His troublesome right shoulder forces decision; CA want him ready for the domestic one-day competition in September
Melinda Farrell30-Jun-2018Concerns surrounding a shoulder injury caused Australian authorities to deny Chris Lynn a No Objection Certificate for the Global T20 tournament, currently taking place in Toronto.Organisers announced Lynn as a marquee player for Edmonton Royals in the inaugural Canadian competition, but he has been absent for the start of the tournament. ESPNcricinfo understands the decision to deny Lynn a NOC was shared by Cricket Australia, Queensland and Brisbane Heat.Lynn’s long term issues with his troublesome right shoulder flared up when he dislocated it while diving in the field during the Australia’s Tri-Series Final win over New Zealand in February. He had been playing with the issue for some months, despite its severe restrictions on his ability to throw and field.
Watching the @GT20Canada Looks quality cricket and challenging conditions, great way to expand your own game. Wish I was there See you in the Caribbean
— Chris Lynn (@lynny50) June 28, 2018
As a result of the injury, the Australian batsman was ruled out of the Pakistan Super League, where he was signed by Lahore Qalandars, but he was sufficiently recovered to play 16 games in six weeks for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.At the conclusion of the IPL, scans showed Lynn’s shoulder had recovered to the point it was deemed stable and sound and required no surgery. Lynn was, however left out of Australia’s ODI and T20 teams that were whitewashed on the recent tour of England.ESPNcricinfo understands that management decided he needed further rehabilitation in order to recover full range and strength in his shoulder. It is understood there is still a strong chance Lynn will be deemed fit to play for Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League, but CA’s main priority is to have him ready to compete in Australia’s domestic one-day competition, the JLT Cup, in September.A fully-fit Lynn, able to move and dive freely in the field in addition to his powerful batting, would be a major asset for Australia leading into next year’s World Cup.Lynn’s importance to Australia’s ODI side has been heightened after Steven Smith and David Warner were banned for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Both players were granted NOCs to compete in the GT20 competition.Far from the only late withdrawal from the tournament, Lynn was replaced by Andre Fletcher in the Edmonton Royals squad. The three Pakistan players called into the squad for the T20I tri-series have been replaced by Anton Devcich at Toronto Nationals, Umar Akmal at Edmonton Royals and Dwayne Smith at Montreal Tigers.Separately, Rumman Raees was replaced by Mohammad Sami in the Nationals squad while South African Christiaan Jonker was replaced by Farhaan Behardien for Montreal Tigers. The three Sri Lankans in the Montreal Tigers squad have been replaced by Moises Henriques, Peter Siddle and Kevon Cooper.
Tottenham Hotspur boast a rich history of academy production and youth acquisition, with some of their most famous names having been cultivated as youngsters and developed into world-class stars.
The outstanding name that springs to mind is Harry Kane, who emerged from N17 to become both the club's and England's all-time leading scorer, and a £100m man at the age of 30, drawing the interest of Bayern Munich in the summer.
However, it cannot also be forgotten that Gareth Bale was another who serviced the latter of those two devices, having been brought in from Southampton as a 17-year-old left-back, converted to a right winger, and transformed into one of the Premier League's elite stars.
He too would command a hefty fee, leaving for a world-record sum in the summer of 2013.
The hope will be that under Ange Postecoglou, who has already enjoyed a fine start to life in north London, they can continue their rich history of youth development, handing the Australian a crop of perfect starlets ready to grow and underpin a brighter generation at the club.
Whilst there are numerous standouts within the academy, with stars like Jude Soonsup-Bell, Alfie Devine, Troy Parrott and Dane Scarlett all knocking on the first-team door, another in Tyrese Hall could go under the radar, but will surely soon be a part of an elite group of youngsters.
Who is Tyrese Hall?
Having joined the club from Chelsea as a schoolboy, the versatile 18-year-old boasts plenty of attributes that the former Celtic boss would adore in a forward or a midfielder.
With a deft touch of class to partner his immense work rate and defensive contribution, it should come as no surprise that such a well-rounded individual was bound to feature all across the field.
In fact, journalist Alasdair Gold sought to outline this, writing for football.london: "A versatile mainstay of the U18s, 17-year-old Tyrese Hall can fill in wherever called upon due to his high technical ability. The teenager, who made his debut for the U18s last season while still a schoolboy, can play in central midfield, in an attacking or defensive role, he can play up front and he can also do a job on the wing."
However, his proficiency must also be noted, having ended last season with three goals in the final three games of the U18s Premier League, adding to his two assists for the campaign too. He would also put the U17 Premier League Cup beyond doubt too, with a late driven effort to secure the silverware.
Jamie Donley
18
Alfie Devine
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Alfie Dorrington
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Rio Kyerematen
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Although far from the most outstanding finisher in the world, his pure desire to make things happen could see him succeed under Postecoglou, who sought to praise the toothless Richarlison in pre-season: "He is someone who has got all of the attributes that I look for in a striker, in that he has got the strong work ethic, he is always in the right areas and he is presenting himself and making a presence of himself in the right areas for the way we play."
Hall, whilst still incredibly inexperienced, has also been earmarked for future success by Lilywhites academy expert John Wenham: "I really want to give a shoutout to Tyrese Hall,
"The game against Norwich last week was the best I have seen him play. He was demanding the ball, passing first time and making some really positive movements. I am really pleased with him. I want him to settle in and really make that space in the team his own. I think he has a really big future at Tottenham."
It remains to be seen where his prediction comes true, but the early signs are positive. Whether it is in central midfield or up front, Hall could certainly grow into the perfect player for Postecoglou.
How good was Wayne Rooney?
Whilst many might suggest this to be quite a lofty comparison, there are lots of similarities between Spurs' teenage maestro and the way Wayne Rooney played at the back end of his incredible career.
Having starred largely as a central striker whilst with Everton and Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson would recognise the work rate and exceptional equality the 37-year-old boasted, and often used the Liverpool-born finisher to plug gaps.
Dropping into a no.10 role or even deployed in central midfield, nothing would stop him from scoring goals, and in the end, he called time on a glittering spell at Old Trafford having won five Premier League titles, one Champions League and a host of other domestic honours, whilst also becoming the club's all-time leading scorer with 253 strikes.
kane rooney
However, as he grew older and his powers waned, that versatility earlier in his career allowed him to drop into midfield again with ease, remaining as technically proficient as ever but limiting the amount of explosive running required.
Louis van Gaal praised his ability to shift roles in 2014: "He has the lung capacity to run 90 minutes as a midfielder, so that’s why I use him as a midfielder. But I can also use him as a striker. But for the team, at the moment, it is better that he plays in midfield."
Funnily enough, the legendary Scottish tactician would say the same just three years earlier: "[Wayne] Rooney was fantastic in central midfield. His awareness of people around him and choice of passing was really good. He did very well for us but I think it's a short-term thing at the moment. It's difficult to say".
Having become a Red Devils legend across his 13 years there, eventually returning to Merseyside for a solid stint back at Goodison Park, it is fair to say that Rooney conquered football with the records he broke and silverware attained.
After all, the growing praise from former teammate Gary Neville says it all:
"Wayne Rooney was the best centre-forward I ever played with at Manchester United. I do not hesitate to say that because he had everything. He could defend; he could press; he could fight; he could score; he could assist.
“He was a massive player for the club. It shouldn't be underestimated, the impact Wayne Rooney had on that team that won four or five Premier League titles in a very short period of time. The greatest period in United's history was when Wayne Rooney was a centre-forward in the team.
“Wayne Rooney is one of the greatest English football players that's played in the last 150 years of football. Simple as that.”
Postecoglou will hope that Hall can enjoy half as successful a career as Rooney did, given the shared assets he boasts with the versatile marksman, and develop into someone capable of spearheading his own revolution that brings a similar level of title success to north London.
Since the PIF completed their takeover of Newcastle United in October 2021, the Magpies have gone from being embroiled in a relegation dogfight to sniffing out European football and silverware after clinching a place in the Champions League last term.
Although defeats against Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion have threatened to curtail their progress at the start of this season, they returned to business as usual with a 1-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday evening, as a Callum Wilson penalty secured their second three points of the season.
With Eddie Howe spearheading a Saudi revolution in the North East, enabled by the riches presented to him, Newcastle have spent their war chest of funds wisely since their takeover, going about their business in smart fashion, unlike Chelsea.
Their transfer dealings have been brilliantly astute and accurate, bringing in the likes of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak, Nick Pope and Sven Botman, the quality of signing that has enabled them to cement their place at the forefront of domestic and European football.
While the majority of their signings have reached hero status on Tyneside, others have become villains, and one of those was striker Chris Wood.
How much did Newcastle sign Chris Wood for?
In January 2022, Newcastle completed the signing of Burnley striker Wood for £25m, triggering the release clause in his contract following the news that sharpshooter Callum Wilson was ruled out for eight weeks with a calf injury.
With his side involved in a fight against relegation, Howe heavily relied on Wilson's goals and the Englishman served up six in 15 appearances prior to his injury as the Magpies only recorded one victory in their first 20 matches.
Former Newcastle striker Chris Wood.
In the absence of their star striker, Newcastle were staring down the barrel at what would be a detrimental relegation, but it wasn't the signing of the New Zealand target man that would save their season, the big-money acquisitions of Guimaraes, Dan Burn, Trippier and Joe Willock would achieve just that, with the influential quartet becoming the driving force behind their impressive turnaround.
Howe would go on to lead his side to a remarkable 12 wins in their last 19 Premier League matches, steering them to an 11th-place finish and although Wood was signed to help them in their meteoric rise up the table, he failed to have the desired impact.
How did Wood get on at Newcastle?
Compared to Shola Ameobi by journalist Luke McCormick after signing, the 31-year-old was expected to become their focal point, playing to the strengths of Howe's direct football with his height and physicality.
During his 14-year spell at the club, Ameobi made almost 400 appearances on Tyneside, chalking up 84 goals and 38 assists, and although that was far from clinical returns for a striker, the Nigerian was often cut as a divisive figure despite his longevity and the commitment he gave to the club.
Wood was a divisive figure himself, not just with the Toon, but particularly while at Leeds United between 2015 and 2017. Indeed, he became the subject to criticism from their passionate supporters, similar to what Ameobi faced at Newcastle.
Speaking to Goals on Sunday [via Leeds Live] in 2020, the New Zealand international lifted the lid on his time at Elland Road, saying:
“At Leeds, I had a bit of a rough patch, it wasn't always smooth sailing, but in the end, it came good and it was a good time [in my career],”
Wood managed to use criticism as fuel during his time in West Yorkshire, putting a disappointed 2015/16 campaign behind him by scoring 27 goals in the following season under Garry Monk.
An impressive rate of scoring at at Elland Road – 44 in 88 appearances – earned him a £15m move to Premier League Burnley in 2017, where he formed a strong partnership with Ashley Barnes as the duo were crucial to the Clarets top flight bid
After joining in 2018/19, the "exceptional" striker, as dubbed by journalist Jordan Cronin, reached double figures for goals in three consecutive campaigns and despite only scoring three times in the first half of the 2021/22 season, Howe hoped a move to Newcastle would help recapture his goal-scoring touch.
Although he didn't aid the Toon's survival bid with his goals, scoring just twice in 17 appearances, Wood did draw plaudits from Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville for his contributions off the ball.
Speaking on his self-titled Gary Neville podcast, the former defender said: "He had a big impact on that game today, the little flick-ons that he wins in the last 10 minutes that just keep the ball alive in that corner, means that it’s not coming back at you all the time.
"He had a big impact on that game today, the little flick-ons that he wins in the last 10 minutes that just keep the ball alive in that corner, means that it’s not coming back at you all the time."
Last season, with Newcastle fighting for top four, Wood didn't really get a look in as Isak and Wilson shouldered the goal-scoring responsibility, but in pursuit of regular football, he decided to join Nottingham Forest on loan in January before making the move permanent this summer for a fee of £15m.
After being bought for £25m in 2022 and now already being sold, it's fair to say that Newcastle had a nightmare with this transfer, even if he did initially evoke memories of Ameobi.
Bangladesh’s stand-in captain was disappointed with the lack of discipline from his bowling unit
Mohammad Isam15-Feb-2018
Nazmul Islam celebrates a wicket•Associated Press
For only the fourth time in T20I cricket, Bangladesh brought up 100 runs in the first 10 overs. Then they went on to make their highest total in the format, with two of their top-order batsmen stringing important partnerships together as they made their personal best scores. But all of that was upended within an hour of ordinary bowling: they conceded 13 fours in the first six overs. And that set the tone, as Sri Lanka won with 20 balls to spare.Bangladesh missed Shakib Al Hasan but they would have hoped the other seniors Mustafizur Rahman and Rubel Hossain could make up for their captain’s absence. But apart from debutant Nazmul Islam, none of the bowlers conceded anything less than 10.66 runs per over.”As a bowling group, we have to find out how and where to bowl in certain times,” Mahmudullah, the stand-in captain, said. “We have to create pressure with dot balls. You have to bowl all out in these wickets – either bowl yorkers or proper bouncers – according to the strength of the batsmen.”We could have made a little more [runs] but I still felt 193 was a good score. But our bowlers didn’t bowl in the right lengths. The line was still fine. We also didn’t take early wickets which is always important.”Mohammad Saifuddin had perhaps the toughest day, conceding 19 and 14 in his two overs. This was his third poor outing with the ball in the last four months, having been hammered by David Miller and Darren Sammy recently. Mahmudullah defended the 21-year old allrounder, saying that it was a collective failure from the bowling unit.”I think he had a bad game but he couldn’t execute his plans. He didn’t bowl in the lengths for which I set his fields. I think he will work on it. Length was important on this good batting wicket. A bit of room is dangerous here, especially in the Powerplay overs. [His bowling] isn’t looking bad. He will learn with experience. I believe Saifuddin will one day win matches for Bangladesh. But he has to learn quickly. We win and lose as a team, so no point in blaming Saifuddin. Our whole bowling unit failed, except Nazmul Islam who bowled well for his debut game.”The skill that Bangladesh lacked on Thursday was one Sri Lanka used well, and Mahmudullah highlighted that as a point of difference between both teams. “You can say we are behind Sri Lanka in terms of results. They bowled the yorkers very well towards the end. We had to work hard to find runs. Mushfiqur struck his reverse sweeps very well, especially against the full balls. Our bowlers couldn’t quite bowl that length. We should have defended 193.”
Mikel Arteta acquired the Dutchman from Ajax in a deal worth £38m earlier in the summer, however after just 50 minutes of his debut Premier League campaign, the 22-year-old was forced to withdraw.
It was later revealed that the versatile defender had sustained damage to his anterior cruciate ligament, leaving him sidelined for the foreseeable future, and leaving Arsenal light in the defensive areas once more.
To add to the stress of Timber’s absence, recent reports have speculated that the Gunners could be without another defender, giving Arteta and Edu even more of an incentive to recruit before the end of the transfer window.
What’s the latest on Arsenal’s transfer situation?
While the ongoing doubts over the future of striker Folarin Balogun are well documented, there was a shocking revelation provided by journalist Ahmed Al-Ajlan, that suggested another star could depart this summer.
Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…
Taking to social media, Al-Ajlan relayed news from sources of Al Jazeera that there is interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad in centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes.
It was claimed that the Brazilian was part of negotiations in London with club president Anmar Al-Haili over a potential move, with Al-Ajlan claiming that talks were “proceeding positively”.
There could however be a light at the end of the tunnel for the Gunners, with rumoured interest in defender Jules Kounde, who cost FC Barcelona around €60m (£51m) in 2022.
Should Arsenal sign Jules Kounde?
Speaking after Arsenal’s 1-0 away win to Crystal Palace on Monday night, Arteta played down the speculation regarding the 25-year-old’s potential departure, despite him being benched for the opening two fixtures.
In the instance that Gabriel could depart north London, Kounde would be the perfect figure to replace the Brazilian, if the opportunity arose.
Having been lauded as “terrific” and a “sensation” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Frenchman has impressed during his first year at the Nou Camp, having joined from LaLiga rivals Sevilla a year earlier.
Jules Kounde
Deployable as both a right-back and centre-back, the 24-year-old has a host of attributes identifiable in Arteta’s demands of his back line, with strong versatility and strengths in going forward.
Based on his averages over the past year, the Paris-born gem ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe’s top-five leagues for his progressive play, averaging 7.18 progressive passes and 2.29 progressive carries per 90, via FBref.
Defensively, the former Sevilla gem averaged closely to Arsenal’s Brazilian machine last term, averaging 1.37 tackles per 90 to Gabriel’s 1.27, as well as making 0.70 interceptions to the 25-year-old’s 0.84 per 90.
During his debut LaLiga campaign with the Catalan giants, Kounde made 29 league appearances and contributed to 18 clean sheets, via Sofascore, a contribution that guided the Blaugrana to become champions of Spain.
Winning mentality, versatility and a youthful aura, Arteta could land his ideal defender if the regrettable scenario of Gabriel bidding farewell to the Emirates plays out.
The India allrounder felt he needed time off to manage a few niggles and get “super fit” for the South Africa tour in January 2018
ESPNcricinfo staff14-Nov-20170:54
Chopra: It makes sense to rest Pandya
Last week, India’s selectors decided to rest allrounder Hardik Pandya from the first two Tests against Sri Lanka. A BCCI media release said the decision was taken in consultation with the team management to help reduce the chance of injury. On Monday, Pandya revealed that he had requested the time off himself.”To be honest, I asked for it, because my body was not alright,” he told . “I want to play cricket when I’m totally fit and I’m giving my 100% and I was not able to give that because of a few niggles here and there, which is bound to happen because of the amount of cricket which I have played over this one year.”Since the start of the Champions Trophy, Pandya has played 30 of 33 matches for India, across formats. In fact, over the past five months, no one has bowled more than his 147.2 overs in ODI cricket. The burden of such a workload took a toll on him, Pandya said, especially in light of his limited experience in the game.The 24-year old had only played 13 first-class, 10 List A and 28 T20 matches prior to his elevation to international cricket. Although he did quite well to shoulder a frontline allrounder’s responsibilities – Pandya scored a century on his first Test tour and won the Player-of-the-Series award in the ODIs against Australia – it was also difficult.”I have played 30 ODIs, 25 T20Is and three Test matches in one-and-a half-years,” he said. “I have not played this much cricket in my total cricketing career in such a short time. As an allrounder, it’s difficult. I do my bowling, I do my batting, I do fielding as well, and managing my workload is very important right now because I have not played much cricket in my life.”In the weeks he will spend away from the Indian team, Pandya hopes to better his fitness and also prepare for the tour of South Africa that begins with the New Year’s Test on January 5. “I’m lucky that I got this rest. Actually, rest means I’m going to train in the gym and improve my fitness and again come back properly fit. I’m pretty excited for the South Africa series. I wanted that break to get super fit for the South Africa series and then I can bounce back quickly.”People keep on talking about away series. People keep on talking about England tours, South Africa tours, Australia tours, which is important, which is hard. I like these kinds of challenges I keep on getting in my life. That keeps me going all the time. It may be an important thing for me, important to have an allrounder who can contribute in bowling and batting both. I might be the difference, let’s see. I’ve never played in South Africa. I’m pretty sure we’re going to do well.”There has been some criticism, though, with regard to why a young player, only starting out his international career, was being handled so delicately. Pandya, however, isn’t paying any mind to that. “Let’s be honest. It doesn’t matter what they think. What matters is what the management thinks and what I think is important for me.”
The former Bangladesh captains went unopposed as nominees for the October 31 election
Mohammad Isam25-Oct-2017Former Bangladesh captains Khaled Mahmud and Akram Khan will continue as BCB directors after they, and six others, went unopposed as nominees for the October 31 election. The same cannot be said about Naimur Rahman who, at this stage, is among five nominees for the two directors’ posts from the Dhaka regional and district associations.Some withdrawals, however, are likely to take place in this segment on October 29, the deadline day for withdrawals and final nominations list to be published by the election commission. There are also two nominees for the single director’s post for the Barisal region, with MA Awwal Chowdhury and Alamgir Khan pitted against each other.Mahmud was the only one to submit nomination papers in category-3, under which he is a councillor as a BCB-nominated former cricketer. Akram represents the Chittagong divisional sports association. Both were BCB directors in the 2013 to 2017 period.In fact, the six others who also submitted nomination papers from their respective regions were board directors previously. They are Sheikh Sohel and Kazi Inam Ahmed (Khulna), Shafiul Alam Chowdhury (Sylhet), Anwarul Islam (Rangpur), AJM Nasiruddin (Chittagong) and Saiful Alam Swapan (Rajshahi).Fourteen councillors have filed nominations for the 12 directors’ posts in the Dhaka metropolitan club category although it is likely that the National Sports Council will select two from this category as their picks for automatic directors’ position. It would mean the 12 other nominations in this category would also become board directors uncontested. They were all directors in the previous board.There are two vacancies from the previous board of directors: Nazmul Karim Tinku passed away earlier this year while Ahmed Iqbal Hasan is not participating in the elections this year.
Both teams have lost an influential spinner – Ravindra Jadeja and Rangana Herath, but India still appear to have all bases covered on a green Pallekele surface
The Preview by Andrew Fidel Fernando in Pallekele11-Aug-20172:45
Agarkar: Play Kuldeep, he’ll be useful in away Tests
Match FactsAugust 12-16, 2017 Start time 1000 local (0430GMT)Big PictureIndia have arrived at Pallekele, and oh my, a 22-yard carpet almost as lush and green as the surrounding hills has been rolled out before them. The track is likely to be shaved before the first ball is bowled on Saturday, but nevertheless, this one may be a unicorn of an Asian surface, where teams consider strapping three quicks to the plough. The visitors have thrashed Sri Lanka on a batting pitch. They have spanked Sri Lanka on a bone-dry turner. Now they have the chance to collect the set.With their most-experienced quicks and best spinner now unavailable for this match, Sri Lanka are now relying largely on surprise. The attack for this Test could be the greenest one in recent times – three frontline bowlers likely to have played fewer than 15 Tests put together. Sri Lanka are hoping that a batting order that has spent weeks preparing for Rangana Herath and Nuwan Pradeep will be caught off guard by Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando. The young quicks, at least, could not hope for friendlier conditions at home.But the thing about this India side is that they have all bases covered. If they feel this is a surface that will be conducive to seam bowling, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who is capable of running through sides in such conditions, becomes a strong contender to play. Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami have also been intermittently menacing even on flat and dry tracks. Spying a pitch that suits them now, they will have their sights set on the kinds of heavy hauls that are rarely accessible to them on the continent.Though there may be temptation to become complacent with the series so handsomely won, there are some statistical records that could spur India to maintain their intensity. They have never whitewashed Sri Lanka at home in a three-Test series. A victory here will also give them five straight wins on the island – all those achieved under Virat Kohli’s captaincy.Form guideSri Lanka LLWLW (completed matches, most recent first) India WWWDWIn the spotlightHis hundred in the last Test may have been on a dustbowl, but Dimuth Karunaratne has prospered on seaming decks as well. His second-highest Test score of 152 came on a virtual plantation of a surface in Christchurch, against the likes of Tim Southee and Trent Boult. Though he has a modest first-dig record, Pallekele is one of the two venues in which he has scored a first-innings hundred – in 2015, against Pakistan. The most successful Sri Lanka batsman in the year so far, Karunaratne needs to carry his form right until the last innings of the series.No Indian has scored three Test centuries in an away series of three Tests or fewer. Only one has managed that in India. Going by how the series has gone, it might need something special to prevent Cheteshwar Pujara from becoming the first. In Galle, scoring a flawless hundred in perfect batting conditions, Pujara made no bones about his greed for hundreds. He enjoys the difficult ones more, but he will never look away from easier ones. This, against a deflated home side, is a great chance for him to add to his 13 Test tons.Team newsDhananjaya de Silva may retain his place despite two modest outings at the SSC. The attack, however is difficult to pick. Dilruwan Perera will probably play, thanks in no small part to his recent batting form. Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando seem the likeliest quicks. Then the quandary becomes whether to field three seamers and play Dushmantha Chameera, or whether to select Lakshan Sandakan, who bowled well in his only Test at this venue.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Upul Tharanga, 2 Dimuth Karunaratne, 3 Kusal Mendis, 4 Dinesh Chandimal (capt.), 5 Angelo Mathews, 6 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 7 Dhananjaya de Silva, 8 Dilruwan Perera, 9 Dushmantha Chameera/ Lakshan Sandakan, 10 Vishwa Fernando, 11 Lahiru Kumara,Virat Kohli will lead a changed XI yet again with Ravindra Jadeja suspended for this Test. Kuldeep Yadav should be a direct replacement for him, but India could look to rest one of the quicks. If the pitch is seam-friendly, three specialist quicks could play, leaving out either the allrounder Hardik Pandya or the second spinner.India (possible): 1 Shikhar Dhawan, 2 KL Rahul, 3 Cheteshwar Pujara, 4 Virat Kohli (capt.), 5 Ajinkya Rahane, 6 R Ashwin, 7 Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 8 Hardik Pandya, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar/Umesh Yadav, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Mohammed ShamiPitch and conditionsPallekele naturally affords quick bowlers a degree of pace and bounce, and the colour of the pitch on the eve of the match suggested there would be seam movement for the first two days as well. This ground is one of the wettest venues on the planet, however, so expect rain to hold up play at some point.Stats and trivia India have eight Test wins in Sri Lanka, which means they are tied with Pakistan for most victories on the island. If they win in Pallekele, five of their nine wins in the country would have come since 2015, and would also have come consecutively. Pujara is the leading run-scorer for 2017, with 843 runs at an average of 76.63. Karunaratne is fourth on that list, with 614 runs at 43.85. The two highest individual scores at Pallekele (Kusal Mendis’ 176 and Younis Khan’s 171*) have come in the second innings. There has not been a drawn Test in Sri Lanka for three years. Each of the 18 most-recent matches have yielded results.
Since the club's takeover at the end of 2021, Newcastle United have invested hefty sums on several highly-talented players.
Notably, this list includes Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and most recently, Sandro Tonali.
Spending has increased as the club prepares for one of the biggest summers in its history as it prepares to compete in the Champions League.
However, in the tenure of the new ownership, the most important signing could arguably be their first – the acquisition of Kieran Trippier in January 2022 for just £12m has emerged as an inspired piece of business.
The 32-year-old has oozed quality, composure and leadership. He is now the club captain and an indispensable component of Eddie Howe’s machine.
Nevertheless, his age cannot be escaped, and whilst he is in the most fruitful form of his life, he is nearing the twilight years of his career.
But the Magpies hierarchy has already begun the process to pinpoint a long-term successor to the Englishman, with Tino Livramento suggested as a possible target.
What’s the latest on Tino Livramento to Newcastle United?
According to the Telegraph, the Magpies have already submitted two bids for the Southampton gem, but have failed to reach an agreement.
The Saints, who were relegated to the Championship, value the 20-year-old at more than £30m, whilst Newcastle have only offered around £21m.
The outlet describes the player as 'very keen' on the move, but the club may need to wait until the sale of Allan Saint-Maximin has been completed for a timely cash injection, whilst also easing Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns.
It was previously reported by the Daily Mail that Chelsea supposedly has a “surprise interest” in Livramento, with a £40m buy-back clause as part of his departure in 2021.
However, with the immovable Reece James and the recently-signed Malo Gusto already in their ranks, it seems unlikely that a transfer back to west London will ever materialise.
If Newcastle can just match Southampton’s asking price then a deal is very much a possibility.
Can Tino Livramento emulate Kieran Trippier at Newcastle United?
Within the Chelsea youth system, the quick right-back forged an esteemed reputation for his class and potential.
In 30 appearances during the 2020/21 season, Livramento registered ten assists and was named as the Blues' Academy Player of the Year, winning the award alongside the likes of James, Mason Mount, and Billy Gilmour.
He was then unexpectedly sold to Southampton for the next season, and in 28 top-flight outings, he averaged 1.9 tackles and 1.1 dribbles per game (third-highest ranking for each metric in the squad) to showcase his impressively competent all-round game.
But, a devastating ACL injury against Brighton in April 2022 massively derailed his progress and kept him out of action for over a year.
Now back to full fitness, he is the subject of interest from the high-flying Magpies, and Howe could train him as Trippier’s heir to the right-back throne.
Newcastle United captain Kieran Trippier.
Last term, Trippier was simply sensational.
He was named in OPTA’s team of the season, playing in every fixture, creating the most chances from set plays (76), and playing the most passes into the opposition box (551) in a single season since 2004. The former Tottenham Hotspur man also recorded 138 successful crosses, the most in a single season since 2006.
Having a man of this calibre to mentor the “fantastic” Livramento – as once lauded by former teammate Theo Walcott – can continue Newcastle’s reputation as a rapidly improving asset.
يرى جابرييل جيسوس، لاعب فريق آرسنال، أن الصعوبات التي يمر بها بايرن ميونخ في الفترة الأخيرة لا تجعله خصمًا أقل خطورة.
جاءت تصريحات جيسوس قبل مباراة الغد المرتقبة بين الفريقين، في إطار منافسات ذهاب دور ربع نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا على ملعب “الإمارات”.
ويعاني بايرن ميونخ من موسم سيء، حيث يحتل حاليًا المركز الثاني بفارق 16 نقطة عن المتصدر باير ليفركوزن، الذي يحتاج إلى فوز من أجل حسم لقب الدوري الألماني.
وقال جيسوس في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “مترو” الإنجليزية: “الجميع يعرف جودة هاري كين، بالنسبة لي هو أفضل مهاجم في العالم، لذا من الرائع اللعب ضد هذا النوع من اللاعبين”.
وأضاف البرازيلي: “من الواضح أننا نريد إبقائه هادئًا في المباراة ونحاول الفوز بالمباراة، الأمر لا يقتصر عليه فقط، بل هناك الكثير من اللاعبين مثل ساني صديقي القديم، موسيالا، كومان، مولر يا له من لاعب! جنابري، جميعهم لاعبون ذوى جودة”.
اقرأ أيضًا.. أرتيتا: آرسنال لعب بنضج أمام برايتون.. ومستعدون لـ بايرن ميونخ
وواصل: “الجميع يعرف تاريخ بايرن ميونخ، لقد فازوا بالكثير من الألقاب في دوري أبطال أوروبا والدوري الألماني، الجميع يعرف جودة النادي، والجودة المذهلة للاعبين”.
وأردف: “لا يهم إذا عانوا في المباراة الأخيرة أو في آخر مباراتين أو ثلاث مباريات، فهم لا يزالون بايرن ويمكنهم أن يأتوا ويؤذوننا، هذا هو الشيء الذي يجب أن نفكر فيه وأن نضعه في أذهاننا”.