Both sides might be in a dilemma with the potential return of Shikhar Dhawan and Kieron Pollard in their respective XIs

Hemant Brar10-Feb-20221:44

Should India test their bench? Should West Indies rejig their batting order?

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Since the start of the ODI series against South Africa, India have been talking about building a side for the 2023 World Cup. One of their pain areas in the last couple of years has been the lack of a wicket-taking seamer in the powerplay and middle overs. They changed their strategy in the third ODI against South Africa by picking a tall, hit-the-deck bowler in Prasidh Krishna, and continued with it in the West Indies series too.The rewards are there to be seen. Hitting the short-of-a-good-length area, Prasidh picked up 2 for 29 in the first ODI and 4 for 12 in the second. One would think he has presented a strong enough case to be in the XI even when Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami return. In the batting department, Suryakumar Yadav seems to have made a middle-order spot his own. Now that India have won the series, they might consider trying out even more options in the third ODI.West Indies, on the other hand, have been let down by their batting. Before the series, their captain Kieron Pollard underlined the importance of playing out full 50 overs but his side failed to do that in the first two ODIs. On paper, West Indies have a long batting line-up – Odean Smith came in at No. 9 in the last game – but their batters don’t bat deep. Can the likes of Shai Hope, Darren Bravo and Nicholas Pooran take the responsibility and step up?Related

• Prasidh Krishna's hit-the-deck style just what India needs

• Odean Smith makes a splash in his maiden outing in India

West Indies might have lost the series, but they would like to avoid a whitewash. In more tangible terms, there are ten World Cup Super League points at stake, and West Indies are currently ninth on that table in terms of percentage points.

Form guide

India WWLLL (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
West Indies LLLLW

In the spotlight

Since his last ODI hundred, Virat Kohli has made ten half-centuries in 20 innings in the format. However, in the last few weeks, the narrative has shifted from Kohli-not-getting-a-hundred to Kohli-needs-a-break. In the first ODI in this series, he played a strange four-ball knock where he seemed to be in a hurry. In the second, he was more measured but a loose shot outside off stump ended his stay on 18. On Friday, the question will once again be: will he get his 71st international hundred?West Indies will expect more from their opener Shai Hope•BCCI

Among those who have scored at least 1000 ODI runs for West Indies, no one averages higher than Shai Hope’s 51.13. He doesn’t have a great strike rate (74.70), but it’s his ability to play the anchor’s role that makes him a valuable asset in this West Indies line-up. He has an excellent record against spin too. With the team struggling to last 50 overs, West Indies will expect more from their opener. He wasn’t as tidy behind the stumps in the second ODI, so eyes will be on his wicketkeeping as well.

Team news

After the second ODI, Rohit Sharma had said Shikhar Dhawan would be back for the final match. That means either Suryakumar or Deepak Hooda will have to sit out; this, despite Suryakumar doing well in his limited ODI appearances, and Hooda providing India with the sixth bowling option. Therefore, it is also difficult to see Shreyas Iyer getting a game, even though he is out of isolation now after testing positive for Covid-19. In the bowling department, India could play Kuldeep Yadav.India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 KL Rahul, 5 Rishabh Pant (wk), 6 Deepak Hooda/Suryakumar Yadav, 7 Washington Sundar, 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Mohammed Siraj, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal/Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Prasidh KrishnaSmith was impressive with both bat and ball in the second ODI. So if Pollard returns, West Indies will have a tough call to make. Can they retain Smith and leave out Bravo, who has had scores of 1, 18, 18, 0 and 2 in his last five innings?West Indies (probable): 1 Shai Hope (wk), 2 Brandon King, 3 Darren Bravo, 4 Shamarh Brooks, 5 Nicholas Pooran, 6 Kieron Pollard (capt), 7 Jason Holder, 8 Fabian Allen, 9 Akeal Hosein, 10 Alzarri Joseph, 11 Kemar Roach

Pitch and conditions

The pitches so far have helped both seamers and spinners, and it will not be a surprise if that’s the case on Friday as well. The temperature is expected to hover around mid to late 20 degrees Celsius for the majority of the match. There was no dew during the second ODI, and it could stay that way for the third as well.

Stats and trivia

• Prasidh has an economy rate of 2.15 in the series.
• Since 2020, Rahul has had an average of 67 and a strike rate of 109.23 in the middle order in ODIs.
• West Indies have failed to last full 50 overs in the last seven ODIs where they batted first.

Quotes

“I have been striving to get more consistent. When I started, I used to get excited and have too many emotions running through me. But over time, I have had my plans and I have been very clear on what I needed to work on.

Lionel Messi's side have sent their backup striker to New England for general allocation money

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Leo Campana traded to New EnglandMiami to acquire GAM, international roster spotIncreases offseason flexibility for Lionel Messi and co.Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Inter Miami have traded backup striker Leo Campana to the New England Revolution, the clubs announced Thursday, acquiring an MLS domestic trade fee record of $2.5 million in General Allocation Money.

The fee will be split between 2025 and 2026, with the club receiving $2 million in 2025 and $500,000 in 2026. Miami also acquires a 2025 international roster slot and a 2026 international roster slot. Inter Miami will retain a sell-on percentage of any future sale of the forward and could receive up to $750,000 in GAM should Campana meet certain performance-based incentives.

The move is set to increase roster flexibility as it looks to retool following a first round MLS Cup Playoff exit last season.

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The Ecuadorian striker has been at Miami since the start of the 2023 season. In three full campaigns, he scored 31 goals in 100 appearances in all competitions. He should be in the mix for a starting spot for the Revolution, who scored the fewest goals in MLS last season.

WHAT CURT ONALFO SAID

New England Revolution Sporting Director Curt Onalfo spoke about the signing in a statement: “Leo Campana is a proven goal scorer whose arrival strengthens a crucial position of need for our team as we work to improve our offensive production this season. Leo is a forward we have had our eyes on for quite some time, so we are thrilled to have him in our club. We are pleased to have another important piece of the puzzle in place before preseason begins.”

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MIAMI?

The South Florida club now have increased financial flexibility to restructure their roster ahead of the 2025 season. Co-Owner Jorge Mas promised last month that the Herons would be aggressive in the market in order to make an MLS Cup run next season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are arguably Liverpool's most important and influential players, and all may depart on free transfers at the end of the campaign.

Liverpool's summer spending (or lack thereof) has left a disquieting air around the fanbase, though contextualising the situation is important.

Arne Slot inherited a top-class squad from Jurgen Klopp and has proven throughout an impressive pre-season and opening-day victory over Ipswich Town in the Premier League that he has the gumption and tactical sharpness to succeed.

There is also a reluctance to adopt the scattergun approach that has proved ineffective for several nameless rivals, instead, the right player, should an opportunity arise, will be pursued.

Liverpool's late-stage transfer plans

Liverpool have never been the thriftiest of spenders under FSG, but there's no doubt that an addition or two could make a world of difference for Slot.

Having recently completed sales of Fabio Carvalho, Sepp van den Berg and Bobby Clark – with more fringe outgoings expected – the Reds are banking a hefty sum this summer, and must redirect the transfer cannon toward a layer of depth.

Liverpool are stepping back into the revamped Champions League and will face a catalogue of gruelling fixtures in a league-table format, so it's likely that should Joe Gomez be sold, a new centre-back will be brought in.

A holding midfielder is also coveted on Merseyside, but a recent update from transfer insider Graeme Bailey reveals that Liverpool could actually strengthen further upfield, with Atletico Madrid's Samu Omorodion offered to the Reds.

Chelsea are out of the equation after looming near completing a deal earlier in the window, but Aston Villa are also admirers and will rival Liverpool for a £30m transfer – FSG need to weigh up quickly whether to get the move done.

Why Samu Omorodion rejected Chelsea

Omorodion is scarcely into his 20th year but has already garnered quite the reputation in Spain, with the Atletico Madrid striker having made his mark on loan at Deportivo Alaves last season, bagging eight goals and an assist across 34 La Liga matches (21 starts).

It's a little convoluted, but Omorodion actually started the 2023/24 campaign with a goalscoring performance against Atletico Madrid, bagging for Granada during the league opener before convincing Diego Simeone and his crew to activate his €6m (about £5m) buyout clause.

He hasn't actually featured for Los Colchoneros but his performances with Alaves did enough to entice Chelsea, though the move fell apart after differences in financial technicalities.

Reports from Spain suggested that Omorodion had rejected the Blues after they attempted to buy 50% of his rights, and now Liverpool could be free to complete a move themselves.

The door is now open for Liverpool to complete the transfer and sharpen Slot's frontline to a fine point, but whether he will sign remains to be seen.

Why Liverpool should sign Samu Omorodion

The interminable wait for that elusive first signing goes on. Liverpool have money to spend, though whether a deal will be sanctioned is another matter entirely.

The more pragmatic side of the argument would point toward Anfield's first-class frontline, with depth on the left and at centre-forward. Salah's possible departure and a lack of actual alternative on the right flank would suggest that there lies the pressing concern.

Omorodion is pretty much exclusive to the No. 9 position, but he would offer something different in that regard, with Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and even Darwin Nunez more fluid in their positional value.

Centre-forward

13 (5)

27 (12)

47 (16)

Left winger

14 (7)

12 (3)

7 (2)

Right winger

5 (3)

7 (1)

0 (0)

Attacking midfield

0 (0)

7 (0)

0 (0)

Spanish-Nigerian striker Omorodion has the pace and raw physicality to thrive in the Premier League while providing Slot with an out-and-out striker to shape over the coming years, having already been hailed as a "beast" by scout Antonio Mango.

His shifty movements and agility highlight the framework for a career of success, and while the powerful 6 foot 4 star's raw nature saw him miss 19 big chances despite only scoring nine in the Spanish top flight last term, it does suggest that he could outstrip Nunez.

Nunez joined Liverpool from SL Benfica in a move rising to a club-record £85m figure, but the 25-year-old's wastefulness across his two campaigns has left plenty to be desired.

Indeed, the Uruguay international has converted just 20 of his 67 big chances in the league for Liverpool, with his repeated efforts skewing every which way.

He missed 27 big chances last season alone in the Premier League, with his 11-goal haul only two strikes higher than Omorodion's tally.

Five years the Atleti starlet's senior, it makes a telling comment on the respective skillsets. Omorodion is young and unrefined; it's nothing to worry about that he's not yet a polished goalscorer of the highest standard.

Nunez is an incredibly dynamic and influential forward with a bundle of ways to inflict pain on his opponents, but he will need to improve swiftly under Slot, lest he lose his place in the Anfield squad.

And given that Liverpool's Dutch head coach has already proven that he has a ruthless streak about him, there's every possibility that he will move to sign Omorodion before the end of the month, for the young striker could truly grow into one of the Premier League's finest, boasting all the natural elements to do just that.

Liverpool hit gold on Klopp signing who's now worth more than Van den Berg

He could grow into a central role under Arne Slot.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 23, 2024

Just 12 days away from transfer deadline day, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing an offer to sign a defensive reinforcement who would be their sixth signing of the summer.

Tottenham transfer news

It looked for some time as though Spurs' transfer window was going to be one focused on the future rather than welcoming the marquee signing that they arguably so desperately needed. Dominic Solanke's arrival has since ticked that box, however, with the Lilywhites finally getting their replacement for Harry Kane a year on from his departure to Bayern Munich.

The north London club have since followed that up with another attacking arrival too, signing Wilson Odobert from Burnley, who stood out despite suffering relegation with Burnley last season.

The winger expressed his delight over the move, telling the club's official media channels via Football London: "First and foremost Tottenham is a big club and it's hugely ambitious too. I think the club and myself share the same ambitions, we're pretty much on the same wavelength.

"I've got a decent amount of pace. I like to take people on in one-on-one situations and dribble, I like to get on the ball and have plenty of touches. I like to bring other in, to entertain and at the same time enjoy my football too. I really feel I'll be part of a great project here which enjoys fantastic support and a superb stadium."

Tottenham make approach for "exciting" forward alongside £25m Odobert

Spurs announced the latter’s signing in very sudden fashion on Friday.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 17, 2024

Now, having strengthened in attack, the Lilywhites have reportedly turned their attention towards their backline. According to journalist Bruno Andrade, Spurs are preparing an offer to sign Vanderson worth €32m (£27m) plus add-ons, with talks ongoing between themselves and AS Monaco.

The right-back would likely arrive to replace Emerson Royal, who recently left for AC Milan, in a move that could also give Spurs fans a hint that Archie Gray will be seen as a midfielder rather than a right-back under Ange Postecoglou.

"Obscene" Vanderson can provide backup for Porro

There's no doubt that the right-back spot is Pedro Porro's to lose in North London, but those in north London saw just how big a drop-off in quality their side suffered whenever the Spaniard was unavailable. By signing Vanderson, that problem could be solved. The Brazilian, still just 23 years old, has impressed during his time at Monaco.

Assists

1

7

Key Passes P90

1.04

1.49

Tackles Won P90

2.25

1.84

Ball Recoveries P90

6.92

5.80

Minutes

1,641

3,089

Whilst Vanderson struggled to produce the same impressive output as Porro, he excelled off the ball when winning back possession, which is a vital trait for a potential Postecoglou player to have in abundance.

Praised for his "obscene pace" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Monaco right-back could yet be on his way to the Premier League in the final two weeks of the transfer window. Replacing Royal with the 23-year-old would certainly be solid business in North London, particularly if Spurs can land Vanderson for a reported £27m this summer.

Matthew Hayden, the Pakistan batting coach, has singled out the late Dean Jones for special praise, on the eve of the second semi-final between Australia and Pakistan in the T20 World Cup in Dubai. Jones, the hero of Australia’s tied Test against India in Chennai, arguably made a bigger impact on one-day cricket, with his lively batting helping Australia to their first World Cup victory in 1987.After ending his playing career, Jones went onto become a commentator and coach. He was a particularly prominent figure in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he would often be spotted writing notes in his famous red book.Related

• Hayden, Philander appointed Pakistan coaches for T20 World Cup

• Dean Jones, ODI batting pioneer, dies aged 59

Jones was in charge of Islamabad United when they secured the PSL titles in 2016 and 2018. He then took over as Karachi Kings’ head coach for the fifth season of the tournament that was halted before the playoffs due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Jones, however, died suddenly after a heart attack in September 2020, when he was a commentator in India for the IPL.”I want to make a special mention of my former team-mate and colleague and that is Dean Jones,” Hayden said during a virtual media interaction. “He gave a lot of himself to Cricket Australia but also a lot of himself to Pakistan cricket. His closing words to me I can hear in my ears: ‘These are my boys and this is something I’m so passionate about’.”He was just beautifully connected to Pakistan cricket and may he rest in peace now, knowing the fact that he’s left a legacy within this team which will last not only this generation but generations to come. If I can add value to those closing comments from Deano, that will be my greatest honour.”Although Hayden was only roped in for this T20 World Cup in the UAE, he has seen enough promise in the main team – and the reserves – that will serve Pakistan cricket well in the future.”It is obvious that I’ve been with the team [for] a very short time, which has meant it has been really important to have a heart connect with the players, the administrators and also the management team,” Hayden said. “I felt that has been achieved and I felt in many ways that was my individual and personal aim throughout throughout this tournament to get a sense of the commitment of all the layers within the game and Pakistan in Pakistan. And understand one of the most beautiful things and that is that raw talent and talent is there in abundance for Pakistan cricket. And [with] right leadership and mentoring and guide, this side has got possibilities, as it has shown in five matches so far, to take on anyone.”Hayden also likened the immense pressure surrounding the India-Pakistan clash to the Ashes and credited the Pakistan side for pulling off a tone-setting victory against India in their tournament opener.”The highlight and the obvious eye will go to the first game that we played here in Dubai, where we are playing tomorrow night,” he said. “Just how under immense pressure…pressure that I’ve never understood till I was inside the dressing room and only comparable of course to England-Australia Ashes series. Just how these boys wonderfully handled [the situation] every calmly and confidently – their approach to playing such a huge match.”I think that game really set us up for what has been a really lovely four weeks of solid work, great commitment to training and great purpose in general and a wonderful heart connect to Islam and how spirituality has played its role within the Pakistan team as a great guide and tool for everyone to come together. Very optimistic [of Pakistan’s future] and I see wonderful potential.”

أدلى المدير الفني لفريق مانشستر يونايتد روبن أموريم، بتصريحات صحفية وذلك عقب تعادل فريقه أمام مانشستر يونايتد في منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وتعادل مانشستر يونايتد أمام مانشستر سيتي بنتيجة 0/0 في منافسات الجولة الحادية والثلاثين من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، على ملعب “أولد ترافورد” (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وبهذه النتيجة، ارتفع رصيد مانشستر سيتي إلى النقطة 52 في المركز الخامس في ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي، بينما ارتقى رصيد مانشستر يونايتد إلى النقطة 38 في المركز الثالث عشر.

وقال روبن أموريم في تصريحات لـ “سكاي سبورتس”: “أعتقد أننا أتيحت لنا بعض الفرص للفوز بالمباراة، حاولنا استغلال المساحات في التحولات الدفاعية، والدفاع بتشكيلة دفاعية منخفضة، لكننا سنحت لنا فرصنا”.

وأشار أموريم: “أتيحت لنا بعض اللحظات مع الكرة، ودفعنا السيتي إلى نصف ملعبهم، وكنا أقرب إلى الهدف، لكننا نقبل التعادل. كنا أقرب إلى الهدف، بينما استحوذوا على الكرة بشكل أكبر، وهذا أمر طبيعي”.

عما يحتاجه مانشستر يونايتد للتحسين، أجاب قائلاً: “لدينا العديد من الجوانب التي نحتاج إلى تحسينها. نحتاج إلى تحسين كل جانب، من بناء الهجمات، والانتقالات، واتخاذ القرارات في الثلث الهجومي الأخير. كل لاعب قادر على التحسن، فهم هنا لأنهم أظهروا أداءً مميزًا في فرق أخرى. لديهم الجودة، وما زلنا فريقًا يعتمد على الانتقالات، ونحتاج إلى قضاء المزيد من الوقت في الثلث الهجومي الأخير للحصول على فرص أكثر.”

وأضاف قائلاً: “أنا لست ساذجًا أو مجنونًا، وأستطيع أن أرى اللحظة التي نحن فيها، وأستطيع أن أنظر إلى المنافسين وأفهم أن هناك فجوة كبيرة، ولكن كقائد لا أستطيع أن أقول إننا سنأخذ كل الوقت لإغلاق الفجوة”.

وتابع حديثه: “حتى لو تعاقدنا مع المزيد من اللاعبين، علينا الإسراع وإظهار الإلحاح لتقديم أداء أفضل، لأننا لا نملك الكثير من الوقت في نادٍ كهذا. نحن في عجلة من أمرنا”.

وعن تأثير معاناة الفريقين على قوة المباراة، أردف قائلاً: “إذا نظرت إلى اللحظة التي لم يعد فيها كلا الفريقين يتنافسان على الألقاب، فإن هذا يغير مجرى المباراة تمامًا”.

واختتم أموريم قائلاً: “شعور الفوز، وعدم القدرة على خسارة نقطة واحدة، ليس حاضرًا. من الصعب عليّ كمدرب أن أقول ذلك. علينا أن نناضل من أجل أهداف كبيرة، وإذا فعلنا ذلك، فسيكون الشعور مختلفًا تمامًا”.

Former Barcelona scout Bojan Krkic Sr. has revealed the reason why the Catalan club did not sign Aurelien Tchouameni before his move to Real Madrid.

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• Barcelona scouted Tchouameni at Monaco
• Reports put Barca off
• Krkic Sr. claimed that midfielder lacked creativity

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• AFP
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Tchouameni had made a name for himself as one of the best midfield prospects in the game during his time at Monaco playing alongside Barcelona legend Fabregas. The Spanish midfielder had suggested the Catalan side look into signing the Frenchman, and so Barca sent scout Krkic Sr. to scout Tchouameni.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  However, Barcelona rejected the opportunity to sign the Frenchman as Krkic Sr.'s scouting reports suggested that Tchouameni had poor creativity, and was 'excessively' aggressive in marking. Tchouameni then went on to sign a deal with Barca's bitter rivals Real Madrid in 2022, though has recently struggled at points of their underwhelming 2024-25 season.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT KRKIC SR. SAID

  Speaking to , Krkic Sr. said: "I went to see him two or three times, against PSG and Marseille. In my reports I always put the same thing: he has power, strength, and aggressiveness in marking, perhaps in excess, but creativity; little. He was not for a big club, I didn’t like him."

• WHAT NEXT FOR TCHOUAMENI?

  Real Madrid are reported to be unhappy Tchouameni's performances of late and he has been linked with a move away from the club. Liverpool are said to have shown interest in the Frenchman having previously courted him in 2022.

While the contest has been much more balanced in recent years, Australia’s extraordinary dominance between 1993 and 2006 had much to do with the presence of Shane Warne

Madhusudhan Ramakrishnan05-Nov-2012In recent years, Australia-South Africa Tests have been the most enthralling contests with the teams splitting the last eight matches 4-4. Perhaps the best feature of the match-up is the relatively low percentage of draws (15.62% since 1993). With both countries producing result-oriented pitches and the teams playing aggressive cricket, a stalemate has been virtually out of question. In the last 20 Test matches played between the teams since the start of 2000, only one match has been drawn. Taking advantage of the transition Australia were going through in 2008, South Africa won their first series against Australia 2-1 with victories in Perth and Melbourne. Australia, however, hit right back winning the return series in South Africa 2-1. The previous series between the two teams (in 2011), which was restricted to just two Tests, ended 1-1 with Australia chasing a record 310 in Johannesburg after their inexplicable collapse in the first Test in Cape Town.Australia well ahead overall
South Africa’s recent display in England has seen them rise to the top of the Test rankings once again. Remarkably, their last series defeat outside home came in 2006. However, they have failed to dominate Australia similarly despite Australia’s form dropping considerably in the last four years. While the teams are locked 4-4 in their last three series, Australia have held the whip in home and away series between 1993 and 2006. The teams drew their first two series 1-1 with South Africa sneaking a stunning five-run win in Sydney (1994) defending a target of 117. Australia followed up an outstanding performance in South Africa (1997), where they went on to win the series 2-1, with a 1-0 win at home later in the year. The highlights of the series in South Africa included the record 385-run stand between Greg Blewett (214) and Steve Waugh (160) in Johannesburg and Mark Waugh’s brilliant 116 that enabled Australia chase down a tough target of 270 in Port Elizabeth. Between then and 2006, it was one-way traffic with Australia bossing each of the four subsequent series.In 2001-02, Steve Waugh’s team triumphed 3-0 at home and 2-1 in South Africa. The series in South Africa was dominated by Adam Gilchrist who scored 473 runs in the three Tests including 204 and 138 in the first two Tests. Ricky Ponting was in top form in the 2005 series in Australia as he led the team to a 2-0 win with two centuries in his 100th Test in Sydney as Australia overhauled the 287-run target with ease. The world-beating Australian outfit followed this up with a 3-0 whitewash in South Africa. Australia’s 10-1 record in the period 2000-2006 is comparable to their dominant run against South Africa in the years before the Second World War when they won 18 and lost just one of 24 matches. South Africa, however, proved to be a far tougher unit in the 1950s and 1960s winning 10 and losing 11 matches. South Africa’s finest moment came in their final series before the ban (in 1969-70) when Ali Bacher led a star-studded team to a 4-0 whitewash of Bill Lawry’s Australian team. Overall though, Australia are well ahead on the head-to-head front and boast a win-loss ratio of 2.52 (48 wins and 19 losses). Although the draw percentage across the 85 Tests is low (21.17%), it is still higher than the corresponding number since South Africa’s readmission (15.62%).

Australia’s record in Tests against South Africa

Period	Matches	Wins	Losses	Draws	% draws	W/L ratio
Overall	85	48	19	18	21.17	2.52
Pre World War 2	24	18	1	5	20.83	18.00
1946-1970	29	11	10	8	27.58	1.10
1992-present	32	19	8	5	15.62	2.37
In Australia (post 1992)	15	8	3	4	26.66	2.66
In South Africa (post 1992)	17	11	5	1	5.88	2.20

The Warne factor
Both Australia and South Africa have traditionally fielded top-quality pace attacks and the stats prove the same. South Africa’s bowlers have picked up more wickets in Australia (181) but have been far more expensive averaging 37.04 compared to Australia’s 31.66. In South Africa too, Australia’s pace bowlers have done better picking up 195 wickets at 28.78 while South Africa’s fast bowlers have managed 221 wickets at 33.04. South Africa’s pace bowlers have picked up more five-fors in Australia but have been upstaged in this regard in home Tests. The biggest difference between the two teams in the period since South Africa’s return has been the presence of Shane Warne in the Australian team. Warne, the most successful bowler against South Africa, with 130 wickets dominated the contests picking up seven five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket match hauls. He was equally prolific in home and away Tests though five of his seven five-fors came in Australia. South Africa’s biggest problem over the years has been the lack of a match-winning spinner. The gulf in the quality of spinners is reflected clearly in the bowling stats. While Australia average 31.18 and 26.13 in Australia and South Africa respectively, the corresponding averages are 48.92 and 41.00 for South Africa. While Australian spinners have contributed nearly 36% of the wickets (only wickets taken by pace and spin bowlers), the South African spinners are way behind contributing just 17.28% of the total wickets.

Pace v Spin for both teams in Tests since South Africa’s readmission (1992 onwards)

Team	Wickets/avg (in Australia)	5WI/10WM (in Australia)	Wickets/avg (in South Africa)	5WI/10WM (in South Africa)	Wickets/avg (overall)	5WI/10WM (overall)
Australia (pace)	133/31.66	3/1	195/28.78	8/0	328/29.95	11/1
South Africa (pace)	181/37.04	6/2	221/33.34	5/1	402/35.00	11/3
Australia (spin)	97/31.18	5/2	87/26.13	2/0	184/29.79	7/2
South Africa (spin)	40/48.92	0/0	44/41.00	1/0	84/44.77	1/0

Australia’s dominance near total
Since South Africa’s readmission, the two teams have played each other in 11 series with Australia hosting five and South Africa six. Australia have by far been the better team winning seven of the 11 series, drawing three and losing just one (in 2008-09). In the 1990s, the teams were more evenly matched with Australia managing two series wins to go with series draws home and away (in 1994). Australia’s dominance started with their away series win in 1997 (2-1) when they won the first two Tests by an innings and two wickets respectively. Six of the next seven series (2001-2011) have proved to be decisive with the only draw coming in the last series played in 2011. Australia won four successive series between 2001 and 2006 by margins of 3-0, 2-1, 2-0 and 3-1 before their run was brought to a halt in the 2008-09 series in Australia. The average difference (difference between batting and bowling averages) is a clear reflector of the grip Australia have had. Australia have an overall average difference of 6.86 (7.80 in home Tests and 6.10 in away Tests). The lower average differences for Australia (home 5.89 and away 4.70) in the 1990s point to closer contests in the decade. However, since 2000, when Australia lead the head-to-head tally 14-5, the corresponding numbers (9.00 and 6.81) are far higher.

Australia’s series record against South Africa since 1992

	No of series	Series wins	Series losses	Series draws	Bat avg (Aus/SA)	Avg diff (Aus)
Overall	11	7	1	3	36.92/30.06	6.86
In Australia	5	3	1	1	39.38/31.58	7.80
In South Africa	6	4	0	2	34.87/28.77	6.10
In 1990s (Australia)	2	1	0	1	33.35/27.46	5.89
In 1990s (South Africa)	2	1	0	1	33.14/28.44	4.70
Since 2000 (Australia)	3	2	1	0	43.15/34.15	9.00
Since 2000 (South Africa)	4	3	0	1	35.75/28.94	6.81

Australia, who hold a 19-8 advantage in Tests played since South Africa’s readmission, have an even distribution of wins batting first (nine) and second (ten). South Africa’s story, however, is vastly different. They have won six Tests batting first but just two when they have had to bowl first. When these stats are analysed deeper, they reveal some interesting results. Australia have lost twice at home batting first with both the defeats coming in the 2008-09 series. They have an even win-loss record (4-4) when they have batted first in South Africa. South Africa, on the other hand, have won a Test each in Australia and South Africa batting first. However, they have suffered seven of their ten defeats (batting first) in home Tests. Australia have achieved wins by a margin of 150 or more runs on five occasions (three at home and two away) and triumphed by an innings three times including the second-biggest win in terms of runs (innings and 360-runs) in Johannesburg in 2002. South Africa beat Australia by an innings for the first time in the home series in 2009 after the visitors had taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Australia-South Africa matches has been the high number of 250-plus chases. Australia have done so five times overall (four in away Tests) and chased 300-plus targets on two occasions in Cape Town (2002) and Johannesburg (2011). South Africa, who successfully chased 335 in the third Test in Durban in 2002, won the first Test of the 2008-09 series in Perth by chasing a record 414.

Analysis of results for both teams (head-to-head matches since 1992)

Team	Wins/losses (bat first)	Wins (by innings)	Wins (150 or more runs)	Wins (8 or more wickets)	Successful chases (250-plus)
Australia (overall)	9/6	3	5	4	5
South Africa (overall)	2/10	1	1	3	2
Australia (in Australia)	5/2	1	3	3	1
South Africa (in Australia)	1/3	0	0	1	1
Australia (in South Africa)	4/4	2	2	1	4
South Africa (in South Africa)	1/7	1	1	2	1

Middle-order batting boosts Australia
Ponting, one of only three batsmen to score over 2000 runs against South Africa, has eight centuries in 23 Tests against them. He and Matthew Hayden aggregated over 1000 runs at 87.38 with four century stands in matches against South Africa. The Hayden-Justin Langer pair has also been among the most successful with 1030 runs at 57.22 (three century stands). For South Africa, the AB de Villiers-Jacques Kallis pair has been the most prolific averaging 95.71 with four century stands. Australia have comfortably outperformed South Africa in terms of the first and second-wicket partnership stats and extend the dominance to the middle-order stands too. For the third and fourth wickets, Australia average 39.75 and 44.69 while the corresponding numbers for South Africa are 35.34 and 41.10 respectively. The average third-wicket stand for both teams in Australia has not been high with South Africa in particular struggling (average of 26.14). South Africa’s woes against Warne are reflected in the middle/lower-order partnership stats. While Australia average 43.71 and 35.94 for the fifth and sixth wickets, South Africa have failed to stitch together too many useful partnerships and have corresponding averages of just 28.48 and 22.61. On more than one occasion, Australia have wriggled out of a hole with the help of some gritty lower-order stands. Against South Africa in the 2005 Boxing Day Test, Michael Hussey and Glenn McGrath added a crucial 107 for the last wicket to rescue Australia from a score of 248/9 and paved the way for Australia’s 184-run win. Twice in Johannesburg (2006 and 2011), Australia’s lower-order shared vital partnerships and enabled the visitors to chase down targets of 292 and 310.

Partnership stats for both teams in head-to-head matches (avg, 100/50 stands)

Wicket	Aus (in Aus)	SA (in Aus)	Aus (in SA)	SA (in SA)	Aus (overall)	SA (overall)
1	44.07, 2/7	37.51, 3/3	38.50, 3/6	40.12, 2/8	41.05, 5/13	38.88, 5/11
2	51.96, 5/6	49.07, 3/10	53.38, 4/10	35.75, 2/5	52.73, 9/16	41.96, 5/15
3	35.28, 2/2	26.14. 0/6	43.35, 5/5	43.93, 5/4	39.75, 7/7	35.34, 5/10
4	58.04, 5/7	50.85, 6/4	33.56, 2/5	32.33, 1/6	44.69, 7/12	41.10, 7/10
5	50.87, 4/6	26.23, 2/3	37.57, 2/4	30.43, 2/3	43.71, 6/10	28.48, 4/6
6	26.33, 0/5	24.72, 1/3	44.48, 3/4	20.79, 0/4	35.94, 3/9	22.61, 1/7
7	31.52, 1/5	27.13, 1/1	33.88, 2/3	26.06, 2/4	32.77, 3/8	26.53, 3/5
8-10	27.86, 1/7	21.96, 1/7	16.36, 1/3	18.21, 0/8	21.43, 2/10	19.83, 1/10

Surprisingly, this is the first time that Australia and South Africa will face off in a Test in Brisbane. The teams have played five Tests each in Melbourne and Sydney with Australia holding a 2-1 and 4-1 record at the venues. Along with Sydney, Johannesburg and Cape Town have been venues that have yielded results in every match. Adelaide, the venue for the second Test, has witnessed the highest batting average in the first innings (52.77) in Australia-South Africa matches. However, as has usually been the case with the venue, the average in the subsequent three innings drops remarkably. In the previous Test between the two teams in Cape Town, South Africa and Australia were bowled out for 96 and 47 before the hosts comfortably chased down the 235-run target. While the average in the first innings at the venue is just 25.96, the fourth-innings average is a high 63.08. Batting has also eased up in the final innings in Durban Tests (average 41.95) as compared to the first three innings. The first, second and fourth innings in Melbourne and Sydney have been more or less similar. However, while the third-innings average drops to 26.06 in Melbourne, it is a much higher 48.73 at the SCG. Pace bowlers have dominated the wickets tally at all venues picking up more than 100 wickets in Johannesburg, Melbourne and Cape Town. Spinners have played a major role in Sydney, where they have picked up nearly 40% of the wickets (bowler wickets only).

Venue stats for Aus-SA Tests since 1992(minimum three matches played)

Venue	Matches	Result %	1st inns (avg)	2nd inns (avg)	3rd inns (avg)	4th inns (avg)	Pace (wickets/avg)	Spin (wickets/avg)
Johannesburg	6	100	39.29	31.94	25.71	31.97	155/31.67	49/31.75
Melbourne	5	60	35.68	39.55	26.06	34.05	100/34.00	32/42.37
Cape Town	5	100	25.96	37.44	31.37	63.08	119/31.99	36/32.38
Sydney	5	100	38.89	31.69	48.73	32.95	92/34.39	61/32.16
Durban	4	75	32.62	25.48	28.21	41.95	90/35.97	32/28.84
Adelaide	3	66.66	52.77	33.23	32.94	17.92	67/34.52	32/33.06

MatériaMais Notícias

da jogodeouro： O Vasco segue ativo no mercado de olho em reforços para o início da Série B do Brasileirão. Com isso, o clube acertou contratação do lateral-direito Gabriel Dias, ex-Cruzeiro. O jogador, que foi revelado pelo Palmeiras, tem 27 anos e vai assinar em definitivo até o fim de 2023. A informação foi inicialmente divulgada pelo canal “Atenção, Vascaínos”.

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da apostebet： O atleta assinou com o Cruzeiro no início do ano, porém não teve muitas oportunidades e atuou em apenas três partidas. Fora dos planos da diretoria celeste, ele foi liberado para negociar com o Gigante da Colina e está bem próximo de ser anunciado.

Ainda não é assinante do Cariocão-2022? Acesse www.cariocaoplay.com.br, preencha o cadastro e ganhe 5% de desconto com o cupom especial do LANCE!: GE-JK-FF-ZSW

Revelado pelo Palmeiras, o lateral-direito defendeu as cores de Internacional, RB Bragantino, Paraná, Fortaleza e Ceará. Com a camisa paranista e do Leão do Pici, teve mais regularidade e esteve em campo em 47 jogos. No Tricolor cearense, ele fez parte do elenco que ergueu a taça do bicampeonato Estadual e da Copa do Nordeste em 2019.

Na época, participou de um lance contra o Vasco pelo Campeonato Brasileiro e sofreu uma lambreta do atacante Talles Magno, que atualmente defende as cores do New York City.

+Presença de área e determinação: conheça o atacante Zé Vitor, provável reforço do Vasco para a Série B

Dessa forma, Gabriel Dias chegará para uma posição que era uma das prioridades do Cruz-Maltino no mercado. Atualmente, Léo Matos e Weverton disputam a posição, mas ambos não conseguiram se firmar. O camisa 17 tem tido mais oportunidades, porém foi analisado que mais um nome seria essencial para a disputa da Série B.

Além dele, o clube carioca deve anunciar nos próximos dias as contratações de Erick, do Ypiranga,do Marcílio Dias e do uruguaio Carlos de Peña, que pertence ao Dínamo de Kiev, da Ucrânia. Até o fechamento da janela de transferências do primeiro semestre, no dia 12, o Vasco buscará outros nomes para posições carentes do elenco.

+ Confira e simule a tabela do Campeonato Carioca

Uma delas é a zaga, já que o equatoriano Luis Cangá não irá permanecer no clube e Ulisses sofreu uma lesão. Como os reservas imediatos de Anderson Conceição e Juan Quintero são os jovens Pimentel e Zé Vitor, outros dois nomes mais experientes podem pintar para encorpar o grupo.

It might sound like trite at this point, but Fabrizio Romano has moved to mollify Liverpool fans with claims that FSG are stirring up a transfer sauce somewhere in the background of another gripping summer window.

This effectively just corroborates comments made by sporting director Richard Hughes during Arne Slot's first press conference as head coach, stressing that the emphasis is on working with the current crop. Signings, it was said, will be made, but later down the line, probably in August.

Jurgen Klopp bowed out with a Carabao Cup and a third-place Premier League finish last term, restoring the Reds' Champions League pedigree and enforcing sweeping midfield changes after his long-standing engine room malfunctioned, sapped and having run its course.

Liverpool are well stocked across the field, with a cascade of academy talent stretching tendrils into the first team too. However, one or two improvements must surely be made to close down Manchester City and Arsenal, and indeed fight for the prize in Europe's elite continental competition.

Liverpool interested in wide options

There's hope that FSG will move to strengthen Liverpool's senior set-up with an exciting new attacking option, and according to Football Insider, that man could be Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, with the Anfield side among the favourites to sign the talent.

Eze was excellent last season and is also being targetted by Tottenham Hotspur, but after the Eagles sold Michael Olise to Bayern Munich for roughly £50m, signing the 26-year-old won't be easy.

Still, the England international is understood to have a £60m release clause in his contract – now, Liverpool just need to lodge an official bid.

Why Slot wants Eberechi Eze

Eze signed for Palace from Queens Park Rangers in 2020, completing a transfer rising to £20m after dazzling in the second tier. Fleet-footed and an adept dribbler, Eze has since sharpened his striking skills to a fine point, praised as a "Champions League player" by pundit Danny Murphy.

Murphy also claimed that the Englishman is "on a different planet", though inserted the caveat that he's not always fit – something that has inhibited Eze throughout his four years at Selhurst Park.

He has only reached 30 top-flight starts once in a single campaign, having completed his fourth year with Palace, but the sheer level of his quality suggests that he would be worth every penny.

Premier League 23/24: Luis Diaz vs Eberechi Eze
Statistics	Diaz	Eze
Matches played	37	27
Matches started	32	24
Goals	8	11
Assists	6	4
Pass completion	85%	84%
Big chances missed	13	5
Big chances created	5	7
Shots per game	2.5	3.1
Key passes per game	1.8	2.0
Ball recoveries per game	3.4	5.0
Dribbles per game	1.8 (54%)	2.6 (52%)
Duels won per game	4.6 (40%)	6.1 (48%)
Stats via Sofascore

Look, for example, at how his efforts in the Premier League last season compare to the performances of Luis Diaz. Off the bat, it can be noted that Eze is more progressive, potent and powerful in his displays.

Even creativity, which Diaz appears to have pipped Eze in, boils down to circumstance. Eze created more big chances and placed key passes into his teammates' paths with greater regularity, though was let down by poor finishing and decision-making.

Of course, though, Eze's glowing attacking traits is his finishing, so clinical, so effective. This is corroborated by FBref's statistical analysis, marking him as one of the Premier League's deadliest of his position last season.

Indeed, ranking among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers in 2023/24 for goal scored and shot-creating actions, the top 5% for shots taken and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90, Eze is on the way to becoming a "superstar" – as has been said by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Who knows, he might prove to swiftly surpass Liverpool's Colombian flanker and prove to be Anfield's finest left winger since the days of Sadio Mane.

Why Eze would be Liverpool's best LW since Sadio Mane

Firstly, this is not to discredit Diaz, who was tireless and tenacious down the flank last season, breathtaking in his dribbling feats at times and invariably determined to aid the team.

But the Colombian has faced criticisms revolving around his output. 13 goals and five assists across 54 appearances is not the dazzling tally that befits his lofty talents.

It's certainly not the tally that Mane would put up each season. The Senegalese winger is one of Liverpool's most iconic figures in modern history, forming a crucial part of Klopp's deadly frontline.

He was sold to Bayern Munich in 2022 but still bagged 23 goals and four assists across all competitions during his final year as a Red, ever incisive in front of goal.

His movement, intelligence and fluidity across the frontline have established him as one of the Premier League's finest forwards of all time, described as "world-class" by Klopp and adored by the Liverpool masses.

He was at his barnstorming best during that final term, an all-encompassing, fear-inducing forward. He ranked among the top 7% of positional peers in the Premier League for goals scored, the top 12% for shot-creating actions, the top 16% for passes attempted and the top 12% for progressive passes and progressive carries per 90.

Truly, Diaz has not fallen short by failing to emulate Mane to the same degree – there are scant few forwards littered across the last decade of European football who would have been able to do as such. But indeed, Diaz's underlying numbers are not as impressive as Eze's, who would stand an excellent chance of making his mark on Liverpool's left flank and bringing some newfound attacking impetus to Slot's outfit.

Liverpool, indeed, were plagued by poor finishing last year, with wayward shooting at the crux of the late-season wobble that ruined title aspirations across three competitions. Still, having created the most big chances in the Premier League with 102, Eze would enter the right zone to continue his free-scoring success.

Liverpool need to add an ingredient or two to their unit under Slot, and Eze could be the perfect man for the job – the second coming of an unforgettable 'superstar'.

Liverpool targeting £30m ace who'd be their most creative CM since Coutinho

He’d be an interesting addition to Arne Slot’s budding project.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 21, 2024