Gilchrist sees similarities between his Test ascension and Carey's

Not since Gilchrist’s debut in 1999 as an Australia keeper made their Test debut at home

AAP02-Dec-2021Adam Gilchrist expects Alex Carey to warm to Test cricket, knowing all too well the upside of serving a long-term apprenticeship in the coloured clothes before donning the baggy green.Carey, having captained Australia’s ODI side earlier this year and represented his country in 83 white-ball matches, will replace Tim Paine behind the stumps in next week’s Ashes opener at the Gabba.The catalyst for Carey’s elevation, confirmed on Thursday, is notably different to that which resulted in Gilchrist succeeding Ian Healy as Test wicketkeeper at the same ground in 1999.Related

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Carey determined to keep focus in 'the biggest game I'll play' as Test debut locked in

Carey is not as dynamic a batter as Gilchrist; nor has he enjoyed the same stability while batting in every spot from No. 1 to No. 8 for Australia. But Gilchrist, who last month gave Carey a technical tune-up over the phone, says recent years will help the South Australian handle a pressure-laden Test debut against England.”I see a lot of similarities between Alex’s journey and mine,” Gilchrist told AAP at Fox Cricket’s season launch. “When I walked out to bat, Mark Waugh was at the non-striker’s end and I’d opened with him 70-odd times.”Starting my Test career, it wasn’t completely new. There was a really nice settling air of familiarity. That doesn’t guarantee success but it certainly gives you a nice launching pad.”Alex deserves the opportunity, he’s worked really hard in that white-ball set-up. His keeping has been really consistent, I think he’ll warm to Test cricket really nicely.”Carey, who edged Josh Inglis in a selection showdown to replace former captain Paine in a 15-player squad for the first two Tests, will be the first gloveman to be presented with a baggy green on home soil since Gilchrist.Carey, whose head is still spinning after breaking the news to a tearful mum, dad and wife, hoped previous experience keeping to Australia’s Test attack would help settle any nerves in “the biggest game I’ve played”.Carey passed 50 in just one of eight Sheffield Shield innings this season but posted a timely one-day century on Sunday. In the previous three seasons, he has celebrated four Shield hundreds from nine games while routinely missing red-ball cricket to play ODIs and T20s.”The focus has never really been on his keeping. As is always the way in this day and age, it’s all about the runs if you’re a keeper,” Gilchrist said. “He reached out a couple of weeks ago just to have a chat about a few things.”He will often touch base – whether it’s around little technical things, bat and gloves, approach or just what I’ve seen. There aren’t many of us keepers, so you have to try to stick together.”

More clinical than Osimhen: Chelsea could sign one of the world’s best CFs

Enzo Maresca and his new Chelsea side begin their Premier League campaign by facing last year's champions, Manchester City, on Sunday.

Having already lost to them 4-2 in pre-season, Chelsea will be hoping to flip the script, and not come away from the game only scoring two goals, despite creating five "big chances".

On the day, Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu both spurned massive opportunities and if the Blues want to beat the best teams in the league, they will need to convert their big chances, hence the growing interest in a striker acquisition, particularly Napoli's Victor Osimhen.

Victor Osimhen for Napoli.

Osimhen has scored 65 goals in Serie A in his 108 appearances for Napoli, also providing 16 assists in that time. The 2022/23 Golden Boot winner is now very highly regarded and is seen as one of Chelsea's top targets.

Chelsea transfer news

According to French football expert Jonathan Johnson, via CaughtOffside, Lille striker Jonathan David, could be a story to keep an eye on going into the final weeks of the summer transfer window.

The expert stated that "it is possible that Chelsea or Tottenham could revisit their interest" in the forward before the window concludes.

LOSC Lille striker Jonathan David

The 24-year-old doesn't look like he is going to sign a new contract with Lille, and therefore, they will want to resolve his situation in order to avoid him leaving the club on a free next summer.

David made 47 appearances for Lille in all competitions last season, scoring 26 goals, providing nine assists, and totalling 3,615 minutes played.

David vs Osimhen comparison

Jacek Kulig described David as "superb" back in 2021, alluding to his excellent second half of the 2020/21 campaign, where he scored 11 times in 25 games.

David has shown his goal-scoring ability over the past few years, bagging 85 goals in his 185 games for Lille, including a 26-goal in 40 game season in 2022/23. So, he clearly find the back of the net, but what else can he provide?

Goals

0.66

0.62

Assists

0.19

0.11

xG

0.66

0.65

Shots Total

2.76

3.69

Shots on Target

1.54

1.53

Goals/Shot

0.21

0.14

Shot-Creating Actions

2.59

2.47

Progressive Carries

1.49

1.59

Touches (Att Pen)

4.54

6.83

Aerials Won

0.75

1.81

David's best asset is his clinical finishing, and composure in front of goal, and this is massively backed up by his metrics. Averaging 0.66 goals per 90, whilst accumulating 0.66 xG per 90, and scoring at a rate of 0.21 goals/shot ratio.

Not only this, but the Canada star does this by taking fewer shots than Osimhen, averaging 2,76 shots per 90, whilst actually averaging more shots on target, despite having almost one whole fewer shot per 90.

One area Osimhen clearly dominates, though, is with his box presence, averaging over two more penalty area touches per 90, and more than double the number of aerials won per 90. This is a profile Chelsea have been lacking for some time now, and David, whilst being a clinical finisher, doesn't bring that same physical profile of an Osimhen.

Man Utd transfer target Jonathan David in action for Lille.

That said, David – whom journalist Tony Marinaro described as "one of the best strikers in the world" – would offer Chelsea a much cheaper alternative to Osimhen, whilst bringing a higher level of clinical finishing.

The main question, though, would be whether he offers enough in the finishing department, to abandon their desire for a box dominator.

He's like Henry: Chelsea could sign a £100m Omorodion & Osimhen alternative

Chelsea looking at Omorodion alternatives

ByConnor Holden Aug 12, 2024

Fabrizio Romano says Tottenham are eyeing £12 million ace alongside Solanke

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano says Tottenham are eyeing a £12 million player alongside their pursuit of Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.

Spurs pursuing move for Dominic Solanke and other strikers

Manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed last week that Spurs are actively looking to sign a striker as a priority before deadline day, so it appears a new number nine is certainly one to watch in the coming weeks.

Tottenham predict late exit as £134,000-per-week star holds talks to leave

He could be yet another name out of the door at Spurs.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 8, 2024

Postecoglou was heavily reliant on both Son Heung-min and Richarlison for the majority of Spurs' goal tally last season, with the duo scoring 29 between them in all competitions, but Postecoglou doesn't want a repeat of that for the 2024/2025 season – explaining how he would've certainly utilised Harry Kane if he hadn't decided to join Bayern Munich.

"If Harry would have stayed I definitely would have used him!," said Postecoglou on Tottenham's plans to sign a new striker.

"So I think for us what's more important is the type of striker we get. You know we play a certain way. We demand certain things from a physical perspective from the technical aspects of it that it's going be a striker that fits that mould.

Player

Goals scored

Son Heung min

17

Richarlison

12

Dejan Kulusevski

8

Brennan Johnson

5

Cristian Romero

5

James Maddison

4

"It's still the area of the park we're really probably the thinnest when I talk about squad-wise at the moment, so obviously that's a focus for us.

"Irrespective of the approach, I like to think I've always been pretty clear on what I want. I've had success for the most part of my career with transfers and, I mean, I thought last year's window was excellent."

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham are in talks over signing Solanke from Bournemouth, and Spurs are pushing to seal a deal for the Englishman who scored 21 goals in all competitions for the Cherries last term.

However, he is by no means the only forward target on their radar, as fellow reliable reporter Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport backs that Tottenham have a concrete interest in signing Brentford's Ivan Toney as well.

While bringing in a striker is a top priority, Spurs also may need to sign another right-back, with Emerson Royal thought to be closing in on a move to AC Milan.

Tottenham also thinking about signing Issa Kabore from Man City

Speaking to GiveMeSport, amid their high-profile chase for Solanke, Romano says that Tottenham are considering a move for Issa Kabore – who would come in to replace Emerson if the Brazilian does, at long last, seal his San Siro move.

“Tottenham would look to fill the gap, for sure, because they have Pedro Porro, but they would need one more player," said Romano.

Fulham'sJoaoPalhinhain action with Luton Town's Issa Kabore

“It's true that Kabore at Manchester City, former Luton Town player, is appreciated by Tottenham. But I’m told he is not the only option. So there are several possibilities being considered."

The Burkina Faso international spent last season on loan at Kenilworth Road, making 24 Premier League appearances, with City believed to value Kabore at around £12 million. Ex-Marseille boss Igor Tudor also branded Kabore a "top athlete" when the pair worked together in Ligue 1.

Barcelona plot bid for Alphonso Davies as Hansi Flick wants reunion with Bayern full-back – but Real Madrid and Man Utd remain interested in Canada star

Barcelona are reportedly keen on Alphonso Davies as Hansi Flick is pushing for a reunion – with Real Madrid and Manchester United still in the race.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Speculation grows over Davies' future
  • Defender is yet to sign an extension at Bayern
  • Barca join the race along with Real & Man Utd
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    After a period of inconsistent form, Davies has once again showcased his abilities as one of the premier full-backs in the game. Under Kompany’s leadership, he has returned to the electrifying displays that earned him acclaim early in his career. However, as contract discussions with Bayern continue to stall, it appears unlikely that the German club will meet Davies’ demands. The Canadian has requested a €20 million (£16m/$21m) annual salary and a signing bonus of €15m (£12m/$16m), a figure Bayern are reportedly reluctant to meet, which will likely see the defender depart on a free transfer next summer.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    According toreporter Christian Falk, Real Madrid remain the frontrunner in the race but Barcelona are equally determined to sign Davies. The Blaugrana’s pursuit has been rekindled with the arrival of Hansi Flick, who coached Davies during Bayern’s 2020 Champions League triumph.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Despite Barcelona’s recent financial challenges, the potential to sign Davies on a free transfer presents an attractive opportunity. Blaugrana officials are reportedly optimistic that the club can afford the high demands Davies is likely to set, and discussions with his camp have reportedly already begun earlier this year, as previously revealed by Fabrizio Romano

  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT NEXT?

    If Bayern remain steadfast in their refusal to meet Davies’ demands, the likelihood of his departure will only intensify. Whether he heads to Real Madrid, reunites with Flick at Barcelona, or joins Manchester United, his next move will be among the most closely watched in the next summer transfer window.

Azeem Rafiq racism report: Yorkshire chairman Roger Hutton to be called before DCMS select committee

Health secretary Sajid Javid tweets “P**i is not banter” as pressure increases on Yorkshire

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Nov-2021Yorkshire’s handling of the investigation into allegations of institutional racism by Azeem Rafiq will face further parliamentary scrutiny with the news that Roger Hutton, the club’s chairman, is to be called before the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee.Yorkshire announced last week that they would be taking no further action against any current employees, players or executives, after reviewing the report produced by an independent panel.The ECB, however, has promised to consider the “many serious allegations” contained in the report, after receiving a copy. ESPNcricinfo revealed on Monday that despite a Yorkshire player admitting to use of the word “P**i” when referring to Rafiq, it was excused by the panel on the basis that it was “banter”.In response, the health secretary, Sajid Javid, tweeted that “P**i is not banter”, adding that “heads should roll at Yorkshire”.Julian Knight, the DCMS select committee chair, said in a statement to the Press Association that Hutton would be called “to give a much fuller explanation than we have had so far”. Knight previously wrote to Yorkshire urging them to publish the report in full – something the club have so far resisted doing so on the grounds of privacy and defamation.Related

  • Gary Ballance admits to racial slur against 'closest friend' Azeem Rafiq

  • Azeem Rafiq set to give evidence before DCMS as pressure mounts on Yorkshire

  • Rafiq calls for removal of Yorkshire senior management

  • ECB promises 'fair and thorough' investigation into Rafiq allegations

  • Yorkshire racism report ruled Rafiq being called 'P**i' was 'banter'

“This is extremely concerning and it’s clear that Yorkshire County Cricket Club has questions to answer,” Knight said in response to the latest allegations. “We have monitored developments around the club’s handling of the serious allegations made by Azeem Rafiq.”We want to see much greater transparency from YCCC – it is time for them to answer their critics. We intend to call the chair of the club before the DCMS Committee to give a much fuller explanation than we have had so far.”Yorkshire admitted in September that Rafiq was “a victim of racial harassment” during his time at the club, upholding seven of 43 allegations made by the former allrounder.

But after the club released a statement saying they were “pleased” to announce their response to the report – which included the conclusion that no disciplinary action was warranted – Rafiq condemned the developments as “embarrassing”.Meanwhile, the ground sponsor at Headingley, Emerald Publishing, has added to the pressure on Yorkshire by saying “there is clearly still a great deal more to do” and that it would be seeking a response from the club.”We take all matters related to any form of racism or discriminatory behaviour seriously and expect all our partners to uphold our values,” Emerald said in a statement to PA. “As sponsors of the Headingley stadium, we are dismayed by the conclusion of an independent panel that the former player, Azeem Rafiq, suffered racial harassment and bullying during his time at the club.”Whilst the club has offered its unreserved apology for this, and has made a number of positive changes in the intervening years, there is clearly still a great deal more to do. We are pursuing the actions from the YCCC in response to their latest statement and will continue to review the findings from the tribunal and ECB investigation in due course.”

Sri Lanka in dire need of World Cup Super League points

India may continue to test their bench strength having already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series

Hemant Brar22-Jul-20217:24

Will more spin be used in the first ten overs? Should Chamika bat higher?

Big pictureIndia shut the door on Sri Lanka in the first ODI. In the second match, Sri Lanka failed to close out the game. And just like that, in a matter of three days, the fate of the series was sealed.However, in the era of the World Cup Super League, there are no dead rubbers. Teams no longer play just for the pride. So in the third ODI on Friday, Sri Lanka will be aiming for ten crucial points to get back into the race for the direct qualification for the global event in 2023.After nine losses in their last ten completed ODIs, the whole Sri Lankan team has come under scrutiny. While the defeat in the second ODI left the players and coaches “emotional”, a penalty of one point for slow over-rate has pushed them further back. With just 10.91% points (12 points from 11 games), they are placed lowest among all teams.There is more bad news. Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s best bowler on Tuesday, is also set to miss this match with a muscle tear in his leg (doctors are hoping he’ll be okay for the T20Is).Sri Lanka lose one World Cup Super League point for slow over-rate

Sri Lanka were penalised one World Cup Super League point and their players were fined 20% of the match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate in the second ODI. The hosts were found to be one over short after time allowances were taken into consideration.

The sanctions were imposed as per Article 16.12.2 of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League Playing Conditions and Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel respectively.

India, on the other hand, once again exhibited their depth. In the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Prithvi Shaw and Ishan Kishan stood up. Krunal Pandya is doing an excellent job in Ravindra Jadeja’s role. And the way Deepak Chahar steered the chase in the second game was exemplary.Unlike Sri Lanka, India don’t have to worry about World Cup qualification. As the hosts of the event, they qualify automatically. That gives them the luxury of trying out what could probably be called a third-choice XI.Form guideSri Lanka LLLLW (Last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
India WWWLW
Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the Sri Lanka bowlers in the second ODI•ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/Getty ImagesIn the spotlightHardik Pandya didn’t bowl a single ball during the truncated IPL 2020. He sent down five overs in the first ODI here but on Tuesday, he was seen holding his back in his third over. Later in the innings, he bowled one more over. The final ODI may shed more light on his bowling fitness.Team newsSri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka said on the eve of the match that fast bowler Kasun Rajitha is out with an injury. Sri Lanka can replace him with Lahiru Kumara. They can also bring in Akila Dananjaya for Lakshan Sandakan. In two games so far, Sandakan has combined figures of 2 for 124 from 18.4 overs at an economy of 6.64. With Hasaranga out, they may bring in offspinning allrounder Ramesh Mendis into the lower middle order.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Avishka Fernando, 2 Minod Bhanuka (wk), 3 Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 4 Dhananjaya de Silva, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Dasun Shanaka (capt), 7 Ramesh Mendis, 8 Chamika Karunaratne, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Akila Dananjaya, 11 Lahiru KumaraBhuvneshwar Kumar didn’t look 100% in the last match and India could consider resting him on Friday. Navdeep Saini can come in his place. Having recovered from his knee ligament injury, Sanju Samson can replace Kishan if India want to give chances to more players.India (probable): 1 Prithvi Shaw, 2 Shikhar Dhawan (capt), 3 Ishan Kishan/Sanju Samson (wk), 4 Manish Pandey, 5 Suryakumar Yadav, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Krunal Pandya, 8 Deepak Chahar, 9 Navdeep Saini, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Yuzvendra ChahalPitch and conditionsBatters in this series have enjoyed playing their shots on the R Premadasa pitches but at the same time, there has been help for spinners too. A similar pitch is expected for the third ODI as well but the weather could play a spoilsport. It’s forecast to be cloudy with intermittent showers on the match day.Stats and trivia The last time Sri Lanka won a bilateral ODI series against India was in 1997. Since January 2020, India’s fast bowlers have picked up just five powerplay wickets in 14 ODIs, at an average of 159 and an economy of 5.88. Yuzvendra Chahal has 97 wickets in 56 ODIs. Three more wickets on Friday and he will join Jasprit Bumrah as the joint-second fastest Indian to the 100-wicket landmark. Mohammed Shami (56 ODIs) holds the record for India.Quotes”As a team, and I as captain, we need to build confidence. And alongside that, the players need to believe in their ability to execute their skills in the game. I saw a lot of this in the last game, and so I’m confident we can build on that, and turn that into positive results. It’s true we haven’t won consistently for a while, but we haven’t forgotten how to win.”
“[MS Dhoni] has had a very big impact on me. Not just during my time at the CSK but even when I was growing up. We have all seen how he takes the match close. Every time I speak to him, he tells me it’s in your hands to take the game till the end and if you can do that, then it’s just a matter of a few overs.

Globo e Floresta empatam na Copa do Nordeste

MatériaMais Notícias

da 888casino: O Globo enfrentou o Floresta, na noite deste sábado (29). Jogando pela 2ª rodada da Copa do Nordeste, as equipes acabaram a partida no empate, em 1 a 1. Santana abriu, mas Ribeiro deixou tudo igual.

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SEM GRANDES CHANCES!

O primeiro tempo foi fraco tecnicamente e as duas equipes não conseguiram fazer grandes criações. Dessa forma, os times não conseguiram fazer criações ou até aproveitar os erros dos adversários.

GOLS!

Na volta do intervalo, as equipes mudaram os seus aspectos e chegaram, enfim, à meta. Com menos de cinco minutos, Santana aproveitou e abriu o placar para o Globo. No entanto, o marcador não demorou a ficar empatado. Aos 18, Ribeiro não deu moleza e mandou para o fundo das redes.

The biggest hurdle for India at the Women's World Cup

They have had issues handling high-pressure situations and the improvements they’ve made via the WPL will be put to the test against New Zealand

S Sudarshanan20-Oct-20253:53

‘India’s botched chases feel like déjà vu’

When India fell agonisingly short of a world title twice in three years – the ODI World Cup 2017 and the T20 World Cup in 2020 – the failure to cross the line was attributed to an inability to handle pressure. Specifically, the kind that comes with a trophy on the line.The Women’s Premier League (WPL) came in to help the players do better in that regard. It is three seasons old, and the fourth is just months away, yet India’s old habits of stumbling with victory in sight have continued.Mumbai 2023. Perth 2024. Even Delhi 2025 though they were up against a target of 412. And most gallingly, Indore 2025.This is the list of ODI chases that India, in the Amol Muzumdar-Harmanpreet Kaur regime, were in full control of and then let go. Their latest one, the four-run defeat against England on Sunday, has left them facing a difficult path forward in the Women’s World Cup 2025. There is only one semi-final spot left and four teams are vying for it.Harmanpreet Kaur reacts as things just don’t go to plan•ICC/Getty ImagesIt is no surprise that Australia were India’s opponents in three of these four occasions. Each of them followed a pattern of India losing wickets in a heap and losing from a fairly comfortable position. Take the Perth ODI, for example. India were 184 for 3 after 35 overs in their chase of 299. Smriti Mandhana had just completed her century, Jemimah Rodrigues was off to a fluent start and India needed 115 off 90 balls. Mandhana fell in the next over, a collapse of 7 for 26 ensued, and India were bowled out for 215.Two years ago, at Wankhede Stadium, India squandered an ask of 41 off 38 balls with a target only 259. Once Richa Ghosh was dismissed for 96, India lost 4 for 25 and did not get the final kick, falling short by three runs.In Delhi, India gave an almighty go at a world-record target. Mandhana hit the second-fastest ODI hundred and kept the challenge alive. Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana’s eighth-wicket partnership raised unlikely hopes. Then India lost 3 for 15 to end on 369. No team should be pulled up for being unable to chase 413 but the significance of that chase is that, just like on Sunday, they were without Rodrigues. They were a batter short, having to paper over other concerns.5:13

‘Fans need to temper expectations with India’

In cases like this – when resources have run dry – experience matters more than training. The BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE, earlier the National Cricket Academy) has world-class facilities, which has helped a lot of players work on particular aspects of the game. India’s domestic system is also vast and robust. All of their players have come up through the ranks showing a great deal of ability. But a domestic game – or upskilling sessions – cannot be compared to a stage as big as a World Cup. Here, nerves can get the better of even the most hardened people.Related

New Zealand in must-win territory with rain in the Navi Mumbai air

'The emotions took over' – Mandhana takes blame for Sunday heartbreak

India's cracks threaten to bring down their whole World Cup

So, clearly there is work to do but some of it is already done. The WPL’s emergence has, to an extent, helped condition players to the spotlight, and increased stakes. It is held at major Indian venues, and matches are often played in front of packed houses and for prime-time television audiences. Crucially, it has even yielded two key players who are part of this World Cup – fast bowler Kranti Gaud and left-arm spinner N Shree Charani.Gaud has been rising steadily over the years in domestic cricket and picked up 4 for 25 in last year’s Senior Women’s T20 Trophy final against Bengal. Charani impressed with her defensive skills during the Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy in 2022. These performances were noticed thanks to the scouts from various WPL teams being present at tournaments that often go largely unnoticed. Both of them got picked for WPL 2025 by UP Warriorz and Delhi Capitals respectively, and now have played all of India’s five World Cup matches. This, from not being in the national radar until six-seven months ago.Kranti Gaud is proof of how the WPL is helping bring more players to the Indian team•ICC via Getty ImagesIn the not-so-distant past, Gaud and Charani might have been toiling away at the lower levels, waiting for their big break like many others. Like Kashvee Gautam, who has been grabbing headlines since 2020 when she picked up all 10 wickets in an innings in an Under-19 one-day game. She finally got to play for India this year after a stint with Gujarat Giants helped boost her profile. Domestic performances have visibility now because of the WPL.Despite all of this, India have been found wanting under pressure, which means other areas need to be explored.Just before the T20 World Cup in the UAE last year, the Indian players had sessions with sports psychologist Mughda Bavare, who had also worked with the team during the 2022 ODI World Cup. At the time Harmanpreet spoke glowingly of the impact these sessions had on her.In an interview with ESPNcricinfo earlier this year, Pratika Rawal, a psychology student, also touched upon the powers of the mind: “Studying psychology helped me understand myself. It taught me why a certain human behaves in a certain way in a certain situation. How you think will show in how you walk. If someone is nervous, other teams can know that and will use it against you. If they can take advantage, why can’t you?”4:09

‘Losses will raise questions about India’s mindset’

Rodrigues also toed a similar line in a chat with : “When you’re playing sport at such a high level, the pressure is immense. Many can’t understand what we go through. And sometimes we ourselves don’t understand why we feel the way we feel. But it’s so nice that we get professional help where we can talk these things out. It’s like you can train your mind also. If you can retrain your mind to think in the right direction, maybe that will change your performance, the way you are, [bring about] the outcomes you desire also.”Skills wise, India have been challenging the likes of Australia and England like no other team ever has. But when it comes to the battle of the mind and the nerves, they still have a bit of work to do. That was the case in Indore on Sunday, when they moved away from a trusted combination of six batters and five bowlers. They could once again tweak personnel in order to rebalance the XI ahead of next high-profile clash against New Zealand.The only positive for them is that they will play all the remaining games at the World Cup, including the knockouts if they qualify, at the DY Patil Stadium, a venue they are very familiar with. If they do that, Navi Mumbai 2025 may not need to be added to the list.

Newcastle join race to sign sensation who’s the same “talent level” as Haaland

Newcastle United have now joined several top clubs in the race to sign a teenage star who’s the same “talent level” as Erling Haaland, according to reports.

Alan Shearer praises "excellent" Guimaraes despite Tottenham draw

Although Newcastle have the chance to redeem themselves against Burnley this weekend, they’ll look back on their 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur as a chance wasted. The Magpies largely dominated, but came unstuck by a shock Cristian Romero brace which included a late overhead kick.

Eddie Howe still has plenty of reason to be optimistic, though, and one of those reasons is the performance of Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian emerged from the bench before finding the back of the net and receiving high praise from Tyneside legend Alan Shearer.

It was a standout display from a Newcastle fan favourite, but that may not stop the Magpies from welcoming another midfield addition in the January transfer window.

£65m Newcastle duo should be fuming with Howe's team selection vs Spurs

Two Newcastle players, in particular, are unlikely to be too happy right now.

By
Matt Dawson

Dec 3, 2025

Those at St James’ Park have already been linked with the likes of Scott McTominay on that front and could welcome the Scotland international, before turning their focus towards the in-demand Yan Diomande.

Newcastle join Yan Diomande race

Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Diomande, according to TeamTalk, and are among the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool all competing to land the winger’s signature.

One RB Leipzig source even went as far as to tell TeamTalk that the winger is the same “talent level” as Manchester City star Haaland, who also came through the Red Bull ranks at Salzburg a number of years ago.

Newcastle have reportedly sent their scouts to watch the 19-year-old in action, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll be able to position themselves to secure his arrival.

What’s more, Leipzig themselves are not ready to let their young star leave and his reported €100m (£87m) release clause should help fend off at least some of the interest.

Given how Anthony Elanga has struggled this season, Diomande is someone that the Magpies should be all in on if they want to complete their frontline alongside record signing Nick Woltemade.

Shades of Woltemade: Newcastle holding internal talks to sign £21m "magician"

Tottenham could hijack big club after opening talks with £42m Euro 2024 ace

da brwin: Tottenham have now opened talks with a Euro 2024 star, via his reps, and could hijack a major European club's move for him as a result.

Spurs targeting new defender after Postecoglou's admission

da supremo: The north Londoners also completed a deal for Romania international Radu Dragusin for around £25 million in January, but there is a real belief that Ange Postecoglou remains on the hunt for new centre-backs.

£113,000-per-week World Cup winner holds talks to join Ange at Tottenham

He’s a pretty big name.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 18, 2024

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero were indomitable at times over 2023/2024, forming a crucial partnership at the heart of Postecoglou's backline, and the former's searing pace is a crucial component of the Australian's high line.

However, when either of the defenders are absent or injured, Spurs can seriously struggle. Dragusin's arrival worked wonders to provide Postecoglou with an alternative option, with the 22-year-old's presence even allowing van de Ven to cover for Destiny Udogie at left-back towards the end of last season.

Tottenham's best-performing defenders in the league last season

Average match rating (via WhoScored)

Pedro Porro

7.04

Cristian Romero

7.03

Micky van de Ven

6.79

Destiny Udogie

6.71

Ben Davies

6.62

Despite the signing of Dragusin, though, it is believed Tottenham are still looking at bringing in another centre-half this summer. The Lilywhites head coach, speaking back in March, even admitted that it is one of their transfer aims.

“If you’re saying, ‘Is it an area we can strengthen?’, yes it’s an area we will probably look at”, said Postecoglou on signing another centre-back.

Micky van de Ven for Tottenham

“With all these things, it’s about trying to strengthen the group as much as anything else. If you think about when I first arrived, we had maybe six or seven centre-backs at the club. So it’s not just numbers. It’s more about the ability of those players to play the football we want and to fit in to what we’re trying to build here.

“I think it is an area of the park we will look to strengthen, but I think we’ll look to strengthen all areas of the park come the end of the season. That is planning that’s already underway, and other people are in charge of it at the moment.”

Tottenham have displayed a keen interest in Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori as one potential target, with DAZN (via Il Bianconero) sharing an update on their pursuit of the Euro 2024 ace.

Tottenham open talks for Calafiori and could hijack Juventus

The broadcaster claims Tottenham have spoken with Calafiori's reps and contact has been made with Bologna, as they look to beat Juventus in the race for his signature.

The Italy international, who was praised for his performance against Albania in their opening group game of the tournament, is rumoured to command a price tag as high as £42 million following his excellent Serie A campaign.

Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori

It looks as if Calafiori could be at the centre of a tug-of-war between Juve and Spurs, especially if he continues to impress at the Euros.

“He played an extraordinary game, like the whole team in the first 60 minutes," said Italian World Cup winner Gianluca Zambrotta on Calafiori's outing against Albania.

"He played with personality, without fear, perhaps the only flaw was on the long ball where we took a risk with Donnarumma’s exit. But he showed some beautiful things yesterday.”

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