Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer soaked up 175 balls and 121 dots to lead another lower-order rally, but Sri Lanka dug deep into their reserves to secure a hard-earned victory with 45 balls to spare

The Report by Deivarayan Muthu02-Nov-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsGraeme Cremer followed his hundred in the first innings with a dogged 43•Associated Press

Graeme Cremer soaked up 175 balls and 121 dots to lead another lower-order rally and raise Zimbabwe’s hopes of saving their 100th Test, but Sri Lanka dug deep into their reserves to secure a hard-earned victory with 45 balls to spare.When the last hour began, Zimbabwe needed to bat out 15 overs with Cremer on 41 and No. 10 Carl Mumba on 3. Both batsmen played close to their bodies with a straight bat, blocking single-mindedly, and leaving Sri Lanka on the tenterhooks. They negotiated four more overs before Cremer jumped out of the crease and attempted an injudicious flick against the turn, off Rangana Herath, and was stumped for 43. He had faced 351 balls across both innings, the second-most by a No. 8 in a Test behind Wasim Akram’s 363, which incidentally came against Zimbabwe in 1996.Nineteen balls after the key wicket of Cremer, Dilruwan Perera knocked out Chris Mpofu’s off stump to wrap up Sri Lanka’s 225-run victory.Cremer entered the fray at 100 for 6, seven overs after lunch, after Zimbabwe had lost their last five wickets for 32 runs. He first added 39 for the seventh wicket with Sean Williams in 19.4 overs before marshalling Mumba in a 38-run ninth-wicket stand that lasted 19.1 overs.Cremer endured a nervy moment when he padded up to a straight delivery from Herath, but umpire Ian Gould turned down the bowler’s appeal, with ball-tracking backing up his decision, indicating the ball would have missed off stump. Cremer shook that off and soldiered on. His first boundary came off his 53rd ball when he drove a Suranga Lakmal half-volley through extra cover.It was Williams who laid the groundwork for Zimbabwe’s fightback. He showed restraint, taking 21 balls to get off the mark, before unfurling his range with paddle-sweeps and even reverse-sweeps against the spinners.Williams went onto make 40 off 92 balls, before Herath struck with the fourth ball after tea, getting him to nick to slip. Herath sensed an opening and broke through six overs later when he had Donald Tiripano lbw for a 21-ball duck. It was a dubious decision from Gould, though, with replays detecting an inside edge onto the pad. He should have been out off the previous ball he faced – a Herath arm ball struck his front pad in front of middle and leg – but Gould did not budge.Sri Lanka secured victory with 45 balls left in final session of the final day•AFP

The cloud cover that had built up during tea moved off and Sri Lanka then strained every sinew. Herath brought out the carrom ball from wide of the crease, and even tried to shake things up with part-time legspinner Kusal Mendis. The second new ball ultimately snuffled out Zimbabwe’s dogged resistance.In the morning Lakmal swung the first new ball and teased Zimbabwe’s openers in the channel outside off after Sri Lanka had declared overnight, keeping in view the rain threat and setting Zimbabwe a target of 412 in 98 overs. Brian Chari struggled to even put bat on ball in the early exchanges, failing to get fully forward or go fully back against Lakmal’s awayswingers and Herath’s arm balls. To compound his woes, Chari attempted to sweep Herath against the turn, but the top edge did not carry to fine leg or deep square leg.It was the extra pace of teenage debutant Lahiru Kumara that ended the tentative 31-run opening partnership. In his first over, an inducker at 141kph burst through Chari’s defences and sent the off stump cartwheeling.Once the swing faded, Lakmal briefly peppered the batsmen with short balls from around the wicket with a leg slip, forward short leg, and square leg placed halfway to the boundary, but it was reverse-swing with the old ball that provided him the breakthroughs. In the space of three balls, he coaxed a couple to veer back into Hamilton Masakadza and Malcolm Waller to trap both lbw.It came after Dilruwan had struck twice in nine balls to remove Tino Mawoyo for 37 and Sean Ervine for an eight-ball duck. Mawoyo was adjudged lbw by Simon Fry, though the slider from Dilruwan was comfortably missing leg stump with the angle from over the wicket. Ervine, though, was pinned plumb in front by a full delivery that drifted in and then turned away.Zimbabwe lost four wickets for only six runs and later Herath worked his way past Cremer and the tail to give Sri Lanka their first away Test win after seven matches, on captaincy debut.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in a Serie A gem, as Mikel Arteta prepares for the opening of the transfer window.

The Gunners had a stellar season in the Premier League, however after falling just short of their first league title since 2004, the Spaniard will have a list of areas to improve in this summer.

A host of talent has been linked to a move to the Emirates ahead of next campaign, with the latest name being a star in Italy.

What’s the latest on Federico Chiesa to Arsenal?

As reported by Italian outlet La Repubblica, Arsenal are interested in Juventus forward Federico Chiesa.

The report names Arsenal as one of the clubs interested in the attacker, along with Newcastle United, with the Italian giants wanting €60m (£51m) for his services.

It’s suggested that the Gunners have taken the ‘first step’ in contacting Juve for information regarding the player.

What could Federico Chiesa offer to Arsenal?

Lauded as “magic” by one Liverpool reporter on Twitter, the 25-year-old has had a troubled time in Turin since making the switch from Fiorentina in 2020.

The move was initially a two-year loan spell, however, Juve opted to trigger their option to buy in 2022 following a cruciate-ligament injury leaving him sidelined for nine months.

While things haven’t worked as smoothly as hoped in Turin for Chiesa, it could be good news for Arsenal who could land themselves an established attacking threat in the Italy international.

Likened by FBref to Bukayo Saka based on his statistics over the past year, Arteta could introduce an additional threat to his dangerous front line, in a winger that could challenge the likes of Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian has been superb for Arsenal this season, ranking third in the club’s Player of the Season awards, with the 21-year-old having scored 15 goals and assisted five in the Premier League.

While his place is not likely to be replaced by a new face, Arteta must achieve added depth to his side, particularly with the addition of Champions League football next campaign.

Chiesa could undeniably add quality to the Spaniard’s plans, as told by his numbers over the past year.

The Italian ranks in the top 4% of wingers in Europe in terms of assists, averaging 0.42 per 90, offering quality in an area that Martinelli lacked, as shown through his average of 0.16 per 90, via FBref.

It’s vital for a side challenging at the top to have powerful reinforcements in the squad, take treble winners Manchester City’s rotation between the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish as an example, the side are rarely short on quality.

When comparing Martinelli and Chiesa via FBref, the two are similar in their strengths as supported by their statistics, with the Italian coming out marginally on top of the Brazilian in areas he excels at in Arteta’s side.

With an average of 4.53 progressive carries and 2.26 successful take-ons per 90, the lively Juventus winger could provide another outlet on the flanks in a set-up that relies heavily on wide threat.

Martinelli averages 3.95 progressive carries and 1.97 successful take-ons per 90, however is more active in the penalty area than the Arsenal target, with an average of 6.99 touches in the box to Chiesa’s 4.81 per 90.

Arteta could sign an alternative option to his attack to flood his squad with quality, an essential area with Champions League football looming.

يرى طارق مصطفى المدير الفني لفريق الكرة بنادي البنك الأهلي، آن فريقه يستحق مكانه أفضل مما يتواجد عليها الإن، مشيدًا إلى أن الفريق يعاني من سوء توفيق.

ويتواجد فريق البنك الأهلي في المركز الرابع عشر برصيد 12 نقطة، حصدهم من 3 انتصارات و3 تعادلات فيما نال 8 خسائر.

تقارير: مدرب منتخب مصر مرشح لقيادة الوداد المغربي خلفاً لـ فوزي البنزرتي

وقال طارق مصطفى في تصريحات تلفزيونية بفضائية المحور: “ويواجهنا سوء توفيق بالرغم من الأداء الجيد، وهدفنا البقاء في الدوري، وحال حدوث ذلك سنغير من طموحنا”.

وأضاف: “محمد أبو جبل من أفضل حراس المرمى المتواجدين في مصر، لم يتأثر نفسيًا بعد فشل انتقاله للنادي الأهلي، مستواه في تطور ولديه خبرات كبيرة جدًا”.

واستكمل: “تأجيل المباريات الكثيرة في الدوري من ضمن النقاط السلبية، وليست في صالح الكرة المصرية أو منتخب مصر وتحدثت كثيرًا في هذا الأمر مع حسام حسن منذ ثلاثة أيام”.

وأتم: “اللاعب المصري يحتاج إلى أن يكون ذو شخصية في الملعب، ومن المهم دخول الجماهير، لأن هذا سيجعل جميع اللاعبين تحت ضغط والأجهزة الفنية ايضًا”.

أعلنت إدارة المسابقات برابطة الأندية المصرية المحترفة، تأجيل مباراة الأهلي وإنبي والتي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري.

ويخوض الأهلي مباراة قوية مساء غد الجمعة أمام الزمالك في نهائي بطولة كأس مصر عن موسم 2022-2023.

وكان “بطولات” قد انفرد بقرار رابطة الأندية لتأجيل المباراة بين الأهلي وإنبي.

وكان من المقرر أن يلتقي الأهلي أمام إنبي يوم 15 من مارس الجاري في إطار اللقاء المؤجل بينهما من المسابقة المحلية.

وأصدرت رابطة الأندية بيانًا للإعلان عن تأجيل مباراة الأهلي وإنبي في الدوري، بعد طلب من الجهاز الفني لمنتخب مصر.

طالع | خاص.. حسام حسن يستقر على مقر معسكر منتخب مصر المقبل

وينتظم لاعبو منتخب مصر في معسكر مغلق خلال مارس الجاري من أجل الاستعداد لملاقاة نيوزيلندا في دورة الإمارات الودية. بيان رابطة الأندية بشأن تأجيل مباراة الأهلي وإنبي

قررت إدارة المسابقات برابطة الأندية المصرية المحترفة، الموافقة على طلب الجهاز الفني لمنتخب مصر بتأجيل مباراة الأهلي وانبي بالدورى المصري المحدد لها يوم ١٥ مارس الجاري، حرصا على مصلحة المنتخب وتوفير جميع الظروف الملائمة لتحقيق أقصى استفادة من المعسكر المقبل، مع قيام إدارة المسابقات بتحديد الموعد البديل.

Brendon McCullum’s leadership, coupled with accurate bowling in the slog overs helped Brisbane Heat choked the Adelaide Strikers to defended 206

Daniel Brettig21-Dec-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsBrendon McCullum’s fluent 42 and his leadership set the tone for Brisbane Heat’s comeback win•Getty ImagesMarshalled expertly by Brendon McCullum, Brisbane Heat held their nerve to storm Adelaide Oval and deny the Strikers in a high-scoring Big Bash League shootout in front of a hefty pre-Christmas crowd.McCullum and Jimmy Peirson set the Heat on the road to a tally of more than 200 on a pristine batting surface, before the visitors persevered through a blistering opening stand by Ben Dunk and Jake Weatherald to constrict the Strikers middle order and walk off the victors.Slam DunkThe Heat showcased a useful recruit of their own when the former Striker Alex Ross tailed off the Heat’s innings with a series of telling blows, but it was Dunk’s pyrotechnics at the start of the Strikers innings that stuck in the memory. Though he was dropped twice, Dunk also produced a series of exceptionally clean blows, the best of which was an inside out cover-driven six off Samuel Badree that comfortably cleared a teal wall of fielders on the off side.Dunk was able to pull along the promising left-hander Weatherald in his slipstream, and the pair now look likely to be one of the more dangerous opening combinations in the tournament. Dunk’s own hitting was to be placed in perspective by the struggles of the batsmen that followed him, quickly turning a gettable equation into a favourable one for the Heat.Second spellBadree is of course one of the world’s leading T20 exponents, and he did not let 15 runs from his first seven balls fluster him. Only two more singles could be taken from the remainder of that second over, and when returning in the 10th over, Weatherald and Dunk still flying, Badree was able to tie up the younger batsman with a trio of dot balls that were the first sign of any momentum being lost.Recalled to the attack to twirl the ball down at the new batsman Travis Head after Weatherald was finally dismissed, Badree produced the rarest of T20 gems – a maiden. In his recent ODI appearances for Australia, Head was a batsman of almost perpetual motion, but he was unable either to muscle or finesse Badree. The Strikers’ required run-rate leapt up by more than a run in the space of that over, and from there McCullum was able to use his other bowlers to keep that rate climbing.Another area in which Badree’s influence could be seen was in how the other legspinner Mitchell Swepson responded to his own difficult start. At a time when the Strikers needed boundaries, he conceded only four singles and a two, while also dismissing Head with a hard-spun delivery that the batsman could only top edge to, you guessed it, Badree running around from short third man.Six and not outThe Adelaide Oval’s crowds have been the most consistently bounteous of the BBL since the ground was redeveloped, and those on the short square boundaries have gotten quite used to trying to catch the many sixes hit in their direction. The first six of the night, a typically rasping cut over point by McCullum, was expertly caught by one man in the members, who promptly threw it back up in celebration.Later, Jake Weatherald hammered a pull shot to straight midwicket where another catch was neatly held. But the most notable effort was the most nonchalant of takes behind square leg by a security guard posted on the fence. Joe Burns’ hook shot arrowed towards him, and he held it without even getting up from his seat. Three sixes caught from among a crowd of 38,011 was an impressive effort.The McCullum effectBrisbane’s signing of McCullum as far back as BBL01 had to be done with one eye on the time they would be able to utilise him full-time, and his international retirement last season means he will now be available for the entirety of this competition. Not only did the Heat benefit from his lead-off hitting before the Adelaide sun went down, but his composure and confidence in the field radiated in a way that helped the Heat’s players keep their heads while the Strikers gave up a handsome position in the chase.

The Bundesliga is the 'perfect place' for Liverpool to find players this summer, according to The RedMenTV's Ste Hoare.

The Premier League side, of course, failed in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham, but have since reportedly turned their attention to others in the same league.

Liverpool transfer targets – The Bundesliga

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have set their sights on £34m-rated Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone this summer, and have been in direct contact with the player's agent.

Meanwhile, as per Inews, Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven this summer.

Whether either of the moves reach completion remains to be seen, but since the arrival of new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke, Liverpool have seemingly focused their attention on the Bundesliga.

What has Ste Hoare said about Liverpool and the Bundesliga?

With Liverpool linked with moves for a couple of Bundesliga stars, Hoare delivered his verdict on the German top flight.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Hoare said: "I think they wanted a couple of Premier League players. They've definitely got one, there might be more on the way. But I also think the Bundesliga feels like a perfect place for Liverpool to go and get them.

"It’s probably the most similar to the Premier League. I think there’s a couple of teams who play similar to how Liverpool do, and obviously, Jurgen’s philosophy comes from that league, so it makes sense."

Who is Manu Kone?

Linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, Borussia Mönchengladbach's Kone is still only 22, and showed plenty of promise last season, making 30 Bundesliga appearances.

A defensive-minded midfielder, Kone could solve a lot of issues for Liverpool, who struggled in that area last season, especially when Fabinho's form dropped off.

As per FBref, Kone was statistically similar to Fabinho last season, whilst also providing the addition of a more successful take-ons and progressive passes – adding that attacking intent from the middle of the park.

Still only young, too, the 'Gladbach midfielder would be a player for both the present and future for Klopp, who found himself looking at an ageing midfield last season, featuring Jordan Henderson, James Milner, and Thiago Alcantara – all in their thirties.

With a long summer ahead, we may well see a continuation of the Kone links with a move to Anfield before Liverpool potentially attempt to complete a deal.

Seven years is a long time as it is, but for Misbah-ul-Haq, it probably feels like a lifetime. Seven years ago he came into the Boxing Day Test at the end of a year in which his second coming was grinding to a halt.He had scored just 261 runs in 11 innings until then and actually been dropped from all of Pakistan’s squads. A day after the exclusion he went back to domestic cricket and made 284, ensuring a swift return for the tours to New Zealand and Australia at the behest of Mohammad Yousuf, who had taken over from Younis Khan.The response was a pleasant and fluent 65 in the first innings, but even then it felt not like an old man raging against the dying light or going gently into it, but just one coming sensibly to terms with a difficult situation. He was out first ball in the second innings, in the first over of the fifth day, then for a two-ball duck in the Sydney chase and dropped. All over, everyone thought, except that it hadn’t even begun.He returns this year short on runs again. Talk of an exit is on the agenda, but some way down and not nearly as vexing as it was in 2009. He was one of the few specialist batsmen who didn’t get runs in Brisbane, though the nature of the innings and dismissals are worth noting more than the scores of 4 and 5.Both times he looked skittish at the crease and was drawn into pokes outside off-stump by Jackson Bird that he has done well to curtail in his third coming. That concluded a run of six innings with just one fifty, against West Indies in Sharjah.At 42, when these little streaks can roll into something bigger very quickly, it is a concern. But it isn’t anything like the pressure he admitted he was under seven years ago.”He doesn’t seem worried,” said Grant Flower, Pakistan’s batting coach, though he said it in the knowing way that suggests what he really meant was that nobody can tell whether Misbah is worried or not.”But he’s always mentally strong and relaxed. He’s got a lot of experience. He’s just going through a bit of a trot but he’s been through these periods before and he’s a class player. He’s got the mental strength and resilience to come back and I’m sure a good innings is just round the corner.”If there was any admission of worry, it came in deed not words. Misbah hung back for an extra half-hour session of batting in the nets with Flower on Thursday, as Pakistan returned to training for the first time after the epic feats of Brisbane.It was a fairly gentle return to work but the jauntiness of mood and spirit was impossible to miss. It is not often Pakistan teams in Australia look this upbeat after the first Test.The other old man, Younis Khan, had what Flower thought was his “best net” for a while and his return to runs will no doubt have assuaged the loss in supply from Misbah.”He did look a lot better [in the second innings in Brisbane],” Flower said. “Obviously the shot he got out to – at that stage what wasn’t the best. But having said that, he scores quite a few runs with the reverse sweep. You’ve got to find the balance regarding how you go about things. But he’s getting into better positions and today he had his best net practice for ages and he looked brilliant.”Mohammad Amir appeared in no great discomfort through the three-hour session, though his right knee is still strapped. He also picked up a nasty bruise just above that knee in Brisbane, after being hit by a Mitchell Starc delivery and it was that, more than the knee that, according to Flower, was causing him to be just a little stiff.Sohail Khan was the only one of the squad not to train. He arrived at the MCG with the team but felt unwell almost immediately and took no part. Pakistan are not, however, treating it as anything more serious than a potentially upset stomach.

Newcastle United may be aided in their ambitious pursuit of Nicolo Barella due to Inter Milan's financial situation, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Nicolo Barella?

According to Telegraph Sport, Newcastle United are 'pushing hard' in their attempts to bring Barella to Tyneside this summer from Italian giants Inter Milan.

The report states that the proposed deal could be worth around £50 million and Leicester City playmaker James Maddison is said to be their other key target this window.

Football Insider contradict these claims and state that it may take as much as £70 million to entice Barella away from San Siro ahead of next term.

This would mean that the Magpies would have to smash through their transfer record to capture Barella, overtaking Alexander Isak as the most expensive signing in club history following the Sweden international's move from Real Sociedad last year for £63 million.

Capology understand that Barella earns around €178,077 (£152,922) per week at the Italian giants on a contract that runs until June 2026.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that although Inter Milan will be reluctant to sell star players such as Barella and Alessandro Bastoni, who has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur, something may have to give due to their financial reality.

Jacobs told FFC: "Barella is another one that Inter are adamant they're going to keep on to; Bastoni, Tottenham have looked at in the past as another player that Inter swear until they're black and blue in the face if you like because that's their club colours, that they're adamant he won't go anywhere, but something's got to give because their financial situation."

Would Nicolo Barella be a good signing for Newcastle United?

Barella would be a very bold statement signing from Newcastle United as they prepare to host Champions League football at St James' Park next term.

In 2022/23, the Italy international made 52 appearances in all competitions for Inter Milan, registering nine goals and ten assists, as per Transfermarkt.

As per WhoScored, the 26-year-old was an inventive presence during the campaign and managed an average of 1.6 key passes per match in Serie A.

Barella was also a driving force in Inter Milan's midfield and successfully performed 146 shot-creating actions in total across the season, as per FBRef.

Newcastle United are in an exciting moment as a club and bringing in someone like Barella would be a major coup for the Magpies as they look forward to 2023/24.

Tottenham Hotspur are among the "frontrunners" to sign forward Manor Solomon for free this summer, but Shakhtar Donetsk have threatened to sue them if they do.

Who will join Spurs this summer?

Incoming new manager Ange Postecoglou, who will officially start work on July 1, has still already earmarked transfer targets and held strategy meetings with chairman Daniel Levy.

The Australian, after putting pen to paper on a move down south from Celtic, is ready to green-light the signing of a star centre-back and holds a serious interest in Leicester City star James Maddison.

Spurs are also after a new goalkeeper to succeed Hugo Lloris, who has since confirmed his desire to leave N17 this summer as he seeks a new challenge.

Postecoglou, amid reported doubts over the likes of Richarlison, is plotting to sign a new forward this window too. Tottenham did want to sign Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal, but with the winger on his way to Chelsea, they may need to look at alternatives.

Solomon, who impressed on loan at Fulham during the second half of 2022/2023, is apparently on their radar and journalist Dom Smith of The Evening Standard claim Spurs are among the "frontrunners".

However, Fulham are firmly there as well, and this report from Smith relays that Tottenham could even land themselves in legal trouble with a swoop for Solomon.

Shakhtar have apparently threatened to sue Spurs if they sign the Israel international on a free deal, coming after a FIFA ruling allowed players to leave Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia.

The Ukranian Premier League side have been left frustrated by an amendment to the legislation which allows players to independtly halt their contracts and move wherever, without approval from their employers.

As such, Shakhtar could take their frustrations out on Tottenham through the courts if they move for Solomon on a Bosman.

How many goals did Manor Solomon score for Fulham?

The 23-year-old, who has now jetted to Ibiza for a seven-day holiday before deciding his future, enjoyed a real hot streak of form at Fulham last season.

Solomon scored in five straight games between February and March, and four overall in the league under Marco Silva, with the Whites now eager to re-sign him permanently.

Israeli sports journalist Josh Halickman has also described the forward as an "exceptional athlete" and puts him up there with some of the country's best sports people of recent times.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly showing an interest in Bristol City starlet, Alex Scott, following the youngster's standout displays in the Championship in recent seasons.

What's the latest on Scott to Tottenham?

According to respected insider Alasdair Gold – writing for football.london – the Lilywhites are said to have asked to be kept informed regarding the playmaker's situation, with the 19-year-old potentially in line for a high-profile move with just two years left to run on his current deal.

The report suggests that the England U20 international could command a fee of around £20m if he is to leave the Robins this summer, albeit with other teams in the Premier League also said to be showing a strong interest in his services.

This follows reports back in January that also suggested that Spurs were tracking the Guernsey native, with the promising teen having also been linked with a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers during the winter window.

Who is Alex Scott?

Despite his relative youth, the young midfielder has already established himself as a leading figure at Ashton Gate, having racked up 91 first-team appearances to date – scoring six goals and registering seven assists in that time.

The highly-rated talent notably enjoyed a standout 2022/23 campaign having contributed two goals and five assists in 49 games in all competitions, while also catching the eye during the club's FA Cup run, having been described as "unbelievable" by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola after featuring against the Etihad outfit earlier this year.

With the ability to operate on the flanks or in a central midfield berth, Scott could well represent a dream alternative to another reported Tottenham target in the form of Leicester City's James Maddison, with Ange Postecoglou and co currently tussling with Newcastle United for the 26-year-old's signature.

The notable likeness between the pair is showcased by their ability to glide their way past opponents and draw fouls for their side, with Maddison notably averaging 1.5 successful dribbles and winning 2.6 fouls per game last season in the top flight, while Scott enjoyed a similar record in the Championship after completing 1.1 successful dribbles and winning 2.3 fouls per game.

The two Englishman are also alike due to their ball-winning attributes, with the Leicester ace having averaged 1.7 tackles per game in 2022/23, while the Bristol sensation was only just ahead after averaging 1.8 tackles per game, proving his ability to put in the hard yards defensively for Postecoglou's side.

With Maddison – who scored ten goals and laid on nine assists in the most recent campaign – potentially set to cost in the region of £50m this summer, despite having just a year left to run on his current contract, the signing of Scott for less than half of that fee could then prove to be a bargain, dream alternative.

Although the midfield maestro is yet to ply his trade in the Premier League, his exciting potential and possible longevity could well make Scott an astute capture for Postecoglou this summer.