Celtic interested in signing "talented" £20m player who’ll be granted exit

da betway: Potentially splashing the cash in 2025, Celtic are reportedly interested in signing a Premier League winner who will be granted an exit away from his current club when the chance arrives.

Celtic transfer news

da betsson: The Bhoys have enjoyed quite the start to the campaign, sitting top of the Scottish Premiership once again, but will be well aware of just how important it is to continue that run after the international break. Squaring off against Hearts in the league before then playing host to Club Brugge in Europe, it could be quite the week for Brendan Rodgers’ side if they manage to pick up where they left off.

Meanwhile, away from the action, the transfer rumours have been coming thick and fast. The in-form Nicolas Kuhn is already receiving links to the Premier League in what could worry the Scottish champions, but they’re also eyeing up some incomings of their own in the form of talented twins Cole and Dylan Williams.

The young duo are options for the future and could one day join one other target at the heart of Rodgers’ side. According to Caught Offside, Celtic are interested in signing James McAtee, who will be allowed to leave Manchester City when the chance arrives.

The deal won’t be easy and it will not be cheap, however. In fact, if Celtic want to sign McAtee, then they will have to spend a club-record of more than £20m – eclipsing their current record of £14m, which they spent to sign Jota in 2022. (Transfermarkt)

"Superb" 24 y/o Celtic player basically admits he could be sold next summer

He is currently out on loan for the season.

ByHenry Jackson Nov 18, 2024

With West Ham United, Southampton, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City all reportedly among the other clubs eyeing a move to sign the Manchester City midfielder, meanwhile, it’s fair to say that Celtic face quite the competition for his signature.

"Talented" McAtee can become next Cole Palmer

Of course, the last big academy graduate to leave Manchester City was none other than Cole Palmer, who has gone on to become one of the best players in the Premier League at Chelsea. He remains City’s biggest regrets but they may not have learned from their mistake, given their willingness to let McAtee depart. Amid a transitional period, the attacking midfielder may well follow in Palmer’s footsteps in what could even benefit Celtic.

If the Bhoys were to land a player set for a similar rise to Palmer then it would be a game-changer on the European stage and only enhance their dominance in the Scottish Premiership. If the praise of Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig is anything to go by too, then the 22-year-old is certainly one to watch.

The reported £20m+ transfer fee could be the big stumbling block for Celtic, but if the likes of Kuhn depart in the summer then they may yet have the chance to pursue a player of McAtee’s calibre.

Nawaz: 'I think we let them score a little bit too much'

Taking six wickets on the first day of a Test after losing the toss and bowling on a slow pitch might not be the worst day’s work. But with Sri Lanka having pushed past 300, scoring at 3.66 runs per over across the day, Pakistan were pushed onto the back foot by the time stumps were called in Galle on the first day of the second Test.Pakistan allrounder Mohammad Nawaz, who picked up two wickets on the day, indicated Pakistan might have got things strategically wrong by choosing to press ahead in search for wickets as opposed to trying to restrict the runs.”I think we let them score a little bit too much,” Nawaz said. “The pitch isn’t like the first Test; it wasn’t turning and the pitch was slow. I think we would have been better served by squeezing the score rather than attacking. Because the pitch was very slow and the wickets weren’t coming as easily, you needed to work especially hard for them. So if we’d restricted their score, perhaps the wickets would have come easier.”For much of the day, it was the home batters that dictated the tempo of the play, scoring at over four runs per over in the first and last sessions. In the morning, Sri Lanka’s positive intent was laid crystal clear in the way Oshada Fernando played, scoring 50 off 70 balls including three sixes off the spinners. In the final session, even when Naseem Shah threatened to burst through the lower order with a late new-ball wicket, Pakistan went searching, and Niroshan Dickwella’s unbeaten 43-ball 42 kept the scoring rate sprightly.Nawaz singled out Oshada for praise, but it wasn’t as if Pakistan had no chances. Late in the second and third sessions, two straightforward catches were put down, reprieving Angelo Mathews and Niroshan Dickwella respectively. Pakistan captain Babar Azam was responsible for shelling both chances, leaving Nawaz to rue what might have been.”In cricket, anyone can drop catches,” Nawaz said. “It’s very rare that it happens to Babar, but if those catches had been taken then we might have been able to restrict them to a lower score. Oshada attacked the spinners in the morning and the scoring happened quickly, and then when Chandimal and Mathews struck up a partnership, that was very effective for them.”I think it could still be a spinner’s game, because I expect the pitch behaviour to change on the third and fourth day. In the second innings, the spinners will be more effective.”

Herath's bunny, and Silva's 300-ball stay

Statistical highlights from the third day of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Galle

Bishen Jeswant19-Jun-20157 Times Azhar Ali has been dismissed by Rangana Herath, more than by any other bowler. Each of the six batsmen whom Herath has dismissed most often in Tests are from Pakistan, with Misbah-ul-Haq leading the list (nine times).14 Years since a Sri Lanka opener has faced 300-plus balls in a home Test. Kaushal Silva faced exactly 300 balls in the first innings to score 125 runs. The last time this happened was also in Galle, when Marvan Atapattu scored 201 off 536 balls, against England in 2001.4 Instances in the last 10 years of both Pakistan openers being dismissed for single-digit scores against Sri Lanka. Three of those four instances have happened in Galle – in 2009, 2014 and 2015.1087 Runs scored by Silva as a Test opener, making him only the 10th Sri Lankan opener to score 1000 runs. He went past his mark during his innings of 125 in the first innings. Silva’s batting average of 43.48 as an opener is the best for any Sri Lankan (min. 1000 runs).300 Sri Lanka’s first-innings score, their lowest in a home Test against Pakistan in the last five years. This is Sri Lanka’s sixth home Test against Pakistan in this period, and they have not suffered a single loss in the previous five.3 Consecutive scores of less than 20 for Angelo Mathews in 2015. He has scored 15, 8 and 19 in his three Test innings in 2015. Mathews had 12 consecutive 20-plus scores before that (all in 2014) and scored 1160 runs from 20 innings in 2014 at an average of 77.33, including two hundreds and eight fifties.33 Runs that Pakistan need to score to avoid the follow-on. They are currently 118 for 5, with the revised follow-on mark set at 151. Since this is effectively a four-day game as rain washed out the first day, Sri Lanka can enforce the follow-on if they have a lead of 150 runs after Pakistan’s first innings has ended, as opposed to the usual 200.

0 games for Chelsea: Maresca could unleash Caicedo 2.0 in £18m "monster"

Chelsea certainly haven’t been afraid to splash the cash recently as Todd Boehly aims to take the club back towards the summit of the Premier League after numerous years away from a title battle.

The Blues hierarchy have spent around £1.2bn on new signings since 2022 to try and propel themselves back into the reckoning – a huge risk given the limitations of the division’s PSR and FFP rules.

Bedding in all the new talent and establishing a settled squad has proved difficult for numerous managers over the last couple of years, but Enzo Maresca appears to have found the winning formula at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca

The Italian has won ten of his 17 matches in charge after his summer appointment from Leicester City, losing on just three occasions – achieving a win percentage of 59%.

It’s very rare that the 44-year-old ever makes drastic changes to his league starting lineup, with the consistency allowing his side to sit in third place during the current international break.

One player in particular has been impressive since Maresca’s arrival, taking his game to the next level despite his impressive debut campaign in West London last year.

Moises Caicedo’s stats for Chelsea in 2024/25

After his English record transfer of £115m from Brighton during the summer of 2023, Moises Caicedo was always going to have the price tag looming over his head – undoubtedly bringing increased scrutiny should he underperform.

However, nearly 18 months on from his move to the capital, you very rarely hear anyone complain about the price tag paid for the 23-year-old – a sign that he’s clearly making the impact required for such a fee.

The Ecuador international made 48 appearances for the Blues in all competitions during his first season at the Bridge, but it has been his start to 2024/25 that has seen the youngster take his game to the next level.

Caicedo has only missed 14 minutes of Premier League action throughout the first 11 matches of the season, playing a crucial role as a ball-winner at the base of Maresca’s side.

He’s already won 25 tackles this campaign, an average of over two per game – the highest of any player in the current first team – an example of his importance to the Italian.

However, he’s also had an effect in attacking areas, contributing with two assists before scoring his first goal of the season with a perfectly placed volley against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Any side in the world would be lucky to have a player of Caicedo’s quality, but the Blues already have another version of the big-money man who could be crucial for Maresca during his time at the helm.

Chelsea's new Caicedo

Although the club are currently stacked with numerous midfield options, it may be about to get even worse ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos joined the club back in January 2023 for around £18m, before joining fellow top-flight side Nottingham Forest at the start of the last campaign.

Andrey Santos Chelsea

However, his move was a disaster, featuring just twice before being recalled and sent to French side Strasbourg, a decision that has allowed him to flourish and take his game to the next level.

After spending the last six months of last season on loan, he returned to Ligue 1 with the same side for the current campaign, achieving a phenomenal start in the last few weeks.

The 20-year-old has already found the back of the net five times in his ten appearances, having a big impact in the final third despite primarily being a deep-lying midfielder.

However, the “monster” Brazilian talent, as dubbed by Brazilian analyst Nathan Joyes, has also excelled defensively, winning 2.47 tackles per 90 this season, with a total of 37, putting him just one behind £115m man Caicedo.

Given the impact so far during his temporary stint away from Stamford Bridge, it’s evident that he has the potential to improve further but also battle for a regular first-team role next campaign.

Games played

10

11

Goals & assists

5

3

Progressive carries *

1.2

0.8

Tackles won *

2.5

2.3

Take-on success *

53%

47%

Aerial success *

70%

65%

He’s yet to make a competitive appearance for Maresca’s side since his transfer, but his time with Strasbourg is giving the youngster all of the experience needed to be a success with his parent side.

It would prevent any more money being spent by the club’s hierarchy, allowing for an unbelievable partnership at the base of the Blues midfielder for many years to come.

Chelsea set to unearth their own Yamal in "crazy" £100m star in the making

Chelsea could have their very own Lamine Yamal with this “crazy” talent.

ByConnor Holden Nov 14, 2024

More misery for Man Utd! Harry Maguire & Manuel Ugarte set to miss Europa League trip to Real Sociedad as Ruben Amorim dealt frustrating double injury blow

Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte are set to miss Manchester United's Europa League last-16 first leg tie at Real Sociedad in a blow to Ruben Amorim.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Maguire and Ugarte set to miss Sociedad tripAnother frustrating blow for AmorimMultiple other first-team players injuredFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Both players sustained knocks during Sunday's FA Cup fifth-round defeat at home to Fulham and were withdrawn during the match. According to , it is unlikely that Maguire or Ugarte will board the flight to Spain with the rest of the United squad.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The pair join an extensive injury list, which sees Amorim down to the bare bones in terms of availability. Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Jonny Evans are all also absent for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, Chido Obi-Martin is ineligible for the Sociedad game, but Toby Collyer is set to return.

WHAT MANCHESTER UNITED SAID

Manchester United said on their : "In addition to Manuel Ugarte's absence, there was no Harry Maguire in [today's] session. It is understood that both Ugarte and Maguire look set to miss the game with minor knocks sustained at the weekend, but we will confirm the travelling squad when the players head to the airport."

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

United's final chance of silverware this season is on the line as they head to Real Sociedad for Thursday's first-leg clash, before they host the second leg at Old Trafford next week. A visit from Arsenal in the Premier League sits between the two games on Sunday afternoon.

Fakhar Zaman out of T20 World Cup squad with knee injury, Shan Masood called up

Shaheen Shah Afridi is part of the World Cup squad but is absent from the 18-member side for the England series

Umar Farooq15-Sep-2022

Fakhar Zaman was named as one of the reserves•Getty Images

A knee injury has seen Fakhar Zaman miss out on Pakistan’s squad for the 2022 T20 World Cup, while Shan Masood, who is yet to play a T20I, has been called up.Fakhar was named as one of the travelling reserves, though, along with Mohammad Haris and Shahnawaz Dahani.Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, was named in the main squad as Pakistan look to get him fit in time for the global event. Mohammad Hasnain, meanwhile, edged out Dahani.Related

Mohammad Wasim backs Babar, Rizwan to improve strike rate

Pakistan have problems, and they begin at the top

There were no wholesale changes to the side that played the Asia Cup earlier this month. Usman Qadir kept his place despite playing just one match in the tournament and limited match-time prior to it.Pakistan’s squad for T20 World Cup 2022•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Afridi and Fakhar were also absent from the 18-member roster for the upcoming seven-match T20I series against England.”Fakhar Zaman has also been rested from the England T20Is so that he can recover from the knee injury he sustained when he landed awkwardly while fielding in the final [of the Asia Cup],” chief selector Mohammad Wasim said.A PCB release stated: “Afridi is expected to resume bowling early next month and will join the squad in Brisbane on October 15. Wasim Jr has been included after recovering completely from the side strain he suffered during the Asia Cup.”Changes can be made to the squad till October 15, without needing the approval of the World Cup’s technical committee.Masood is part of the squad for the England series as well, while allrounder Aamer Jamal and legspinner Abrar Ahmed have received maiden international call-ups. Both impressed in the ongoing National T20 Cup. The first match of the series is on September 20 in Karachi, which will host four games in total before the series moves to Lahore for the final three matches.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

After the England series, the team will head to New Zealand, where they play a T20I tri-series against New Zealand and Bangladesh in Christchurch from October 7-14.Pakistan play their first World Cup match against India at the MCG on October 23. They will also play New Zealand, Afghanistan and two qualifiers in the group stage before the top two sides go to the semi-finals.T20 World Cup squad: Babar Azam (capt), Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood, Usman Qadir
: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris, Shahnawaz DahaniEngland series squad: Babar Azam (capt), Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Haider Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Aamer Jamal, Iftikhar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Haris, Khushdil Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Usman Qadir, Abrar Ahmed

Taça das Favelas volta com cerimônia de lançamento no Viaduto de Madureira

MatériaMais Notícias

da aposte e ganhe: Depois de mais de dois anos sem atividades presenciais por causa da pandemia da Covid-19, a Taça das Favelas volta com força máxima neste mês de julho. O torneio organizado pela Central Única das Favelas (CUFA) e produzido pela InFavela celebra 10 anos de existência em 2022.

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da dobrowin: Na próxima sexta-feira acontece a cerimônia de lançamento da edição carioca do maior campeonato de futebol entre favelas do mundo, na sede da CUFA, no Viaduto de Madureira, às 10h30.

O evento vai contar com a presença de técnicos e jogadores de todas as favelas que disputam a Taça. Além deles, autoridades, artistas e ex-jogadores estarão na celebração.

– É com muita alegria que a gente está voltando com a Taça das Favelas. É um projeto que impacta a vida de mais de meio milhão de jovens no Brasil inteiro, anualmente. E é de suma importância que o torneio retorne com força total no Rio de Janeiro, onde tudo começou há uma década – celebrou Celso Athayde, idealizador da Taça das Favelas.

Nesta Cerimônia, ainda vai ocorrer a apresentação do MC Menor MR e do Raí BG, que estão relançando a música da Taça das Favelas. O lançamento da canção da dupla foi interrompido em 2020, por conta da pandemia e agora será retomado. Esta produção é fruto de uma parceria entre a CUFA e o canal KondZilla.

Esta fase da Taça das Favelas será disputada por 107 seleções de favelas, com 28 femininas e 79 masculinas. As seleções femininas não tem idade limite, enquanto entre os meninos, são permitidos jovens de 14 a 17 anos.

A bola vai rolar no final de semana dos dias 30 e 31 de julho, no Campo do Realengo, que está sendo reformado e se tornará o Centro Desportivo Taça das Favelas Realengo. As grandes finais estão previstas para acontecer no dia 8 de outubro.

– A gente tem muito orgulho de produzir esta e iniciativa, que é mais que um campeonato de futebol e gera tantas oportunidades. Esse ano vai ser diferente de tudo. Voltamos! E vamos coroar essa volta com uma grande Taça das Favelas Brasil, no fim do ano – comemorou Elaine Caccavo, diretora de produção da CUFA e da InFavela.

A primeira edição da Taça das Favelas Brasil, o Favelão 2022, vai acontecer nos meses de outubro e novembro.

Serviço
Cerimônia de Lançamento da Taça das Favelas Rio 2022
Data: 15 de julho de 2022 (Sexta-feira)
Local: Espaço CUFA
Horário: 10h30
Endereço: Rua Francisco Batista, nº: 1 – Viaduto de Madureira, Rio de Janeiro

بـ3 أدلة.. جمال عبد الحميد يؤكد: بيراميدز أخذ مكان الأهلي وليس الزمالك

أكد جمال عبد الحميد، نجم الزمالك السابق، أن بيراميدز لم يأخذ مكان الزمالك كما يردد البعض، بل يرى أن الفريق السماوي بات ينافس على حساب الأهلي في البطولات الكبرى المحلية والقارية.

وقال عبد الحميد في تصريحات لبرنامج “اللعيب” عبر قناة “MBC مصر”: “بيراميدز لم يأخذ مكان الزمالك، من يلعب نهائي كأس مصر دائمًا؟ الأهلي، لكن الذي يلعب النهائي الآن هو بيراميدز، إذًا الأخير هو من أخذ مكان الفريق الأحمر”.

طالع أيضًا | ثنائي الأهلي السابق على مشارف العودة قبل كأس العالم للأندية.. وتحركات غامضة في الدفاع

وتابع: “من يلعب نهائي إفريقيا كل سنة؟ الأهلي، الآن بيراميدز هو من يلعب نهائي البطولة، إذًا أخذ مكان الأهلي، الآن الزمالك حسم المركز الثالث في الدوري، ودائمًا كان يحسم المركز الثاني، والمرة التي حسم فيها الأهلي المركز الثالث كان بيراميدز قد أخذ منه المركز الثاني.. إذًا بيراميدز أخذ مكان الأهلي وليس الزمالك”.

وتساءل: “الإسماعيلي عندما كان يُنافس، هل كنا نقول إنه أخذ مكان الأهلي أو الزمالك؟ كنا نقول إن المنافسة كانت بين الثلاثة أندية”.

واختتم: “كل العالم يقول إن الزمالك دائمًا يُعاني من أزمات، ورغم ذلك نحصد بطولات، إذًا هل نحن أبطال أم لا؟ هذه أسوأ سنة للقلعة البيضاء لأننا خسرنا معظم البطولات، لكن رغم ذلك وصلنا لنهائي كأس مصر، وحتى آخر 4 أسابيع كنا ننافس على الدوري أيضًا”.

What several senior West Ham stars are all thinking about Lopetegui now

A report this week has shared what “several” senior West Ham United stars are all feeling about manager Julen Lopetegui right now, with pressure truly on the Spaniard after an uninspired start to 2024/2025.

Lopetegui facing sack calls as West Ham look at other managers

The Hammers sit 14th in the Premier League table and have won just three of their opening 10 top-flight matches, leading to suggestions that Lopetegui may not be the right man to replace David Moyes.

Darren Bent says big-name could replace Julen Lopetegui at West Ham

The Spaniard’s position is increasingly fragile.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 5, 2024

The ex-Real Madrid and Spain boss has been slammed for his tactics, consistent selection of certain out-of-form players like Guido Rodriguez and all-round approach to games, with West Ham even branded a “complete mess” under the tactician.

If results, performances and unrest continue in this fashion, Lopetegui faces becoming the next top-flight manager to be sacked after Erik ten Hag – who was ironically given his P45 after defeat at West Ham nearly two weeks ago.

While reports suggest David Sullivan and technical director Tim Steidten are eager to give the 58-year-old more time to transform the club’s fortunes, it is also believed that West Ham have sounded out potential Lopetegui replacements, like former FC Porto boss Sergio Conceicao.

Match

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

#12

02/11/2024

Nottingham Forest (A)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#11

27/10/2024

Man United (H)

Premier League

2-1 win

#10

19/10/2024

Tottenham (A)

Premier League

4-1 loss

#9

05/10/2024

Ipswich (H)

Premier League

4-1 win

#8

28/09/2024

Brentford (A)

Premier League

1-1 draw

#7

25/09/2024

Liverpool (A)

Carabao Cup

5-1 loss

#6

21/09/2024

Chelsea (H)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#5

14/09/2024

Fulham (A)

Premier League

1-1 draw

#4

31/08/2024

Man City (H)

Premier League

3-1 loss

#3

28/08/2024

Bournemouth (H)

Carabao Cup

1-0 win

#2

24/08/2024

Crystal Palace (A)

Premier League

2-0 win

#1

17/08/2024

Aston Villa (H)

Premier League

2-1 loss

The Irons are doing internal groundwork on possible alternative options, in the event they decide to part ways with Lopetegui, and Conceicao is one of a few names under consideration.

“Sergio Conceicao is one name on West Ham’s radar,” said journalist Graeme Bailey to Hammers News recently.

“He is being looked at by a lot of clubs. Sullivan is not ready to accept yet that bringing Lopetegui in was a mistake.

“But, still, work is being done within the club to assess potential alternatives should Lopetegui fail to steer West Ham back on course. And one of the names that has come up in discussions is that of Conceicao.”

What several West Ham stars are thinking about Lopetegui right now

This week, broadcast giant talkSPORT have also backed West Ham’s links to the Portuguese, who clinched Manager of the Year three times in his homeland and won trophies galore during his time in the Primeira Liga.

They have also shared what “several” senior West Ham players are feeling about Lopetegui right now.

Indeed, it is believed all of them are disenchanted by the former Sevilla boss, and not fully on board with his methodology, which makes for grim reading, considering unity and a collective belief in the project is key for any side to perform well.

Next up for West Ham is a clash against Everton at the London Stadium, who are also struggling for consistent form under Sean Dyche, so this represents a significant opportunity for Lopetegui to get fans back on side with a convincing display.

'Wanted to give him a little bit of a challenge' – Rohit on holding Shami back till the last over

“I want to see more consistency in terms of where you want to pitch the ball,” India captain says of the bowling effort

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Oct-20221:43

Takeaways: Mohammed Shami executes India’s final-over masterplan

There was no sign of Mohammed Shami till the last over of the Indians’ warm-up game against Australia. “This was always the plan,” Rohit Sharma said, explaining that the plan was to throw a challenge to Shami, who was returning after a long layoff. But when Shami came on, he made things happen. The Australians, favourites to win with 11 to get off six, lost four off the last four balls, with Shami getting three, to lose by six runs.”Honestly, he is coming back after a long time. So we just wanted to give him an over. This was always the plan from the beginning,” Rohit said on Star Sports. “He comes and bowls at the death. We know how lethal he can be with the new ball. We just wanted to give him a little bit of a challenge, coming and bowling that death over and we saw what it was.”Related

  • 'Talk of having time to prepare for this World Cup started right after last one' – Rohit Sharma

  • Rohit: Saving Bumrah's career more important than World Cup

  • Shami-Kohli brilliance takes Indians to unlikely win over Australians

In the Australians’ chase of the Indians’ 186 for 7, Aaron Finch led the way with a 54-ball 76. The first-wicket stand between Finch and Mitchell Marsh was worth 64 – inside the powerplay – and for the most part, it looked like the Australians would win. But Harshal Patel got Finch with a lower yorker, Virat Kohli pulled off a stunning run-out – and then a one-handed catch backtracking at long-on in the final over – and Shami aced the final over to give India victory, a heartening one after the defeat to a Western Australia XI the other day.”There is definitely room for improvement,” Rohit said. “I am sure we are on it but I want to see more consistency in terms of where you want to pitch the ball. You know, when you play back home and when you play in Australian conditions, you have to change your tactics, change your lengths a little bit. Sometimes, keeping it simple and hitting the ball hard on the deck will be a good option.”It is something we’ve been working on, speaking to the guys about it. But overall, it was a good game for us. Like I said, it was a good pitch. They had a decent partnership in the middle, which put pressure on us a little bit. But our last three-four overs were really good.”Virat Kohli scored a direct hit and took a fantastic one-handed catch in the deep in the space of seven balls•ICC via Getty

The first half wasn’t too shabby either, as KL Rahul first and then Suryakumar Yadav hit quick half-centuries to put a good score on the board.”I thought we batted well. Just towards the end, we could have added 10-15 runs more,” Rohit said. “That’s something that we have been talking about. We want the set batter to bat as long as possible and till the end, which Surya did to some extent. Yeah, overall, it was a great batting effort. It was a good pitch to play on, nice bounce, we could trust our shots and that’s exactly what some of the guys did.”The large square boundaries at the Gabba was a new thing for at least some of the batters, too.”You have to be smart when you plan your batting on grounds like these. Hitting boundaries and sixes, of course, sounds nice, but you cannot forget pushing the ball in the gap, running between the wickets really hard and trying to get eight-nine runs in an over,” Rohit said. “[It’s] also a quite safe plan to have and it’s something we have been talking about.”When we played in Perth [against WA XI] as well, the practice game, one side of the boundary would be large and it was a great practice for us today.”

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