-Apr-2021*Most recent entry will appear at the top, please refresh your page for the latest updates. All times are local.4.30pm: Closing stagesNew South Wales have made a breakthrough, Josh Hazlewood finding the edge of Joe Burns with a terrific delivery, but they are desperate to strike again in the final period of the day. Nathan Lyon has found some big spin early in his spell and Trent Copeland has challenged Marnus Labuschagne.

3.50pm: Starc strains for a breakthroughThe Queensland openers, Bryce Street and Joe Burns, have repelled the early exchanges against the new ball. Street has stood up against Mitchell Starc with the pair sharing a few words after the batter was struck on the chest. There have been a few near-misses – Trent Copeland nearly struck first ball when he squared up Burns – but New South Wales have not yet been rewarded. They need something soon.3.00pm: New South Wales 143 all outMichael Neser walks off after his five-wicket haul•Getty ImagesA superb performance from Michael Neser and Jack Wildermuth has given Queensland control of the final. Neser took the final two wickets after tea to finish with 5 for 27. New South Wales will need to make inroads through the rest of the final session to get themselves back into the game. Having seen the success of the Queensland attack, Josh Hazlewood is the type of bowler who could be a considerable handful if he gets things right.

Michael Neser and Jack Wildermuth:

29.2-11-48-9#SheffieldShield

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) April 15, 2021

2.10pm: Tea – New South Wales 8 for 123It’s not looking great for the visitors on the opening day. Jack Wildermuth ended the afternoon session with two wickets in two balls by removing Mitchell Starc and Sean Abbott. It will be down their bowling attack (a very strong one, it must be said) to keep them in the game.Here’s Dan Brettig on the day so far

There was always a gambling element to the youthful batting lineup selected by NSW for the Sheffield Shield final, betting on talent over experience to generate enough runs against Queensland. As the Blues ran into enormous trouble on the first afternoon at Allan Border Field, limping into tea at 8 for 123, the balance of the side was cause for some reflection. In several ways, the Blues’ young bats were unable to deal with the pressure of the bowling and the vagaries of a crusty pitch. Matt Gilkes misjudged Michael Neser and was bowled shouldering arms; Jason Sangha’s flying start was ended when he chose the wrong ball to pull; Jack Edwards drove unwisely at a tempting Neser away drifter, and Baxter Holt hung his bat out in a fashion he won’t want to look at on too many replays. With Daniel Hughes and Kurtis Patterson unable to go on to truly substantial scores, it added up to a world of pain for the visitors, even as Mitchell Swepson stood wicketless.

12.55pm: Michael Neser, againIs there a player more unlucky to not yet have played a Test than Michael Neser? He is such a consistent performer for Queensland and his post-lunch spell has put them in control with him quickly adding the scalp of Jack Edwards to that of Jason Sangha. He has been a regular part of Australia squads for the last two years but hasn’t yet been able to crack into the XI. There’s an argument to say that the selectors should look beyond outright pace, especially on certain pitches. After this match he’s off for a spell with Glamorgan in county cricket where he’s sure to be a threat.12.35pm: Sangha throws it awayThere had been a hint of New South Wales putting the pressure back on Queensland after lunch with a little flurry of boundaries with Jason Sangha, who scored a century in the previous Shield match, being especially positive as he moved along at better than a run-a-ball. However, he then made a costly error when he took on a short delivery from Michael Neser and toe-ended a catch into the leg side to reinvigorate the home side with the ball still moving around.11.30am: Lunch – New South Wales 2 for 54The Queensland slip cordon wait for a chance•Getty ImagesIt’s been a tense morning at Allan Border Field with New South Wales doing well to be just two down. And there was a touch of controversy with the second wicket with Jack Wildermuth mighty close to a no-ball. Here’s Dan Brettig with a view of session:

An enigmatic surface made for an absorbing start to the Sheffield Shield final. Typically known for being flat as concrete, AB Field this time offered a pitch that was both extremely dry but also offering some green grass. The result was a generous helping of sideways seam movement with the new ball, well exploited by Michael Neser to bowl Matt Gilkes shouldering arms, and very nearly followed up by Jack Wildermuth having Daniel Hughes taken behind – only to see the low edge narrowly missed by a diving Jimmy Peirson. More intrigue was created by a couple of puffs of dust as balls appeared to go through the top of the surface, and there were signs of spin in Mitch Swepson’s exploratory couple of overs before lunch. Whatever happens, the pitch already looks like it will produce a result inside five days.

10.25am: What role for spin?The Queensland seamers have been excellent so far, but this match also features the two best spinners in Australia: Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Swepson. We’ve already seen one delivery disturb the surface, albeit from a short length, which suggests there will be something for the spinners later.Lyon has been doing his stuff for seasons, but this summer has been very significant in Swepson’s development – it looked like he was done for the season with a neck injury but has made a timely recovery and in Wollongong earlier this month produced a delivery Shane Warne would have been proud of.Dan Brettig looks at Swepson’s development and what it could mean for AustraliaESPNcricinfo Ltd10.00am: Early challenge against the new ballIt’s been a demanding start for the New South Wales top order against the new ball in the hands of Michael Neser and Jack Wildermuth. Neser has provided the first breakthrough when Matthew Gilkes shouldered arms and lost his off stump – it was a beautiful set-up from Neser who had been moving the ball away from the left hander. There has been nibble on offer for both bowlers.

Neser's consistency rewarded. Has been seaming it away but now moves it back to Gilkes who loses off stump, shouldering arms #SheffieldShield

— Daniel Brettig (@danbrettig) April 14, 2021

9.30am: Play underwayA nervy start from New South Wales in the opening. Daniel Hughes gets an inside edge into the vacant short leg area then Matthew Gilkes would have been run out with a direct hit. Will be interesting to see how much movement there is with the new ball due to the earlier start.9.15am: The talking pointsNew South Wales almost have Australia’s Test attack for this match (just missing Pat Cummins who is at the IPL) but there batting has a far more inexperienced look after changes were made following the 32 all out against Tasmania. However, there are already signs that was the right move. Dan Brettig takes a look at the future.The new breed: Jack Edwards, Lachlan Hearne, Jason Sangha•Getty Images

“The New South Wales selectors had already shown some degree of interest in the future arc of the national team by elevating Pat Cummins to the domestic limited-overs captaincy ahead of Smith. It was a call effectively indicating their preference for who they would like to see named national captain whenever the time comes for Tim Paine to surrender his post – most likely after next summer’s Ashes series, as commentary roles and the release of a memoir await him.

“At the same time, the Tasmania defeat forced a pivot to a far more less experienced batting line-up for the final Shield game against Queensland with a place in the final still to secure. Out went Larkin, Solway and Nevill; in came Matthew Gilkes, Jack Edwards, Lachlan Hearne and Baxter Holt as wicketkeeper. Of this group, Edwards (to turn 21 on the final day of the final) has already been heavily invested in, while Hearne (20) and Holt (21) have been growing ever more impatient for chances to show their wares.”

9.00am: The final actIt’s been a long season – the longest ever – and we’ve reached the final game. Who will take the Sheffield Shield title? It should be a terrific contest with a host of international players on show across both sides.The early news from Allan Border Field is that New South Wales have won the toss and will batQueensland 1 Bryce Street, 2 Joe Burns, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Usman Khawaja (capt), 5 Matt Renshaw, 6 Jimmy Peirson (wk), 7 Jack Wildermuth, 8 Michael Neser, 9 Xavier Bartlett, 10 Mitch Swepson, 11 Brendan DoggettNew South Wales 1 Daniel Hughes, 2 Matthew Gilkes, 3 Kurtis Patterson (capt), 4 Jason Sangha, 5 Jack Edwards, 6 Sean Abbott, 7 Baxter Holt (wk), 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Trent Copeland, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Josh HazlewoodWant to know how things are decided if it’s draw…here are the details

It's time for the final

Will it be Kurtis Patterson or Usman Khawaja holding the #SheffieldShield?

"We want to win whether it's in footy, in anything, particularly cricket," says Queensland captain Khawaja ahead of the final

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 14, 2021

Ashley Giles: 'The door can't be closed forever' as Alex Hales given hope of comeback

Ashley Giles has given the strongest hint yet that Alex Hales may be offered a route back into England’s white-ball set-up, almost two years after he was axed from the 2019 World Cup squad for failing two tests for recreational drugs.On Thursday Giles, England’s director of cricket, held what have been described as “positive” talks with James Cross, Hales’ agent, shortly after recording an interview for Sky Sports’ Cricket Show, in which he admitted that “the door can’t be closed forever” to a player who is regarded as one of the foremost batsmen on the T20 franchise circuit.”We all know what a good player Alex is,” Giles told Sky. “There has to be a way back in. In these times bringing someone back in – trying to reintegrate them – has been difficult to do because we’re living bubble life. But I certainly hope there are opportunities to do that this year.”Since his banishment from the England squad, Hales, 32, has carved himself a niche on the franchise circuit with a run of eye-catching performances – most recently at Australia’s Big Bash, where he finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 543 runs for Sydney Thunder.And the longer his exile has gone on, the more the questions have begun to stack up for the England management – not least the captain Eoin Morgan, who accused Hales of a “complete disregard” for the team’s values in the wake of his sacking, and has repeatedly stated that that such a fundamental loss of trust can only be rebuilt over time.Last month, Hales pleaded to be given closure on the matter, one way or the other, describing himself as “desperate” to return to the England set-up after the “sickening” manner in which his career crumbled on the eve of the World Cup.He claimed to have made significant lifestyle changes since his fall from grace, including a move to a village outside Nottingham, and during the recent BBL, his coach at Sydney Thunder, Shane Bond, criticised the ECB for failing to enquire after a player who would walk into most T20I line-ups in the world.Related

  • Morgan downplays prospect of Alex Hales recall

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  • Morgan backs Archer after doubts about Test commitment

Though Morgan has not yet spoken to Hales in his attempts to rebuild bridges between the pair, it is understood that he could be involved in a further round of talks with Hales’ management next month.Certainly, his stance appeared to have softened a touch when he was asked about Hales’ status on the eve of the first T20I in Ahmedabad.”A lot of players who aren’t in the squads have had really good winters,” Morgan said. “Alex is one of those, as is James Vince. The truth is it’s a very difficult side to get into at the moment.”Given the challenges around Covid, what we would normally do, if it wasn’t around, is try and have players that we perceive may be a part of the future coming in and spending time around the side, maybe two days out before the game,” he added.”Given that the regulations are being eased throughout our summer, that could be an opportunity for players outside of the squads to come in and be around the team, and Alex is in that place.”Giles added: “He is a high-class player. We are lucky at the moment we are blessed with a lot of high-class players in our T20 line-up particularly, but the door can’t be closed for ever. We all know that trust is a really important thing and that has to be won back.”

Contra o Bragantino e nos próximos jogos, críticas e elogios ao Flamengo são condicionadas pelo mesmo ponto

MatériaMais Notícias

Com apenas quatro nomes que formam a escalação ideal de Renato Gaúcho, o Flamengo enfrentou, nesta quarta, o Bragantino, que tem em Maurício Barbieri o técnico mais longevo da Série A, e empatou em 1 a 1. Qualquer análise, elogio ou crítica a respeito da atuação do time e do trabalho de Renato, nesta e nas próximas duas partidas, deve partir de um mesmo ponto: os vários desfalques.

-Lógico que temos um grupo bom, montado para disputar as três competições, mas o que peca nesses jogos é a falta de entrosamento – comentou Renato.

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A importância de Everton Ribeiro, Arrascaeta e Gabriel Barbosa, e os impactos que cada um deles têm no desempenho do Flamengo, já foram esmiuçados ao longo das últimas três temporadas. São três dos atletas mais técnicos atuando no futebol sul-americano, três dos maiores construtores e, no caso do camisa 9, o principal artilheiro. Soma-se a esta conta Isla, e o Flamengo não terá quatro de seus titulares também contra o Fortaleza, no sábado, e Juventude, na terça.

Tudo isso por conta da CBF, que não consegue organizar seus campeonatos e respeitar as datas Fifa. As reclamações da direção da Gávea durante a semana, se justificam, ainda mais pela entidade voltar atrás de acordo firmado em 2021.

Dito isso, há de se destacar, também, a série de problemas físicos no elenco principal do Flamengo. Para o jogo em Bragança Paulista, Renato não contou com Gustavo Henrique, Diego e David Luiz, além de Diego Alves, desfalque após apresentar quadro gripal. O técnico e o clube negam que a preparação física esteja com problemas e fala em desgaste pelos jogos. É verdade, mas, quando ficou 14 dias sem atuar em setembro, a equipe ainda teve ausências.

Diante disso, é normal que uma equipe sem sete titulares caia de rendimento – como aconteceu com o Flamengo diante do Bragantino, por maior que seja a qualidade de Vitinho, Pedro e Thiago Maia. O time sentiu, mas, dentro de uma proposta mais conservadora, fez jogo duro diante do sexto lugar do Brasileiro.

As falhas individuais defensivas não são uma novidade na temporada. Os erros de Léo Pereira já se acumulavam na etapa final quando Artur venceu a marcação do camisa 4 para marcar o gol de empate. Matheuzinho – outro reserva – também caiu de rendimento na etapa final, errando na saída de bola.

Diante disso tudo, a opção do técnico em Renê como substituto de Filipe Luís, que volta lesão, para marcar os avanços de Artur e Ytalo, e não em Ramon – jovem pedido pela torcida, passa a ser um detalhe no resultado da partida. As substituições feitas também não surtiram efeito, mas Vitinho e Andreas Pereira – dois dos melhores do Flamengo no jogo – deixaram o campo desgastados.

Os problemas nas próximas duas rodadas do Brasileirão, contra o Fortaleza, no sábado no Ceará, e Juventude, na terça-feira no Rio de Janeiro, continuarão para Renato Gaúcho, que não contará com os convocados. Os demais serão avaliados jogo a jogo. Entre as partidas, mal há tempo para a recuperação dos atletas, e os ajustes precisam ser feitos na base da conversa e vídeo, sem o técnico perder de vista o líder Atlético-MG, as semifinais da Copa do Brasil – nas últimas semanas de outubro – e a decisão da Libertadores, em 27 de novembro.

– Não temos tempo nem para descansar, nem para dormir direto. Vivemos dentro de hotel e avião. Agora seria o prazo, com os jogos da seleção, teríamos tempo, mas o campeonato não parou. Tem equipes que jogam duas, uma vez por semana, e o Flamengo joga três. Depois temos que ver as pessoas falando que o Flamengo não se interessa pelo Brasileiro – afirmou Renato Gaúcho.

Ipswich now targeting "extraordinary" partner for Hutchinson

Ipswich Town are already showing to their fans that they won't roll over and just allow relegation to happen moving up to the Premier League, with a new record buy now in through the door.

Omari Hutchinson has now officially rejoined the Portman Road ranks, signing for a record £20m fee, and will hope he can perform as well as he did in Ipswich's promotion story, whilst now playing in the elite division for Kieran McKenna's men.

It's unlikely that this will be the only statement buy from an Ipswich perspective in the weeks to come, with links now suggesting the Suffolk outfit are keen on signing a deadly striker to add even more firepower to the camp.

Ipswich keeping a close eye on Chile international

According to football journalist Darren Witcoop via social media, Ipswich are eyeing up the services of former Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton-Diaz this summer, with the Chile international keen on a return to the Premier League.

Ben Brereton Diaz in action for Villarreal.

On loan at Sheffield United for the back half of the campaign and making an impact for Chris Wilder's beleaguered Blades, Brereton-Diaz could be tempted by the prospect of joining another relegation-threatened team in Ipswich and being a hero, with fellow promoted side Southampton also reportedly interested.

What Brereton-Diaz can offer Ipswich

Ipswich will hope the current Villarreal man, who has struggled to be potent out in Spain since moving out there in 2023, can be a reliable source of goals, alongside Hutchinson, when making the switch back to England again.

The two new recruits could form a deadly partnership over time, as Ipswich aim to take teams by surprise with attacking intent – which saw them net 92 strikes in the Championship – over just being defensively staunch in the top division.

Last term, Ipswich's new signing scored ten goals and registered six assists in Championship action, leading us to believe that it could be quite the sight if he partnered Brereton-Diaz in attack.

Away from being a renowned cool finisher in the second tier, bagging 14 goals in his final full season at the level with Blackburn, Brereton-Diaz also showed, whilst playing at Bramall Lane on loan, that he won't let the bright lights of the Premier League faze him.

The striker helped himself to six goals from just 14 Blades games, scoring every 185 minutes for his short-term employers subsequently, to try and lift spirits in South Yorkshire away from the doom and gloom of a miserable relegation.

Brereton-Diaz

43

14

4

Conor Chaplin

44

13

9

George Hirst

26

7

6

Nathan Broadhead

38

13

4

Omari Hutchinson

44

10

6

As can be seen looking at the table above, the 25-year-old will hope he can be Ipswich's leading man in attack next season if signed, having beaten all of his competition in the Tractor Boys ranks last season for goals scored across a full Championship campaign.

Moreover, whilst Nathan Broadhead, Hutchinson and Conor Chaplin tore the second-tier apart from down the wings and behind the lone striker, Ipswich's number 27 in George Hirst struggled with just seven goals managed from the striker spot, with injury problems constantly troubling the former Leicester City man.

Therefore, it could be a wise buy from the powers that be at Portman Road to sign Brereton-Diaz, especially with Kayden Jackson no longer at the club and Freddie Ladapo looking to be moved on in the centre-forward spots.

Described as being "extraordinary" by former Riversiders boss Tony Mowbray, Brereton-Diaz will hope his goals, if he does move to Suffolk, helps Ipswich pull off an unbelievable escape from relegation.

Hutchinson & £20m+ star join: Ipswich's dream XI after the transfer window

Kieran McKenna would love to have this Ipswich Town starting eleven next season.

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Younis Khan to be Pakistan's batting coach till 2022 T20 World Cup

The PCB also has the option to extend his contract till the 2023 50-over World Cup.

Umar Farooq12-Nov-2020Younis Khan will be Pakistan’s full-time batting coach, after he accepted a long-term deal from the PCB to train the national team at least until the 2022 T20 World Cup. The PCB also has the option to consider extending Younis’ contract for another term, till the 2023 50-over World Cup. In addition to his role with the national team, Younis will also run the Batsmen Development Program at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre in Karachi.Younis had travelled with the team to England during the summer on a short-term stint as a batting consultant, with the PCB keen to fully integrate him into the coaching system. His immediate assignment now will be to assist the team’s head coach Misbah-ul-Haq in New Zealand, as Pakistan will fly out on November 23 for a tour that includes three T20Is and two Tests.”I am pleased to join the Pakistan cricket set-up on a long-term basis,” Younis said. “I felt honoured when I was given the opportunity this summer and thoroughly enjoyed my time, and I now look forward to continuing the work with the same group of people on an important tour of New Zealand. I am particularly happy that my scope of work has been extended beyond the national duties.”I am equally interested and keen at working at the domestic level by identifying potential batsmen and then helping them improve their skills. However, I want to remind all fans and followers that there is a process to achieve excellence and while some improvements can be noticed quickly, this will require lots of hard work, perseverance and patience before the required skills are embedded and start producing consistent results.”Younis’ integration into the Pakistan coaching set-up hasn’t been straightforward, as the former batsman had turned down the PCB on two previous occasions. The board had earlier tried to rope him in to work at the development level at the NCA, but those talks didn’t materialise into anything concrete. Then, in May last year, Younis was close to taking up a role as the country’s Under-19 coach, but that plan, too, did not come to pass. One of the sticking points, ESPNcricinfo reported, had to do with finances, while the other was with the job profile, as the PCB had proposed for Younis to be only a mentor and coach, while the former captain wanted a bigger say in the national team’s selection as well.The PCB moved on and turned to other former players, with an aim of revamping the entire coaching structure. While Younis brings with him vast experience as Pakistan’s highest scorer in Test cricket, he has had a frayed relationship with the PCB over the years. However, a pep talk that he gave to the players on video during the Covid-19 enforced lockdown earlier this year, as well as his first stint as batting coach in England, seem to have mended some bridges. Younis even received positive feedback from the backroom staff for his role during the tour of England, where he had to deal with a large pool of players.”I am delighted that Younis will now be with us for, at least, the next two years as a batting coach,” Wasim Khan, the PCB chief, said in a statement. “The feedback we received about Younis’ impact in a short period of time in England was excellent. His work ethics, commitment and knowledge are second to none, and I am confident that his appointment will benefit a number of talented batsmen who have either recently broken into the national side or are knocking on the door of international cricket.”The PCB will also be utilising his expertise and skills when he’s not on national duty as he will help local batsmen hone their skills. This is part of the PCB’s strategy to appoint highly-qualified and respected coaches across all major centres of the country so that we can start producing cricketers who can represent Pakistan with distinction.”

Transfer boost for Sunderland as 10-goal target now available for free

Whilst finding a new manager will be the priority for Sunderland in the coming weeks, the Championship club are also eager to get new players through the door, with the Black Cats now gifted a chance to get a previous target for a steal.

Sunderland set for mass change this summer

After falling well short of expectations last season, Sunderland are eager to put their 16th placed finish behind them and rebuild this summer. At the top of their to-do-list is a new manager with the Black Cats still on the lookout for a new man to fill the dugout at the Stadium of Light.

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Whilst a whole host of names have been suggested, the most prominent links have seen the Wearside outfit rumoured with a move for highly-rated managers Marti Cifuentes and Liam Rosenior. Cifuentes steered a once relegation-bound QPR side to a comfortable 18th place whilst Rosenior fell agonisingly short of the playoffs before being sacked by Hull City.

Despite their lack of a manger, Sunderland still appear eager to get deals done for new playing talent. The Black Cats have previously been linked with a move for Valencia B youngster Declan Frith, who is also a target for Watford. The 22-year-old winger is yet to make an appearance for Valencia's first team, meaning that he will no doubt be eager for a move away from Spain this summer.

With Kyril Louis-Dreyfus clearly not shy of getting deals done early, Sunderland seem to have been given a boost in their pursuit of a new striker.

Black Cats could get January target for free

As first reported by The Sunderland Echo, the Spanish media are stating that Musa Drammeh has not been offered a new contract at Sevilla, meaning that he will be able to leave on a free transfer this summer.

The Black Cats have been interested in the striker for some time with the club launching a failed pursuit of the 22-year-old back in January. Whilst Sunderland's desire to get a deal done has been known for some time they are reportedly now joined by fellow EFL sides Cardiff City and Birmingham City in the race for Drammeh's signature.

After finding the back of the net on ten occasions for Sevilla's reserves last season, it is clear why Louis-Dreyfus is pushing to get a deal done. The Gambian forward also contributed three assists during a campaign that saw him play as both a right winger and a centre forward.

Sunderland owner Kyril Louis Dreyfus.

The Gambian's versatility will be a huge asset to whoever occupies the dugout at the Stadium of Light at the beginning of next season. Whilst Drammeh boasts suitors from across the EFL, Sunderland's proven track record in giving significant minutes to young talents may be what tempts the 22-year-old towards Wearside this summer.

With the Black Cats willing to spend money to get a deal done in January, there is little doubt that they will consider returning for the striker during the window and get their man without needing to open their chequebook.

Arsenal make contact with £50m titan who’d be a "monster next to Rice"

Benjamin Sesko and Martin Zubimendi. Stars for RB Leipzig in Germany and La Liga's Real Sociedad respectively, thought to be Arsenal's top targets at this primitive stage, still actually six days away from the market's stalls officially opening.

But they are top targets nonetheless, and they are top targets for a reason. Declan Rice needs a midfield partner to improve the solidity and strength of Mikel Arteta's engine room, while signing a centre-forward is probably the most pressing concern, with the lack of an out-and-out goalscorer this season one of the main reasons the Gunners were trumped to the Premier League title race for the second successive campaign.

But Arsenal has not risen from the rubble to restore its position as one of Europe's elite outfits by approaching deals with a blinkered, one-dimensional vision. Arteta, Edu and Co have mapped out a range of high-class alternatives who could make a real impact at the Emirates Stadium next season.

In fact, given that German reporter Christian Falk has recently suggested that Arsenal are backing away from Zubimendi, rumours that a Premier League star could be headed for north London might start to gain speed.

Arsenal lining up Premier League star

According to GiveMeSport, Arsenal have been in contact with Everton star Amadou Onana's representatives ahead of a possible transfer this summer.

Amadou Onana for Everton

The Belgium international was one of Sean Dyche's standout players this season and Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed Arsenal's interest, revealing that the Londoners have been in contact with Everton.

Onana, aged 22, might be on the market for a ballpark figure of £50m this summer, and while that's no small sum, it could prove to be a bargain when assessing this prospective transfer in a few years.

Amadou Onana's season in numbers

Onana only joined Everton two years ago, signing from Lille for £33m after the Toffees beat West Ham United to his signature, and he has since showcased his quality as one of English football's most robust and talented young players.

Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.

Standing at 6 foot 4, the hulking Belgian is a lean and powerful player with defensive skill and aerial dominance. To evidence this: as per FBref, Onana ranks among the top 8% of central midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for tackles and the top 6% for aerial duels per 90.

This unrelenting output in holding the midfield together would certainly pay off for Arsenal if Onana could be assimilated into the Gunners squad, and having been described as a "monster duel winner" by analyst Raj Chohan a few months ago, he does appear to offer the style Arteta is searching for.

Onana has amassed 72 appearances for the Merseysiders across his two terms, and while injuries played their part in limiting him to only 23 Premier League starts this season, he still impressed with his tough tackling and commanding swagger.

Whether the 12-cap international is ready for a prominent role at a top team such as Arsenal is unknown, but based on the evidence, he is athletic, imposing and technically proficient, with the perfect skill set to bounce off Rice's, handing Arteta the final piece of the puzzle in the centre of the park as he charts a course for the Premier League title.

How Amadou Onana could work next to Rice

Back in December, analyst and Arsenal fan Ben Mattinson heralded Onana and his skill in the Everton midfield, stressing that the Gunners must prioritise his signature, musing "imagine this monster next to Rice".

Imagine indeed. Onana is shaping into quite the player, and given that Martin Odegaard's position in the advanced centre of the midfield is untouchable, this would be the signing to make, surely, to establish a perfect sense of equipoise and synergy, with such glittering waters spilling out wide to the wings, where Leandro Trossard's darting runs and Bukayo Saka's enigmatic artistry would benefit from such a dynamic and all-including engine room.

Matches played

38

30

Matches started

37

23

Goals

7

2

Assists

8

0

Pass completion

91%

85%

Touches per game

71.8

45.4

Key passes per game

1.2

0.6

Dribbles per game

0.6 (51%)

0.4 (60%)

Ball recoveries per game

4.7

5.3

Tackles per game

2.2

2.4

Duels won per game

4.1 (52%)

6.0 (66%)

The respective players are not actually too dissimilar in profile: both enjoy above-average defensive output, are energetic and active in their recovery skills and carry the ball forward at comparable rates – though Onana, interestingly, is crisper in this last regard.

Rice started the campaign on a more backward-territorial footing but more latterly has played with more freedom in a pivoting role, with just four of his past 13 Premier League matches played from an anchoring position.

This is principally down to Jorginho and Thomas Partey enjoying more match action, and it's patent that Rice would thrive in a long-term partnership with a player who focuses more on the nitty-gritty side of the midfield game and allows him to perform with unbridled ambition.

Onana could play that part, indeed offering many of the core qualities that have seen his English counterpart earn such acclaim over these past few years and coming out on top from, at least, a defensive standpoint.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice

Stepping into senior management at the vertiginous doors of Arsenal football club, esteemed, acclaimed, one of the biggest, one of the best, Arteta was steadfast in his ability as helmsman, building the club back up, block by block. The recent success is simply a product of his hard graft and tactical acumen.

Last season, he knew that signing Rice from West Ham for a club-record fee of £105m was a necessity to take the team down the path he craved, and now, Onana must be welcomed to continue the development of a team that, whisper it quietly, is destined for greatness.

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