Still behind Finch in order of preference – Khawaja

Usman Khawaja expects to be dropped from Australia’s ODI team the moment Aaron Finch is fit after a finger fracture, despite his Man of the Match-winning turn against Ireland in the opening match of the South Africa tour

Daniel Brettig28-Sep-2016

“I enjoy opening the batting in shorter form cricket, so it was good fun and with Davey at the other end going berserk it made life a lot easier”•AFP

Usman Khawaja expects to be dropped from Australia’s ODI team the moment Aaron Finch is fit after a finger fracture, despite his Man of the Match-winning turn against Ireland in the opening match of the South Africa tour.Clearly benefiting from conditions more familiar than those witnessed recently in Sri Lanka, Khawaja stroked his way to an unbeaten 82 in the company of David Warner and Steven Smith. While hopeful the innings meant a turnaround from his wretched times in Sri Lanka, Khawaja had no illusions about where he now stood in the limited-overs order of preference.”You can never count your chickens in cricket or in life, you can’t get too far ahead,” he said. “I’m only here because Shaun Marsh hurt a finger and Finch was out with a broken finger as well, so I got an opportunity opening the batting. To get out there and be Man of the Match first game of the tour is a really nice feeling.”Nice to get out there early on, I enjoy opening the batting in shorter form cricket, so it was good fun and with Davey at the other end going berserk it made life a lot easier.”It was a tough time over there [in Sri Lanka], it’s been a tough couple of months. So from an individual point of view it’s nice to get out there and score some runs. We played some really good cricket the back half of Sri Lanka, but I still didn’t contribute the way I wanted to contribute over there, so I had a tough time there, but glad I could contribute to a win first up here.”The Australians were quickly into a groove against Ireland, and now face a South Africa side shorn of AB de Villiers due to injury. Khawaja said it was useful to pick up the winning habit instantly in South Africa, and acknowledged the hosts would have to be weakened by de Villiers’ enforced absence.”We won and that’s the main thing,” Khawaja said. “You want to win as much as you can and keep reaffirming that winning feeling. Winning is a habit, it’s a cliche but it’s true, the more you win, the more natural it becomes. Every game you play we want to win every time, whether it’s a dead rubber or a final, because that’ll keep us in good stead for really close games.”I don’t know who’s going to take over [AB’s] role but they’ve got big shoes to fill, he’s one of the best batsmen in the world. Looking at it from that point of view it’s never nice to see a player not play, especially someone like AB because he brings a lot of people through the gates and that’s what it’s all about in the end. But he’s a big player for them, so they are weakened, but South Africa have a lot of depth.”

الزمالك يعلن إصابة محمد عبد الشافي بقطع في الرباط الصليبي

أعلن الجهاز الطبي لفريق الكرة الأول بنادي الزمالك بقيادة أحمد أسامة عن إصابة الظهير الأيسر محمد عبد الشافي، بقطع في الرباط الصليبي.

وكان عبد الشافي قد تعرض لإصابة في الركبة خلال تدريبات الفريق قبل أيام، ليتم الإعلان رسميًا اليوم عن تفاصيل الفحوصات الطبية.

غياب 11 لاعبًا عن الزمالك أمام الإسماعيلي.. 5 صفقات أحدهم لوجهة نظر فنية

وكشف الدكتور محمد أسامة رئيس الجهاز الطبي للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك عبر تصريحات رسمية أن الفحوصات الطبية أثبتت إصابة عبد الشافي بقطع في الرباط الصليبي.

وأكد رئيس الجهاز الطبي أن عبد الشافي خضع لفحوصات طبية مكثفة لتحديد حجم الإصابة وتحديد بروتوكول العلاج المناسب.

جوميز يعلن قائمة الزمالك لمباراة الإسماعيلي في الدوري.. ضم عبد الله السعيد

وشدد رئيس الجهاز الطبي على أن اللاعب سيسافر إلى ألمانيا خلال الأيام القليلة المقبلة من أجل العرض على أحد الأطباء والخضوع للعملية الجراحية، بناء على قرار الكابتن حسين لبيب رئيس مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك.

Hope, Powell named in WI ODI squad for Zimbabwe tri-series

Batsman Shai Hope and allrounder Rovman Powell have been picked in West Indies’ squad for next month’s tri-series in Zimbabwe, after the selectors decided to drop Kieron Pollard and Denesh Ramdin

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Oct-2016

Shai Hope, who is uncapped in limited-overs internationals, recently scored 76 in the three-day warm-up match against the PCB Patron’s XI side•AFP

Batsman Shai Hope and allrounder Rovman Powell have been picked in West Indies’ squad for next month’s tri-series in Zimbabwe, after the selectors decided to drop Kieron Pollard and Denesh Ramdin. Pollard and Ramdin’s exclusions are the only changes to the squad that suffered a 3-0 defeat in the ODI series against Pakistan earlier this month.WI ODI squad for Zimbabwe

Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Johnson Charles, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder (capt), Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Marlon Samuels
In Shai Hope, Rovman Powell
Out Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin

Both Pollard and Ramdin had poor returns in the limited-overs series in the UAE. Pollard managed 43 runs in the three T20s, and bowled two overs, going wicketless. In the three-match ODI series, Pollard scored 42 runs at an average of 14.00. He took one wicket in the 12 overs he bowled across the three matches. Ramdin, who was recalled to the ODI squad, compiled 79 runs at 26.33 in the three ODIs and did not feature in the T20s.Hope, who is a part of the Test side in the UAE, is uncapped in limited-overs internationals, but has played six Tests since May 2015 scoring 171 runs at an average of 15.54. He scored 76 in the three-day tour match against the PCB Patron’s XI, played under lights with the pink ball.Powell, uncapped in international cricket, had been named in the T20 squad for the UAE tour following a promising performance in CPL 2016. His only match on the tour was the practice T20 game against the Emirates Cricket Board XI where he scored 38 and bowled two overs for 14 runs.The Zimbabwe series will begin on November 14 with a match between the hosts and Sri Lanka. West Indies’ first match in the series will be against Sri Lanka on November 16. The final will be played on November 27.

Chelsea keen on ‘terrific’ £80m machine to replace Kante

N’Golo Kante’s sudden departure from Stamford Bridge means Chelsea now have to act.

The World Cup winner had been close to an agreement to extend his stay in the English capital, but a €100m (£86m) a season deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad suddenly looks set to end his fruitful career in Europe.

His last year at the Blues was ravaged by injury, and he only made nine appearances in all competitions – this prolonged absence was one of the reasons for Chelsea’s spectacular decline into the bottom half of the table.

The 32-year-old must be replaced and Moises Caicedo is a player who can adopt a similar role.

What’s the latest on Moises Caicedo to Chelsea?

Having missed out on the signature of CP Sporting’s Manuel Ugarte, the West Londoners are expected to accelerate their efforts to tempt Caicedo to join.

Whilst it seemed that Chelsea were prioritising a deal for the Uruguayan, it’s been revealed that the 2021 Champions League winners have been equally interested in the Brighton star for around £80m.

This has been reaffirmed by reputable journalist Dean Jones, who told GIVEMESPORT: “I don’t think it’s even a case of getting back of the Caicedo trail, they’ve already been on it. The whole time the Ugarte thing has been going on, Caicedo is still the one I’ve been hearing more about. I’ve always expected that Chelsea would go for Caicedo.”

Can Caicedo replicate Kante’s exploits at Chelsea?

Across seven years at Chelsea, the former Leicester City star notched 269 appearances, 29 goal involvements, and six different trophies, winning everything available aside from the Carabao Cup.

The 53-cap international is renowned for his energetic and insufferable ability to break up opposition attacks and protect his backline.

Due to his unbelievable consistency, Cesc Fabregas has labelled Kante as “world-class”, a sentiment that was echoed by Ally McCoist, who described the player as “absolutely magic.”

N'Golo Kante for Chelsea

The beautiful chapter of Kante’s tremendous story at Chelsea has rightfully ended, forging the pathway for Caicedo to possibly repeat the heroics of his positional peer.

Within his age bracket, the youngster has brilliantly excelled as the £60k-per-week star has won possession in the midfield third the most times (142) of any U21 player this season.

Across the continent, the 30-cap international has also emerged as a formidable asset, ranking within the top 26% in Europe’s top five leagues among other midfielders for progressive passes, as well as the highest 11% for interceptions per 90, according to FBref.

So far in his short, but equally dazzling career, Caicedo has demonstrated himself to be a phenomenal pivot with an uncoachable quality to read the game and sniff out danger.

South American Football expert Tim Vickery has described the Ecuadorian as “terrific” and whilst it would be foolish to suggest he can instantly fill Kante’s void if he continues on his currently frightening trajectory, he could be unstoppable.

BCB promises help for visiting supporters

The BCB president Nazmul Hassan has said that the board will provide security to players’ family members, journalists and fans travelling from the UK for the series

Andrew McGlashan and Mohammad Isam26-Aug-20163:10

Dobell: It’s a bold move for England

The BCB president Nazmul Hassan has said that the board will provide security to players’ family members, journalists and fans travelling from the UK for the series, although the ECB has encouraged any supporters wishing to travel to consult the Foreign Office advice.The Barmy Army, which reportedly contacted the BCB showing interest in coming to Bangladesh, will also have their Bangladesh visas fast-tracked, according to Hassan.”We will make sure that not just the players but their family members, fans and the reporters will get security in the stadium and hotel,” he said. “They have to inform us where they are staying and contact us. We believe that there won’t be any problem with regards to this England tour.”The Barmy Army had contacted us and we immediately told the Bangladesh high commission to ensure that their visas aren’t delayed. We also asked for a list of those who are coming so that we can help them out.”While the England team will get unprecedented protection when they arrive for the tour, that courtesy will not extend to supporters. It is understood that consideration for the safety of those outside of what will be a team bubble of VVIP-level security was given but the ECB’s responsibilities stop with the team and management.”Our decision to press ahead is based on the security plan for the players and management. That’s all we can control,” Strauss said. “Any supporters going out there, it’s worth stressing they should be making their own assessments and referring to the Foreign Office advice.”The current FCO advice reads: “There is a heightened threat of further terrorist attacks and foreigners, in particular westerners, may be directly targeted; crowded areas where westerners are known to gather may be at higher risk of attack; you should minimise your exposure to these areas and consider your movements carefully.”

Leeds: Lewis O’Brien may cost Whites £15m

Leeds United may have to pay up to £15m for Huddersfield Town star Lewis O’Brien this summer.

The Lowdown: O’Brien links

The Whites have had O’Brien on their radar for some time now and still have an interest in the central midfielder heading into Jesse Marsch’s first full season as head coach.

The 23-year-old, labelled an “exceptional” player by his manager Carlos Corberan, suffered playoff heartbreak with The Terriers last weekend but may still be plying his trade in the Premier League next season.

Leeds are thought to be one of five top-flight clubs chasing a move for the midfielder, however, recent reports that suggested a £12m release clause may be wide of the mark.

The Latest: £15m?

MOT Leeds News relayed an update regarding O’Brien from Friday’s print edition of The Huddersfield Examiner.

They cited a £15m figure when it came to the midfielder last summer and said that his stock has risen over the past 12 months, and with no mention of a release clause in the report, £15m could be the minimum Leeds may have to pay this time around.

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The Verdict: Midfielder needed

Leeds need to add to their central midfield ranks this summer after they wrap up a move for RB Salzburg right-back Rasmus Kristensen, even if Kalvin Phillips remains at the club.

New signing Brenden Aaronson is expected to be used as an inverted winger, so O’Brien could be a perfect partner for Phillips in either a 4-4-2 or 4-2-2-2 system.

Marsch has limited options in the middle of the park and just one holding midfielder in Phillips, so O’Brien, who is extremely versatile after playing in seven positions last season, could be a shrewd signing, despite a fee potentially going up.

In other news: Reporter says Leeds and Orta may now hijack rivals’ move for ‘outstanding’ star. 

Rangers: Dean Jones drops Calvin Bassey claim

A crushing Rangers transfer claim has emerged over Ibrox gem Calvin Bassey heading into the summer window… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Rangers appear set to sell the central defender ahead of 2022/23 because of the timing of his impressive displays, although it remains to be seen how much the club will demand for his services.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “It’s so difficult for them with Calvin Bassey, it seems like it’ll probably be impossible to keep him.

“He’s burst through at a moment when the transfer window is about to open, and he has played the game of his life in the last game of the season pretty much.”

Gio van Bronckhorst will be deflated

After ending the 2021/22 campaign on a high by lifting the Scottish Cup, the Gers head coach will now be deflated by the prospect of losing Bassey.

The Nigeria international is a crucial player for the manager and would leave a huge hole in the squad that would be difficult to fill in the upcoming window. He has showcased both his quality and versatility throughout the campaign as he fought his way into becoming a go-to option for van Bronckhorst.

Bassey has shown that he can play at both left-back and centre-back for the Gers. He played in the heart of the defence for the Europa League final and then lined up at full-back for the Scottish Cup final later that week, which not only illustrates his versatility but also how much faith the manager has in him to do an excellent job wherever he is required.

In the Premiership, he averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.97 as he won 63% of his individual duels and helped the team to keep 11 clean sheets. He also caught the eye in Europe as he averaged a score of 6.90 across 14 appearances, winning 60% of his battles and making 3.0 tackles and interceptions per game.

These statistics prove that he has the quality to impress domestically and on the continental stage, which is why losing him would be a major blow.

At the age of 22, he also has the scope to keep on improving as a player. This is another reason why van Bronckhorst will be gutted by his possible exit as he will not be able to help the youngster to reach his full potential in the years to come.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Weston: Rangers can form deadly future duo in deal for highly-rated teen…

Rangers: BBC journalist now expects major summer exodus

BBC journalist Tom English has insisted that Rangers will be without Connor Goldson and Allan McGregor next season as a number of big changes are expected at Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Busy season

The Glasgow outfit have been extraordinarily busy this season, having made it all the way to the UEFA Europa League final, in addition to winning the Scottish Cup.

With the Gers missing out on the Scottish Premiership title to Celtic by a meagre four points, van Bronckhorst will be assessing his squad ahead of next season, weighing up any departures after the players enjoy a well-earned rest.

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The Latest: Major exodus

Writing in his BBC Sport column, English has made a number of assumptions about the Rangers squad ahead of next season.

Firstly, the journalist said he expects 40-year-old Allan McGregor will retire in the coming months.

English also claims that Connor Goldson is looking certain to leave upon the expiry of his contract.

With a number of stellar names now in the final year of their deals, it wouldn’t be unlikely to see some big players being sold ahead of next season.

As a result, it is expected that there will be numerous incomings and outgoings this summer.

The Verdict: Clubs will be interested

With such an impressive campaign showcased on the European stage, a whole host of clubs will be sniffing around the likes of Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey, who all excelled in the Europa League this year.

Whilst it may be the time to offload some of the deadwood, it is imperative that Rangers hold on to their best players – especially if they are to replicate their stunning European run.

Therefore, this will be a big transfer window for the Gers, and fans may be particularly concerned over the future of Bassey after his incredible display in Seville.

In other news: Rangers: Jonny McFarlane stunned by Cinch news

Wolves join the race for Calvin Bassey

Wolves have joined West Midlands and Premier League rivals Aston Villa in the race to sign former Leicester City and current Rangers left-back Calvin Bassey this summer.

What’s the story?

That’s according to the Daily Record, who claim that as well as Villa, Fulham and Brentford are all keen on acquiring the 22-year-old this summer.

The Nigerian has been a revelation for Rangers since making the move to Ibrox in 2020, playing 65 times for the Glaswegian outfit, including last Wednesday night’s Europa League final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt and Saturday’s Scottish Cup victory against Hearts.

Now it is believed that Wolves are amongst the frontrunners to sign the defender who may well cost around the £20m mark this summer according to Kenny Miller.

Wolves must sign Bassey

Having earned his stripes with Rangers after failing to make the breakthrough at Leicester, it appears as though Bassey is now ready to play in the Premier League.

The Nigerian never made a senior appearance for Leicester despite playing just shy of 100 games for the Foxes’ youth sides and City’s loss could be their Midlands rivals’ gain.

With Marcal confirmed to depart this summer upon the expiration of his contract, Bruno Lage will certainly be looking to add a left-back to his squad with Jonny currently his only senior option.

In the Europa League this season, Bassey has been a colossal contributor to his side’s run to the final which saw the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Braga and RB Leipzig toppled before a cruel defeat on penalties in the final.

Claimed to be “like van Dijk” as well as being “superb” by Jamie O’Hara on TalkSPORT, the left-back averaged 37.4 passes a match at an 83% accuracy whilst making 61.1 touches.

Defensively, the £6.4k-per-week earner also produced 1.4 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 1.6 clearances as well as winning 60% of his duels.

As for Jonny in the Premier League, the Spaniard has averaged slightly fewer touches at 60.3 as well as fewer passes with 32.6 with an 83% accuracy too.

Defensively though, Bassey has recorded the more impressive statistics with the Wolves wing-back providing 0.8 interceptions, 1.9 tackles and 0.4 clearances a match.

Lage will be keen to see his side improve on this season and push for a European spot with the West Midlands outfit’s poor run at the end of the season costing them a place in Europe for next season.

Therefore, adding a player of Bassey’s quality will certainly be a must this summer.

AND in other news: Great news: Huge Wolves transfer development emerges; supporters will be ecstatic

Man United plot bid for Nordi Mukiele

Manchester United are reportedly plotting a bid for RB Leipzig’s versatile defender Nordi Mukiele.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Foot Mercato, via The Mirror, who claimed that the Red Devils have been tracking the 24-year-old for years and could finally lodge a bid for him in this summer’s transfer window.

The France international is out of contract next year and could duly be available for as little as £8.5m.

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The signing would prove sensible, as United are reportedly open to letting Aaron Wan-Bissaka leave in what appears to be a big clearout this summer at Old Trafford.

Given his Red Bull links, Ralf Rangnick is reported to be a fan of Mukiele, so a move for the 24-year-old is entirely possible.

Imagine him and Varane

The signing of Mukiele – who has been hailed as an “unsung hero” – would be a major coup for United; and at a price of around £8.5m, it could see the club turn a corner with their strategy in the transfer market. It could also form the potential for what could be a fearsome partnership between the 24-year-old and Raphael Varane.

Mukiele’s versatility is a handy attribute and represents an asset that United have not had since Daley Blind was at the club, with the Frenchman also able to operate as a centre-back and a right midfielder.

Mukiele has played the majority of his games as a right midfielder or wing-back for Leipzig in Domenico Tedesco’s 3-4-2-1 system this season. Although he has a decent return of one goal and three assists in 28 appearances, the 24-year-old has been spared in Leipzig’s big games as of recent, which bodes well for United as they look to swoop in for a cut-price deal.

That defensive acumen bodes well for a team manager by Erik ten Hag side. Madueke has a match average of 5.28 pressures per 90, with 6.32 of these coming in the middle third of the pitch, a positive sign of his willingness to win back possession for his team.

His averages of 2.43 interceptions and 2.73 clearances per 90 also illustrate his competency at the back and suggest that he would function well in an asymmetrical system which would see him perform as a makeshift centre-back in possession, giving the left-back licence to attack.

He has also shown his competency in attack in Leipzig’s recent game against Augsburg, in which he registered two assists.

Given such impressive performances across a variety of aspects, it’s not just because of the Red Bull connection that Rangnick would love to have Madueke at Old Trafford.

In other news: Man United now plot bid for £63m-rated “monster”, imagine him and Ten Hag 

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