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Tom Banton’s 81 goes in vain as visiting bowlers get the job done at the death

ECB Reporters Network11-Aug-2023Sam Curran asserted his influence with bat and ball as in -form Jordan Cox led Oval Invincibles to victory in their top-of-the-table Men’s Hundred clash, holding off a thrilling Northern Superchargers fightback by nine runs.Curran hit 24 off 12 balls late on as the league-leading Invincibles posted a commanding 185 for 5 before taking a superb catch and a wicket as the Superchargers slipped to 23 for 2. Superchargers opener Tom Banton crashed a brilliant 81 off 43 balls to recover them – and at 146 for 3 after 75 balls, they were favourites needing 40.But left-arm seamer Curran returned to have Banton caught at deep midwicket by a diving Ross Whiteley and finish with 2 for 31 from 20 balls with Gus Atkinson defending 19 off the last set of five balls.Superchargers finished on 176 for 8, losing their first game in four. The Invicibles, for whom unbeaten Jordan Cox top-scored with 73 off 38, won their third game in four to strengthen top spot on seven points.South Africa international Heinrich Klaasen hit six sixes in an entertaining 46 off 22 for the Invincibles.Australian quick Spencer Johnson had conceded only one off an incredible 20-ball spell in their home win over Manchester Originals on Tuesday but conceded five off his first ball here, including a wide, at the start of the visiting defence. He finished with 1 for 36.Jason Roy flicked the contest’s first ball – a Reece Topley full toss – down deep backward square-leg’s throat.Opening partner Will Jacks got things moving with a crisp 40, but he was then caught off Callum Parkinson, bringing Klaasen in at 69 for 2 after 44 balls.Klaasen hit a blistering 60 against the Originals and was similarly destructive here despite not hitting a four.Pacer Brydon Carse bore the brunt, conceding three sixes in five balls as the score moved from 85 for 2 after 60 to 104 for 2 after 65. One went arrow straight and the other two high over backward square-leg.Like Jacks, Klaasen then miscued to long-on. This time, Adil Rashid struck. But the Invincibles were on course for an imposing total at 124 for 3 after 74.Even though Cox reached 50 off 30 balls, he played second fiddle throughout much of this innings. He rotated the strike well before taking on the lead role at the end.Captain Wayne Parnell was the pick of the Superchargers bowling with 2 for 29, narrowly missing out on a late hat-trick having removed Curran and Ross Whiteley caught and lbw.Curran then took a brilliant catch back-peddling from mid-on to help Atkinson remove Matt Short before getting a England white-ball team-mate Harry Brook caught behind cutting for just four as the hosts slipped.But Banton and Adam Hose started the turnaround with a 57-stand to take the score to 82 for 2 after 50 balls.Hose drilled Nathan Sowter’s leg-spin to long-on almost immediately to fall for 45, though Banton ploughed on. He reached 50 off 30 balls and reverse hit his next ball for six over cover off Sowter.With that, the Superchargers were on course. But Johnson removed Saif Zaib, Curran returned to strike and squeeze and Atkinson struck twice in the last five to have Carse and Rashid caught.

Jude Bellingham has hit back in style after brother Jobe's first Dortmund goal sparks playful competition between siblings at the Club World Cup.

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Jobe scores first goal for DortmundJude responds with goal against PachucaOpens up about friendly rivalry with JobeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Bellingham found the net in Real Madrid’s 3-1 win over Pachuca at the Club World Cup, just a day after his younger brother Jobe scored for Borussia Dortmund in their 4-3 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns. With Madrid down to 10 men, Jude delivered a clutch strike to help seal the win and match his brother’s effort. Jobe had scored on his first start for Dortmund after signing from Sunderland earlier this month, finding the net in the 45th minute to put his side 3-1 up before half-time. It was a moment that sparked a bit of friendly sibling rivalry, and Jude has now responded.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT JUDE BELLINGHAM SAID

Asked whether Jobe’s goal was on his mind during his own performance, Jude said to DAZN: "My brother’s goal yesterday on my mind? A little bit, I’ve gotta be honest. Everyone’s been caning me, saying he’s better than me. I had to do something today. We’re 1-1 now, we’ll see for the rest of the tournament (laughs).”

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The Bellingham brothers have made history by becoming the first siblings to score in the same edition of the Club World Cup. The performances from both have drawn lighthearted comparisons, with friends teasing Jude after Jobe’s goal. Now, both stars are level with a goal apiece as they head into their final group-stage matches.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR THE BELLINGHAM BROTHERS?

Jude and Real Madrid face RB Salzburg on June 26 to close out their group stage, while Jobe and Dortmund take on Ulsan on June 25. Both brothers will be eyeing the knockout rounds, and potentially a once-in-a-lifetime clash on the world stage against each other.

The key question looming for the selectors is who opens the batting between Warner, Head and Marsh

Andrew McGlashan06-Sep-20231:23

Injury concerns in ‘familiar’ Australia squad for ODI World Cup

Australia are confident that Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell are on track to be fit for the ODI World Cup after they confirmed a provisional 15-player squad that did not include any surprises.Sean Abbott earned a place among the pace bowlers in what was one of the few debatable positions, holding off a challenge from Nathan Ellis. Josh Inglis has been included as the back-up wicketkeeper and spare batting option. The squad can be amended until September 28 after which ICC approval is required.Related

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From the original 18-player group selected for the South Africa and India tours earlier this month, Ellis, Aaron Hardie and Tanveer Sangha are the three to not make the final squad. Tim David, Marnus Labuschagne and Spencer Johnson are also currently with the ODI squad in South Africa.Australia’s preparations for the World Cup have become somewhat disjointed with a number of injuries around first-choice players. Cummins and Smith both picked up wrist injuries during the Ashes, which ruled them out of the ODI series in South Africa, while Starc has been sidelined by a groin problem.Meanwhile, Maxwell, who was always going to miss the South Africa one-dayers due to the birth of his first child, returned home early after suffering discomfort in his ankle and is likely to be carefully managed in the lead-up to the World Cup.Sean Abbott has earned a place in Australia’s ODI World Cup squad•AFP/Getty Images”All are well placed to come back online in the coming weeks and potentially for selection in the upcoming series against India,” national selector George Bailey said. “There are eight one-day matches still to play in South Africa and India before the final squad is due to be declared. They are followed by two World Cup practice games, which offers plenty of opportunity to continue the build for the tournament.”Legspinner Sangha has caught the eye in the past week after impressing in the T20I series against South Africa where he was called in for a last-minute debut when Adam Zampa was ill. However, the selectors have opted for two frontline spinners in the squad – Zampa and Ashton Agar – supplemented by Maxwell and Travis Head.One of the key decisions the selectors will need to make over the coming weeks is who opens the batting. Mitchell Marsh’s T20 form, and his performances against India in March, have made a strong case for him to be retained at the top of the order while Head has been prolific since his return to ODIs.Warner missed the first two matches of the India series earlier this year and when he did return slotted in at No. 4 with Head and Marsh opening. It is likely that Smith will keep his slot at No. 3.Australia open their World Cup campaign against India on October 8 in Chennai.Australia ODI World Cup squad Pat Cummins, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa

Ex-Bayern Munich striker Giovane Elber claims Harry Kane and Nick Woltemade can pull off wonders, labelling the Stuttgart star a "complete striker".

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Elber calls Nick Woltemade a "complete striker"Stresses rising star will have to be patientOptimistic about his future at Allianz ArenaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Bayern have reportedly approached the forward and already have a verbal agreement in place with him. Elber, who made a similar move from Stuttgart to Bayern in 1997, is optimistic about Woltemade's future at the Allianz Arena, as he considers him a "complete striker" and a good addition alongside the experienced Kane.

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The 23-year-old's spectacular form in the European Under 21 Championship, where he has single-handedly taken the team to the finals with six goals and three assists, has prompted Bayern to make an early transfer for him. Elber believes that when a player of Woltemade's quality is available on the market, Bayern will obviously try their best to clinch his signature, but adds that the forward will have to be patient as he won't be an immediate regular starter at the club.

WHAT ELBER SAID

Speaking on Woltemade's from with , Elber said: "The boy is a really good kicker. Despite his size, he's agile, fast, has a good header, and can keep possession – a complete striker."

Elber's cautionary message to Woltemade: "The boy has to know one thing: It's difficult to be a regular at Bayern. In Stuttgart, he plays every game; in Munich, it's different; patience is required… You'd have to consider whether Kane or Woltemade might play a bit behind him. Kane covers the entire pitch anyway, so he can also play as a number 10 – just like Woltemade. That would be a great fit."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR WOLTEMADE?

Even with Woltemade's verbal agreement, it won't be an easy negotiation for the Bundesliga champions as Stuttgart are ready to put up a fight for their young talent. Stuttgart reportedly set a price tag of €60 million (£51m/$70m) on the German forward and will not be deterred from accepting anything lower. Woltemade is set to feature in Germany's final against England in the U21 Euro Championship on June 28.

Lyon’s rising star Malick Fofana has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in European football, with the French club setting a minimum asking price of £51.5 million (€60m/$71m) for the talented 20-year-old as several Premier League heavyweights, including Liverpool, Arsenal & Chelsea, scramble for his signature. The English sides are not alone in the chase, with Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, and Napoli also engaged in talks.

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Fofana's stock continues to risePL heavyweights battling for his signatureLyon put their demands on the tableFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to given the high demand for Fofana, Lyon are hoping an auction-style scenario emerges, allowing them to maximise the value of the player’s sale. His meteoric rise stems from a breakthrough season at the club, during which he registered 11 goals across 41 appearances.

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Fofana earned a maiden call-up to the senior Belgian national team last year. Though predominantly utilised on the wings, his ability to operate anywhere across the attacking line has added to his appeal.

DID YOU KNOW?

Lyon’s willingness to cash in on their emerging star is partly rooted in financial necessity. The club is currently grappling with economic issues that have led to their controversial demotion from Ligue 1, a ruling they are currently appealing. Regardless of the outcome, the need to balance the books remains a pressing concern. Their Europa League spot is now under review, a consequence of their off-field troubles. This situation may prompt the club to accelerate player sales, with Fofana at the forefront of that list.

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AFPWHAT NEXT?

For clubs monitoring Fofana, Lyon’s predicament offers a potential opening. While the French side will try to drive the price up, looking for at least £51.5m, they may also be pressured to reach a deal sooner rather than later. It remains to be seen whether he lands in the Premier League or elsewhere in Europe. But given the clock ticking and interest surging, a resolution might not be far off.

“How we approached the seven games has been quite clinical – everybody put in the effort”

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Nov-20231:13

Hayden: ‘Iyer finding his feet is a big step for India’

Twenty-five days after starting their campaign, India have become the first team to qualify for the ODI World Cup semi-finals after a mammoth 302-run win over Sri Lanka in Mumbai on Thursday.”I’m very happy knowing we have officially qualified for the semi-finals, it’s been a good effort from the entire squad,” India captain Rohit Sharma said after India notched up their seventh win in seven games. “When we started off in Chennai, this was the first goal for us, to qualify first and then obviously, the semis and the final.”But all in all, I thought how we approached the seven games has been quite clinical. Everybody put in the effort. We wanted individuals to stand up and a lot of individuals towards these seven games put their hands up and stood up.”Related

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Rohit said that players hitting top gear augurs well for the team at the business end of the tournament. He was particularly impressed with the likes of Shreyas Iyer, who had a few low scores coming in to the game and hit a quick 82 to lift the team to 357, and Mohammed Siraj, who rattled Sri Lanka with three wickets up front. Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah played their parts to ensure Sri Lanka were bowled out for 55 in under 20 overs.”Shreyas, as far as I know him, is a very strong lad, strong in his mind, and today, as you saw… he did what he is known for. And that’s what we expect from him; to take on the opposition and the bowlers,” Rohit said. “The couple of sixes he hit in his innings showed that he is there to take on that challenge in front of him. He’s been working very hard on his game and today we saw what he’s capable of.”As for Siraj, he’s a quality bowler and if he does that, it’s quite a big difference for us with the new ball. He can swing the ball, get the ball to get back in, he’s got a lot of skills when he is operating with the new ball.”

ESPNcricinfo understands the PCB will merge the roles of team director and head coach into one

Danyal Rasool16-Nov-2023Mohammad Hafeez will serve as Pakistan’s head coach in Australia and New Zealand. Hafeez had also been appointed as Pakistan team director – the position Mickey Arthur held until now – on Wednesday after a reshuffle followed Babar Azam’s resignation as Pakistan captain.ESPNcricinfo understands the PCB will merge the roles of team director and head coach into one, a dual role the former Pakistan allrounder will execute for three Test matches in Australia and five T20Is in New Zealand, in December and January.Related

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It is a significant step up for Hafeez, 43, who last played for Pakistan two years ago and does not have any coaching experience until now. But it is understood the current administration views the two separate roles for team director and head coach as superfluous.Indeed, Pakistan did not have a team director until earlier this year. Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi, who had made no secret of his pursuit of Arthur, struck a deal with him that would see Arthur travel with the team for certain series and tournaments, while maintaining oversight when he could not be with the side under the stewardship of Grant Bradburn. When both Arthur and Bradburn were with the side, it was felt there was no distinct difference between their specific jobs, something that has prompted the current PCB administration to do away with the extra role.The decision caps what have been a remarkably tumultuous 24 hours in Pakistan cricket. Babar resigned as captain from all three formats after he was told he would be relieved of his duties in the two white-ball formats. While that is a decision the PCB management committee likely lacks the authority to take, Babar opting to resign paved the way for Shan Masood’s appointment as Test captain, and Shaheen Afridi’s as T20I captain.Soon after, Arthur and Bradburn saw their own roles significantly reduced, with the PCB saying they would be “reassigned”, without further clarification. They will not travel with the team to Australia, and while it was initially announced that Hafeez would take over as team director, there was no word on the head coach or the chief selector. Hafeez’s appointment as coach does complete the picture further, though the position of chief selector remains vacant, with Wahab Riaz the frontrunner.Pakistan depart for Australia on November 30, and play a warm-up game against the Prime Minister’s XI at the Manuka Oval from December 6 to 9. The first Test begins in Perth on December 14. After the three Tests, the side also plays five T20Is in New Zealand.

Dani Ceballos dropped a major hint about his next club as the Real Madrid midfielder confirms he’s open to a move with Betis firmly in the picture.

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Ceballos confirms interest in Betis returnHas two years left on Madrid contractGuler, Valverde and Tchouameni ahead in pecking orderFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , Ceballos is edging closer to a Madrid exit, having confirmed he’s open to a move back to Real Betis, the club where he began his professional career. Although he hasn’t yet spoken to the club directly, the midfielder admitted he’s open to all options. His lack of game time under Xabi Alonso at the Club World Cup has only strengthened rumours of a transfer.

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The 28-year-old still has two years left on his Madrid deal, having signed an extension in 2023. But with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric both gone, and Ceballos still not featuring heavily, the writing appears to be on the wall. Los Blancos' midfield already includes rising stars like Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde, who are all ahead of Ceballos in Alonso’s rotation. Despite squad depth needs, Madrid might cash in if Betis can present a viable offer.

WHAT CEBALLOS SAID?

Speaking to the media in Seville, the midfielder said: "I'm already on vacation after a long season. Everything's fine. It's an important topic for me, but we'll talk about my future in a few weeks. Betis was my home and always will be."

He added: "I hope the door is always open. I haven't spoken to them yet. Well, we're open to everything."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CEBALLOS?

The Spaniard is set to weigh his options over the summer break, while Betis must assess whether they can afford a transfer fee for the 28-year-old. Los Blancos are expected to be open to negotiations, particularly with Alonso aiming to build a younger midfield. A final decision could come before the start of preseason, with talks likely to accelerate in late July.

Sunday's battering of Wales allowed the likes of Lauren James, Alessia Russo and Ella Toone to get some rest – they'll all be ready to go again

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It's fair to say that England's group stage at this European Championship was a bit of a rollercoaster. After losing their opener to France, the Lionesses knew any misstep could be fatal in their bid to retain their title and, as such, they were essentially flawless, battering the Netherlands 4-0 while under the highest pressure and then following up with a 6-1 thrashing of Wales to punch their ticket to the quarter-finals.

Next up are Sweden, who England faced in the last four of Euro 2022. Peter Gerhardsson's side are extremely experienced, packed with talent and have reached at least the semi-finals in six of their last seven major tournaments. They know how to navigate these knockout rounds.

But England are well-versed in what it takes, too, and will be confident that they can get the job done on Thursday, having found their groove in their last two outings in particular. So, how will Sarina Wiegman approach the challenge from a team selection perspective? GOAL takes a look at how the Lionesses side should line up in Zurich…

Getty ImagesGK: Hannah Hampton

Hampton hasn't been particularly busy in the England goal so far this tournament, despite only keeping one clean sheet in three games. There was little she could do about any of the three goals conceded and her distribution has been excellent, with there no reason to expect, or demand, a change at this position.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB: Lucy Bronze

Since starting the tournament with a tough evening out against club-mate Sandy Baltimore, Bronze has been solid. The Chelsea star doesn't have much competition for her place in this England team in truth, but there is no question about her place in this starting XI as the Lionesses prepare to go into the knockout stages, where Bronze's experience could be particularly vital.

Getty ImagesCB: Leah Williamson

No England player has won possession more often than Williamson at this tournament, with the captain settling into her groove nicely after the defensive issues that plagued the Lionesses' first outing. She's shown a good understanding with her new centre-back partner, Carter, and will hope to continue that as she prepares for an individual battle against Arsenal team-mate Stina Blackstenius in the quarter-finals.

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Getty ImagesCB: Jess Carter

Since being moved from left-back to centre-back, the role she plays regularly at club level, Carter has looked much more assured. Against France, she was exposed for a lack of pace, allowing Les Bleues to cause chaos down England's left. Wiegman changed things ahead of the clash with the Netherlands, in which Carter was arguably England's best defender, and there is no reason to alter a formula that has made the Lionesses look more secure at the back.

While the likes of Babar and Sarfaraz got starts against the Prime Minister’s XI, Masood was the only one who made his count

Andrew McGlashan06-Dec-2023The day before having a first hit-out of the tour, Pakistan captain Shan Masood stressed the importance of his top order converting starts and he took it upon himself to set the standard with an almost faultless century on the opening day against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra.On a hot day and faced with a slow pitch, Pakistan made reasonable use of a chance to bat first but it was only Masood who fully cashed in as Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam and Sarfaraz Ahmed all departed before making the most of their opportunities. Faheem Ashraf was brilliantly caught at slip by Cameron Bancroft off what became the last ball of the day as Pakistan closed on 324 for 6.”Shan’s innings was pretty much flawless. He played brilliantly,” Jordan Buckingham, who took three wickets for the PM’s XI, said. “The wicket was obviously conducive to batting but you still have to get out there and get the runs. For him to barely give a chance, it was an outstanding innings. Think he’ll be in for a pretty good summer.”Masood, who recently took over the Test captaincy from Babar, went to his hundred from 169 balls shortly after tea, with the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in attendance having returned to the ground following his brief morning appearance where he handed out caps and conducted the toss.Masood knows the importance of making big runs on this tour to give the bowling attack a chance of success and wants to learn the lessons of the 2019-2020 when he made scores 27, 42, 19 and 68.”I got a couple of starts but you want to convert those starts in Test cricket and get three figures,” he said on Tuesday. “That will be my test, my opportunity. We got used to conditions [in 2019] very well. Babar got a hundred, Yasir [Shah] got a hundred, but there were a lot of fifties from batsmen so we want to convert those into matchwinning contributions.”The pitch served up at Manuka Oval, after a lot of recent rain, is unlikely to bear much resemblance to what Pakistan will face in Perth next week. The lack of pace was clear early on when an edge from Shafique did not carry to the slips who were stood reasonably close, while later in the day wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson was stood up to Buckingham and Beau Webster with a ring field.But, still, time in the middle can’t be discounted for those who managed decent stints. Imam-ul-Haq couldn’t take his first opportunity when he inside-edged a drive off Buckingham, a late replacement for Michael Neser, who started with an excellent wicket maiden to the left hander.However, from there early progress was steady without the run rate threatening to match the ‘Pakistan Way’ from the Test series against Sri Lanka. There was some early seam movement to negotiate which brought a number of plays and misses as the tried to be positive, while a sluggish outfield reduced the value for strokes that got through the infield.The lack of pace on the surface played a part in Shafique’s wicket when he drove to short cover shortly before lunch. There then followed a stand of 92-run stand between Masood, who lofted Todd Murphy for a straight six, and Babar with the latter working through a slow start to unfurl some handsome drives.Babar looked set to make the most of friendly conditions before glancing Buckingham down the leg side and Saud Shakeel paid the price for a tentative shot against Murphy having misread the length. Murphy, who had missed Victoria’s last two Sheffield Shield matches with a shoulder problem, was the most expensive of the PM’s XI attack as he struggled a little to locate the ideal length, although he did turn a couple past the edge.Later in the day, Masood and Sarfaraz were able to take advantage against Murphy and the allrounders ahead of the second new ball being taken. However, with the final delivery from the old ball, Buckingham earned his second leg-side wicket of the day courtesy of an outstanding take by Peirson off Sarfaraz’s glove.As had been flagged by captain Nathan McSweeney before the game, Cameron Green was not used with the ball as his workload is managed ahead of the Test series even though he is not expected to feature at the start.The main interest in the PM’s XI side will come when Bancroft, Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw get their chance at the crease with an eye on who could replace David Warner.