Former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll is reportedly planning on proposing to his girlfriend just five months into their relationship.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Carroll awaiting divorceReady to propose to new girlfriendStriker playing in France's fourth tierFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 36-year-old separated from wife Billi Mucklow last year and has started a new life together with Lou Teasdale, 42.

AdvertisementTHE GOSSIP

reports Carroll has told friends that his divorce "can't come quick enough".

"Andy is very close to proposing to Lou. They are madly in love," a source said. "Lou is exactly what he needs because she is a calming influence on him and it's noticeable the change she's had on him to everyone around them."

DID YOU KNOW?

The ex-Newcastle star is currently playing in the fourth tier in France, having joined Bordeaux last September and scored 10 goals in 15 matches. It was recently revealed that he is earning less than minimum wage with the French side, having previously admitted that he is losing money while playing for them.

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR CARROLL?

Carroll will be waiting on his divorce to go through so that he can tie the knot with his new love in the near future.

Stats highlights from the first day of The Oval Test

S Rajesh20-Aug-201562.77 The average opening partnership for Australia in this series; England’s average opening stand in the first four Tests is 14.00. The top six opening stands in this series – each over 50 – have all come from Warner and Chris Rogers. England’s best opening stand in the series is 32.2053 Partnership runs between Rogers and Warner, the highest by any pair in Tests since the beginning of 2012. They’ve averaged 51.32 per completed stand, with nine century partnerships, which is also the highest among all pairs.94.42 Australia’s average opening partnership in Tests at The Oval since 2000, easily their highest among all venues in England during this period.87 Balls before Australia got their first boundary of the innings, when David Warner pulled Ben Stokes off the 88th delivery of the morning. Since 2002, there have been only four instances when the first boundary of a Test match has taken longer – by India against West Indies in Jamaica, 2006, (first boundary off the 114th ball), Bangladesh against Sri Lanka in Colombo, 2013, (107th ball), South Africa against England, in Durban, 2009, (95th ball), and India against West Indies, in Barbados, 2011 (89th ball). In the first hour this morning (14 overs), the Australian openers played 70 dots.2006 Rogers’ Test aggregate, with all his runs coming at the opening slot. Among openers who’ve debuted after the age of 30, Rogers’ aggregate is easily the highest – the next-best is 1231, by England’s Brian Luckhurst.6 Fifty-plus scores for Warner in 15 Test innings in England. However, the highest among them is today’s 85; his other 50-plus scores are 64, 77, 83, 52 (all in this series), and 71, in 2013. His previous five half-centuries had all been scored in the team’s second innings. Warner has also achieved the distinction of getting a half-century in each Test of this series.101 The unbroken fourth-wicket stand between Steven Smith and Adam Voges. In seven previous fourth-wicket stands in this series, Australia’s highest was 43, and their average 17.57. This is only Australia’s second century stand for any wicket other than the first in this series.

Former South Africa captain wants the team to play their best attack, comprising five match-winning bowlers

Sruthi Ravindranath03-Dec-2022With South Africa still figuring out their best XI for the Test tour of Australia, former captain Graeme Smith believes they should stick to an “aggressive mindset” and play six batters and five bowlers.”I’d like to see South Africa back their six batters,” Smith told ESPNcricinfo. “I think there’s always that fear because the batting has been weak. They’ve always looked to play the extra batter. Maybe that can be a defensive mindset and not an aggressive mindset. I’d like to see them take an aggressive mindset.Related

Will South Africa follow England's Test template? Not quite, says van der Dussen

'I'm here to support Dean in every way' – South Africa captain has coach Maketa's backing

'I respect what he has been through' – Elgar backs under-fire Bavuma to bounce back

Kagiso Rabada hopes for Test turnaround in Australia after 'disappointing' T20 World Cup

Smith hopes SA20 will help end South Africa's World Cup wait

“You’ve got Lungi Ngidi, you’ve got Marco Jansen. You’ve got [Kagiso] Rabada and Anrich Nortje, and you’ve got Keshav Maharaj, who are all outstanding Test bowlers and can really win you games single-handedly. Work on the batters, get the six batters to bat in partnerships and get totals. If you get the totals you want, bowlers can win you games. And South Africa should pick the bowlers who can win you games.”South Africa’s Test captain Dean Elgar had suggested they were still “in a bit of debate” about playing an extra batter to lengthen their line-up. South Africa are presently second in the World Test Championship table, but their batters haven’t been racking up big numbers in the last few years. Since the start of 2020, they have had just six centuries in 19 games, the fewest among the teams part of the WTC. In their previous Test series, which they lost to hosts England 2-1 in August-September, they had just one batter among the top five run-getters. They also got bowled out under 200 four times in that series.Smith also said South Africa needed to focus on building partnerships. They have had just nine century stands in the last two years, which is again the fewest among the nine teams that are part of the World Test Championships.

“I think whenever you tour Australia you got to be prepared for being in someone else’s country for a period of time. Crowds.. and the players playing the game hard so definitely you’ve got to be mentally preparedGraeme Smith knows a thing or two about touring down under

“If you can get those partnerships together over 100-150, you start to make an impact on the team’s innings. I think when you’re under pressure, you tend to focus on yourself and the pressure just grows, how you can work together as a batting unit to post totals there in Australia is going to be key. You obviously need some of your big players to perform well and take the pressure off the youngsters.”South Africa’s bowling continues to remain their biggest strength. Their bowling average of 24.94 is the second lowest while their strike-rate of 46.7 is the best among the Test-playing teams in the last two years.Among the standouts in this department has been Rabada, who’s been their kingpin across formats. Among the bowlers to take 50-plus wickets since 2020, only his team-mate Nortje has had a better bowling strike rate than him. Rabada is the only fast bowler who was part of South Africa’s successful Test tour of Australia in 2016, when he took 15 wickets in six innings.”The thing about KG is that he’s the center piece for South African cricket at the moment so whenever he doesn’t play it’s noticeable,” Smith said•Getty ImagesAhead of this tour, however, Rabada admitted that the amount of cricket being played was a concern and that it needs to be “managed”.”The thing about KG is that he’s the centre piece for South African cricket at the moment so whenever he doesn’t play it’s noticeable,” Smith said. “But it’s about producing enough talent that you can afford to rest a player here and there. At the moment you know in a World Cup, and a big tour to Australia, he has to play his roles there. And also as he gets more experience, he will learn to manage himself and stay focused on what’s important.”With Elgar saying his side was prepared for a “feisty” series against the current No. 1 Test team, Smith, who has been part of three bilateral tours to Australia, said South Africa should solely focus on competing on the field.”I think whenever you tour Australia you got to be prepared for being in someone else’s country for a period of time. Crowds.. and the players playing the game hard so definitely you’ve got to be mentally prepared. I think the key is always playing good cricket. It’s the only way that I’ve found over the years, having lost really badly once and won twice, if you can play really good cricket and you turn everything around and the home team gets under pressure. So I hope that South Africa focus on their performances, in particular their batsmen. There is some talent in the bowling ranks, [but] if the batters can get some runs in Australia it gives you a chance to beat them.”The first of three Tests between Australia and South Africa starts on December 17 at the Gabba in Brisbane,

MatériaMais Notícias

da spicy bet： A Confederação Brasileira de Futebol(CBF) anunciou nesta quarta-feira o calendário de competições da próxima temporada. A principal novidade é com relação às finais da Copa do Brasil, que serão realizadas em dois domingos e não mais às quartas-feiras. Os jogos estão marcados para os dias 17 e 24 de setembro.

RelacionadasFora de CampoFilho de Ronaldo Fenômeno comanda festa do acesso do Cruzeiro no MineirãoFora de Campo22/09/2022CorinthiansO Corinthians fica no G6 do Brasileirão se vencer todas em casa e perder todas fora? Veja as chancesCorinthians22/09/2022CruzeiroAniversariante da semana, Ronaldo fala em ‘presente para o torcedor’ após acesso do CruzeiroCruzeiro22/09/2022

da bet nacional： +Convocação, jogos… O calendário da Seleção Brasileira até o final da Copa do Mundo

Outra novidade é em relação as Datas Fifa, quando os clubes cedem jogadores para as seleções nacionais. A CBF garante que não haverá partidas de competições de clubes no período.

O Brasileirão começa no dia 15 de abril e termina no dia 3 de dezembro, um domingo. Já os Estaduais mantiveram o período de 16 datas, como aconteceu nos últimos anos. Eles se iniciam no dia 15 de janeiro e dão o pontapé na temporada que vem. A Supercopa do Brasil será novamente disputada em jogo único, no dia 28 de janeiro.

+VÍDEO: Após acesso, Ronaldo promete ‘Cruzeiro competitivo’ para 2023

SAIBA TODAS AS DATAS:

Campeonatos estaduais: 15 de janeiro a 9 de abril
Copa do Brasil: 22 de fevereiro a 24 de setembro
Supercopa do Brasil: 28 de janeiro
Campeonato Brasileiro – Série A: 15 de abril a 3 de dezembro
Série B: 15 de abril a 25 de novembro
Série C: 22 de abril a 12 de novembro
Série D: 30 de abril a 29 de outubro

Competições internacionais
​
Recopa Sul-Americana: 8 e 15 de fevereiro
Copa Libertadores: 8 de fevereiro a 11 de novembro
Copa Sul-Americana: 8 de março a 28 de outubro
Mundial de Clubes: a definir

They pipped Mumbai Indians in the race to the top of the league table, chasing down 139 against UP Warriorz with plenty to spare

S Sudarshanan21-Mar-20235:06

Delhi Capitals ‘power play’ their way into the WPL final

Alice Capsey couldn’t believe it. She had her hands on her face in disbelief as she ran towards Meg Lanning at cover. She had managed to lure Sophie Ecclestone – who was in the middle in each of UP Warriorz’s last two wins – out of her crease and then fired one down leg to get her stumped.Spinners accounted for only 11 of the 39 wickets Delhi Capitals picked up in the Women’s Premier League till Monday. Till then they had used legspinner Poonam Yadav, left-arm spinners Radha Yadav and Jess Jonassen and offspinners Minnu Mani and Capsey in the competition, with both of Mani and Poonam going wicketless in the three overs apiece they bowled.On Tuesday, all six of Warriorz’s wickets were taken by Capitals’ spinners with Capsey having a lion’s share of three. That effort – despite Tahlia McGrath’s hard-hitting helping Warriorz amass 33 off the last two overs – meant Capitals restricted the target to a gettable 139 and then romped directly into the final of the inaugural WPL.Last December, the near future looked bleak for Capsey after she broke her collarbone during England’s tour to West Indies. She was touch-and-go for the Women’s T20 World Cup and only just made the squad. After a couple of explosive knocks, including a half-century against Ireland, Capsey had a tough time in the tournament in South Africa. But the first two innings in that tournament combined with head coach Jonathan Batty’s presence in the Capitals’ coaching line-up meant she was picked up at the auction.”Pretty disappointed to break my collarbone. However, I had that month off which the other girls didn’t necessarily have to get it back to fitness and to develop my skills, which is prime opportunity going into a World Cup,” Capsey said after her Player-of-the-match outing. “With our England side, we have got three world-class spinners. So I am not needed but [I have been] definitely learning off them, practicing in the nets, bowling at our batters which are world-class like Nat Sciver-Brunt. It’s been pleasing to come into this competition and have that responsibility and get thrown the ball and it’s come off.”And she has quite turned it around in the WPL.Lanning has been happy to turn to Capsey’s offspin for at least one over in the powerplay throughout the competition. But against Warriorz, she brought her on only in the tenth over. A part of the reason could be that Warriorz did away with left-hander Devika Vaidya, who has been opening the batting for them, and brought in Shweta Sehrawat to partner Alyssa Healy at the top.Alice Capsey steered Delhi Capitals’ chase•BCCI

When Capsey came on, Healy was all set and ready to change gears. She had contributed 32 of the 59 runs Warriorz scored at the end of nine overs. She then saw a fullish ball outside off and creamed it through covers for four. But Capsey then anticipated Healy giving her the charge and fired one full and outside off to beat her and have her stumped.In a line-up that was without Grace Harris on the day, a set Healy’s dismissal at the halfway mark was a big blow. Warriorz pushed Kiran Navgire back down the order perhaps for her to essay the role Harris played – of striking the big blows in the latter half. But Harris and Navgire are not quite the same. Which meant Healy had to bat longer for Warriorz to have a strong platform.Job done, Lanning took Capsey off the attack and used Radha to snuff out Simran Shaikh and then Jonassen got the better of Navgire. McGrath was waging a lone battle when Deepti Sharma walked in at 91 for 4 in the 15th over.A left-hander in the middle and on cue, Lanning brought Capsey back in the 16th over, which went for just two. An over later, Capsey first had Deepti stumped before tricking Ecclestone to have figures of 3-0-7-3. And so that giggle was perhaps justified. Capsey’s final over went for 19 as McGrath hit her for two fours and a six but the damage was already done.Capitals were then off to a flier in their run chase after Shafali Verma and Lanning added 56 for the opening wicket. But seamers S Yashasri and Shabnim Ismail struck thrice to reduce Capitals to 70 for 3. Enter our protagonist Capsey.She took on England team-mate Ecclestone to hit her for three fours in an over before tonking a maximum over long-on off legspinner Parshavi Chopra. That allowed Marizanne Kapp to take time on a slowish surface at the Brabourne Stadium. Capsey scored 34 off 31 balls and was eventually stumped off Ecclestone leaving Capitals on the doorstep of a victory. After starting off aggressively, she toned down a bit and ensured Capitals faced few hiccups. Her 60-run stand with Kapp helped kill the chase after it was in the balance when she entered.”The way I play, it’s risk and reward. I am a very aggressive player and I like to put pressure on the bowlers,” she said. “It’s not necessarily about hitting all the fours and sixes but it’s about getting myself in a position to get the team in the best position possible quickly. I have been used in a lot of different roles and change my mindset around when i go in. It’s about making the percentage of the times it comes off higher, which I am learning.”I am learning how to develop an innings. An experience like this has been crucial. Being around Meg Lanning and people like that has been brilliant.”All of 18 years old and on her maiden trip to India, Capsey is not just grabbing the opportunities that are coming her way but also making the headlines in the process.

ESPNcricinfo picks out the main names to follow during the first edition of the Women’s Super League which begins this weekend

Melinda Farrell29-Jul-2016Lancashire ThunderWest Indies won the Women’s WT20 in April and two of Lancashire’s signings were instrumental to their success. Deandra Dottin’s power hitting makes her one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world. She has a 38-ball T20 century to her name – it was the first T20 century by a woman – and she is also a handy bowler, taking nine wickets at 13.55 during West Indies’ WWT20 campaign. It was rising star Hayley Matthews, however, who stole the show in the final at Eden Gardens. The 18-year-old showed poise and power in making 66 off 45 deliveries as the West Indies defeated three-time champions, Australia. Her innings included six boundaries and three sixes. Lancashire won’t be lacking in batting firepower. Loughborough LightingEllyse Perry is arguably the biggest star in the women’s game, and with good reason. The 25-year-old is already a veteran, with nine years of international cricket under her belt. She was Player-of-the-Series when Australia regained the Ashes in England last summer after making more runs and taking more wickets than any other player. While initially seen more of a bowling allrounder, her batting has been a revelation in recent years. The Lightning also have solid all-round support from the experienced New Zealander Sophie Devine and England’s Georgia Elwiss will step in as captain for the absent Sarah Taylor. Southern VipersIt will be fascinating to see how Vipers captain, Charlotte Edwards, fares in the tournament. Suddenly stripped of the England captaincy at the start of the summer, Edwards has 95 T20I’s under her belt and has the chance to prove she’s not done yet. She has a couple of formidable New Zealand weapons in her armoury, in Suzie Bates and Sara McGlashan. Bates was recently named the Wisden Women’s Cricketer of the Year after an outstanding 2015 as New Zealand captain. The veteran McGlashan was a standout in the WBBL, her explosive batting a key to the Sydney Sixers making the final. Surrey StarsSurrey have one of the most promising line ups in the competition, despite the late withdrawal of Australian captain, Meg Lanning. Tammy Beaumont comes into the tournament in the form of her life, having scored back-to-back centuries opening for England against Pakistan – including a magnificent unbeaten 168 – and following up with two half-centuries in the T20Is. She’s joined by England’s best allrounder, Nat Sciver, who belted 80 runs of 33 deliveries in the second ODI against Pakistan, the fastest half-century in ODIs. Add fiery South African allrounder, Marizanne Kapp, and one of Australia’s best bowlers, Rene Farrell, to the mix and the Stars look like a very difficult team to beat. Western StormTwo international captains with different styles join forces at the Western Storm with England skipper, Heather Knight, taking the reins and having her West Indies counterpart, Stafanie Taylor, on board. Taylor was outstanding in leading her side to their WWT20 title; she was the highest run-scorer, made a vital 59 in the final and was deservedly named Player of the Tournament. She also took eight wickets in that tournament, giving Knight some terrific options in the bowling: England opener Anya Shrubsole will also give the attack venom, with her inswingers among the best in the women’s game. Yorkshire DiamondsKatherine Brunt, Shrubsole’s opening bowling partner for England, is as Yorkshire as they come and it was no surprise to see her name on the Diamonds’ squad list. One of the most entertaining and competitive players in the world, Brunt wears her heart on her sleeve and bats with a ferocity that matches her bowling. Lauren Winfield is another who has blossomed for England under Mark Robinson’s new regime; the Diamond’s captain made two half-centuries in the T20I series and a century in the ODI series against Pakistan. If she needs any advice, she has Alex Blackwell on hand. The Australian vice-captain led the Sydney Thunder to victory in the WBBL and is one of the canniest tacticians in international cricket.

Liverpool and FSG are now unwilling to offer new terms to one of their star men as a result of financial fair play concerns, a fresh report has claimed, with the Reds risking losing him instead.

Liverpool locked in contract talks

Contracts have dominated the early part of Arne Slot’s time at Anfield, even as he guides the Reds to the top of the Premier League. Liverpool have a two point advantage over Chelsea in second place, while also having a game in hand on all the sides around them, while they also sit top of the Champions League with six wins from six.

Liverpool could axe one of Trent's "closest friends" by signing £40m star

Liverpool need to make one or two signings in 2025 to consolidate their position of power.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 18, 2024

Though things are going almost perfectly on the pitch, there are still concerns off it, with much of the focus on contracts.

All of Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are out of contract at the end of the current campaign, and though all have been offered fresh terms, none have yet committed their futures to the club.

Another player that Liverpool are keen to reward is defender Ibrahima Konate, whose current deal at Anfield expires in 2026 and who is expected to agree a new deal which will see his new status in the squad rewarded.

However, elsewhere things are less clear; Trent Alexander-Arnold remains in the sights of Real Madrid, who are reportedly planning a meeting in early January to try and convince him to join close friend Jude Bellingham at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Now a shock report suggests that another Liverpool player could follow him to Spain, with the Reds not ready to offer new terms in line with his demands.

Liverpool not willing to offer star new deal

That is according to reports coming out of Spain, which point to Luis Diaz as the man in question and suggests that he could look to leave Liverpool in the near future as a result. The Colombian forward, who has started 10 of Liverpool’s 15 Premier League games this season, was linked with a move away from the club over the summer but has emerged as a key man for Arne Slot.

His current deal runs until 2027, which sees him take home £2.8m a year (£55,000 a week), a wage that puts him among Liverpool’s lowest earners.

Player

Weekly wage

Conor Bradley

£10,000

Curtis Jones

£15,000

Jarell Quansah

£30,000

Harvey Elliott

£40,000

Wataru Endo

£50,000

Luis Diaz

£55,000

That salary, which the report claims “no longer corresponds to his importance in the team”, is seemingly unlikely to change any time soon though. They add the Reds are “not willing to make a financial effort to renew him” due to the “delicate situation with financial fair play” they find themselves in.

It is claimed that this has seen Barcelona rekindle their interest in the forward, though they will be unlikely to move for the Colombian any time soon given that they currently cannot even register summer signing Dani Olmo for the second half of the season due to financial issues of their own.

Nonetheless, it is added that a move for the winger “could become a priority if his contractual situation does not improve at Anfield”, and they may not be the only interested party able to offer a significant wage bump to the south American if Liverpool continue to overlook his importance.

West Ham United have now been offered an ex-Chelsea manager as a potential replacement for Julen Lopetegui, with the Spaniard facing his last chance saloon against Wolves in the Premier League on Monday.

Julen Lopetegui could be fired if West Ham fail to beat Wolves

It has been reported by reliable media sources that Lopetegui has been given one last chance to save his job against Wolves (The Telegraph), with insiders viewing the all-important clash as a “cup final” in terms of the 58-year-old’s future.

West Ham approach Chelsea over signing "fast" £120k-per-week ace in January

The Hammers are looking for winter reinforcements to help save their season.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 7, 2024

A disastrous start to the season for Lopetegui was exacerbated by demoralising defeats to Arsenal and Leicester City last week, which piled even more pressure on the Spaniard, who’s led West Ham to just four league wins so far this season.

Lopetegui has been slammed on various occasions for his tactics, player selection and overall approach to games – with calls to relieve the ex-Spain boss of his duties prevalent long before the last few days.

There have been reports that “several” senior West Ham stars are not behind their manager, and other media sources believe that Lopetegui has frustrated key club figures with last-minute changes to game plans (GiveMeSport).

In response, the Hammers are drawing up contingency plans in case they’re forced to fire their current head coach, with reliable club source ExWHUemployee revealing earlier this week that they’ve held talks with multiple managers already.

Graham Potter, Sergio Conceicao, Kasper Hjulmand, Roger Schmidt, Thomas Frank, Edin Terzic, Massimiliano Allegri and Matthias Jaissle have all been linked with the potentially vacant post this week.

New candidates are emerging on a consistent basis, with former Chelsea, Juventus, Napoli and Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri also in the frame.

West Ham offered ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri to replace Julen Lopetegui

Sources in Italy last month reported that West Ham have been considering Sarri as an option, and French news outlet Foot Mercato now backs this up with a new claim.

Indeed, it is believed West Ham have been “offered” Sarri, with David Sullivan and Tim Steidten apparently open to the possibility of handing him a job back in the Premier League.

Famed for his brand of “Sarri-ball”, which was successful at Napoli and drew admirers, the tactician boasts a Europa League triumph from his time at Chelsea and a Scudetto from his period in the dugout at Juve.

Called “extraordinary” on a tactical level by his former star midfielder Jorginho, the 65-year-old won Serie A’s Manager of the Year award in 2016/17 and guided Lazio to second place a year before he left the Stadio Olimpico.

Sarri does have major credentials, and if supporters want to see attacking football, he could be a good option considering that the Italian is known for being an offensive-minded coach (The Football Analyst).

Manchester United and Arsenal, among other clubs, have reportedly been scouting two highly-rated Greek talents from Olympiacos over the last months.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Arsenal and Man Utd interested in Greek starlets
• Mouzakitis and Kostoulas highly-rated star
• Olympiacos chief sounds a warning to interested sides

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Olympiacos starlets Christos Mouzakitis and Charalampos Kostoulas are considered to be two shining stars of Greece's upcoming golden generation. The pair have been scouted by multiple clubs over the last few months, and The Daily Mail has reported that Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United are two of those sides.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mouzakitis is a left-footed central midfielder and made his senior debut for Greece against Finland last November to become the youngest player ever to do so. Kostoulas, on the other hand, is a number nine or a second striker. Despite the interest, Olympiacos sporting director Darko Kovacevic has claimed that Kostoulas will stay at the club this summer.

• WHAT KOVACEVIC SAID

  Speaking to the media, Kovacevic said: "There is growing interest in him, but he is an Olympiacos player. He will stay at Olympiacos for sure this season, and I hope for longer."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR THE TWO STARLETS?

  Mouzakitis and Kostoulas are likely to stay at Olympiacos for at least another season, partially due to their long contracts with the Greek giants.

Megan Schutt’s career-best T20I figures, and a crisp half-century from Ellyse Perry opening the batting, spearheaded Australia to a convincing eight-wicket victory in the opening T20I against Pakistan as they began the final build-up to their T20 World Cup title in South Africa last month.Schutt became the fourth Australia bowler to take a five-wicket haul in T20Is and finished with their third-best figures behind Molly Strano (5 for 10) and current team-mate Jess Jonasssen (5 for 12).A target of 119 was always unlikely to challenge Australia and they eased home with 38 balls to spare. Perry, who earlier claimed 2 for 3 from two overs, opening with captain Meg Lanning as Beth Mooney managed what was termed a “niggle” although she had been able to keep throughout Pakistan’s innings.Lanning was beaten by an excellent arm ball from Sadia Iqbal but Perry, dropped on 3 when Iqbal missed a tough return catch, followed her rapid scoring in India – and prolific WNCL form – with a confident 57 off 40 balls which included a six pulled over wide mid-on against a free hit from Fatima Sana.Schutt’s first wicket came courtesy of a superb catch down the leg side by Mooney to remove Bismah Maroof although Australia needed DRS to confirm it had touched the glove. Three balls later Sadaf Shamas spooned to mid-on as Pakistan lost their way after a promising start.Schutt completed her maiden five-wicket haul when she returned at the death, getting Sana taken at cover then top-scorer Omaima Sohail and Tuba Hassan with slower deliveries.However, the single standout moment of Australia’s display in the field was the remarkable return catch snaffled by Alana King from a fiercely struck drive by Nida Dar. King, who barely had time to react, flung out her right hand and even appeared to surprise herself at holding on.King’s figures were only dented marginally in her last over when Ayesha Naseem launched her third six of an impressive counterattack, although King had her revenge.Naseem’s 20-ball innings was the highlight of Pakistan’s display as she showed a boldness that is not always on display. She launched Tahlia McGrath into the fig tree over long-on and played a ferocious pull off Darcie Brown onto the grass bank at midwicket.Brown had an off day which included consecutive no-balls in her opening over and the 34 she conceded was the most of what remains a T20 career in its infancy.It had been Perry, a player at the opposite end of the experience spectrum, who had opened the wicket-taking for Australia with a superb yorker to remove Muneeba Ali which ended a spritely opening stand of 27 in 4.2 overs.In her next over Perry added Javeria Khan via a bottom edge as Pakistan lost 4 for 5 but she wasn’t called upon to bowl again by Lanning who used seven options and that still left Annabel Sutherland not required.