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Winning is the priority, but T20I is the best format to give fringe players a chance, India’s stand-in captain has said

Sruthi Ravindranath06-Nov-20194:31

‘Pretty sure Rajkot pitch will be better than Delhi’ – Rohit Sharma

India are the top-ranked Test side in the world, and only behind England in ODIs, but they haven’t quite been up there in T20Is, where they are currently fifth in the ICC rankings. For India’s stand-in captain Rohit Sharma, though, it’s not something to lose sleep over. With the next T20 World Cup just under a year away, he says the focus is on strengthening India’s bench, while not compromising on results.”Of course this a format where we are trying a lot of players,” Rohit said at a press conference ahead of the second T20I against Bangladesh in Rajkot, when asked why the team wasn’t up among the best in the format. “The key players are not involved so we’re trying a lot of younger players in the lot, sitting on the fringe.”Probably that’s one of the reasons, to be honest. The other formats, we have our entire squad playing the game. You get what you want from that squad. This is a format where you can try [other players], and there’s no harm in that.”India have won just two of their five T20I series since November 2018, both wins coming against tenth-ranked West Indies. Following a series loss at New Zealand’s hands earlier this year, they lost a series against Australia at home and drew one against South Africa. A loss in the first T20I against Bangladesh in Delhi has led to questions being asked anew.India are without regular captain Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni continues to be on an indefinite break, and a number of fast bowlers including frontman Jasprit Bumrah are missing at the moment.”We want to try a lot of players and make then ready for other formats,” Rohit said. “This is the format where these individuals can come out and express themselves so they’re ready for ODI and Test cricket also. We’ve seen a lot of players who have emerged from this format and have gone on to play ODIs and Tests. We want our bench strength to be as strong as possible so this is probably the reason why you see so many new guys coming into the fray.”It doesn’t mean that we have to not win games. Winning is the priority, but again these guys will learn from it. This is how a lot of guys, including me, learnt. That’s how it happens.”India have handed four T20I debuts this year, to Navdeep Saini, Mayank Markande, Rahul Chahar and Shivam Dube. While Markande did not get another chance after his debut against Australia, the other legspinner, Chahar, who made his debut against West Indies in August, was included in the squads for the games against South Africa and Bangladesh. Dube earned his maiden call-up in the Delhi T20I against Bangladesh, while Saini has missed out because of injury.Rohit Sharma throws mid-air•BCCI

In the first T20I against Bangladesh, the relatively inexperienced bowling attack was handled competently by the seasoned Mushfiqur Rahim and Soumya Sarkar. Young Khaleel Ahmed, given the job of bowling three overs in the last six, went for 18 runs in the 19th over, which pretty much sealed the game for Bangladesh, leaving them needing just four off the last over.Rohit, however, was not ready to point fingers at anyone. “Pressure is just on the team to perform and on no particular department,” he said. “You’ve lost as a team, not lost as a bowling unit. The focus will be on the team to perform so collectively all of us need to come together.”Bowlers need to come and get crucial wickets and defend the score. That’ll be the idea. We aren’t focusing on one department. We lost as a team and not as individuals.”Another area that has come under the spotlight is India’s cautious approach while batting in the Powerplay; they only scored 35 in the first six in Delhi.”Conditions were not ideal,” Rohit, who lost his wicket in the first over of the match, said. “The pitch was a little soft. The shot-making was not easy, so we have to assess and see what sort of score we want in the first six overs, then seven to 15, and the last five overs. You have to break it down like that. When you are playing on a pitch like that, you’ve to see what the ideal score would be to defend. That was the idea. But if the pitch is good you’ll see a different team India approach tomorrow.”

Brendan Rodgers and Celtic have made three loan signings this season, most recently recruiting Adam Idah from Norwich City on the final day of the January transfer window. The Hoops fended off competition from clubs in Serie A and the English Championship to land the Irishman until the end of the campaign, but the agreement doesn't include an option to buy.

Last summer, Rodgers made two temporary additions, one of which saw defender Nat Phillips join from his former club Liverpool. Phillips, however would only play eight games in the first half of the season before being recalled to Anfield and sent to Cardiff instead.

Then there's Paulo Bernardo, who arrived on deadline day in September on a season-long loan from Benfica that did include the option to buy. Now, some key details around that detail and the player's future in general have emerged.

Celtic given Bernardo opportunity

According to The Daily Record, via Sports View, Celtic have been told by Benfica that they can sign Bernardo for a fee of £6m come the end of the season, putting them in pole position to be his next club.

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Bernardo is happy at the club and will seek a permanent transfer, but it remains to be seen whether Celtic are willing to fork out the 10th-biggest transfer fee in their history to get the move done.

"Tenacious" Bernardo winning Rodgers over

Having only started two of the first 13 Scottish Premiership games for which he was available, Bernardo has now been in the line-up for the last six in succession. The absence of Reo Hatate has played a big part, with the midfielder only able to play one game since October as a result of injury and his international commitments at the Asian Cup.

After a fresh setback with Japan, Hatate is now facing a further six weeks out, offering Bernardo the opportunity to make the spot his own. He's certainly grasped his chance in recent weeks by notching four goal involvements across his six-game run, including a memorable opener in the Old Firm derby against Rangers.

Dundee

1

–

7.8/10

Rangers

1

–

7.5/10

St Mirren

–

2

8.5/10

Ross County

–

–

6.8/10

Aberdeen

–

–

7.2/10

Rodgers has spoken glowingly of the Portuguese as both a footballer and an individual, hailing his maturity and "great attitude at training" as well as his appetite on the field.

"He has come in in these last few games and created goals and scored goals and he has put his foot in too," he said at the start of last month. "He is tenacious. I'm absolutely delighted for him. It is now about consistency."

Based on that verdict, Rodgers may push for Celtic to pay up, but Bernardo will have to show that "consistency" for the remainder of the season to earn the faith of the Parkhead hierarchy.

The loss of Cameron Green’s overs are not viewed as vital, but the frontline bowlers will likely need a break at some point

Tristan Lavalette21-Nov-20245:56

Cummins: ‘Smith’s hands have made their way to Perth’

On the eve of the first Test, as he went about various media duties, Australia captain Pat Cummins appeared extremely relaxed and seemingly sported a permanent smile.He seems to have good reason to feel at ease. While much of the focus ahead of the series has been on the uncertainty over India’s line-up, Australia’s XI has been settled ever since uncapped Nathan McSweeney won the race to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order.It’s an experienced group of players and they are relatively refreshed with a lot of forward planning having been made in a bid to get them through a gruelling five-match series played within seven weeks.Related

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But if there has been a cause for concern, it’s the fitness of allrounder Mitchell Marsh who has only bowled four overs since tearing his hamstring during the IPL.All of those overs were in the fourth ODI against England at Lord’s in September. He then pulled up sore and missed the subsequent match before playing as a specialist batter for Western Australia in two Sheffield Shield matches in October.Marsh had publicly declared ahead of the second Shield match, against Tasmania, that he would return to bowling but his body was not quite ready. His role with the ball has grown in significance for Australia with Cameron Green missing the entire series due to a stress fracture of his back.Having become a father a day earlier, his wife Greta giving birth to their first child, Marsh on Monday pushed through weariness and built up his bowling loads in a lengthy centre wicket session as Australia started their first Test preparations. There were no signs of discomfort as Marsh powered through the crease and he also impressed during Australia’s training session on Wednesday.”He will definitely bowl this Test. He is an allrounder and with the way us four bowlers set out, we never really budget around an allrounder bowling heaps,” Cummins said.Marsh, however, is unlikely to be able to cover Green’s workload. He was used sparingly during the seven Tests last summer where he never bowled more than nine overs in an innings.Marsh, 33, is set to be utilised across a couple of short spells, possibly relatively early in the innings given his ability to produce outswing and also around the 60-70 over mark with the old ball.”We never put an upper limit [on overs] on anyone,” Cummins said. “But he’s ready to go and happy to bowl as much as we need. I would imagine a few spells each innings. He’s been bowling great this week, his body is the best it has been for a while.”Mitchell Marsh has barely bowled since an injury in the IPL earlier this year•Getty ImagesAlong with Marsh and Travis Head’s handy offspin, Cummins might also revert to Marnus Labuschagne, who has emerged as an unlikely seam bowling option after lengthy stints in the Shield caught many observers by surprise. He has almost exclusively bowled seam rather than legspin, which has yielded him some success previously at Test level.Having taken the captaincy reins of Queensland, Labuschagne has utilised himself with the ball and took 2 for 5 from 6.2 overs in the season opener against Western Australia at the WACA. He then bowled 27 overs across the match against South Australia at Allan Border Field.His bowling has been marked by short-ball aggression, which he has also unfurled during Australia’s training sessions ahead of the first Test, providing a potential tactic for Cummins to utilise.”He’s always trying to impress the ball, which is great,” Cummins said. “He loves bowling. He’s one of those guys, as we know, who always wants to be involved. He’s bowled some handy overs for Queensland. Obviously, he’s got legspin, a bit of offspin in the past and then this year, it’s been on to pace bowling.”I’m sure he’ll get the ball at some stage and bowl quite a few bouncers as well. So that’s maybe something we’ll turn to at some point as well.”While there is intrigue over Australia’s back-up bowlers, a refreshed Cummins and his frontline attack are hoping to mostly shoulder the workload. He will enter the series having not played red-ball cricket since March in New Zealand.Cummins was earmarked to play a Shield match for New South Wales, but has instead played one domestic 50-over game and two ODIs against Pakistan.”I feel great. Couldn’t have asked for a better lead in, so hopefully it translates into a good summer,” he said. “I’ve been really lucky to have four or five months off to build up, get strong. I feel as strong and as fresh and as fit as I have for a long time.”

Tottenham may not be done after opening talks for Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa, as it is believed they're knocking on the door of another starlet.

Spurs eyeing deals for exciting young players

As previously reported by football.london journalist and Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold, the Lilywhites will continue to scour the market for some of Europe's finest talents.

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After signing Destiny Udogie and Pape Matar Sarr on buy-to-loan-back deals, two transfers which have proved to be roaring successes, Spurs will look to replicate that again.

As widely rumoured, Tottenham have opened negotiations to seal a deal for the aforementioned Nusa, and the move will be in a similar format to that of Udogie and Sarr.

"Spurs will continue to explore opportunities for young stars on the rise, with potential loan-back deals, as they did with players such as Udogie and Pape Matar Sarr," wrote Gold last week, expanding on interest in another talent they have their eyes on.

"Tottenham are among the Premier League clubs to have shown an interest in Norwich's talented winger Jonathan Rowe, but at this moment have not made a move for the versatile 20-year-old who has scored 12 goals and provided three assists in 28 matches this season.

Timo Werner

Arrival (loan, RB Leipzig)

Radu Dragusin

Arrival (permanent, Genoa)

Eric Dier

Exit (loan, Bayern)

Djed Spence

Exit (loan, Genoa)

Ashley Phillips

Exit (loan, Plymouth)

Sergio Reguilon

Exit (loan, Man United)

Japhet Tanganga

Exit (loan, Millwall)

Ivan Perisic

Exit (loan, Hajduk Split)

"Getting new faces in through the door at Tottenham in the coming weeks and this summer is going to be made easier by the football on offer and the promise of working with Postecoglou when targets see what he is doing with Spurs players across the age scale."

It appears Gold was correct in his information that technical director Johan Lange, chairman Daniel Levy and Chief Football Officer Scott Munn are planning for the future when it comes to new arrivals.

As well as Rowe and Nusa, a report from Turkey has now shared serious interest from Spurs in "rising star" Besiktas forward Semih Kilicsoy.

Tottenham "knocking on the door" for Kilicsoy

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Tottenham are "knocking on the door" for Kilicsoy alongside a trio of other top European sides – namely Aston Villa, Napoli and Borussia Dortmund.

Besiktas, though, will demand a club-record exit fee of around £22 million to part company with their talent.

While that fee is affordable from a Spurs perspective, the competition for his signature could potentially raise his price tag.

West Ham have also been credited with an approach for Kilicsoy by other media sources, coming as the 18-year-old bursts onto the scene in Turkey.

Indeed, the exciting Kilicsoy boasts five goals and two assists in just eight appearances so far this season, with all five of his strikes coming in his last four Turkish Super Lig outings.

With West Ham United vying for a European place yet again in the Premier League this season, David Moyes could turn to the January transfer window to cement his side's place in the top six and potentially beyond. The Hammers currently sit as high as sixth and just seven points adrift of the top four in what could be a dream campaign in England's top flight.

Those at the London Stadium will be well aware that there's still a long way to go, but the winter window could suddenly put an even greater positive spin on their season so far if they land their targets. Among those that they're reportedly eyeing is a rival player who knows all about qualifying for European football.

West Ham transfer news

When West Ham lost Declan Rice to Arsenal in the summer, it was easy to worry about just how they'd replace the midfielder and splash the cash gained from his departure. Months later, however, and those fears have been firmly put to bed. The Hammers signed Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse to boost their midfield, before turning their attention to Mohammed Kudus, who has starred further forward. Now, they could repeat their transfer genius by landing a defensive target on the cheap.

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According to Football Transfers, West Ham have made contact to sign Eric Dier, who will be allowed to leave Tottenham Hotspur this month. The defender's current contract runs out in the summer, meaning that the Lilywhites are on course to lose him for free if they do not cash in this month. Given that Moyes is reportedly impressed by Dier and sees him as a player similar to summer target Harry Maguire, a deal could certainly be on the cards for West Ham in the transfer window this month.

"Reliable" Dier desperately needs move

Dier's game time shows just how much he needs a Spurs departure. The England international has started just one Premier League game for the Lilywhites this season, even amid injuries to both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.

A January switch to West Ham would be coming at the perfect time for both parties. Dier would be staying at the top level in England's top flight, with West Ham competing for a place in the top six, and the Hammers would be getting a player with the experience that could make all the difference in the remainder of the campaign.

It's been some fall from grace for Dier since Ange Postecoglou arrived since he was once at the centre of praise from former boss Antonio Conte. Conte said via The Daily Mail: "What I can tell you is that Eric has improved a lot since I arrived. We are talking about a reliable player, 100 per cent focused in every game. He is not a player who alternates with a big performance then a drop. He is providing great continuity in his role and playing every game. I can also tell you he is a really good guy, with great will, desire to work and improve."

Even despite his struggles under the Aussie manager, there is no question his experience and know-how could add crucial depth and leadership to a Hammers side riding the crest of a wave.

MatériaMais Notícias

da aposte e ganhe： Sem jogos até o dia 7 de setembro, a Chapecoense deu continuidade nesta quinta-feira a mais um dia de trabalhos na Arena Condá.

+ Veja no aplicativo do LANCE! o resultado dos jogos da rodada

Dentro do clube, o período sem jogos é encarado como uma intertemporada para Pintado e seus comandados colocarem a casa em ordem.

Até o momento, a Chapecoense é a única equipe que ainda não venceu no Campeonato Brasileiro após 18 partidas.

O desempenho ruim deixa a equipe na última colocação do torneio nacional, com 7 pontos.

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Manchester City are now leading the race for a “world-class” player, who is very keen on sealing a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer, according to a report.

Guardiola keen on new goalkeeper amid Ederson concerns

Man City crashed out of the Club World Cup at the round of 16 stage, which left Pep Guardiola dissatisfied, and the manager is reportedly growing particularly tired of Ederson’s performances, with the Brazilian failing to reach his usual lofty heights.

Consequently, Guardiola is now looking to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer, with it recently being revealed the Blues are ready to submit a £51m bid for FC Porto’s Diogo Costa, who has been identified as one of their top targets.

However, Costa is not the only option on the shortlist, as James Trafford is also of interest, and contact has been made over a deal for the Burnley shot-stopper, with City looking to hijack their Premier League rivals, Newcastle United.

Newcastle have been in the driving seat in the race for Trafford’s signature for quite some time, and a report last week suggested the Magpies were closing in on a deal, but it now looks like he could re-join the Blues.

According to a report from Football Insider, the Etihad Stadium is the goalkeeper’s most likely destination this summer, indicating Man City are now leading the race, with Newcastle now at real risk of missing out on a deal entirely.

City have a £40m buy-back clause for their former player, although they are looking to negotiate a fee below that figure, given that £40m would be a large fee to shell out for a goalkeeper yet to prove himself at the very highest level.

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Crucially, the Burnley star is “very keen” on a return to the Etihad Stadium, which means it could be easy to negotiate personal terms if the Blues are able to agree a suitable fee with the Clarets.

"World-class" Trafford could be ideal Ederson heir

The 22-year-old, on £25,000-a-week, is clearly now ready to test himself at the top level, given that he performed remarkably well for Burnley in the Championship last season, shipping just 16 goals in 45 appearances and keeping 29 clean sheets.

The former City man clearly has plenty of self-belief too, having described himself as “world-class” last season, and the Englishman’s performances for the Clarets over the past year suggest he could certainly be at that level.

Statistic

Average per 90

Goals against

0.36 (99th percentile)

Save percentage

84.5% (99th percentile)

Save % (penalties)

100% (95th percentile)

Clean sheet percentage

64.4% (99th percentile)

Clearly, Trafford could be an ideal long-term replacement for Ederson, but he will have big shoes to fill, given that the Brazilian has been a fantatsic servant to City, winning six Premier League titles during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

Ipswich Town have now opened talks to sign an “outstanding” defender and a “super” midfielder, as they gear up for a Premier League promotion charge, according to a report.

Ipswich looking to strengthen in all areas

Ipswich ultimately finished 16 points adrift of safety last season, highlighting the gap between the Premier League and the Championship, but Kieran McKenna has made it clear that he has aspirations of returning to the top flight at the first attempt.

McKenna said: “I’m confident. That’s the truth. But we know how relentless that division is as well. Every year there are upsets – teams who do better than expected, teams who do worse than expected. It’s a 46-game season where everyone competes hard every week. It’s one of the most competitive divisions in Europe.”

The additions McKenna has already made to his squad should give fans cause for optimism, having strengthened both the midfield and the defence, although a replacement for Liam Delap may also be needed before the transfer window slams shut.

New signing

Position

Azor Matusiwa

DM

Ashley Young

Full-back

David Button

GK

Cedric Kipre

CB

Despite already making improvements to the engine room and the backline, the Tractor Boys have now opened talks over potential deals for two new signings in those areas of the pitch.

That is according to a report from EFL Analysis, which states Ipswich have now made enquiries about Hayden Hackney and Dael Fry, both of whom currently play for fellow Championship side Middlesbrough.

Currently, the Championship promotion-hopefuls are yet to submit formal bids for either player, however, and it may be difficult to win the race for Hackney, who is valued at £20m, amid interest from the Premier League.

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Boro are also hesitant to sanction Fry’s departure this summer, although they could be tempted to cash-in, should the Tractor Boys be willing to submit a suitable offer.

Fry and Hackney could be exciting signings for Ipswich

Both Middlesbrough players are experienced at Championship level, with Dean Ashton lauding Fry as “outstanding” in the past, while there are plenty of signs that Hackney could be capable of making the step-up to the Premier League.

Chris Wilder singled the 23-year-old out for high praise last season, saying: “We were playing against two very good central midfielders. I’ve watched Hayden Hackney from afar, seeing his career flourish.

“There’s no better teacher for him than Michael, and he’ll enjoy the way Middlesbrough play. He’s a super player, and Morris is a good player in there too.”

The Middlesbrough star is a forward-thinking midfielder, despite often featuring in a defensive role, placing in the 99th percentile for progressive passes per 90 over the past year, and the 97th percentile for progressive carries.

Fry and Hackney could be fantastic additions to McKenna’s squad, but signing a new striker should be the manager’s priority following Delap’s departure.

Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato has dismissed rumours that he's set to depart the Dutch club and seal a move to Arsenal.

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• Hato been linked with Arsenal
• Defender intent on staying in Amsterdam
• Zinchenko and Tierney linked away from Gunners

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Hato has been the subject of rife transfer speculation in recent months, with both the Gunners and Manchester United linked with the bright prospect. The 18-year-old impressed in a sub-par Ajax team this season and was one of few standout performers for the club. His importance to the side was epitomised when he was given the captain's armband against Almere City in November and became the youngest ever player to captain the club. The interest in Hato comes as little surprise, but the player has snuffed out the hopes of those aiming to secure his signature.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HATO SAID

  In an interview with the club's social team about his future, Hato said: "I’ll just play for Ajax next season.

  “I haven’t finished learning here yet. And I want to win prizes with Ajax. That was my dream when I came here.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Hato's decision to stay at Ajax throws a spanner in the Gunners' transfer plans for the summer window. The young defender had emerged as a key target to provide competition at left back to his compatriot Jurrien Timber. Three Arsenal left-sided defenders – Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney and Jakub Kiwior – have all been linked away from the club as Mikel Arteta looks to reinforce an area that became an Achilles' heel in his side last term.

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR HATO AND ARSENAL?

  The Gunners might not have ended their pursuit of Hato and may still test Ajax and his resolve with a transfer bid this window. However, if Hato is intent on staying in the Dutch capital then Arteta will have to reassess his options – although Timber's return from an ACL injury will act as a new signing next campaign.

Wrexham have bid farewell to Ben Tozer and Aaron Hayden, but they may have a successor to those defensive stalwarts lined up in Wigan star Jason Kerr.

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• Red Dragons released plenty of experience
• Identifying targets for summer window
• Scottish centre-half in their sights

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Phil Parkinson has made no secret of the fact that he wants to welcome reinforcements through the doors at SToK Racecourse this summer. Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are being charged with the task of making the funds available that will allow recruitment business to be carried out.

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• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  There is plenty of speculation to be found in North Wales regarding supposed targets, with the next transfer window yet to swing open, and it comes as no surprise to find that additions at the back figure prominently on Wrexham’s radar – given that experienced figures in that area have been released.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  According to the , a raid on The Brick Community Stadium for a former Scotland U21 international is being readied. They claim: “Wrexham are pushing to sign 27-year-old Wigan centre back Jason Kerr this summer. Still work to do to agree terms but he is well liked by Phil Parkinson and his staff. Competition from Scottish clubs + Peterborough.”

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  Kerr, who is now 27 years of age, has been with the Latics since 2021 – meaning that he has turned out in the Championship and League One. That is the kind of pedigree that Wrexham are looking to acquire, as they return to the third tier of English football for the first time in 20 years.