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The allrounder’s form over the last few months will make it hard to move him

Andrew McGlashan11-Oct-2021Mitchell Marsh appears set to retain the No. 3 spot in Australia’s XI for the T20 World Cup after his success on the tours of West Indies and Bangladesh which will have a knock-on impact on where Steven Smith returns to the side.Marsh was Australia’s standout batting star on the recent tours, scoring 375 runs across 10 matches, with the series in the Caribbean being the first time at batted at No. 3. They were missing a host of first-choice players for those trips with Smith, David Warner, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis now all available again.Maxwell’s outstanding returns in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore make a strong case for him batting as high as possible to maximise the time he has at the crease with No. 4 seeming the logical place. However, that would mean Smith, who has missed Australia’s last three T20I series, moving down to the middle order and since 2011 he has only twice batted lower than No. 4 in T20Is.Related

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Mitchell Marsh's simple plan: 'I have just practised hitting sixes'

“I dare say that if I play in this tournament, I’ll be listed at No. 3,” Marsh said. “But I think the beauty of our squad is that from three to six or even seven, all of us can float. It will just be a matter of game situation and who we think is best to go in next. So, I think I’ll be at the top, but it’s about being adaptable and being able to float with the guys that we’ve got coming after me.”Marsh picked up the form he had shown overseas in his one domestic innings before leaving for the World Cup when he hit 111 off 124 for Western Australia in the Marsh Cup. As he enters his fourth global limited-overs event, on the back of a seven-week period at home where he also got engaged, he feels well placed.Mitchell Marsh took his chance up the order•Getty Images”I probably feel more confident just in my preparation and that often allows me to go out there and just play the game and try and perform for the team,” he said. “I know that when I’ve prepared really well I go out there full of confidence and that’s certainly been the case for the last few months. I’ll continue to do that.”On the evidence of some of the IPL, Marsh’s success on slow pitches in West Indies and Bangladesh could stand him in good stead. Playing spin was an area of his game he put particular focus in, picking the brains of Adam Zampa to find out how he would bowl to him and then working out ways to counter that.”I just asked him where he where he would bowl to me, to try and stop me from scoring. I think if I can try and nullifying bowlers from and doing that, and get the game a bit more on my terms when playing against spin, it becomes a little bit easier and you can you get more boundary options.”I’ve watched guys like Marcus Stoinis who use the crease unbelievably well. Getting back and hitting guys over deep midwicket off the back foot for six and I think when you start playing shots like that, then you get more balls in your area to look down the ground. In these conditions we know we’re going to get a lot of spin.”

Liverpool could now complete the signing of an “incredible” Andy Robertson replacement for a cut-price amount, according to a fresh transfer update.

Robertson struggling for form at Liverpool

The Reds secured a priceless 2-1 victory at home to Brighton on Saturday, with defeats for Manchester City and Arsenal ensuring that they end the weekend top of the Premier League. Despite a poor performance for an hour or so, Cody Gakpo equalised and Mohamed Salah’s stunning strike sealed a dramatic three points.

While much of Arne Slot’s starting lineup for Liverpool picked itself at Anfield, one notable omission was Robertson, who started in the EFL Cup win at Brighton in midweek, but saw Kostas Tsimikas preferred to him for the bigger game in the league.

The 30-year-old certainly hasn’t been at his best this season, being skinned by Bukayo Saka in the 2-2 draw away to Arsenal last weekend, so it was hard for him to have too many complaints about Slot’s decision to leave him out.

Given his age, and the fact that Robertson has seven years of intense football in his legs from the Jurgen Klopp era, there is an argument to say that he has now peaked as a player. Replacements are needed when looking at the long-term picture and it looks as though Liverpool may have their number one option lined up.

Liverpool could sign Wolves' Ait-Nouri on the cheap

According to Football Insider, Liverpool could sign Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri in a “cut-price” deal, having shown plenty of interest in him in the past.

He has been a target for the Reds “for a while” and Wolves wouldn’t be able to keep hold of him if they are relegated to the Championship, “which is why they might accept a smaller fee for his services”. The report adds that Liverpool see Ait-Nouri as a possible Robertson replacement.

Ait-Nouri jumps out as a shrewd option for Liverpool, as at 23, he is still a young player, so he could join the Reds at the same age Robertson was when he arrived in the summer of 2017.

The Algerian possesses both defensive expertise and attacking quality, not only keeping Mohamed Salah quiet in a game back in 2021/22, but also equalising against the Reds earlier this season. Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil has lauded him in the past, saying:

“I’m enjoying working with Rayan, I think he’s an incredible talent, a great guy and he brings a real enthusiasm and life to the place. We can use him anywhere so, unfortunately, at the moment we have to because we don’t have many others. But he is talented enough when we roll him in and play him in midfield a few times and we played him as a right 10 in the second half today, and he’s come on loads – his work rate and everything about him.”

Saved by Salah: Slot must boldly drop 5/10 Liverpool star who lost 6 duels

Liverpool must drop 5/10 star who lost 6 duels vs Brighton and was saved by Salah’s wonder-goal.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 3, 2024

Robertson may still have plenty to offer Liverpool but a younger alternative with more legs could be needed next summer, and Ait-Nouri may fit the bill perfectly.

Top order failure cost Heat the game as Scorchers defend a modest 157

Tristan Lavalette08-Dec-2021
Perth Scorchers produced a trademark bowling effort to thwart Brisbane Heat’s chase and celebrate a potentially rare home fixture in style on Wednesday night.After posting 6 for 157, the Scorchers’ impressive attack overwhelmed the Heat with regular wickets and held their nerve during a late Heat charge to show their prowess once again at defending modest totals.Related

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Amid a steamy 37 degrees when play started, an aggressive Kurtis Patterson, who hit 55, raised the temperature to kick-start Scorchers’ home opener while the Heat remained winless after two matches.The Scorchers are scheduled to play Hobart Hurricanes at home on December 20, but are bracing for an extended period on the road after that due to Western Australia’s strict border controls.Patterson livens up new-look Scorchers top order
Patterson is a somewhat forgotten player in Australian cricket. He does boast a Test average of 144, albeit from two matches. The 28-year-old once appeared destined for a long Test career, but on Ashes opening day, he lit up Optus Stadium with his maiden BBL half-century.There were question marks over the Scorchers’ top order with dynamic English batters Jason Roy and Liam Livingstone not returning after starring last season. But Patterson proved a worthy replacement with an onslaught at No.3 after the early wicket of Colin Munro.Patterson couldn’t crack the Scorchers’ strong batting line-up last season and he played just one match. But he made the most of his early opportunity with a power display in contrast to his traditional orthodox approach. He took a liking to the fast pitch and lighting outfield – characteristics reminiscent of the nearby WACA – aided by short-pitched bowling from an overeager Heat attack.Targeting the short leg-side boundary, Patterson smashed 20 runs in four balls during Liam Guthrie’s third over to provide the pyrotechnics many thought he didn’t have in him.It was made more impressive with Patterson – along with Munro and Laurie Evans – only linking up with his team-mates on game day after being in quarantine in Sydney.Shorthanded Heat attack hang in after onslaught
The Heat have been badly affected by national selections early in the season, with Michael Neser, Mark Steketee and Mitchell Swepson missing from their first-choice attack.It’s been a baptism of fire for an inexperienced attack that could not halt a rampaging Alex Ross during their season-opening loss against Sydney Thunder.Against a red-hot Patterson, the Heat appeared to be buckling amid a rowdy Scorchers faithful finding voice. But after Patterson fell, the Heat pegged back the Scorchers with disciplined bowling.Afghan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who is shouldering much responsibility, bowled full and accurately to frustrate the Scorchers. He conceded just four runs and took a wicket in a pivotal 17th over to take the sting out of Scorchers’ momentum after they scored 28 runs in the two power surge overs.The Heat conceded just 20 runs off the last four overs and, impressively, did not concede a boundary to restrict the Scorchers to a below-par score.Kelly makes strong case
Spearhead Jhye Richardson is expected to miss most of the BBL, but the Scorchers have enviable pack stocks. Matt Kelly, who was unable to crack the pace triumvirate of Richardson, Jason Behrendorff and Andrew Tye last season, made the most of his chance with an eye-catching early burst.He was perhaps fortunate with his first scalp when Max Bryant tamely hit to mid-off, but his dismissal of Ben Duckett was all class – a searing yorker to knock over leg stump.Kelly has a task on his hands to hold his spot with England quick Tymal Mills set to be available soon while speedster Lance Morris, who can bowl over 90 mph, is also nipping at the heels.He claimed two late wickets to cap off a spectacular performance and surely cement a spot for the time being.Lynn struggles to get going
Without the captaincy this season, Chris Lynn has been able to focus on his batting, but things haven’t gone to plan just yet. After missing out against Thunder, he played a strange innings where he looked out of sync throughout and scored just 27 from 33 balls.Lynn played within himself amid Heat’s rocky start, but his bid to accelerate mid-innings was thwarted by an inability to get the strike.When he departed to the excellent Ashton Agar in the 15th over, the match was effectively over until late hitting from Xavier Bartlett almost snatched a miraculous victory.

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso equalled 33-year-old Bundesliga record as his side were held to a goalless draw by Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.

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Leverkusen held to a goalless drawAlonso equalled a Bundesliga recordLeverkusen face Bayern in next game Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The reigning German champions managed a goalless draw on Saturday against Wolfsburg in a Bundesliga clash. The draw, coupled with Bayern Munich's win on Friday, sees the gap between the Bundesliga's top two grow to eight points, the result helped manager Alonso to equal a three-decade-old Bundesliga record. The draw at Volkswagen Arena meant that the Spanish remained unbeaten in his last 27 away matches in the league – 20 wins and seven draws – as he equalled Udo Lattek's record.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Leverkusen, who won the Bundesliga title unbeaten last season, have lost just one match in the 2024-25 campaign but their seven draws, compared to Bayern's three, have kept them behind in the title race. On Friday, Vincent Kompany's side thrashed Werder Bremen 3-0 courtesy of Harry Kane's brace and Leroy Sane's strike.

AFPDID YOU KNOW?

While they have fallen behind in the league title race, Leverkusen have reached the semi-final of the DFB-Pokal and are on course to defend their title. They have also secured an automatic qualification slot in the Champions League round of 16 after finishing sixth in the league stage.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BAYER LEVERKUSEN?

Alonso's side will get a chance to reduce their gap with Bayern next weekend as they take on Kompany's men in a crucial Bundesliga fixture at home on February 15.

ICC’s clarification on a total of eight penalty points comes when the side is staring down a mammoth task to salvage second Ashes Test in Adelaide

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Dec-2021As if England’s plight wasn’t difficult enough, staring down a 456-run deficit heading into the third day in Adelaide, the ICC piled on more misery by docking them a further three points for slow over rates in the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.England were originally handed a penalty of five World Test Championship (WTC) points – and fined 100% of their match fees – for maintaining a slow over rate in the first Test at the Gabba but the ICC on Friday announced the penalty would now be eight points in total.”Last Saturday, it was announced that England would be docked five WTC points, one for each over they were found to initially have fallen short by,” the ICC said in a statement. “However, it has since emerged they were eight overs short, and will therefore lose three additional points.”The points deduction for penalty overs is not capped and must reflect the actual number of penalty overs a team is short of the minimum requirement as per Clause 16.1.2 of the ICC Playing Conditions, hence they have been penalised one point for each over they were short.”Related

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The announcement leaves England in seventh place on the WTC table, with six points from five Tests in the current competition cycle, and came after England had lost early wickets to be 17 for 2 in response to Australia’s first-innings 473 for 9 declared when an electrical storm curtailed the final session on day two of the second Test at Adelaide Oval.England managed to bowl 89 of the scheduled 90 overs on the first day in Adelaide, albeit relying on five overs of Joe Root’s part-time off-spin to catch up.While over rates could well remain a concern for England’s five-man seam attack, Graham Thorpe, their assistant coach, played down the issue after the first day’s play, saying: “I think there’s bigger things going on in the world than over rates.”England, who lost the first Test by nine wickets and now face a mammoth task to salvage the second, were also penalised for a poor overrate in their home series against India in July and August, meaning they have now conceded a total of 10 points for slow over rate offences.

Updates to IFAB's 2024-25 Laws of the Game, paired with competition guideline updates, were announced Thursday

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MLS announces competition guidelines updateNew "Only the Captain" rule implementedBrief schedule update, substitutions clarificationsGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?

MLS announced a competition guidelines update ahead of the 2025 season labeled "Only the Captain" which is being implemented to improve the image of the game while reducing mobbing instances with a referee.

The aim of the rule is to open a direct line of communication between a club's captain and the match official, with the individual wearing the armband being the only player allowed to approach the referee over key decisions.

Following key decisions, no other players will be allowed to approach the referee, although the official himself is encouraged to speak with all players throughout a match.

The referee will designate a space, and signal to the club captain that that space will be where they can communicate. Players who approach that designated space who are not the captain may be issued a yellow card for dissent.

If a club captain is a team's goalkeeper, a vice captain can be nominated prior to the match.

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Additionally, MLS will continue to use three substitution windows, with a maximum of five substitutions allowed during the 2025 season. MLS will also implement IFAB’s additional Permanent Concussion Substitutions protocol in 2025.

The rule permits teams to make one permanent concussion substitution per match, regardless of the number of substitutions or windows used already; it can be used when a player who has an actual or suspected head injury is substituted and takes no further part in the game. When a concussion substitution is utilized, the opposing team is issued an 'additional' substitution and window opportunity.

With the addition of the league's 30th team in expansion franchise San Diego FC, the schedule format will consist of 34 matches, featuring 17 home and 17 away for each club as well in 2025.

Clubs will play respective conference opponents twice, once at home and once away, while each club will also play one match against six different cross-conference opponents.

DID YOU KNOW?

Commissioner Don Garber spoke to SBJ ahead of the 2025 season earlier this week, touching on the league's Apple TV deal, expansion, and more.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MLS?

The 2025 MLS season begins on Saturday when LAFC host Minnesota United. All 30 teams are set to play opening weekend.

No Nottingham Forest fan could’ve envisaged the start to the new Premier League season they have enjoyed under boss Nuno Espírito Santo.

After the opening ten matches of the new campaign, the Reds sit in third position, ahead of Arsenal and just six points off current leaders Liverpool – who have only tasted defeat to Forest in all competitions.

Chris Wood has started 2024/25 just as he ended the previous year, scoring eight times so far, with only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland registering more goals since the opening weekend.

The New Zealand international has popped up with some vital goals including a double over fellow East Midlands outfit Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, ruining the Foxes’ big day out.

However, the Tricky Trees have just been thoroughly solid throughout, only conceding seven times in the league, posting the second-best tally behind Arne Slot’s side – a huge improvement from Nuno’s first few months at the helm.

Summer addition Nikola Milenkovic has provided that leadership at the back, which the defence was often lacking, with his 6 foot 5 frame providing that spearhead the fanbase has been desperate for since promotion.

Despite the improvements to the playing squad, the hierarchy has also invested in off-the-field staff to try and take the club to the next level.

Edu’s move to join Evangelos Marinakis’ empire

Earlier this week, Arsenal’s Sporting Director Edu Gaspar announced his resignation, allowing him to join up with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis as a CEO overseeing all the clubs that the Greek owns.

The shipping magnate currently owns Forest, Olympiacos, and Rio Ave, whilst he’s exploring a deal to take over Brazilian side Vasco de Gama, with Edu potentially having a huge role to play in such a deal.

However, it’s unclear how much of an impact he will have on transfers at the City Ground, as the club looks to progress into a competitive top-half side after the recent start to the new campaign.

The 46-year-old was responsible for the additions of countless players during his time at the Emirates, including the likes of David Raya, Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli.

It’s noticeable that the final two of the aforementioned trio are Brazilian, with Edu’s success in the South American market potentially fitting into the Reds’ recent success stories of signing talent from that part of the world.

One star from Brazil has taken the Premier League by storm since his move to the East Midlands, with his transfer fee now looking to be an absolute bargain.

Murillo’s stats at Nottingham Forest

Centre-back Murillo arrived at Forest as an unknown quantity for many, joining the club for around £15m from Brazilian side Corinthians during the summer of 2023.

The 22-year-old would have to bide his time for his debut, but would quickly capture the hearts of the supporters when given the chance from the start, taking his opportunity with both hands and becoming a regular starter under both Steve Cooper and Nuno.

He would end the season with 32 league appearances under his belt, failing to get onto the scoresheet, but did manage to come close with stunning efforts against Crystal Palace, Luton Town and Tottenham Hotspur.

It became evident that he was no ordinary defender, always looking cool in possession and able to pick out a cross-field pass, but also more than capable of making a goal-saving tackle as and when needed.

Numerous moments spring to mind, including his last ditch tackle on Joao Pedro in the defeat against Brighton, or his goal line header stopping compatriot Joao Gomes from putting Wolves ahead at the City Ground last season.

As a result of his stellar first campaign in Nottingham, Murillo was named the club’s Player of the Season for 2023/24 – leading to huge interest from the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid over the summer.

However, he stayed at the City Ground, featuring in every league game so far this year, forming an excellent partnership with Milenkovic – playing a huge role in the recent success in England’s top flight.

Despite his recent displays, he still earns less than one other Reds player whose move to the club has been a complete disaster despite the early promise around his big-money addition.

The player who earns more than Murillo

Attacker Emmanuel Dennis joined Forest during the summer of 2022 after promotion from the Championship, with the hopes of bolstering the frontline and providing the goals to ensure survival.

The £20m fee was understandable given his record of ten league goals with relegated Watford the season prior, but the move for the Nigerian failed to live up to expectations.

He would make just 25 appearances in all competitions during his debut year at the club, scoring just two goals against Aston Villa and Newcastle United, but ultimately looking well below the level required for the top flight.

Dennis would spend the entirety of last season on loan at Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir and former side Watford, returning to the Reds for the ongoing campaign.

However, he was unable to secure a place in Nuno’s first-team squad, now rotting away in the club’s reserves and costing the hierarchy thousands of pounds per week – seemingly becoming the Premier League version of Harry Arter, pocketing huge money with no tangible first-team return.

The 26-year-old earns a reported £40k-per-week despite not featuring for Nuno since his appointment back in December 2023.

Nicolas Dominguez

£35k-p/w

Alex Moreno

£35k-p/w

Murillo

£30k-p/w

Danilo

£30k-p/w

Jota Silva

£25k-p/w

Anthony Elanga

£25k-p/w

His subsequent weekly earnings are higher than current first-team star Murillo, who only earns £30k-per-week despite his rapid rise in the East Midlands, with the Brazilian more than deserving of a new deal.

New CEO Edu is a huge coup for Marinakis and Co, hopefully having all of the tools to push the club in the right direction off the field after their recent success on it.

However, his first job must be to offload Dennis in some way shape or form to prevent the Reds from losing thousands of pounds each week on a player who simply isn’t at the level required anymore.

Nottingham Forest loan flop is now "unstoppable" & worth £59m after leaving

He was let go at Arsenal by Edu, who will join Nottingham Forest soon

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 6, 2024

Desperately hoping to end their four-game losing streak on the pitch, Manchester City have reportedly turned their attention towards victory in the transfer market and have set their sights on another big-money defender.

Man City transfer news

If anyone was doubting Pep Guardiola’s job security after losing four consecutive games for the first time in his managerial career, then Manchester City have quickly put those concerns to bed by handing the Spaniard a new two-year contract.

Guardiola’s decision to stay should be seen as a major victory, especially as the decision regarding City’s 115 charges gets closer. No matter the outcome of that case, however, City will still have the world’s best in charge.

Speaking after putting pen to paper on a new deal, Guardiola told Manchester City’s official website, as relayed by BBC Sport: “I felt I could not leave now. Maybe the four defeats was why. I think we deserve, after four defeats in a row, to bounce back and try to turn the situation. I think we deserve to be here. I am not arrogant to say, but it’s the truth.

“This is my ninth season here. We have experienced so many amazing times together. I have a really special feeling for this football club. Hopefully now we can add more trophies to the ones we have already won. That will be my focus.”

Man City now willing to offer £100m to sign De Bruyne replacement for Pep

The Belgian could be on the way out of the Etihad in 2025.

ByBrett Worthington Nov 21, 2024

With the Spaniard’s stay confirmed, meanwhile, those at The Etihad have seemingly turned their attention towards reinforcements. According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Manchester City are now keeping tabs on Castello Lukeba who has a hefty £80m release clause at RB Leipzig.

The Citizens aren’t alone in their interest in the Frenchman likened to Josko Gvardiol, however, with Arsenal and Chelsea also eyeing moves to seal the signature of one of Europe’s hottest prospects.

"Leader" Lukeba can follow Gvardiol path

Gvardiol became the most expensive defender in history when he swapped RB Leipzig for Manchester City in 2023 for a reported £77m, and now Lukeba can break that exact record by following the same path as the Croatian international. The Bundesliga star is a man on the rise and it’s no shock that he’s earned such impressive comparisons at just 21 years old.

Starts

7

10

Progressive Passes

2.94

10.2

Tackles Won

0.74

1.33

Ball Recoveries

3.24

3.52

The numbers show the levels that Gvardiol performs at, especially on the passing front, but they also highlight the point that Lukeba could reach by swapping Leipzig for City in the same fashion that Gvardiol once did himself.

Dubbed a “leader” by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig, Lukeba looks on course to become the world’s most expensive defender. The big question that remains is just who will be willing to splash out to secure his signature. Manchester City are never shy when it comes to spending, of course, which makes this battle all the more interesting.

West Australian has been on the road for months but wants to keep playing as he eyes his first Test tour to Pakistan

Alex Malcolm14-Feb-2022Josh Inglis has looked so at home in his first two games of international cricket that his toughest challenge has been to get on the same page as his new team-mates when running between the wickets.Inglis top-scored for Australia in their Super Over win over Sri Lanka on Sunday, with 48 off 32 balls. That came after he made 23 from 18 on T20I debut batting at No. 3 on Friday.The 26-year-old reverse-swept his fourth ball in international cricket for four off the world’s No. 1-ranked T20I bowler, Wanindu Hasaranga, and has looked every bit an international cricketer in his two innings so far. He was left frustrated that he couldn’t convert last night’s 48 into a bigger score to give Australia more to defend.Related

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Agar named third spinner in Australia's squad for Pakistan

“I felt pretty good again,” Inglis said. “It was a bit of a tough wicket. It wasn’t going to be one that you could blast a 60 off 30. It was one you had to sort of hit the gaps, run hard, and just play good cricket shots. I played okay. I’m disappointed to get out when I did. It was probably a couple of hours away from really going hard there at the back end, and it’s probably where you get those 180-plus scores. So disappointed with my dismissal but on the whole the way I started my innings I’m pretty happy.”Inglis was involved in two mix-ups, with Glenn Maxwell and Steven Smith. Neither was his fault and neither ended in a wicket. Australia’s middle-order partnerships have stalled in the first two matches of the series and Inglis noted they need to gel as quickly as possible.”Obviously you’re starting new relationships with different players,” he said. “You’ve got to build those on the spot and you’ve got to do it pretty quickly. I think if we’re communicating well, it will happen quicker than not. I’m looking forward to that happening in the near future hopefully.”Smith has been ruled out of the rest of the series after suffering concussion while fielding. Moises Henriques looks likely to replace him in the middle-order.”He’s very, very experienced,” Inglis said of Henriques. “He’s a very good player of spin. We’ve seen him do it in the IPL as well and a lot of tournaments. He’s a very good player. Powerful hitter. And he brings valuable overs as well in the field. So I’m sure if he was to get a go do a very good job.”

“It’s been a long year for me. It’s been tough. I haven’t been home in a while and very much looking forward to that. But it’s so exciting. I’ve only just started playing international cricket so absolutely pumped and I’m showing plenty of energy at the minute”Josh Inglis

Inglis said he was grateful for the opportunity to get a start in the coveted No. 3 position after Western Australia and Perth Scorchers team-mate Mitchell Marsh opted out of the series to have a rest at home in Perth ahead of the tour of Pakistan and the IPL.Inglis, like Marsh, has hardly spent any time at home since the T20 World Cup because of WA’s hard border. Inglis said each player needed to be treated differently depending on their situation, but he was happy to stay on the road and keep playing.”I think it’s very individual,” Inglis said. “I think people take it differently. Some blokes have had a break, others haven’t. I think you’ve just got to find a way just to refresh yourself where you can.”It’s been a long year for me. It’s been tough. I haven’t been home in a while and very much looking forward to that. But it’s so exciting. I’ve only just started playing international cricket so absolutely pumped and I’m showing plenty of energy at the minute.”Inglis is unlikely to get home until after the Pakistan tour where he has been included in his first Test touring squad as the reserve wicketkeeper behind Alex Carey.”I’m really happy about that,” Inglis said. “I think there’s three Tests, three ODIs and a T20. So hopefully at some stage, I get my chance to play some games over there.”

Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho has not ruled out managing Celtic or Rangers in the future after talking up the 'passion' in Scottish football.

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Mourinho talks up Scottish footballLoves the "passion" for footballOn managing Celtic or Rangers: "Why not?"Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Mourinho takes charge of Fenerbahce against Rangers in a Europa League last-16 first-leg clash on Thursday night and insists he is happy with the Turkish club for now. But the Portuguese boss said he is a big fan of Scottish football and would not close the door on a move in the future.

AdvertisementAFPWHAT MOURINHO SAID

Mourinho said at a pre-match press conference when quizzed on the possibility of managing Celtic or Rangers: "Why not in the future? People say that the Scottish league is a league of two teams, but it is a league of passion and passion in football is everything for me. To play in empty stadiums or where there is not that fire of the passion, for me that does not make any sense. Celtic and Rangers are big clubs with big fanbases, big emotions, big responsibilities and big expectations, so why not?"

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Mourinho is on a contract with Fenerbahce that runs until the summer of 2026 but has previously said he would be open to a return to the Premier League. He won three Premier League titles with Chelsea and has also coached Manchester United and Tottenham.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MOURINHO?

Fenerbahce host Rangers on Thursday and play the return leg in Glasgow on March 13 in what is sure to be a tasty atmosphere inside both stadiums. They sit four points behind Galatasaray in the Super Lig and are next in action domestically against Samsunspor on Sunday 16 March.