Nottingham Forest are now interested in signing an “unbelievable number nine”, with Nuno Espirito Santo keen on bringing in a new striker, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest impressing

As we approach the halfway stage of the Premier League season, very few would have tipped Forest to be performing as well as they are, but they are currently on track to compete for a spot in Europe.

The Tricky Trees handed Liverpool their only defeat at Anfield in the early stages of the campaign, and they put in yet another top-class performance on their travels at the weekend, defeating Manchester United 3-2 at Old Trafford.

Chris Wood has taken a lot of the plaudits for Nuno’s side’s fantastic start, having scored 10 goals in the Premier League, but it would be fair to say the manager doesn’t have a great deal of depth in the striker department.

Nottingham Forest leading race to sign "superb" £20m ace; agent wants move

He could be their long-term Chris Wood replacement.

ByTom Cunningham Dec 7, 2024

With Taiwo Awoniyi currently sidelined due to an injury, Emmanuel Dennis is the only natural backup option to Wood, meaning Forest may need to bring in additional reinforcements in the January transfer window.

In fact, Football Insider reports that bringing in a new forward is a “key priority” for Nuno – and they have now identified a potential target.

According to the same report, Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson is now being monitored as an option, having made it clear he wants to leave the Seagulls in January due to his limited game time.

The Forest boss is concerned about the amount of goals his side have scored compared to the other teams in the top half of the Premier League table, meaning he is keen to bring in some additional firepower.

However, it may be difficult for the Tricky Trees to get a deal over the line, given that Brighton may view them as direct rivals for a place in a European competition next season.

Ferguson needs game time

Ferguson made an instant impact in the Premier League at a very young age, netting six goals in 19 games during the 2022/23 season, but he needs more minutes if he is to fulfil his lofty potential.

This season, the Irishman has been involved for just 197 minutes across ten Premier League appearances, indicating that Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler views him as more of an impact player, albeit having started this weekend’s draw to Leicester City.

As such, it is no wonder the 20-year-old wants to leave in January, and he could be a great signing for Forest given how highly former U18 coach James Baxter has spoken of him in the past, saying:

However, it seems unlikely that Brighton would be willing to sell to a direct rival, especially given that a number of other clubs are in the race for his signature.

أعلن جورجي جيسوس المدير الفني لفريق الهلال عن تشكيل لاعبيه لمباراة اليوم أمام نظيره الشباب، وذلك ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري السعودي.

ويلتقي الهلال مع الشباب، على أرضية ملعب المملكة أرينا، في إطار مواجهات الجولة التاسعة والعشرون لمسابقة الدوري السعودي.

ويخوض الهلال مباراته محتلاً المركز الثاني في جدول مسابقة الدوري برصيد 61 نقطة، من 28 مباراة، حقق الفوز في 19 وتعادل في 4 وخسر 5 مواجهات.

طالع أيضاً.. وليد صلاح الدين: ثنائي الأهلي قد يصنعان الفارق أمام صن داونز

على الجانب الآخر، يأتي فريق الشباب في المركز السادس بجدول ترتيب دوري روشن، وفي جعبته 50 نقطة، من 28 مباراة، فاز في 15 وتعادل في 5 وتلقى 8 هزائم. تشكيل الهلال أمام الشباب في الدوري السعودي

حراسة المرمى: ياسين بونو.

خط الدفاع: علي البليهي – تمبكتي – لودي – جواو كانسيلو.

خط الوسط: نيفيز – سافيتش – كايو.

خط الهجوم: سالم الدوسري – مالكوم – ميتروفيتش.

MatériaMais Notícias

No dia 14 de maio, no Allianz Parque, em São Paulo, um evento oferecerá a oportunidade de o participante se sentir em uma real partida de futebol com experiência completa, até mesmo o estádio com refletores acesos – uma novidade desta edição. As partidas duram 40 minutos, divididos em dois tempos e com intervalo para hidratação, e contam com arbitragem profissional.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasBrasileirãoCom Allianz reservado para shows, Palmeiras deve receber Corinthians e Juazeirense na Arena BarueriBrasileirão13/04/2022PalmeirasDas críticas no Palmeiras às glórias: assim como Rony, Navarro pode ter Libertadores como ‘trampolim’Palmeiras13/04/2022VídeoVÍDEO: Assista aos quatro gols de Rafael Navarro na goleada do Palmeiras pela LibertadoresVídeo13/04/2022

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> Veja os clubes do Brasileirão que mais se reforçaram desde janeiro

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> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão-2022 clicando aqui

> Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

Mas não é só isso, quem for ao Dia de Craque poderá escolher em qual posição jogar (selecionada no momento da inscrição) e ainda tem direito a uniforme, troca de roupa e aquecimento no vestiário do Palmeiras, mochila e kit banho.

A preleção é feita com os ídolos Djalminha e Paulo Nunes, além de ter escalação e transmissão nos telões, acesso para três crianças entrarem em campo na hora do hino e ainda convite para dez torcedores acompanharem tudo da arquibancada.

Essa experiência ainda terá entrevista após o jogo. E, para guardar esses momentos além da memória, os participantes ainda recebem o vídeo do jogo na íntegra e fotos profissionais.

Os jogos acontecem de hora em hora, das 16h às 20h e os valores partem de R$ 1.800,00 (dividido em até seis vezes sem juros). As inscrições podem ser feitas tanto na bilheteria do Allianz Parque, como no site diadecraque.com.br.

Dia de Craque Banheiristas
Quem tem de 7 a 15 anos também vai poder viver a experiência em campo. Isso porque das 9h às 15h, do dia 14 de maio, o Allianz Parque receberá o Dia de Craque Banheiristas, com a participação dos youtubers Caio e Vitor Lo e Owen Skilo. Eles comandam o canal Banheiristas, em que compartilham conteúdos diários sobre futebol para seus mais de 3,6 milhões de inscritos.

As crianças e adolescentes serão divididos em categorias de acordo com a idade e, para participar, é preciso estar acompanhado de um adulto responsável. As inscrições podem ser feitas na bilheteria do estádio ou no site: diadecraque.com.br/banheiristas e saem por R$ 1.199,00 (divididos em até 6 x sem juros).

Dia de Craque e Dia de Craque Banheiristas
14 de maio
Allianz Parque – Rua Palestra Itália, 200 – Perdizes – São Paulo
Tel. (11) 96461-5509
[email protected]

continua após a publicidade

West Ham United technical director Tim Steidten is convinced that one striker can make an “immediate” impact at the club, with the German personally setting his sights on the forward as a January deal could also be on the cards.

West Ham targeting January move for striker

Julen Lopetegui was spared his P45 after his side ran out 2-1 winners at home to Wolves, at least for now, with the Spaniard surviving Monday’s ‘El Sackico’ by the skin of his teeth.

West Ham offered "extraordinary" ex-Chelsea boss to replace Julen Lopetegui

The Irons are apparently open to it.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 7, 2024

Tomas Soucek’s breakthrough and a stunning solo effort from Jarrod Bowen cancelled out Matt Doherty’s brief equaliser, putting breathing room between Lopetegui and the West Ham exit door, with attention turning back towards the looming January transfer window.

There have been recent reports that Lopetegui wants West Ham to sign reinforcements when the window reopens next month, and it is believed a striker is pretty high on their agenda alongside a potential centre-back.

West Ham’s last eight games in all competitions
Match	Date	Opponent	Competition	Result
#17	09/12/2024	Wolves (H)	Premier League	2-1 win
#16	03/12/2024	Leicester City (A)	Premier League	3-1 loss
#15	30/11/2024	Arsenal (H)	Premier League	5-2 loss
#14	26/11/2024	Newcastle United (A)	Premier League	2-0 win
#13	09/11/2024	Everton (H)	Premier League	0-0 draw
#12	02/11/2024	Nottingham Forest (A)	Premier League	3-0 loss
#11	27/10/2024	Man United (H)	Premier League	2-1 win
#10	19/10/2024	Tottenham (A)	Premier League	4-1 loss

Reports in France late last week indicated that West Ham have made an approach for Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo as one option, given the Irons currently possess one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League, but a potential new marksman is something regularly mentioned by the media as well.

While Niclas Fullkrug has now returned from his achilles tendon problem, which had ruled him out for months, fellow striker Michail Antonio was involved in a horrific car crash on Saturday – with the Jamaican expected to be out for at least a year after undergoing surgery on a broken leg (The Guardian).

Antonio is now set to undergo extensive rehabilitation, as West Ham potentially look to the market for another option in the forward area.

Lyon striker Georges Mikautadze is one target on West Ham’s list, after he finished Euro 2024 as one of the tournament’s top goalscorers, while it is now believed FC Mainz star Jonathan Burkardt has admirers in east London.

Steidten convinced Jonathan Burkardt can make West Ham impact

According to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, one of the Germany international’s biggest fans is West Ham transfer chief Steidten.

The outlet reports that Steidten is convinced Burkardt could make an “immediate impact” at West Ham, with a January deal potentially possible for the forward who’s scored 10 goals in 13 Bundesliga appearances so far.

Valued at around £12 million by Transfermarkt, Burkardt is contracted until 2027 and likely to cost more than this considering his form right now, but we’re yet to see any reports of Mainz setting a definitive asking price.

“We know he’s a good player, this time he was incredibly important because he also ran a lot to defend,” said Mainz head coach Bo Henriksen on Burkardt.

“What a man, what a player, I’m proud. He is of course also a leader for us. A player we always trust. He wants to do everything for this club.”

Manchester United put their torrid form of recent weeks behind them to secure a fantastic 2-2 draw away to Liverpool. The Premier League leaders may well have been left stunned by how well United played, who defended well and looked deadly in attack, managing to score past them twice.

A tactical tweak from manager Ruben Amorim certainly played a large part in the result. It was something spotted by The Overlap presenter and football analyst H, who explained it on X that Amroim’s tweak from a 5-2-3 to a 5-4-1 out of possession “clogged the space in midfield”, making it hard for Liverpool to play through.

Two fantastic goals from United also helped them to secure a draw at Anfield. First, Lisandro Martinez opened the scoring with a vicious shot past Alisson. The home side pulled level through Cody Gakpo and then took the lead with a penalty from Mohamed Salah.

United had a mountain to climb, given the fact they were 2-1 down and had just 20 minutes to go. However, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer famously said, “mountains are there to be climbed”, and coincidentally it was a signing made by the Norwegian who earned United a point. Amad Diallo’s goal ensured his side left Anfield with something to show for it.

Indeed, the Ivorian was one of United’s best players at Anfield.

Amad’s stats vs. Liverpool

22-year-old Amad is the man with the Midas touch under Amroim. His hot form under the Portuguese boss continued with another goal at Anfield, taking his tally under the new United manager to three goals and five assists in just 12 games.

His goal was superbly taken, meeting a cross from Alejandro Garnacho after pulling deep away from the Reds defenders. He simply guided the ball into the far corner past Alisson to earn a crucial point for the visitors.

His performance was so much more than that goal, and the Ivorain worked so hard off the ball, too. That was noted by the Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst. He gave Amad a 7/10 for his efforts, explaining he “diligently ran back” throughout the game.

Indeed, the 22-year-old’s performance was clear to see in his stats from the game, courtesy of Sofascore. Amad had 42 touches of the ball and completed 93% of his passes and three from three dribbles. As Luckhurst mentioned, his out-of-possession work was tidy, as he won three from five ground duels.

There would no doubt be countless people to see Amad’s second-half strike nestle into the Liverpool net, although perhaps none more than Matthijs de Ligt.

De Ligt’s stats vs. Liverpool

It was by no means a terrible performance from De Ligt at Anfield. Like his fellow defenders Martinez and Harry Maguire, he defended diligently and was not afraid to get stuck in. However, he could have done better for both goals.

For Gakpo’s strike, the defender rashly slid in, completely missing both the Dutch attacker and the ball, as his international teammate made it 1-1. De Ligt was also the man who gave away the penalty, with the ball bouncing off his outstretched arm.

As the stats from De Ligt’s performance show, it was a bit of a mixed bag from the United number four. He had 37 touches and completed 83% of his passes, winning four from seven duels. However, the defender won just 33% of his tackles and gave away a penalty.

De Ligt stats vs. Liverpool

Stat

Number

Touches

37

Passes accuracy

83%

Passes completed

25/30

Tackles won

1/3

Duels won

4/7

Penalties conceded

1

Stats from Sofascore

This was certainly a sentiment echoed by GOAL’s Richard Martin, who gave De Ligt a 4/10 for his efforts at a snowy Anfield. He explained that although the Dutchman was “unlucky”, he was “also responsible for both goals conceded” having been “skinned by Gakpo” for the first Liverpool goal.

De Ligt may well have been relieved to see Amad score to make it 2-2, but now his place in the side could well be under threat. Leny Yoro’s contribution off the bench was fantastic, as he made a superb last-gasp tackle to deny Darwin Nunez a golden chance.

There is no doubting the talent of the 19-year-old, and De Ligt might well be in the firing line for United’s next game against Arsenal in the FA Cup. At the very least, it would certainly be hard to argue if Amroim decided to bring Yoro into the side for the Dutchman.

Related Better than Maguire & Amad: Man Utd star was "utterly insane" vs Liverpool

Manchester United secured a late draw with Liverpool in a thrilling contest at Anfield.

Posts 1 ByJoe Nuttall Jan 5, 2025

Donovan among many former USMNT players critical of Nation League efforts, saying "It was obvious in these games who cared"

• Donovan expresses frustration over attitude and effort
• He calls out lack of pride in representing the national team
• USMNT finished in fourth-place in Nations League

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED

  The USMNT's recent struggles, including losses to Panama and Canada in the Nations League, have raised questions about the team's progress and competitiveness on the international stage. That includes Landon Donovan as the USMNT icon has delivered a scathing review of the team.

  He accused many of the current squad members of not caring enough about representing their country, citing a perceived lack of effort and commitment in recent performances.

  “There were just too many guys out there who were just going through the motions. When I watch games, sometimes it’s difficult to accurately judge someone’s ‘desire.’ But you also just see what your eyes tell you. It was obvious in these games who cared,” Donovan told the Athletic.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  WHAT LANDON DONOVAN SAID

  “People used to hate playing against us,” said Donovan, the USMNT's all-time leader in goals and assists. “Even when we lost. We’d get beat 2-0 and you could tell the other team was still like 'F*ck, this game is going to be a f*cking nightmare.' Occasionally, though, we’d have a poor effort. And [Coach Bruce Arena] would say ‘Guys, a coach shouldn’t have to coach effort. That’s not my job.' Back then I thought that was ridiculous.

  “But now I think about it and realize he was spot on. The last thing Mauricio Pochettino should have to worry about is whether these guys are going to leave it all on the field or not. Leaving it all on the field – that’s been a hallmark of the American player since the mid-'80s. If we lose that, we are in big, big trouble.

  “We would not have let Canada or Panama beat us without it being an absolute bloodbath. I used to hate going into training camps, because I got the sh*t kicked out of me. The competition was real. We had real players who cared about the result and were always, without exception, willing to put themselves on the line to get a result. I can’t talk about who was more skilled or talented, but we were always responsible for the result. Right now, of course I’d take those teams over this current one.”

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Donovan's criticism comes at a crucial time for the sport in the country, with the 2026 World Cup approaching and expectations for the national team at an all-time high. That is especially after back-to-back losses against Panama and Canada, as the USMNT finished fourth in the Nations League.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT’S NEXT?

  The USMNT will have upcoming friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland in early June. Their last bit of competitive action comes a week later as they co-host the 2025 Gold Cup alongside Canada.

West Bromwich Albion are in the race to sign a “fantastic “player this month for a bargain fee, according to a recent report.

West Brom manager latest

The Baggies’ search to replace Carlos Corberan, who left to join Valencia before Christmas, is still ongoing as a number of managers have been linked with the vacancy. Former England interim manager Lee Carsley was one that West Brom were keen on appointing, but he is said to have turned the Championship side down, with his reasoning for doing so not clear.

West Brom struck gold on star who is now worth more than Mowatt & Johnston

West Bromwich Albion will pray this star isn’t tempted by a move away this January.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 4, 2025

Another manager who has been linked with the job is Blackburn Rover’s John Eustace. Eustace has done a tremendous job at Ewood Park since arriving towards the back end of last season. He has taken Rovers from a side fighting at the bottom end of the table to one that is now competing for a place in this season’s play-offs. Liverpool coach Johnny Heitinga is another option for the Baggies, as he’s been heavily linked with the role and is said to be admired by the club’s hierarchy.

Swansea City manager Luke Williams is also another manager who has been mentioned as a candidate to replace Corberan. However, there has been an update on that possibility, and it is being claimed that West Brom don’t see Williams as an option to become their new manager, despite the impressive work he has done at Swansea City.

West Brom in race to sign "fantastic" player for bargain fee

While the Baggies continue their search for a new manager, the club’s hierarchy also have plans in place to improve the playing squad, as according to reliable reporter Alan Nixon via the Ibrox News, West Brom are in the race to sign Adam Devine from Rangers this month.

Devine came through the academy at Rangers, breaking into the first team during the 2022/23 campaign. However, since then, he has struggled to be a regular in the squad and spent the second half of last season on loan at Motherwell. The 21-year-old is out of contract at the end of this campaign, but a move could happen this month.

It is being reported that West Brom are keen to add to their squad this month despite there being no manager on board yet, and they have an interest in Devine. The Midlands side could sign Devine, who is a right-back, for a “bargain fee,” due to the fact he is out of contract in the summer. Devine may find it hard to become a starter in the West Brom side, as Darnell Furlong has been performing very well and is regarded as one of the best right-backs in the division, but he would provide much-needed competition.

Apps

10

Starts

6

Minutes per game

50

Goals

1

Interceptions per game

0.6

Tackles per game

0.6

Balls recovered per 90

2.4

Clearances per 90

1.4

It was former manager Michael Beale who gave Devine his chance at Rangers, and he labelled the defender as “fantastic” after impressing during his reign. Beale said after beating Hibernian in his first game in charge of Rangers: “Delighted with Adam, it’s obvious he was playing on his weak side.

“He was targeted from goal kicks; for a young boy, he did fantastic. This season, he was supposed to be a backup to Tavernier and push him – like Patterson did.

“We’ve got high hopes for him, and that wasn’t easy tonight. I asked him to play higher up the pitch; more energy. For everyone watching, he is a young Scottish boy we can be proud of. Early days but for tonight, well played son.”

Whilst 2024 proved to be a year of many new adjustments for Liverpool fans to get their heads around, as long-standing manager Jurgen Klopp left his job, 2025 now looks to be a stable and very successful time to be a fan of the Anfield giants.

After all, Arne Slot has taken over from the much-loved German in impeccable fashion, with just one Premier League loss from 18 top-flight clashes, meaning Liverpool sit pretty at the top of the division.

But, the ex-Feyenoord boss won’t want to rest on his laurels knowing full well the many twists and turns football can throw at you, with plenty of incomings targeted this January to help his side romp to a title success.

Liverpool set to battle it out for "elite" star

A report from Spanish outlet AS indicates that the table-topping Reds are set to battle it out for the services of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi this month with many interested suitors allegedly looking at the coveted Spaniard.

Indeed, the other named parties looking at the 25-year-old include Manchester City and Real Madrid, with Carlo Ancelotti’s men perhaps holding an advantage in the race for Zubimendi as he wouldn’t have to uproot to England.

But, the report does state that Zubimendi is ‘seduced’ by the prospect of moving to Anfield, with Liverpool known to be long-time admirers of the San Sebastian-born gem, having previously been willing to meet the Sociedad star’s release clause of £52m only for a move to collapse.

Yet, a much-talked move could be back on the table very soon if everything finally slots into place, with the “elite” midfielder – as he was once labelled by data analyst Ben Mattinson – perhaps taking Ryan Gravenberch’s concrete starting spot off him.

What Zubimendi could offer Liverpool

Zubimendi hasn’t just fluked all this interest coming his way, with fans of English football already familiar with the class that the 25-year-old exudes, based on his Euro 2024 final cameo for Spain.

From his 45 minutes on the pitch, the 5 foot 11 midfielder won every single duel he competed in, alongside only misplacing two of his 26 passes as his nation ultimately reigned supreme over the Three Lions.

Games played

17

Goals scored

1

Assists

1

Touches*

67.9

Accurate passes*

45.4 (84%)

Interceptions*

1.4

Tackles*

2.5

Ball recoveries*

4.4

Total duels won*

5.9

Already proving he can battle well up against the likes of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in that one-off affair, Zubimendi will further keep his fingers crossed he can strut his stuff in the demanding Premier League if a move does transpire, with his numbers in La Liga this season so far showing off a well-rounded midfielder.

The number of duels he wins on average this season in the Spanish top-flight is better than Gravenberch’s tally which comes in at a lesser 5.3 contrasted with Zubimendi’s 5.9 – alongside also showing off a calmness on the ball typical of the Dutchman’s game with 45.4 accurate passes mustered up per contest.

It is unlikely that Zubimendi entering the building would see Alexis Mac Allister gift his starting spot up after a fantastic display against West Ham United last time out saw him win seven duels and tally up three key passes, with Gravenberch then having to make way for the Spaniard to come into the side as the deepest of midfielders.

This might not be the most popular move, considering Gravenberch has equally been as steady as the Argentine this season in the middle of the park, but Zubimendi would not be purchased for a fee around the £52m mark to warm the substitutes bench.

It remains to be seen whether the 25-year-old would want to depart his boyhood club who he is fiercely loyal to, but if a deal could be agreed, Slot would have plenty of depth to call upon centrally.

Gerrard 2.0: Slot can find Liverpool’s next Trent in "star in the making"

He might just be Liverpool’s best academy player.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 31, 2024

Australia need to rejig their middle order if Head isn’t available for the Galle Test

Andrew McGlashan23-Jun-2022Glenn Maxwell has been added to Australia’s Test squad ahead of the opening match against Sri Lanka in Galle after Travis Head joined a lengthy injury list with a hamstring strain which has ruled him out of the final ODI.It means the prospect of Maxwell playing his first Test since 2017, against Bangladesh in Chattogram, and his first first-class match since 2019 if he is included for the game next Wednesday. All seven of his Tests have come on the subcontinent with a top score of 104 against India in Ranchi.Before the tour, national George Bailey kept the door open for Maxwell’s return. He has been in good touch during the ODIs with a match-winning unbeaten 80 in the opening game followed by 30 and 33.”We know Glenn has had some red-ball success in these types of conditions and we’re looking forward to him getting back and playing a good block of cricket through the T20s and one-day cricket,” Bailey said. “If he shoots the lights out or anyone else does particularly well, there’s always going to be opportunities.”Earlier in the trip, Maxwell said he understood why he was not part of the Test squad but had not given up hope of getting another chance”A guy that hasn’t played any first-class cricket would be a random pick,” he told . “I know it’s specific to my skillset and the way I play slow bowling, especially in these conditions, that might have been something to sway them.”But I think the way they’ve shown faith in their current squad is brilliant. It’s nice that the door’s not closed but I also thought it was nice that they showed faith in that squad.”Head sustained his injury late in the fourth match and has just six days to recover before the first Test in Galle. GPS data showed that Head had run 26km in the field across the third and fourth matches of the series. The strain is said to be on the minor side, but if he is not available for the opening game next Wednesday, it would require Australia to rejig their middle order.Related

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Glenn Maxwell's Test return: 'So nice to get the tap on the shoulder and have the faith I can do a job'

Starc won't risk Test chances by making quick return in Sri Lanka

Warning signs for Australia ahead of litmus test against spin in Galle

Maxwell has been called up ahead of any of the Australia A batters who have been taking part in the four-day matches against Sri Lanka which includes Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw and Nic Maddinson.However, three spinners from the A squad – Jon Holland, Matthew Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy – will remain in Sri Lanka with the Test squad to assist with preparations and to further their development. Kuhnemann has already been part of the ODI squad following Ashton Agar’s side injury and if Australia opt for three spinners during the Tests there could be further chance for promotion.Holland, 35, who has played four Tests, was a late addition to the Australia A squad after Kuhuemann was brought across to the one-day set-up.Travis Head has just six days to recover before the first Test in Galle•Getty ImagesMeanwhile, Mitchell Starc also continues to be unavailable due to the stitching in his finger which he cut on the spike of his boot in the first T20I while Steven Smith, who has been nursing a quad strain, is unlikely to be risked ahead of the Tests.”[It’s a] bit more of a precaution,” Aaron Finch said of Head. “Especially, where he fields in the outfield, he does quite a lot of kilometres and the ground is quite heavy. Not sure what he’s looking like for the Test matches. Just one more to add to the list at the moment. Starcy is still not right with his finger. Where it is, the stitching is still not quite 100% healed. Without being able to bowl without tape on, he’ll be out as well.”Australia have endured a lengthy casualty list during the white-ball leg of the tour. Sean Abbott (broken finger) was ruled out before the matches began to be followed by Marsh who has since recovered from a calf strain, Kane Richardson (hamstring), Marcus Stoinis (side), and Agar (side) along with Starc and Smith.Reflecting on the ODI series, which Sri Lanka secured with their four-run victory two days ago, Finch picked out the fact Australia had not been able to build a big partnership to take them deep into the innings with plenty of wickets in hand as a deciding factor. They have fielded a long batting order in the last two matches with Cameron Green at No. 8.”Anytime we’ve started to get any momentum in the game, we lose a wicket and in these conditions, once you lose one, they go back-to-back pretty quick,” he said. “Think, just maximising that main partnership where you can get to the 40th over maybe three down, has hindered us a bit.”After Friday’s final ODI, Australia’s next 50-over cricket will be the series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand starting at home in late August. Unlike these matches against Sri Lanka, those contests will carry World Cup Super League points. There remains uncertainty whether their other home series, against South Africa in January, will go ahead after CSA requested for it to be moved, so they can launch their new T20 league.

Captain anchors innings with 69 before Sunrisers provide late scare

ECB Reporters Network01-Jun-2022

Eve Jones flays through the off side•Getty Images

Central Sparks captain Eve Jones struck her first half-century of the season to lead her side to a thrilling three run victory over Sunrisers at Wantage Road and almost certainly book themselves a place at finals day.Jones struck 69 from just 62 balls as she rediscovered the form which saw her voted PCA Player of the Year last season. She shared an opening stand worth 92 in 12 overs with Issy Wong as Sparks posted 145 for 5.In reply Jo Gardner (41) and Amara Carr (37 not out) led a late spirited fightback with a partnership of 82 in nine overs, coming together after Sunrisers had stuttered to 55 for 5. They needed 14 from the final over, but when Gardner was caught in the deep attempting to clear the ropes, they fell just short.The result cements Sparks’ spot at the top of the table ahead of Finals Day which is also being played at Northampton on June 11.Related

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Jones took Sparks past 50 at the end of the powerplay with a big six over long-on off Mady Villiers, one of two maximums in her innings along with six boundaries. As well as hitting aerially over the infield and punching commandingly through the covers, she also timed the ball beautifully and showed excellent placement.She was dropped on 65 and offered a tough caught-and-bowled chance just before reaching her half-century but otherwise looked in fluent touch.Wong began aggressively before being well caught by a diving Villiers off Scotland legspinner Abtaha Maqsood for 35. Grace Scrivens then accounted for Amy Jones when the England keeper edged an attempted cut behind. Abi Freeborn hit a run-a-ball 14 before she was caught off a lap-sweep off Sunrisers skipper Kelly Caste with the visitors on 124 for 3.Eve Jones was starved of the strike towards the end of the innings and fell attempting to scoop Naomi Dattani off the first ball of the final over. Dattani then picked up a second wicket in two balls when she bowled Ami Campbell without scoring.In reply, Sunrisers lost Villiers caught behind chasing one outside off stump off the opening over from Wong. Scrivens, though, looked fluent, driving sweetly through cover for a brace of fours off Liz Russell’s second over and pulling Wong for a big six behind square.Sunrisers’ challenge seemed over when they lost four wickets for 16 in five overs. First, Scrivens holed out to deep midwicket off Russell on 27, then Kelly was squared up by Arlott and offered a simple catch off the leading edge. Mia Rogers was run out through some sharp work from Hannah Baker and Arlott. Dattani, who had ridden her luck, surviving two dropped catches, was trapped lbw by Baker for 17.Carr and Gardner refused to give up the fight, taking Sunrisers to the brink of what would have been their first win of the season. Both showed plenty of intent from the start, Gardner freeing her arms against Baker in hitting her for three consecutive boundaries and later smoting her down the ground for six to leave Sunrisers needing 22 off the final two overs – but it was not to be.