Chelsea fans were questioning Jadon Sancho's absence from their Carabao Cup squad against Newcastle as he was overlooked for a third game running.
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Sancho struggling after a bright startWinger not played for third game in a rowReason for Newcastle absence revealedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Sancho appeared to be gaining momentum at Chelsea, starting four consecutive Premier League games, but his early form fizzled out, and he now finds himself excluded from action again. He remained an unused substitute in the two previous matches against Panathinaikos and Newcastle, but on Wednesday against the Magpies, he was not in their matchday squad at all.
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Sancho's continued absence raised concerns among supporters who hoped the winger would play a key role in the club's campaign.
@CFCMods asked on X: "Where’s Sancho???"
@willreyner wrote: "No Sancho in the squad. Weird."
Whereas, @TOSOTC_CFC enquired: "Sancho injured or something?"
@LokyMann also echoed his thoughts and asked: "What happened to Sancho?"
THE BIGGER PICTURE
According to , Sancho’s absence from the Carabao Cup squad against Newcastle was due to illness rather than a tactical decision. This update provided some relief to fans worried about his status at Chelsea.
@TheBlueAmerica wrote: "Unlucky, would’ve loved to have him today."
Whereas, @oscar_chijioke0 wished him a "speedy recovery".
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Addressing Sancho's recent absences against Panathinaikos in the Europa Conference League and Newcastle in the Premier League, Maresca clarified that those choices were strictly tactical. “Jadon has done well since he arrived with us,” he told reporters on Tuesday. "For sure, players can’t maintain the same level the whole season because the amount of games is huge. So, in the last two games, he didn’t play, not for any different reason, just for a technical decision, a tactical decision. No more than that.”
Arsenal have now made an approach to sign one Real Madrid player who Galacticos president Florentino Perez tipped to be a star one day.
Edu seeking potential replacements for Arsenal stars
It could be a summer of one in, one out at the Emirates Stadium this summer – as a host of players are tipped to potentially leave with star names linked to replacing them.
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Midfielder Thomas Partey is among that crop, with the 31-year-old entering the final 11 months of his contract at Arsenal. There is no signs of an extension offer on the table for Partey, who made just 14 Premier League appearances under Mikel Arteta last season.
He also earns a reported £200,000 per week at the Emirates Stadium, making him one of their highest-paid players, so the time could be now for Edu and co to sell to the highest bidder.
Alongside Partey, Fabrizio Romano has reported that defender Jakub Kiwior may well depart north London upon the arrival of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.
Another player who appears almost destined to depart is goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, coming after he lost his spot to David Raya between the sticks last season. Reliable journalists like Charles Watts have reported that Ramsdale is extremely likely to leave Arsenal in the coming weeks.
"It’s a matter of when Ramsdale leaves, not if," said Watts to CaughtOffside.
“The key thing for Arsenal is getting value for money. I saw an initial fee of £15 million mentioned in reports last week and that is quite frankly ridiculous. Arsenal signed Ramsdale for nearly £30m two years ago and he has developed into a far better 'keeper since then.
Appearances
89
Goals conceded
99
Clean sheets
32
Bookings
2
Minutes played
8,040
via Transfermarkt
“He’s still young, he’s homegrown, an established England international and has a long-term contract. Yes, interested clubs will know that Arsenal’s stance in any negotiations will be weakened somewhat given he is now clearly behind David Raya in the pecking order, but that shouldn’t mean the club should basically give him away. Ramsdale is a top-class 'keeper and he’s shown that at Arsenal. When you look at what other 'keepers have moved for in the last couple of seasons, a bid of £15m shouldn’t even be one that Arsenal entertain.”
If Ramsdale leaves, attention turns to who will succeed the Englishman, with Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin in Edu's thinking.
Arsenal make approach to sign Andriy Lunin
The Ukraine international's deal expires next year, putting pressure on Real to agree an extension or sell in the coming weeks.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
According to The Boot Room, Arsenal have made an approach to sign Lunin from Real amid his contract standoff, and if it doesn't appear like any progress can be made on fresh terms, then Arteta's side could look to strike a deal.
The 25-year-old is highly regarded at the Bernabeu, and Perez especially won't want to lose Lunin. The La Liga side's president tipped the 'keeper to become "one of the future’s biggest names" when he first signed for Real back in 2018 (via The Statesman).
The switch was obviously approved, but didn’t seem to go down well with Justin Langer
Sidharth Monga04-Dec-20205:25
Gambhir: India picked Chahal as concussion sub to best of their advantage
Yuzvendra Chahal became the first concussion substitute to be named Player of the Match in international cricket as he took three wickets after replacing Ravindra Jadeja at the break between innings. When India batted, Jadeja had rescued them with an unbeaten 44 off 23 to give the bowlers something to bowl at. When Chahal came on to bowl, Australia were 54 for no loss in a chase of 162, but he struck to remove Aaron Finch and Steven Smith in his first two overs. His final analysis of 4-0-25-3 – he returned to dismiss Matthew Wade – earned him the match award.ALSO WATCH: Video highlights – Chahal’s match-winning three-for (India subcontinent only)Jadeja batted with a hamstring strain, which was apparent and had already put his participation for the rest of the match in doubt, and he then top-edged Mitchell Starc on to his helmet on the second ball of the 20th over. The blow was hard enough to ricochet to backward point, where the catch was dropped. He wasn’t given a concussion test on the spot, but it is not unusual for concussion symptoms to show up belatedly.The ICC officials obviously approved the substitution, based on the advice of India’s team doctor that Jadeja was concussed as a consequence of an event on the field and during the match, and that Chahal was a like-for-like replacement for Jadeja.Australia coach Justin Langer, however, was seen remonstrating with match referee David Boon just before the start of the chase. Finch also stood by during the discussion, but didn’t appear to say anything.Virat Kohli congratulates Yuzvendra Chahal after he took the wicket of Aaron Finch•Getty Images
At the post-match presentation, Finch said that it wasn’t fair to question expert advice, and that was the end of the matter.The concussion assessment was carried out by India’s team doctor and BCCI’s anti-doping manager Abhijit Salvi, and their physio Nitin Patel. At the press conference, Sanju Samson said Jadeja was asked how he felt when he came back in. He said he was dizzy. India’s captain Virat Kohli said at the post-match presentation that Jadeja was dizzy when he returned, and continued to remain so even after the match.ALSO WATCH: Video highlights – Jadeja rescues India with a 44* off 23 (India subcontinent only)”Ravindra Jadeja was hit on the helmet in the final over of the first innings of the first T20I,” the BCCI tweeted. “Yuzvendra Chahal will take the field in the 2nd innings as a concussion substitute. Jadeja is currently being assessed by the BCCI Medical Team.”This concussion might put Jadeja in doubt for the rest of the series, because head injuries are required to be dealt with seriously, and players are not rushed back in two days’ time, which is when the next match will be played. The ICC protocol says: “Generally, concussion symptoms will settle within two-three days and a player diagnosed with a concussion is ready to return in about a week but, in some individuals, this time might be shorter or longer. Medical oversight, as occurs in elite teams, is essential if a player is to return to play within a week or on a subsequent day of a multi-day match.”Kohli remarked that the concussion substitute rule might have worked to their advantage on the day – having originally dropped Chahal on a surface that gripped – but on another day, India might not have a like-for-like replacement in the squad.
Glasgow Rangers summer transfer activity so far has proved that Philippe Clement is keen on undertaking a rebuild at Ibrox.
So far, five players have been released, as Borna Barisic, John Lundstram, Ryan Jack, Kemar Roofe and Jon McLaughlin were told they wouldn’t be getting extensions at the end of last season.
Rangers defender Borna Barisic.
It is clear Clement isn’t bowing down to sentiment, as letting those five go for nothing has saved the club over £80k-per-week in wages, a remarkable amount which could go towards much better options ahead of next season.
The likes of Jefte, Oscar Cortes and Connor Barron have already joined, bringing the average age of the squad down substantially, as the Belgian manager and Nils Koppen are clearly focusing on building the team full of young talents, supplemented by the odd experienced player.
Barron is a good example of the club recruiting smartly from a club in the same division. Not only does the youngster have experience of playing in the Premiership, but he is young enough to develop into a better player by joining Rangers.
Connor Barron Aberdeen
Could Clement follow up this signing by making another move for a striker who shone in the Scottish top flight last term?
Rangers eye move for SPFL centre-forward
According to the Athletic, Rangers are showing interest in signing Motherwell sensation Theo Bair this summer, joining Celtic as keen admirers of the player.
The report also states that several teams in Germany are also emerging as possible destinations for the striker should he look to move away from Well.
Mohamed Diomande
22
Nordsjaelland
Hamza Igamane
21
AS FAR
Connor Barron
21
Aberdeen
Oscar Cortes
20
RC Lens
Jefte
20
Fluminense
Clinton Nsiala
20
AC Milan
In the past, the Light Blues, especially during Walter Smith’s two spells in charge, used to add in one or two players from the top flight along with a few marquee names.
This hasn’t happened under the likes of Michael Beale and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, as the Gers have gone down the route of splashing money and wages on players from elsewhere.
Former Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
The signing of Barron from Aberdeen could be the catalyst for Clement to use his funds wisely and sign players who have knowledge of the Premiership, allowing them to settle in far quicker than those who come from abroad.
Theo Bair’s season in numbers for Motherwell
The 6 foot 3 machine joined the Steelmen from St Johnstone in the summer of 2023, yet the move looked like a bit of a gamble from their perspective.
In 31 matches for the Saints, Bair managed to score just one goal, adding three assists, hardly the goal ratio that Motherwell required to keep them away from the relegation zone.
The 24-year-old went on to prove the doubters wrong during his debut season for the club. Not only did he score 15 goals in all competitions, but the Canadian also chipped in with six assists too, showing that he offers more than just a predatory threat in front of goal.
His 21 goals and assists last season saw Bair rank first among his teammates in the Premiership, while he also ranked first for shots on target per game (0.8), fourth for key passes per game (0.9), fourth for big chances created (six) and sixth for successful dribbles per game (0.6), showing evidence that he can offer a well-rounded threat to the opposition goal in the final third.
His performances and stats may not be earth-shattering, but considering Motherwell finished the 2023/24 season in ninth place, scoring just 56 goals in total, Bair’s 15 goals accounted for 27% of their entire total in the top flight.
He saved some of his best performances for the big matches, including in Rangers' 2-1 defeat to the Steelmen in March.
Theo Bair's performance vs Rangers
Motherwell had lost their previous two league encounters with the Ibrox side prior to the third meeting of the 2023/24 season.
Rangers hadn’t lost domestically in 2024 coming into the clash and Clement had brought the Light Blues back into a title challenge that was fading just six months before.
Against a defence consisting of Connor Goldson and John Souttar, however, Bair was an absolute menace. He scored the opener after just nine minutes, slotting home a pass from striker partner Jack Vale, who exploited a mistake by Souttar.
Aside from the goal, Bair also made one key pass, succeeded with 50% of his dribble attempts and took three shots in total, clearly unaffected by the raucous Ibrox atmosphere that day.
Clement is desperate for a striker who not only scores regularly but can cause mayhem among opposition defences. Bair certainly fits the bill and the manager must surely have that performance in Glasgow on his mind as he weighs up whether to bring the 24-year-old to Ibrox this summer.
Bair currently in action at Copa America
His goalscoring feats last term were rewarded with a call-up to the Canadian side for the 2024 Copa América.
He made his debut way back in 2020, scoring on his debut against Barbados in a 4-1 win, yet he hadn’t made a full squad until the game against Trinidad and Tobago.
He failed to come off the bench in pre-tournament friendlies vs the Netherlands and France, while also watching the 2-0 defeat to Argentina in Canada’s opening match of the competition from the sidelines.
Theo Bair
Despite that, it is clear Bair has a wonderful future ahead. The likes of Jonathan David and Cyle Larin are clearly the main contenders to fill the centre-forward slots, but the Motherwell gem can learn massively from the duo this summer.
He has just a year to run on his current contract, which means he will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement in January. Could this tempt Clement into making a concrete offer in the coming weeks to rest Motherwell’s resolve?
It could be yet another smart transfer decision by the 50-year-old tactician if he was able to sign the striker, adding some much-needed depth in that area, especially after losing Roofe and Fabio Silva at the end of last season.
ÂŁ7m duo sign, Tavernier & Goldson sold: Rangers' dream XI for 2024/25
Rangers could look very different next season compared to last
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has hit out at Real Madrid after their reaction to seeing Rodri beat Vinicius Jr to the Ballon d'Or award.
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Real Madrid boycott Ballon d'Or after Vinicius snubAguero hits out at La Liga giantsSays Rodri is a deserved winnerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Real Madrid did not take news that Vinicius Jr had missed out on the Ballon d'Or to Rodri at all well. Los Blancos issued a furious statement accusing UEFA and France Football of "disrespect" and boycotted the ceremony in Paris. Real Madrid team-mate Eduardo Camavinga has also hit out at "football politics" after seeing Vinicius Jr beaten to the top prize, while fans have called Rodri's win the "biggest robbery in football history."
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Rodri claimed the Ballon d'Or after a trophy-laden year where he helped Spain win Euro 2024 and also claimed Premier League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup titles with Manchester City. The midfielder's win is the first time that a Manchester City player has scooped the prestigious prize, and club legend Aguero thinks that the 28-year-old deserves to be named the best male player in the world.
WHAT AGUERO SAID
He said: "Well deserved. Rodri is the best player in the World. Football is for everyone not just Real Madrid, they so entitled."
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Rodri has lost only one of his last 85 games for club and country. His only defeat in that time was against Erik ten Hag's Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley in May.
Na fria tarde desta terça-feira, no CT Joaquim Grava, o Corinthians realizou o segundo treinamento preparatĂłrio para o clássico diante do Palmeiras, que acontecerá no prĂłximo sábado, Ă s 19h, na Neo QuĂmica Arena, pela 22ÂŞ rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Adson novamente fez um trabalho de transição.
Vale lembrar que os jornalistas não podem acompanhar as atividades in loco por conta dos protocolos de saúde em decorrência da pandemia de Covid-19. As informações são fornecidas pela assessoria de imprensa do clube.
O elenco volta a treinar na manhã desta quarta-feira, no CT Joaquim Grava. Serão mais três dias de preparação para o clássico. Atualmente, o Corinthians ocupa a sexta colocação na tabela do Brasileirão-2021 com 30 pontos.
Looking to hand Arne Slot his first Anfield arrival, Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a move to sign a midfielder who is yet to sign a new deal at his current club, allowing the Reds to potentially swoop in this summer.
Liverpool transfer news
Slot has officially been unveiled as the new Liverpool manager over a month after it was announced that he would be taking over from Jurgen Klopp. The Dutchman now has the task of assessing his current squad, before searching for potential reinforcements in pursuit of taking Liverpool from a third-place side back to the top of the Premier League in years to come.
Liverpool can unlock Trent in midfield with “unstoppable” £84m star
FSG are searching for a versatile wide forward to bolster Arne Slot’s first team.
By
Angus Sinclair
Jun 22, 2024
With Michael Edwards back in a more important role than ever and Richard Hughes entering as the new sporting director, the Reds aren't short on transfer experts, which has already seen the headlines dominated by potential incomings.
The likes of Arda Guler and Nico Williams have been among those linked with an Anfield switch this summer, having both enjoyed solid Euro 2024 campaigns so far. But it remains to be seen just how willing the Reds are to spend big in the coming months. Instead, they could aim for bargain deals, starting with one particular midfielder.
Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams.
According to Sport Italia, Liverpool are eyeing a move to sign Adrien Rabiot, who is yet to accept any of Juventus' new contract offers and looks increasingly likely to leave the Italian giants as a free agent this summer. In a bargain move for the Reds, they'd only be left paying the Frenchman's reported £146k-a-week salary without the need for a transfer fee.
As ever, though, the Premier League giants aren't alone in their interest, with Real Madrid also eyeing a potential move. In quite the trend in recent years, the Champions League winners could swoop in to deny Liverpool yet another transfer target.
"Extraordinary" Rabiot would unleash Mac Allister
Whilst Wataru Endo surprised many by stepping up to become an important part of Klopp's side last season, he remains the only player other than Alexis Mac Allister who can truly play in the defensive midfield role. And the last thing that Slot should want is to limit Mac Allister in such a role. Instead, the focus should be on finding another option, which is where Rabiot could come in.
League stats 23/24 (via FBref)
Adrien Rabiot
Wataru Endo
Progressive Carries
72
10
Progressive Passes
120
101
Tackles Won
39
28
Ball Recoveries
150
108
Where Endo is more limited on the ball, Rabiot thrived last season all whilst maintaining his responsibilities away from possession. A player who's won both Serie A and Ligue 1 titles, among several other honours, the midfielder could be the final piece needed for Liverpool's midfield rebuild.
Rabiot has earned plenty of praise during his time at Juventus, including from the iconic David Trezeguet, who told Football Italia via Juve FC: “We are talking about a problem for Juventus because in Italy he may have been targeted for criticism, but in France it’s completely different. He is world class, an extraordinary player. Now he will evaluate his options and will go back to being the important player he always was.”
With Regis Le Bris now at the helm of Sunderland, the Black Cats are looking to provide their new manager with attacking reinforcements this summer.
Black Cats set to sign new players for Le Bris
With a new manager finally in the dugout, the big news out of the Stadium of Light now surrounds some of the names that could be making a move to the Wearside outfit this summer.
Sunderland hit gold on star who is now worth more than Ballard & Neil
Sunderland struck gold signing this star when they did.
ByKelan Sarson Jul 13, 2024
A recent report has linked Sunderland with a move for Burnely's Scott Twine, who spent last season on loan with Championship sides Hull City and Bristol City. Despite the previous interest from the Black Cats, it is claimed that no side has matched Burnley's valuation of the player.
Another name doing the rounds in Sunderland circles is that of free agent Oliver Norwood who left Sheffield United upon the expiration of his contract last month. The former Manchester United academy product has been linked with a move to Wearside ever since it became clear that he would not be renewing his terms at Bramall Lane.
If a deal for Norwood is to get over the line he would be joining Republic of Ireland international Alan Browne who joined the Black Cats in a free transfer from Preston North End earlier this month. With the Black Cats' rumour mill showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon, Sunderland are now reported to have made a bid for a new striker.
Sunderland submit first bid for new striker
As relayed by Sport Witness, the French press are claiming that Sunderland have made a move for SM Caen striker Alexandre Mendy. The outlet states that the Wearside outfit have made a first bid for the Guinea-Bissau forward as the Black Cats' new boss eyes attacking reinforcements this summer.
The 30-year-old has been left out of Caen's team for a recent friendly as well as their squad for their pre-season camp in Switzerland. This seems to suggest that the French outfit are resigned to the fact that Mendy will be leaving this summer, opening the door for Sunderland to strike a deal.
Despite potentially being shown the door at his current club, Mendy enjoyed a very successful campaign last season. The 30-year-old found the back of the net on 23 occasions last term, finishing as the top scorer in the French second division.
If the Black Cats are in the market for a more physical brand of striker during the transfer window, then they should look no further than Mendy. Standing at a little over 6 feet tall, the forward ranked in the 82nd percentile for aerial duels won last term, winning over four per ninety.
Despite Sunderland's clear interest in agreeing on a deal, the report by Sport Witness states that there is also interest from Saudi Arabia who could be able to better the Black Cats' offer in the salary department. Perhaps it could be Le Bris' links to the French game that helps his new side get this transfer over the line, making this one to watch.
Sri Lanka are due to depart for SA for a two-Test series once the LPL ends on December 16
Andrew Fidel Fernando and Firdose Moonda10-Dec-2020
The Sri Lankans celebrate their eight-wicket win in Port Elizabeth•Getty Images
Sri Lanka’s tour of South Africa is set to go ahead as expected after SLC’s medical staff confirmed they were satisfied with the bio-bubble arrangements being planned for the series.SLC had reconsidered the tour following England’s withdrawal from their ODI series in South Africa last week. The board was concerned about the possibility of Sri Lanka cricketers returning unwell, something that could put their home series against England in jeopardy with the first Test against England to start roughly a week after Sri Lanka’s return.However, SLC’s medical staff has held talks with its CSA counterparts and is now confident that Sri Lanka will be able to undertake the South Africa tour with little risk of players contracting Covid-19. In addition, it is understood that CSA has agreed to strengthen their bio-security protocols as per the SLC medical team’s requests. In particular, SLC has asked for better PCR testing protocols and the hospitality staff which will cater to the teams to be kept on site.On Thursday afternoon, CSA put out a media release saying that the two-Test series would go ahead as planned.”Cricket South Africa appreciates the ongoing support from Sri Lanka Cricket under the leadership of Ashley de Silva, who has never wavered in its willingness to engage us in important and open discussions around our plans and the state of our readiness for the tour,” CSA’s interim CEO Kugandrie Govender said. “We are thankful that these discussions have allayed any trepidation around CSA’s ability to successfully host home tours in these unpredicted times.”As always, we are excited to host the Sri Lankan team in this important, World Test Championship series that will yield crucial points towards the points table for the eventual winners. We are also certain that cricket fans around the world will tune in for another series of thrilling cricket on display.”ALSO READ: Australia’s tour of South Africa may move to Perth amid Covid-19 falloutIn a meeting that the SLC’s medical team had with their ECB counterparts on Wednesday, the latter’s medical officers are also understood to have supported the idea that a tour of South Africa can be completed without a breaching of the bio-secure bubble. Although England withdrew from their own tour, no England player was found to have contracted Covid-19 despite some false positives being returned at one stage.Sri Lanka are due to depart for South Africa soon after the ongoing Lanka Premier League concludes on December 16. They are scheduled to play two Tests – in Johannesburg and Centurion – before returning home on January 8.Both teams will be housed at the Irene Country Club in Centurion, which includes a golf course, six tennis courts, squash courts and a driving range, thus eliminating the need for teams to leave the venue, as was the case during England’s curtailed visit. England left their biosecure hotel in Cape Town to play golf at several locations, which South Africa’s interim board chair Zak Yacoob described as “lax”, but necessary to keep their visitors happy.Sri Lanka’s first Test against England then begins on January 14. Both Tests in that England series will be played at Galle. SLC was especially nervous about putting that series in jeopardy because it carries substantial broadcast value, which the board cannot miss out on following a tough fiscal year in 2020.
Updates, analysis and colour on the crucial third day
Andrew McGlashan19-Dec-2020*Most recent entry will appear at the top, please refresh your page for the latest updates. All times are local.6.00pm: Questions for IndiaThe famous Adelaide scoreboard records the details of India’s collapse•Getty ImagesHere’s some thoughts from Nagraj:India now have six days to figure several questions that will confront them ahead of the Boxing Day Test. And they will have to do it without Virat Kohli, who will be back in India from next week on paternity leave. Here are the key questions in no particular order:Do they retain Prthivi Shaw?From his backlift to his footwork, experts have picked holes in Shaw’s technique after the opener, playing his first Test in Australia, was bowled twice in Adelaide. Ideally Shaw would want him to be judge after getting a longer rope.Is there a place for Shubman Gill?Gill has been sitting restlessly in the dugout ever since he got a maiden call-up to the Test squad about a year ago. He has tall first-class scores playing for India A overseas and got good starts in the second warm-up match in Sydney against Australia A, scoring 43 and 65. But who does Gill replace? One option is take Shaw’s spot. The other can be play in the middle order as a replacement for Kohli.What about KL Rahul?Rahul’s last Test was in West Indies last year. He was dropped from the home Test series against South Africa and not included for the two-Test series in New Zealand in February. But based on a strong IPL form, the selectors named Rahul in the squad. In terms of experience, Rahul would fancy getting Kohli’s spot.Will Navdeep Saini or Mohammad Siraj get a Test debut?In case Mohammed Shami is declared unfit then one between Saini and Siraj will play their maiden Test. Both have speed and recognised for their red-ball skills and have got enough mileage being part of India A tours.5.45pm: Strong openingOn what can be considered a perfect day for Australia, there is another box being ticked as Matthew Wade and Joe Burns add a fifty-run opening stand. The pressure is not huge, but it could be significant especially if David Warner doesn’t recover for Boxing Day. Wade has been fluent, Burns hasn’t but he has shown signs of more confidence after that painful blow on the arm.
4.35pm: Interval – Australia 15 for 0, target 90Phew, time to catch your breath. Unbelievably, Australia are already chasing their target after a morning session of magnificent pace bowling reduced India to rubble. Matthew Wade has played positively so far, but Joe Burns has grimly hung on and has taken a nasty blow on the arm from Jasprit Bumrah which has caused significant pain.Here’s Sid Monga trying to make sense of it:
Just a quick no-hindsight comment on India’s batting. There will be a lot of criticism and even insult thrown their way but this is one of those perfect storms of excellent bowling, pitch doing just enough, all the nicks carrying, all mistakes resulting in edges. This is what tends to magnify technical flaws and there are replays played over and over again. It is one of those things that happened against a ruthless excellent attack. People will question Virat Kohli’s shot but there wasn’t anything wrong with it. On a flat pitch it was a bad shot; on this you had to go after any width you got. Someone had to score runs.
Just a stat that will tell you what a perfect storm it was: India were not in control of 32 balls they played. Usually you need around 10 such balls to get a wicket in Test cricket. Here they got nine with 32. That is how perfectly it went for Australia.
ESPNcricinfo Ltd4.00pm: India 36 all out!India have recorded their lowest ever total in Test cricket as they startling second innings ended on 36 when Mohammed Shami was forced to retire hurt following a crunching blow on the arm from Pat Cummins. Their previous lowest was 42 against England at Lord’s in 1974. What a session that was. Australia need 90 to win.”Everything went to plan,” Josh Hazlewood says modestly on Channel Seven. “Patty set the tone and I just followed suit. To join the 200th club is pretty special.”3.50pm: Magnificent HazlewoodA jubilant Josh Hazlewood is congratulated by team-mates after his devastating strikes•Getty ImagesJosh Hazlewood has taken his 200th Test wicket and completed one of the best five-wicket hauls you will see. He was on a hat-trick when he removed Wriddhiman Saha and R Ashwin (the second his milestone wicket) and though he couldn’t make the three-in-three his fifth wicket wasn’t long in coming. It’s hard to keep up!3.20pm: And now Kohli goes!Virat Kohli’s tour is over. Pat Cummins drew edge which flew quickly into the gully where it bobbled out of Cameron Green’s hands but he held on as it rolled up his chest and back into his grip. This has been sensational bowling from Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Can India set a target of 100?This is India’s lowest score at the loss of their sixth wicket.And here are India’s lowest Test totals…
INCREDIBLE!
Cameron Green juggles in the gully, Virat Kohli has to go after the umpires check the catch and it's 6/19!
What an unbelievable passage of play this is #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/8WN9k4EGpk
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 19, 2020
Have we seen any other Test Match in the recent past where the Pace bowlers of both teams have been this accurate and relentless. Fast bowlers at the peak of their game. Great to watch. #AUSvIND
— Gaurav Sundararaman (@gaurav_sundar) December 19, 2020
3.10pm: Hazlewood’s first overBlimey, this game is moving…12.1 Hazlewood to Agarwal, OUT, and he strikes first ball. Wow. The most Josh Hazlewood dismissal you’ll see. Extra bounce from a length, and the initial angle – much like the Pujara dismissal – isn’t even attacking off stump but going slightly inside the line of the stumps. Then it straightens to take the edge, with Agarwal squared up in defence12.2 Hazlewood to Rahane, no run, length ball on off stump, defended into the covers12.3 Hazlewood to Rahane, no run, length ball outside off, a bit of seam movement away, left alone12.4 Hazlewood to Rahane, no run, phew. What a great line this is, so tight on off stump, and Rahane has no option but to play. Straightens and zips past the edge. The length is more or less perfect too12.5 Hazlewood to Rahane, OUT, I said the length was more or less perfect the previous ball. This one was a few inches fuller, along the same line, and the ball straightened again to take the edge. India are effectively 68 for 5. Rahane doesn’t get a stride forward, just pushes at the ball, in front of his body, and pays the price12.6 Hazlewood to Vihari, no run, back of a length in the corridor, left alone
What a sensational collapse. And what surgically pinpoint bowling from the Australians. #INDvAUS
— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) December 19, 2020
3.00pm: A Cummins specialAustralia are back in this. It did not take long for Pat Cummins to remove nightwatchman Jasprit Bumrah, but then he struck a huge blow – producing a beauty to take Cheteshwar Pujara’s outside edge which carried low to Tim Paine. His figures at that moment: 5.2-3-8-3. This game is on a knife-edge.
Perfect ball from Cummins and Pujara is gone! 3 out of 3 for the vice-captain. Enter Kohli #AusvInd
— Daniel Brettig (@danbrettig) December 19, 2020
2.40pm: Agarwal’s early landmarkMayank Agarwal’s opening-over boundary off Mitchell Starc brought up 1000 Test runs…ESPNcricinfo Ltd2.20pm: Have your say2.10pm: Nervousness over Sydney Covid outbreak
There is a heightened sense of awareness today in Adelaide given what's happening in NSW.@AlisonMitchell explains what fans will have to do on entry to Adelaide Oval to remain COVID-safe #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/XuyigqLAny
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 19, 2020
2.00pm: Shaw’s series could be donePrithvi Shaw gets bowled for the second time in the Test•Getty ImagesThe late blow Australia struck last night could be significant for Prithvi Shaw’s series as he has been bowled through the gate twice in this match. It was a tight call between him and Shubham Gill for this match and Shaw hasn’t done anything to back up the faith. It will be a big decision for Boxing Day.
Ricky Ponting gives his assessment of where it's gone wrong for Prithvi Shaw #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/hwLSa7mFiZ
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 18, 2020
1.30pm: What’s a matchwinning lead?What a day for India yesterday. They secured a vital first-innings advantage that they will look to swell today, especially during the first two sessions before the lights come on. Australia may need to have bowled them out by then otherwise the game could be too far away. There has been help in this pitch and just a sign that it may start to go up-and-down a bit, so anything around 250 would seem to be a tough chase. Still, Australia have the bowler attack to keep them in the game. It should be great viewing.
'Australia have been given a chastening reminder that theirs is not a team spirit so strong that they can afford not to choose the best available players for the roles required, especially against a team as accomplished in Test matches as India.' @danbrettig | #AUSvIND