All posts by h716a5.icu

McCaughan scores fifty in stand with Adams worth 84 as Vipers thrash Stars by 111 runs

ECB Reporters Network05-Sep-2020Southern Vipers remained on course for the final of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy when they made it three wins out of three by defeating South East Stars by 111 runs at Hove.The Stars, chasing a target of 210, never came to terms with a difficult surface but kept themselves in touch until they suddenly fell away, losing five wickets in seven overs for 11 runs halfway through their 50-over allocation. It was their second defeat in three matches.They were 61 for 2 in the 20th over, slightly behind the rate but still very much in the match with wickets in hand, when the game turned with a stunning piece of fielding from Providence Cowdrill.The dangerous Maxine Blythin, sensing the need for acceleration, drove Charlotte Taylor powerfully but uppishly and was stunned to be caught by a diving one-handed catch by Cowdrill at mid-off.Then Susie Rowe jumped down the wicket to drive but only succeeded in chipping the ball to mid-off, where Ella McCaughan took a simple catch. In the following over Aylish Cranstone, who had held the innings together with 28, was run out as non-striker when a drive was deflected onto the stumps by the bowler Tara Norris. Then Tash Farrant and Rhianna Southby were run out in successive overs and the game was up for the Stars.The Vipers might have expected to score more than their 209 for 8, especially after openers Georgia Adams and McCaughan had set a solid platform with a first-wicket stand of 84 in 21.3 overs.But, until the end of their innings, they struggled to lift their run-rate above four an over. They lost wickets just as partnerships were beginning to develop and found no-one to play the commanding middle-order innings to accelerate the run-rate, not that it was needed at the end of the day.In mitigation, they were batting on a used wicket, which appeared to get slower as the day progressed. And the bowling and fielding by the Stars was impressive. Captain Farrant led the way, her bustling left-arm seam bowling taking two wickets for 28 runs in ten overs. She was well supported, particularly by Alice Capsey, who is better known as a right-hand bat but who has also been transformed into a useful spinner by the former Hampshire slow left-armer Rajesh Maru.Adams, the daughter of former Sussex captain and Test batsman Chris Adams, followed her recent 55 against Western Storm with a 69-ball 44, with three fours, while McCaughan, only 17, made 50 from 81 deliveries, though she hinted at a brisker tempo when she struck three fours in the fifth over of the match, bowled by Eva Gray.After that, Maia Bouchier, with 28 off 35, and Charlotte Dean, with 28 from 44, threatened to play major innings but both got out when well set and the Vipers only got the 200 up in the 49th over.

Current champions New South Wales will begin their campaign on October 22

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Sep-2020The first four rounds of the 2020-21 Sheffield Shield season will be played in an Adelaide hub starting on October 10 and stretching through until November 17.Playing a full Sheffield Shield season was one of the key commitments made at an Australian Cricket Council meeting last month – comprising of the chairs of Cricket Australia, state and territory associations and the Australian Cricketers Association – with CA also aiming to play the Marsh One-Day Cup, WNCL and Under-19 male and female championships in early 2021.The Shield will begin with South Australia facing Western Australia at Karen Rolton Oval and Queensland playing Tasmania at the Park 25 ground. Due to the 14-day quarantine period imposed on people arriving into South Australia from Victoria, their first-round match against New South Wales will take place from November 17-20.With the opening up of the New South Wales-South Australia border on Thursday travel between those states will not require quarantine, should that remain the case into next month, and could also mean New South Wales’ players are able to play extra grade cricket before their Shield season starts on October 22 with the reverse fixture against Victoria.Victoria’s players are currently undergoing a period of quarantine ahead of taking a charter flight to Adelaide on October 5 where they will stay at the new Oval Hotel at Adelaide Oval and be able to train during two weeks of further quarantine.”It has been a unique pre-season but we have been fortunate to be able to maintain our training schedule and conditioning during the Covid-19 lockdown. We’ve been working closely with Cricket Australia throughout this process to deliver a schedule outcome that is fair to Victoria given the quarantine periods involved for us,” Cricket Victoria’s general manager of Cricket Shaun Graf said.”We’ll take an extended squad of players with us to Adelaide to give us scope to make changes over these first few matches where or as we need to. Despite the challenges, I know all the players are keen to get out on the park and play some real cricket.””The Marsh Sheffield Shield is an incredibly strong competition and for generations has been a crucial factor in the success of the Australian men’s team,” CA chief executive Nick Hockley said. “It is the envy of cricketing countries throughout the world. We would like to thank the South Australian government for their willingness to work together to deliver these fixtures.”Many people have worked incredibly hard to arrive at this outcome, whilst recognising that player and staff safety and wellbeing remains the priority and having government restrictions in place to keep the community safe from Covid-19.”CA will also be staging full WBBL and BBL competitions this summer, so there will be no shortage of action and opportunity for our women’s and men’s players.”I would like to thank all our stakeholders across the game for their support, most notably the State and Territory Associations and the Australian Cricketers’ Association.”Alistair Nicholson, the ACA chief executive, said: “Our players place an enormous value on our domestic competitions, and this has been reflected in their commitment and flexibility to get the game going.”Confirmation of the reworked WBBL season, which will be played entirely in Sydney starting October 25, is expected shortly while the BBL may involve a rolling hubs around the country depending on Covid-19 restrictions.2020-21 Sheffield Shield fixturesRound 1October 10-13: South Australia v Western Australia, Karen Rolton Oval
October 10-13: Queensland v Tasmania, Park 25
November 17-20: New South Wales v Victoria, venue TBC
Round 2October 19-22: South Australia v Tasmania, Karen Rolton Oval
October 19-22: Western Australia v Queensland, Park 25
October 22-25: Victoria v New South Wales, Adelaide Oval No. 2Round 3October 30-November 2: New South Wales v Western Australia, Karen Rolton Oval
October 30-November 2: Victoria v Tasmania, Park 25
October 30-November 2: South Australia v Queensland, ACH Group Stadium, GlenelgRound 4November 8-11: Queensland v Victoria, Karen Rolton Oval
November 8-11: Western Australia v Tasmania, Park 25
November 8-11: South Australia v NSW, ACH Group Stadium, Glenelg

GOAL USA writers analyze Pochettino's first squad selection, and what will define success this window

And so it begins. Mauricio Pochettino has announced his first USMNT squad. And on first glance, the new boss hasn't shaken things up much. Most of the familiar faces are here. The injured Gio Reyna is the most notable absentee. But otherwise, this is a squad similar to the those that Gregg Berhalter assembled during his last few windows.

The squad is headlined – no surprise – by Christian Pulisic, with Weston McKennie, Tim Weah and Antonee Robinson all returning to the squad after missing out in September. Former U.S. No. 1 goalkeeper Zack Steffen returns for the first time since 2022, and Gianluca Busio has a chance to make his first appearance since 2023.

But for all of the recognizable names, there remains some debate as to how exactly it will all come together. And there seem to be one or two players that perhaps haven't done enough over the first few weeks of the season to warrant inclusion.

Beyond that, how will this team play? What will be considered a success in this window? Can Pochettino show that he is worth all of the hype? Is it time for hope?

Those questions will continue in the days, weeks, and months to come as the men's national team gears up for the 2026 World Cup. But for now, GOAL US writers react to Pochettino's first squad in a USMNT edition of… The Rondo.

Who was the biggest snub?

Tom Hindle: Not quite sure there is one – even if you factor in the injuries here. Pochettino, for all of the talk, has played it reasonably safe. All of the big names are present, while the fringe guys have more or less stayed in the squad. At a , you could make a case for Gaga Slonina's inclusion. There's also maybe a shout for Benjamin Cremaschi or Kevin Paredes here. Otherwise, there's not much to be angry about, which is admittedly refreshing.

Jacob Schneider: There’s no real snub, with injuries being the cause for any real notable absences. With winger depth being so light, perhaps it would have been nice to see Alex Zendejas in the mix, or defensively, Richard Ledezma included. However, this feels like a strong group.

Alex Labidou: This list feels about right, with no real head-scratchers. Clutching at straws a bit, this list feels incredibly safe and almost vanilla. Where's the random Alfredo Morales-type of call-up? Jurgen Klinsmann's first squad, for example, had a ton of surprises, not all for the best.

Jokes aside, it's better to be safe than send the wrong message with these call ups and it will be interesting to see how things develop over the next few months in the build up to the World Cup.

Ryan Tolmich: Because of the injury situation, there really weren't any snubs. With stars such as Sergino Dest, Chris Richards, Gio Reyna and Tyler Adams out injured, spots were opened up for players that were on the fringes of this squad. If there was one, it's probably Tanner Tessmann. He was fantastic at the Olympics this summer and made a big move to Lyon as a result. The midfielder could have been in this squad, but you can't complain too much about Pochettino going with his former Gianluca Busio instead. Overall, it's a fair squad, but one limited a bit by injuries.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWho's the biggest surprise pick?

TH: Zack Steffen, even if it is good to see him back in the setup. The Rapids keeper hasn't been in the U.S. squad for two years now, and after a good season between the sticks, it's only appropriate that he gets rewarded. At his opening press conference, Pochettino talked quite a bit about utilizing MLS talent. Steffen in as a goalie would seem to be the embodiment of that – even if he doesn't sniff the field.

JS: Biggest surprise is definitely Steffen. He had a phenomenal Leagues Cup, but the underlying numbers from his MLS performances this season are not particularly something to boast about. It’s not entirely his fault, as the Rapids defense absolutely has its flaws, but there is a hierarchy in the goalkeeping tiers right now and I’m not so sure he warrants a return
AL: Steffen's inclusion did come as a surprise, not because of his talent, but due to his apparent exile from the program since losing the No. 1 goalkeeper spot. Given the USMNT's well-documented struggles in goal, it was puzzling that he wasn't called up once he regained form with the Rapids, hinting at potential internal issues. With a new manager at the helm, there's a clean slate, and it's great to see Steffen, whom former U.S. goalkeeper legend Tim Howard continues to praise, getting another opportunity.

RT: Probably Miles Robinson? There's a depth issue at centerback, particularly with Richards and Cameron Carter-Vickers nursing injuries. Realistically, there aren't many other experienced centerbacks in the pool, so Robinson does fit there. Still, could Pochettino have looked elsewhere? Could he have taken a shot on a younger option? Maybe but, overall, this is nitpicking, isn't it?

ImagoWho are you most excited to watch?

TH: Malik Tillman, Malik Tillman, and more Malik Tillman. The attacking midfielder has been excellent for PSV this season – and was good last year, too. In 14 caps, he hasn't quite had his moment for the USMNT. Here's to hoping that a new manager can figure out how to best use him – and perhaps unlock a secret weapon for this side. Also, that Christian Pulisic fella is OK at this sport.

JS: Most excited to see what Poch can do with Tillman, for sure. Without a healthy Reyna, you should be looking at him and Brenden Aaronson competing for the starting no. 10 role. Simply based on form, one would think Tillman gets the nod ahead of the Leeds United man.
AL: It would be easy to say that it will be fascinating to see Pulisic under Pochettino, but that's an obvious one. So instead, let's look at what is going to happen at goal and defense. Richards' absence due to injury means there could be an entirely new centerback pairing when the U.S. lines up against Panama on Oct. 10. Tim Ream is probably a safe bet, considering Pochettino has seen him in action in the Premiership, but who plays alongside him? Will Auston Trusty be given this opportunity?

The same goes for goal. Matt Turner has been the No. 1 since the 2022 World Cup, but his form and playing time for the past year have not warranted security in that position. Could Pochettino elect to go with Patrick Schulte or Steffen? It will be fun to see what he decides.

RT: It has to be Aidan Morris. Last camp, he looked like one of very few players really energized by wearing the USMNT shirt, and that's something that brings life to a group. He's been a regular at Middlesbrough, which has launched him up the depth chart. But even so, it's all about sustained USMNT performances. Another strong camp from Morris will have him challenging for a starting spot. His energy, tenacity and work-rate are key for any team, and they'll be key again this camp.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWho made it, but should have been left off?

TH: Yunus Musah is having a pretty poor season, although it's a big ask to get into that Milan midfield. If he hadn't already impressed for the national team, it would be pretty difficult to make a case for him. But for the sake of contrarianism and probably being wrong, Johnny Cardoso is a pretty puzzling one. No coach has been able to figure exactly what the Real Betis midfielder can be. Maybe Pochettino reckons he can turn him into a more workmanlike destroyer that some people figured he could be, but he hasn't showed much to suggest he's actually that guy.

JS: Steffen likely should not be in the squad. Among others, not sure Trusty is at the USMNT level at the moment. However, injuries to Carter-Vickers and Richards are likely the reason for his inclusion.

AL: Musah comes to mind, as he has seen limited playing time for both club and country. Aside from one standout assist for Milan this season, his overall form hasn’t been strong. While it may seem nitpicky and Pochettino likely wants to assess the midfielder in person, Musah will need to elevate his performances to secure future call-ups.

RT: As has been said, no real complaints. At the end of the day, you're nitpicking when it comes to the final spots on a friendly roster. Just about everyone here has a reason for being here, whether that's providing veteran leadership or filling an injury gap. The call-ups make sense.

Celtic would reportedly love to complete the signing of an "amazing" player this summer, and the individual in question would "walk" to Parkhead.

Celtic transfer news

There is plenty of transfer talk surrounding the Hoops currently, as they look to conduct some eye-catching business in the summer transfer window. One player who is being linked with a permanent move to Parkhead is Paulo Bernardo, who impressed on loan in 2023/24 and appears to be keen on a longer stint at the club. A latest update has suggested that Celtic are in talks with him over the move.

Replacing the retired Joe Hart is surely one of the most important areas of focus ahead of next season and Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has emerged as an exciting option for the Scottish Premiership champions. In fact, Brendan Rodgers is believed to be plotting a £10m move for the Irishman, who could jump at the opportunity to be a regular elsewhere, with the world-class Alisson keeping him out of the team at Anfield.

Another rumoured target is FC Lausanne-Sport winger Alvyn Sanches, who Celtic are interested in bringing in alongside both Bernardo and Adam Idah this summer, with the latter potentially making his loan move from Norwich City a permanent one.

Celtic would love to sign Tierney who is set to leave Arsenal

According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Celtic would love to re-sign Kieran Tierney in the summer transfer window, and he would "walk back" to Parkhead. The report does state Arsenal are set to sell the defender but that "the reality is they won’t be able to afford his price tag", however, which could put paid to the transfer coming to fruition.

The idea of the £109,000-a-week Tierney back in a Celtic shirt is something that would likely appeal to so many supporters, considering what a popular figure he was before departing for Arsenal. The fact that he is keen on a return also adds to the feel-good factor, but his current club are unlikely to allow him to leave on the cheap, which is a big issue.

The Scotland international was arguably one of the standout players in the Scottish Premiership at that point, hence earning a move to a club the size of the Gunners in the summer of 2019, and he won five league titles and three Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cups apiece in that time.

Tierney made 170 appearances in that time, and his attacking ability was highlighted by a total of 37 assists in that time, and Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko once said of him: "He is an amazing player. Even when I was at City I was watching his games. I think it is good competition for each of us."

Celtic in talks to sign "brilliant" player for just £3.5m

He wants to join.

ByBen Browning Jun 6, 2024

It does look as though Celtic will be priced out of bringing the 27-year-old back to Parkhead, however, which is a huge shame, but the hope is that the situation changes and the Hoops are able to somehow regain the services of their popular former defender.

Manchester United have reportedly agreed terms with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s top Old Trafford target.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s transfer plans at Man Utd

With the decision made by Ratcliffe and INEOS to stick with Erik ten Hag as manager, attention has now turned to the summer transfer market.

It will be Ratcliffe and INEOS’ first transfer window in charge of sporting decisions, with the new co-owner already making his transfer plans clear. Speaking back in March, Ratcliffe dismissed the idea of signing superstar names such as Jude Bellingham or Kylian Mbappe.

“He’s [Bellingham] a great footballer [but] it’s not where our focus is. The solution isn’t spending a lot of money on a couple of great players. They’ve done that, if you look at the last 10 years. The first thing we need to do is get the right people in the right boxes, managing and organising the club.

"We must make sure we get recruitment right, such a vital part of running a football club is getting recruitment right, finding new players. I’d rather find the next Mbappe, rather than spend a fortune to buy success. It’s not that clever to buy Mbappe, anybody could figure that one out.”

Sky Sports: Man Utd "closely monitoring" £265k-p/w ace who Ten Hag loves

He would be a transformative signing if United could get it done.

ByBen Browning Jun 13, 2024

One position where United need to strengthen is in defence, with Raphael Varane leaving Old Trafford as a free agent this summer. Ratcliffe’s top target has been Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, and a positive development has now emerged.

Branthwaite to Man Utd transfer update

According to The Times, Man Utd have now agreed terms with Branthwaite over an Old Trafford transfer. It is believed that a contract worth between £150,000-£160,000-a-week has been agreed between the Red Devils and the centre-back, with Everton now demanding £70m for his services.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a fine individual campaign last time out, helping Everton remain in the Premier League. He’s been hailed as an “absolute monster” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig and was arguably unlucky to miss out on a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad.

Gareth Southgate’s decision to leave the Everton star at home certainly shocked Wayne Rooney, who recently said: “Branthwaite is one I would have taken. For the balance of the back-line – he’s a big lad, good on the ball and has a good season.

“He’s the biggest shock [omission] for me, with Harry [Maguire] being out. I’m so surprised. Branthwaite would’ve given so much balance as a left-footer. I was shocked.”

However, that has seemingly given Branthwaite the chance to sort his club future out, with a contract agreed upon at Old Trafford.

Brazil icon Neymar has backed compatriot and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Neymar backs Vinicius Jr. to win Ballon d'OrFeels Brazilian 'deserves' the award mostReal winger currently out injured with a neck problemFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Several top players are in contention to win the prestigious award on October 28, however, Vinicius Junior and Rodri are considered to be the two frontrunners. While Vinicius played an important role in Los Blancos winning La Liga and Champions League titles, Rodri helped Manchester City win their fourth consecutive Premier League title and then starred for Spain in their Euro 2024 winning campaign.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Earlier Ederson had picked Vinicius Jr. over club colleague Rodri to win the award and now Brazil legend Neymar has shown his support towards his compatriot as he feels that the Real star deserves to win the Golden Ball this time.

WHAT NEYMAR SAID

As per , the Al-Hilal attacker said: "He had a great season, he played a lot of games and I will be supporting him because he will definitely win the Ballon d'Or. I hope he returns to Brazil soon with the trophy, he is a guy who deserves it because he is a fighter, he suffered a lot throughout his life, he was able to exceed all expectations, he overcame all the criticism they made about him."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS JUNIOR?

The 24-year-old is currently out of action due to a neck injury that he suffered during Real Madrid's last La Liga outing against Villarreal. It remains to be seen if he regains his fitness before the club's next game against Celta Vigo on Saturday.

The South African’s third child is due to be born soon but he is open to a return to the Heat in the future

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Oct-2020AB de Villiers will not return to the BBL with the Brisbane Heat this season due to the imminent birth of his third child and the complexities created by Covid-19, although the club have re-signed Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman.De Villiers’ signing was announced to much fanfare last season as he played six matches for the Heat although his returns were middling with 146 runs at 24.33. He is currently enjoying an impressive IPL with Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Heat hope he can return in the future.”While things initially looked fine for him to come back, there have been a few factors emerge which have changed everyone’s plans,” coach Darren Lehmann said. “The main one, aside from the challenges represented by Covid-19 and international travel, is that AB and his wife Danielle are expecting their third child very soon.ALSO READ: New Zealand-New South Wales air bubble could help bring top West Indies players to BBL”Naturally we’re very pleased for them and know that the next few months will be a very special time for all. We’ll stay in contact and see what develops. He has been in excellent touch in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore, so he obviously remains a player we’d like to keep working with when the circumstances allow.”Had de Villiers joined the BBL he would have been required to undergo 14 days quarantine in a hotel room before being able to link up with the Heat squad.”It’s exciting for Danielle and me with the arrival of our new baby very soon,” he said. “So with a young, growing family, and the uncertainty around travel and conditions due to Covid-19, we reluctantly decided it wasn’t going to be this season.”The Heat were great to us last summer and I am very open to returning to the club in the future. The team didn’t get the results we were hoping for and I consider there is some unfinished business to deal with.”Mujeeb, meanwhile, will play his third season for the Heat. He is part of the Kings XI Punjab squad at the IPL although has only made two wicketless outings at the tournament. However, his form at the CPL, where he claimed 16 wickets at 13.56 and an economy of 5.29 on surfaces heavily in favour of spin, has encouraged Lehmann.”He’s doing a lot of the little things as well as anyone, and his control and maturity have gone to a new level, I believe,” Lehmann said. “He was outstanding in the Caribbean Premier League recently when he was the second leading wicket-taker in the competition, and he’s shown in the IPL that he can handle the very best.”We’re very pleased to have him back with us and with the BBL schedule potentially looking quite different to the usual format, his versatility and ability to create chances in a range of conditions will be very important for us.”The Heat also have England’s Tom Banton in their squad and teams will be allowed to field three overseas players in their XIs for the next two seasons. The schedule for the BBL has yet to be confirmed but is expected to be announced shortly after the Australia-India dates are rubberstamped.

“They set attacking fields which really helps me to score runs, so I take advantage of that”

Varun Shetty01-Dec-2020Shreyas Iyer sees Australia’s short-ball strategy against him as an opportunity to score runs. In the first two ODIs, Iyer has walked in against fast bowlers who have, on both occasions, bowled to him with a short leg and leg gully catching and a clear plan to bowl rising deliveries at his body. Both times, he has been dismissed – one off a steep bouncer and the second a slower one. But Iyer said this plan plays into his attack, even suggesting it was a bit of an honour that Australia were plotting against him.Shreyas Iyer is on his first consistent run with the Indian side after debuting in 2017•BCCI”I definitely know that they’ve planned against me,” he said, “so I’m really happy. At least they’re coming up with a plan against me to get me out. I feel very overwhelmed and take it as a challenge because, you see, I thrive under pressure. And also, it really motivates to go against them. They set attacking fields which really helps me to score runs, so I take advantage of that and I see to it that I make the best use of it.”Iyer made 38 at just over run-a-ball in the second ODI, having come in during the ninth over with a plan that seemed to be centred on getting inside the line of the short bowling and hitting through the off side. Without being too convincing, he did get deeper into the innings and take on spinners Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell in the middle overs. This hadn’t been the case during the first ODI, when Iyer was caught awkwardly between two or three options off the second ball of his innings.”I knew the short ball was going to come so I was in two minds,” Iyer said of that dismissal. “I was thinking of pulling and at the same time I have the upper cut. I got stuck in between two shots and I couldn’t play the shot. So maybe that’s the reason I got stuck in one place; and the ball came and hit the middle of the bat even that time.”In the second match, I was just like – look at the ball and react. It’s very easy to do that, rather than think what the bowler is bowling. You can actually predict, once you are set, what the bowler is going to bowl, so I usually give myself time at the start and that’s what I applied in the second match and it really worked out well.”

We’re working on some routines and processes which haven’t gone well for us in the last few games. And I’m sure it’s just the transition phase from T20 to one-dayers – it’s really difficult, especially for the bowlers coming in and bowling ten overs on the trotShreyas Iyer on the Indian bowling attack

Iyer is on his first consistent run with the Indian side after debuting in 2017, and has impressed in the No. 4 role that was given to him after last year’s World Cup. Including his scores this series, Iyer has got a 50-plus score every two innings in his 20 ODIs so far, only nine of which have been played at home. As such, he said, this test of his technique was not something that would compel him to make too many tweaks mid-tour.”I feel that it’s just the mindset which you need to adjust,” he said. “[I’ve] been playing for so many years… obviously it’s my first time playing in Australia and on these wickets. We all know that the wickets are bouncy and the bowlers are only going to bowl to you in the body area and the short balls are going to come to you.ALSO READ: India’s one-dimensional batsmen hurting their five-bowler strategy”Rather than bending down too much, it’s really important that you stand upright and play the ball, so that it’s easy to pick the short ones as well. I’ve set my patterns right from the start. Every time I play, I give myself a bit of time, get set, and then take on the bowlers. And if they come up with that field, it’s really important that I get aggressive as well because with that [field set], it’s really easy to manipulate the field.”A more immediate factor contributing to the rustiness, Iyer said, were the conditions. Acclimatising to Australia, having come from the UAE, and then practicing on pitches that he called “completely different” from the ones in the two games so far, have all contributed to the challenge for batsmen. And for the bowlers too.”If you see the amount of workload they’ve gone through in the IPL – playing 14 games – and after that they’ve come here and stayed in quarantine – definitely it plays on your mind. And it plays with every individual in the team, it’s not just the bowlers,” he said. “We’re working on some routines and processes which haven’t gone well for us in the last few games. And I’m sure it’s just the transition phase from T20 to one-dayers – it’s really difficult, especially for the bowlers coming in and bowling ten overs on the trot.”And also fielding for 50 overs. So it’s not at all easy from their point of view. There are many more matches coming ahead and I’m sure they’ll come back really strong and with a positive frame of mind.”

With last season's financial struggles hopefully behind them, Nottingham Forest now look set to return for a teenage talent that they have been interested in for some time.

Nuno wants to bring young stars to City Ground

The latest rumours out of the City Ground suggest that Forest want to sign Archie Stevens from Rangers. The 18-year-old winger also has interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester United and West Ham United, meaning that there could be a bidding war for his services.

Nottingham Forest must finally axe £15k-p/w Cooper signing

He hasn’t featured for the Reds in over 18 months.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 23, 2024

Joining Stevens on Nuno Espírito Santo's wishlist is Stade Brestois left-back Bradley Locko. The £17 million-rated 22-year-old also has suitors from across the Premier League meaning that Forest could once again face a battle to get their man.

Rounding off the most recent names linked with a move to Forest is 17-year-old striker Riquelme Fillipi. Forest have reportedly tabled an official proposal of just over £4million for the player. With young players clearly the priority this summer, Forest have now returned for a talent that they have previously moved for.

Forest submit fresh offer for Celtic gem

As first reported by Football Insider's Wayne Veysey, Forest are readying a new offer for Celtic forward Rocco Vata. Sources have told the outlet that the Glasgow outfit have already rejected bids for the 19-year-old from Forest, who appear eager to secure the services of the young winger.

Football Insider also reports that Watford and Bolgona are eyeing up a move for the Ireland youth international, perhaps suggesting the reason why Forest seem desperate to get a deal done quickly.

Vata is highly rated at Parkhead, however has struggled for opportunities to break into the first team. The 19-year-old played just three league minutes for the Celtic first team last season as his side lifted the Scottish Premiership. Whilst opportunities with the senior team have been at a premium, Vata has shone in the Celtic B team, scoring 12 goals in just 15 league games.

Despite struggling for game time in the league, Vata did manage to get his first senior goal during Celtic's 5-0 cup win over Buckie Thistle back in January.

Speaking after the game, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers spoke on Vata's limited opportunities as well as speculation about his future telling the press: “He is a talent and it depends what the mentality is with him and his representatives.

“He is 18 and I don’t need players ready at 18 unless they are real, real special talents. At 20 or 21 they need to be ready. But you can see he has tools, and this can be a really good place for him to develop.

“It was nice for him to get his goal because that’s a good feeling and he has been here a long time as a young player and he has strengths we could develop."

Whilst Rodgers was quick to sing the praises of the 19-year-old he stopped just short of suggesting that Vata would be in for any more game time at Parkhead. It is perhaps this desire for first team football that will push Vata away from Celtic and towards Forest this summer.

Mary Earps admits that Paris Saint-Germain’s Women’s Champions League exit was “gutting”, with “extraordinary” feats now expected from her.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Left Man Utd for new challenge in FranceSuffered early exit from European competitionOperates under the brightest of spotlightsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The England international is a two-time winner of the FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper award and helped the Lionesses to European Championship glory in Euro 2022 – helping to raise her profile throughout the world. She took the brave decision to leave her homeland at Manchester United in the summer of 2024 and head to France.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT EARPS SAID

PSG suffered elimination from elite continental competition early in Earps’ time with the club, and she has told of suffering a 5-2 aggregate defeat to Juventus in the second round of qualifying: “I can’t really put it any other way than it was gutting. Especially with that being a massive factor into why I made the move to Paris. It was unfortunate, the way it happened. I think, in all honesty, we didn’t play our best and we got what we deserved, but it was just really unfortunate and is really hard to get past.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Earps’ efforts in Paris were always going to come under scrutiny, with any supposed wobbles being magnified. She added on operating under the brightest of spotlights: “It is a massive compliment but you do get criticised more and held to a higher standard than what other people do. Then the extraordinary is expected. But, the reality of it is that I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m really grateful for everything that I’ve achieved and the exciting thing for me is that I still feel like I’ve got room for improvement.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT?

Earps faces fierce competition for places with PSG and England, meaning that she has to find a way of maintaining impressive individual standards. The 31-year-old will never back down from such a challenge and remains determined to play important roles for club and country.