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Pre-season is well and truly here, and after dispatching Hearts and Queens Park Rangers over the last week, Tottenham Hotspur have flown out to Japan to kickstart their brief international tour.

It's hard to take too much from these games, but it will be reassuring for fans to see the team look refreshed and ready for the new campaign.

One of the stars who started the last two games was Spanish right-back Pedro Porro.

While he looked good, recent reports suggest he could have some extra competition next season as the club have been linked with an exciting full-back, a full-back who has won comparisons to a certain Ben White.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Tottenham are one of three Premier League clubs interested in signing Bayern Munich full-back Noussair Mazraoui.

Alongside the Lilywhites, Bailey claims that Manchester United and West Ham United are also keen on the right-back, whom Bayern have supposedly offered to the teams.

The German Behemoths are happy to sell the Moroccan as they view him as surplus to requirements, although they still want an offer in the region of £25m.

It could prove challenging to get ahead of the chasing pack, but bringing in Mazraoui as competition for Porro would be an excellent idea, and the fact he's been compared to White is undoubtedly a bonus – from a playing perspective, anyway.

How Mazraoui compares to Porro and White

Okay, so before we look at how Mazraoui stacks up against Porro, let's examine this comparison to White and where it comes from.

It stems from FBref, which compared players in similar positions in last season's Champions League, created a list of the ten most comparable for each one, and concluded that the Englishman was the most similar full-back to the Moroccan in the entire competition.

The way they came to this conclusion was by looking at how closely the pair rank for several underlying metrics, including expected assists, actual assists, shots on target, passing accuracy, live passes, goal-creating actions, interceptions and clearances, all per 90.

However, it's not just their underlying numbers that make the two right-backs comparable.

Like the Arsenal man, the Bayern ace has shown himself to be positionally versatile, starting 44 games in central midfield, 13 in defensive midfield, and ten at left-back, among several starts all over the pitch.

So, while it's clear how the former Ajax star could be compared to the Englishman, how does he stack up to the man he may well be battling for a place in Ange Postecoglou's starting lineup next season?

Well, when you compare their underlying numbers from their respective league campaigns last season, it becomes clear that their battle could be an excellent one, with both full-backs coming out on top in ten key underlying metrics each.

For example, the former Sporting CP ace emerges victorious in metrics such as tackles won, blocks, ball recoveries and key passes, whereas his potential rival does better in ones like aerial duels won, progressive passes and carries, assists, and interceptions, all per 90.

Ultimately, if Spurs have a genuine chance to sign Mazraoui this summer, they should absolutely take it. He would be the perfect player to challenge Porro for the right-back position, and while the fans might not be the biggest fans of White, comparisons to him at the moment are certainly not a bad thing.

Already scouted: Spurs in frame to sign a "monster" Richarlison replacement

The impressive youngster has a very bright future ahead of him.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 24, 2024

Wayne Parnell’s career has been dented by injuries, exclusions and inconsistency. Now without Dale Steyn and Kyle Abbott, South Africa could be helped by Parnell’s improved and refined avatar

Firdose Moonda05-Jun-2017The most exciting thing South Africa offered at a major tournament in England since their 1999 semi-final at Edgbaston was Wayne Parnell. A decade after the drama of the tie, Parnell, then a 19-year old left-arm quick, tore his way through England and West Indies at the World T20 to put South Africa on course for the cup. We all know how that turned out, but we may have forgotten how Parnell did. Eight years later, he is back to show us.Not all of that time has been kind to Parnell. After the novelty of his potential faded into inconsistency, he struggled to keep his place. And then injuries struck. A groin strain suffered at the IPL robbed him of what would have been a crucial second bite at a global event – the 2010 World T20 – and most of the next season. So began a topsy-turvy period in and out of the national side, which only stabilised after Parnell played a full summer of domestic cricket, six years into his professional career.Parnell was left out of all formats of the national team in the 2015-16 summer and spent time honing his craft at Cape Cobras. Though he was hampered by a foot niggle for some parts of the season, he played more regularly than in previous years, was tasked with greater responsibility which even included opening the batting in some limited-overs’ matches (Parnell was initially touted as an allrounder, remember?) and he accepted it with aplomb. He finished as the third-highest wicket-taker in the 2015-16 season domestic One Day Cup and led Cobras to the final. At their awards ceremony that year, he scooped four titles, including Player of the Year, and it was around then that talks of a comeback began.Last February, Russell Domingo explained how despite Parnell’s reputation for being erratic, he remained valuable because things happened around players like him. By the time South Africa went to the Caribbean in June to play a triangular series, Parnell was back in the mix and had begun to have serious discussions with Domingo about his future. “Over the last 12 months, I sat down with Russell and tried to figure out a way that I could play more consistently in this one-day outfit,” Parnell said in Birmingham, where South Africa are preparing for their second Champions Trophy game against Pakistan on Wednesday. “Consistency was one thing that was mentioned.”Parnell knew that he had to become more reliable in his contributions to the team but for that to happen, he also needed more certainty over his role. That only came at the start of the 2016-17 season, when injuries to the lead pacemen, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, and the Kolpak-enforced departure of Kyle Abbott allowed Parnell to establish himself as a new-ball bowler. He has opened the bowling ten times in 13 ODIs since September 2016 and taken 18 wickets at 24.77 with an economy rate of 5.63, which is much-improved on the 18 times he opened the bowling in 51 matches before that. Then, he took 34 wickets at 28 with an economy rate of 6.21; so not only has Parnell become more dangerous but he has also learnt greater control.That was evident in his performance against Sri Lanka on Saturday, when he went wicketless but returned from a first spell that cost 45 runs in five overs to concede only nine runs in his next five overs. Sri Lanka’s situation had changed from the start of their innings when Upul Tharanga was on the attack to a more resigned pace of scoring in response to the inevitability of not being able to chase 300, largely because of Imran Tahir, but the way Parnell pulled things back was a good sign for South Africa.”It was about staying in the moment, staying in the game. The first five overs didn’t go according to plan. When AB [de Villiers] called on me for the last five overs, it was about doing what was needed in that particular time,” he said. “I’ve got plans in place that I want to try and implement. It’s about being smart.”Parnell thinks Pakistan may provide a similar challenge, which may mean South Africa will opt for a similar attack that could include both specialist quicks, Kagiso Rabada and Morne Morkel, and only two of the four allrounders. Parnell is one of them but does not see himself fighting for a place against Chris Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo and Dwaine Pretorius.Rather, he considers himself a cog in a South African wheel which will turn depending on conditions. “For me it is not a case of competing with somebody else. I bring a different skill set to this bowling unit. It’s just about trying to be the best version of myself,” Parnell said. “We are at a stage where everyone is comfortable with staying and sitting out at different times. We’ve developed a culture of horses for courses. It’s more about what’s needed at the different venues than performances.”Regularly impressive performances have told the story of Parnell’s coming of age. More of them could turn back the years to the glory of 2009, except that this time, he will want to take the team one step further.

ESPNcricinfo presents the plays of the day from the opening day in Kolkata

George Dobell in Kolkata05-Dec-2012Omission of the day
England’s decision to prefer Steven Finn over Stuart Broad for this Test might mark a watershed moment in the careers of both men. Not only was it the first time that Finn, at 23 the coming force in England’s fast bowling, was preferred to Broad, but it was the first time that Broad had been dropped since 2008 when, under the captaincy of Kevin Pietersen, he was omitted for the Test in Chennai. For England’s Twenty20 captain and the vice-captain of this tour it marks an abrupt moment of clarity in a career that had, at one stage, seemed destined for greater things.Mix-up of the day
Batting had looked relatively comfortable in the morning session. India’s openers appeared to have seen off the new ball and were on the brink of a fifty partnership when Virender Sehwag clipped one off his toes. Having run a comfortable two, he embarked on a third run only to find that his partner, Gautam Gambhir, had remained rooted at the other end and was watching the ball. Sehwag, despite being around two thirds of the way down the pitch, was forced to turn in hope of regaining his ground but was well beaten by a strong throw. If India would rue the self-inflicted injury, England could also congratulate themselves on some committed fielding. Samit Patel, not renowned as one of the better athletes in the side, produced a long run and diving save to stop the ball going to the boundary, while Finn, backing him up, produced the hard, accurate throw to Matt Prior to complete the run-out.Milestone of the day
The shot may have been unobtrusive, merely a flick into the leg side for a single off Monty Panesar, but when Sachin Tendulkar scored his second run he became the first man to reach 34,000 runs in international cricket. Coming into this match with 15,562 runs in Test cricket, 18,426 in ODIs and a token 10 in T20Is, Tendulkar has now scored nearly 7,000 more runs than Ricky Ponting, who is second in the combined table of all international runs. Ponting scored 27,483. Tendulkar also later became just the second man, after Brian Lara, to pass 2,500 Test runs in Tests against two teams, in both cases Australia and England. Whatever his recent trials and tribulations, those statistics underlined Tendulkar’s immense achievements over more than 20 years. It is hard to believe anyone will ever overhaul such a record.Decision of the day
India had lost three wickets for 48 runs by the time that Yuvraj Singh came to the crease. At 136 for 4, England sensed blood and India were in danger of failing to make use of winning another important toss. Before he had scored, Yuvraj was trapped on the front pad by one that swung back into him from James Anderson. Umpire Rod Tucker turned down England’s appeal, perhaps believing that the batsman was hit outside the line, though replays suggested that Yuvraj could count himself fortunate to survive. He survived another huge leg before shout when he was on one, this time off Graeme Swann, just a few minutes later. Had either decision gone against India, they would have been five down with fewer than 140 on the board. As it was the fifth-wicket pair of Yuvraj and Tendulkar added 79 runs to lead India to safer ground.Key moment of the day
For much of Tendulkar’s innings, batting had been a real struggle. As he passed 50, however, he began to rediscover his fluency and produced one vintage drive through extra cover off Panesar that suggested he could build his side a strong position in the game. With India threatening to move into the ascendancy at 230 for 5, however, a new spell from Anderson brought the breakthrough. Tendulkar, half forward to one that held its own, could only edge the ball and was very well held by a diving Prior behind the stumps. The game was in the balance once more.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri believes he could make a comeback from his anterior cruciate ligament injury ahead of next year's Club World Cup.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Rodri nursing an ACL injury
• Expected to miss rest of the season
• Man City star aiming to return before CWC

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Initially expected to miss the remainder of the season due to ACL and meniscus damage in his right knee – sustained during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September – the Spaniard now aims to return earlier than predicted. The initial prognosis suggested a recovery period of up to 10 months, placing Rodri's return well into next season. However, the 27-year-old is keen to expedite his rehabilitation, viewing the journey as both a physical and mental challenge.

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  WHAT RODRI SAID

  In an interview with Rodri said: "There is the information that the surgeon gives you, who wants everything to go well and it extends up to 10 months or so. I'm trying to set a date for myself. For reasons of my mind, I'm trying to finish this season."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  City earned their spot in the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup by winning the Champions League in 2023. Rodri played a pivotal role in that triumph, scoring the decisive goal in the final against Inter. The revamped tournament, modelled on the World Cup, will feature eight groups of four teams followed by a knockout stage. Running from June 15 to mid-July, the event provides Rodri with a concrete goal to work toward as he recovers.

  "Every year they are longer and I think I will make it," he said. "I don't know how much I will be able to participate, but with the Nations League and Club World Cup at the end, June-July, I think so."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

  Rodri’s absence has coincided with a turbulent period for City, marking one of the most challenging stretches in Pep Guardiola’s managerial career. The reigning Premier League champions have lost four consecutive matches, a first for Guardiola, including back-to-back league defeats to Bournemouth and Brighton. After the international break, City will look to rebound with a challenging Premier League clash against Tottenham on November 23.

Stoinis smashed an unbeaten 75 as well to pile on the misery for Hurricanes

AAP19-Jan-2022Glenn Maxwell’s all-out assault on Hobart Hurricanes netted him and Melbourne Stars the highest scores in BBL history, handing Hurricanes a reality check with a 106-run hammering on the eve of the finals.Maxwell thumped an unbeaten 154 from 64 balls at the MCG, smashing 22 boundaries and four sixes in the most brutal display of hitting in the competition’s history.It helped the Stars to a record total of 2 for 273, 41 more than the next best in BBL history and the third highest in any franchise or international T20 game in history. Only totals made by Afghanistan and the Czech Republic have been higher, with those matches against fellow minnows Ireland and Turkey.Maxwell’s score was also the ninth highest in T20 history, after Hurricanes opted to rest Scott Boland and Riley Meredith.He dominated Hurricanes all round the wicket, with the shot of the night an outrageous switch-hit flick over fly-slip for six. His century was the second-fastest in BBL history, coming in 41 balls and just two shy of Craig Simmons’s 39-ball effort in 2014.The right-hander helped take 21 off one D’Arcy Short over, while he hit five boundaries for 22 runs off another from Sandeep Lamichhane.Maxwell was not alone with Marcus Stoinis also finishing unbeaten on 75 from 31 balls. On the same night he lost his record for the highest score in BBL history, Stoinis also showed Hurricanes no mercy.He launched six balls over the rope, also taking 26 from a Tim David over as no Hurricanes bowler went at an economy rate below 10.In reply, Hobart never looked interested in the chase as they finished at 6 for 167 with Ben McDermott top-scoring with 55 from 33.Maxwell’s knock will serve as a great ‘what-if?’ for Stars fans, after they finished the season at 7-7 and with two losses with the bulk of their squad out with Covid-19.”The disappointment of the last week probably culminated in us playing with ultimate freedom,” Maxwell said on Seven’s coverage. “It’s been a real tough year. I have had plenty of injuries, COVID, and pretty much every result go against us.”A lot of things have to go right for that to happen. I had great support the whole way through.”Meanwhile, Hurricanes’ loss means they still finish fifth and face Adelaide in an Eliminator on Friday, but all of a sudden with a serious dent to their momentum.The first three finals will each be played in Melbourne, with the challenger and decider to be at home venues. Perth will use Marvel Stadium as their home, while locked out of Western Australia.

Eden Park likes to produce a tight game. Six of New Zealand’s last eight ODIs here can certainly lay claim to the tag of a nipper. On the eve of the decider against South Africa (these two have history at the ground) here’s a rundown

Andrew McGlashan in Auckland03-Mar-2017Lost by two wickets v West Indies, 2013Darren Sammy carried West Indies over the line in a low-scorer•Getty ImagesFor all the talk of short boundaries at Eden Park, the bowlers have more than their fair share of moments. Having been put in, New Zealand crashed to 156 all out (98 of the runs coming from the McCullum brothers) as firstly Jason Holder and Ravi Rampaul – plus one of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor’s mix-ups – then Dwayne Bravo did the damage. But West Indies made heavy weather of the chase as Mitchell McClenaghan took 5 for 58. The innings had barely passed halfway when Holder fell leaving them needing 10 to win with two wickets in hand. Darren Sammy was not taking any chances, clubbing McClenaghan for a six and a four in the space of three balls.Tied v India, 2014Ravindra Jadeja starred in 2014 when India earned a tie•Associated PressA Martin Guptill century had anchored New Zealand towards 314, although India’s bowlers fought back when it looked like 350 was touchable. In turn, they were swiftly out of the blocks but 64 without loss became 79 for 4. MS Dhoni helped rebuild, but when he fell for 50, brilliantly caught by Tim Southee, the game again looked lost at 184 for 6 in the 36th over. However, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja produced a rollicking stand of 85 in nine overs yet when last man Varun Aaron walked in, 29 were needed off 13 balls. Jadeja was given a life in the penultimate over, still 12 off three balls was cutting it fine. A four and six later it was two off one, but he could only drill the next delivery to one of the cluster of in-fielders. All square.Won by one wicket v Australia, 2015Six to win. Job done•Getty ImagesA bizarre game. Australia’s 80 for 1 became 106 for 9 in one of the most dramatic World Cup collapses (for an hour or so, anyway) as Trent Boult curved the ball through the middle order with five wickets in 17 balls. They scrambled to 151, but Brendon McCullum made minced meat of the new ball with 50 off 24 deliveries. When he found mid-off, New Zealand were 78 for 2 in the eighth over. It wasn’t even the dinner break. Then it was over to Mitchell Starc. Either side of the interval he castled Ross Taylor and Grant Elliott with consecutive balls. Still, Kane Williamson and Corey Anderson got New Zealand to within 21 when Anderson slogged to mid-on. In the blink of an eye, and a flash of zing bails, Boult walked in with Starc on a hat-trick and six required. Boult somehow survived, but Williamson wasn’t going to wait to see for how much longer. The next ball he received he drilled Pat Cummins over the short straight boundary. It wasn’t even dark, but everyone needed a lie down.Won by four wickets v South Africa, 2015Grant Elliott soaks it all in after his matchwinning innings in the World Cup semi-final•Getty ImagesDale Steyn. Grant Elliott. Six. That’s almost enough to say, but a magnificent game had many strands. South Africa were threatening to cut loose through AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis when one of the most important showers in New Zealand history blew through and zapped South Africa’s momentum. David Miller’s 18-ball 49 ensured it remained a daunting chase, but New Zealand didn’t feel it was out of sight. It was firmly in view when McCullum plundered 59 off 26 ferocious deliveries in an opening stand of 71 in 6.1 overs. Elliott arrived with consolidation needed and alongside Anderson added 103 in 16.2 overs. It came down to 23 off two overs. After Elliott was dropped, it was 12 off the last (or 11 for the tie which was also good enough for New Zealand) then 10 off 4. Daniel Vettori squirted the most important boundary of his life. Elliott was back on strike with five needed off two. It was back-of-a-length from Steyn. Elliott saw it early. Swung for the hills. Connected.Won by three wickets v Pakistan, 2016Mitchell Santner kept his cool after a chase against Pakistan got a little tight•Getty ImagesSomething a little more mundane this time, but still a frantic finish. New Zealand had appeared to time their chase pretty well needing 41 off the last five but there wasn’t much room for error. Then Anderson was given a reprieve when Billy Bowden didn’t spot an edge off Rahat Ali (Pakistan had used up their review) which was followed by consecutive sixes – 26 off 24 left breathing room and 13 off 18, after Mohammad Amir’s last over went for 13, should have been a cakewalk. Somehow, though, Pakistan pushed it out to six off the final over. Mitchell Santner pricked the tension with a crunching cover drive and after two teasing dot deliveries drilled the winning hit down the ground.Won by six runs v Australia, 2017Australia celebrate after clinging on for victory after Marcus Stoinis’ onslaught•Getty ImagesThis wasn’t looking like a thriller. For the third consecutive time at Eden Park, Australia’s top order had been blown away. From 67 for 6 chasing 287, they would even do well to just make a game of it. Marcus Stoinis, in just his second ODI, was 73 off 84 balls when Cummins, who had 36, was stumped with Australia needing 91 off nine overs. Then Stoinis really started swinging. Three sixes came off the next over from James Neesham. But just defiance, right? Starc came and went: 61 off 42 balls with one wicket in hand. Stoinis’ sixth six brought up a stunning century and three more followed off the next seven deliveries. He then survived a run out chance and a huge appeal for caught behind. Nineteen needed off 24, astonishingly the run rate wasn’t an issue. Two sixes later and the target was in single figures, the stand was worth 52 and Josh Hazlewood hadn’t faced a ball. Queue lengthy field changes. Southee them jammed in a yorker, Stoinis dug it out to Williamson at short mid-on (one of those field changes) but Hazlewood, similarly to Allan Donald in 1999 World Cup semi-final, had charged up the pitch. Williamson collected the ball, wasn’t balanced but somehow managed to back-hand it into the stumps.

In accordance with the rule of a maximum of four overseas players, ESPNcricinfo had to sacrifice one big performer in the best XI of BPL 2016

Mohammad Isam10-Dec-20161 Tamim Iqbal (476 runs at 43.27, SR 115.8)
Given his top position among the run-scorers, Tamim was an automatic choice. He spent much of the tournament trying to ensure his runs mattered for Chittagong Vikings, who failed to make it past the eliminator match despite having a strong line-up.2 Mehedi Maruf (347 runs, SR 135.54)
Maruf’s strike rate was the highest among openers who played at least 10 innings. He did not make many big scores but always provided Dhaka Dynamites with a fast start in the Powerplay. He is a good fielder too, and affected a crucial run-out to dismiss Sabbir Rahman in the final.3 Sabbir Rahman (377 runs, SR 117.81)
Sabbir edged out Mohammad Mithun by virtue of one innings. His 122 against Barisal Bulls was the tournament’s only century. Mithun had a better average and appeared more stable, but you would always want a gun batsman like Sabbir at No. 3.Mahmudullah was declared Player of the Tournament•BCB4 Mahmudullah (396 runs at 33; 10 wickets, 7.41 RPO)
He was often a one-man show for Khulna Titans. For his exploits with bat and ball, Mahmudullah was the Player of the Tournament. He was consistent with the bat despite having to switch between roles of anchor and slogger, and though he bowled less this year, his last-over heroics in two matches ultimately took Khulna to the playoffs.5 Mohammad Nabi (overseas, 230 runs, SR 174.24; 19 wickets, 6.47 RPO)
Chittagong had great service from Mohammad Nabi, who won them matches with bat and ball. His reputation grew from the 2013 BPL, when he appeared for Sylhet Royals, but this time he was more involved by bowling up front and batting higher up the order.6 Darren Sammy (capt) (overseas, 276 runs, SR 174.68; 6 wickets, 7.54 RPO)
By pulling Rajshahi Kings to the final with his leadership and crucial runs, Sammy was chosen ahead of Kumar Sangakkara, who made 370 runs, in the XI. Sammy brought his ability to inspire to a franchise that was making its debut in the BPL. His team talks, some of which were seen in the middle, seemed to bring everyone together. His big-hitting also won them a few matches, and there was also the odd breakthrough with the ball.7 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk) (341 runs at 37.88, SR 134.78; 7 dismissals)
Because Sangakkara could not be fit in because of the limit on overseas players, Mushfiqur made it. He was the lone light in a dreary season for Barisal Bulls, who finished at the bottom. There was a marked improvement in Mushfiqur’s wicketkeeping.8 Dwayne Bravo (overseas, 104 runs; 21 wickets, 7.55 RPO)
Dhaka Dynamites wouldn’t have been champions without Bravo’s effervescence with the ball. He failed to take wickets in only two matches and collected at least three wickets in four matches. He was the highest wicket-taker of the tournament, which helped him stretch his lead as T20 cricket’s highest wicket-taker.Arafat Sunny bowled tightly for Rangpur•AFP9 Arafat Sunny (13 wickets, 6.29 RPO)
Sunny edged out Sunzamul Islam, Nazmul Islam and Rangpur Riders team-mate Sohag Gazi because he conceded only 4.02 per over in wins. Sunny was also the only Bangladeshi spinner among the top ten wicket-takers this season. But he had one sour note: his bowling action was reported by umpires for one delivery.10 Shafiul Islam (18 wickets, 7.78 RPO)
In this unusually long injury-free period, Shafiul bowled better than he has ever done in a tournament. He ended with more wickets than Rubel Hossain, Mohammad Shahid and Taskin Ahmed, becoming the highest Bangladeshi wicket-taker in the tournament. But he eventually suffered a hamstring injury and missed the second qualifier for Khulna.11 Junaid Khan (20 wickets, 6.09 RPO)
Junaid was the second highest wicket-taker in the tournament, grabbing the attention with a four-wicket haul in Khulna’s first game. His pace, lengths and variation impressed even Wasim Akram, who tweeted that the performance should be noticed by Pakistan’s selectors.

It is hard to recall a less experienced squad, in recent years at least, flying out of Australia for a Test tour. This is the first glimpse of how the team will look in the Steven Smith era

Brydon Coverdale14-Sep-2015The dizzying disorientation brought on by the premature arrival of the future. That’s how author Alvin Toffler defined his concept of “future shock” back in the 1970s. Next month in Bangladesh, Australian cricket might suffer from a case of it, for it is hard to recall a less experienced squad, in recent years at least, flying out of Australia for a Test tour.

Test experience

57 – Siddle
46 – Lyon
33 – Smith
22 – Starc
15 – S Marsh
9 – Khawaja
7 – M Marsh
7 – Voges
4 – Nevill
3 – Maxwell
2 – Burns
1 – Cummins
1 – O’Keefe
0 – Bancroft
0 – Fekete

The table at right tells the story. It is a list of Australia’s 15 squad members for the Bangladesh series, ordered by number of Tests played. If those figures were on a scorecard, it would suggest an exceptionally long tail. It is a glimpse at the future of Australia’s Test team and through retirements, injury and workload management, the future is now.First, let’s consider who is there. Michael Clarke retired at the end of the failed Ashes campaign. So did Chris Rogers, Brad Haddin and Shane Watson. Ryan Harris pulled the pin before the Ashes even started. David Warner is absent with a broken thumb, and the selectors have chosen to rest Mitchell Johnson and Josh Hazlewood after a busy few months.Warner, Johnson and Hazlewood will return for the home Tests against New Zealand and West Indies, which will add much-needed experience. But otherwise this squad – plus men from outside the group such as James Faulkner, James Pattinson and Ashton Agar – is Australia’s future. This is the first glimpse of how the team will look in the Steven Smith era.And at first glance it is a squad with some promise, though with much to learn. The make-up of the top order remains undecided, but what is certain is that it will be raw. Joe Burns, Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh are all in the mix to open the batting and while it might be tempting to leave out the uncapped Bancroft, it may also be an error.Last summer Bancroft displayed his remarkable patience with a 13-hour innings of 211 in a Sheffield Shield match at the WACA and, oxymoronic as it sounds, that makes him an exciting prospect. He used his feet and the sweep to great effect against the Indian spinners in the recent A series and scored 150 in Chennai, and could be just the man Australia need in Bangladesh conditions.Burns was unlucky not to make the Ashes squad after scoring a pair of fifties in his second Test against India last summer, and his lack of runs in the one-day series against England should not be held against him – the format, conditions and opposition will be vastly different next month. Though he debuted as a Test No.6, Burns is an opener for Queensland.Whatever XI is chosen for the first Test in Chittagong, the batting order will lack Test experience. Of the batsmen, only Smith and Marsh have played more than 10 Tests, and it is far from certain that Marsh will even be in the starting line-up. The situation is clear from the fact that Adam Voges, who four months ago was uncapped, is suddenly the stand-in Test vice-captain.There is more experience in the bowling line-up through Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc, but Australia may yet regret leaving Johnson at home. Their attack was flaccid on the UAE pitches against Pakistan last year and Johnson’s pace through the air at least made him of some value in the first Test in Dubai.Bangladesh’s batsmen do not boast the sturdiness of Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq, but nor are they to be underestimated in their own conditions. They will be thrilled not to face the speed of Johnson; it might be left to Pat Cummins, in line for his first Test match in nearly four years, to deliver the extra pace that may rattle the local batsmen. If his body holds up to it.The selectors will also need to determine how to balance their attack, with the spin of Steve O’Keefe and Glenn Maxwell available as backup to Lyon. It is not the first time Maxwell has been viewed as a valuable all-round option in Asian conditions, but none of his three Tests in India and the UAE have borne out that belief.Undoubtedly the most surprising selection was that of Andrew Fekete, a 30-year-old fast bowler who has spent only two years as a first-class cricketer. One good Sheffield Shield season for Tasmania last summer led to an Australia A call-up and while his tally of five wickets in two first-class games against India A may not look much, the selectors liked his ability to find reverse swing.A debut for Fekete appears unlikely, but his very presence in the 15-man squad highlights just how much things have changed. Even among Australian cricket’s more serious fans, many would struggle to pick him out of a line-up. The fringe cricket watchers who emerge in the home summer would never have heard of him.Bangladesh’s only Test wins have come against Zimbabwe and a third-string West Indies team, so there are worse places to take a team this low on experience. But, weather permitting, anything except a 2-0 series win will be viewed as a failure. The pressure is on Smith and his men to ensure Australia’s tour of Bangladesh is more Dizzy Gillespie than dizzying disorientation.

Enzo Maresca has fully turned things around at Chelsea since his arrival, the Blues finding themselves second in the Premier League after 16 games played, and top of the UEFA Conference League after five games.

In their five Conference League games, Chelsea have scored 21 goals, including an 8-0 victory against Noah. Meanwhile, they have only conceded four goals in five games.

Maresca has shown faith in the squad options he has, including academy graduates, making 11 changes in most games, in order to keep his entire squad fresh, and competing on all fronts.

The same is expected against Shamrock Rovers in their next game, with plenty of rotation set to take place, as one eye is already on the weekend.

Chelsea team news

Wesley Fofana and Reece James both remain out through injury. Whilst neither would likely play in cup competitions, the knock-on effect on the squad means Tosin Adarabioyo is likely to start in the Premier League, meaning he is less likely to also feature against Shamrock.

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Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Benoit Badiashile is also unavailable due to an injury picked up last week, further adding to the centre-back issues when rotating the team, and Mykhailo Mudryk is also out for the time being through suspension, which could see minutes for Tyrique George at left-wing.

João Félix is also a doubt, whilst others such as Cole Palmer and Roméo Lavia aren’t available due to not being selected in the Conference League group stage squad.

The absence of Felix could be a big one which requires multiple rejigs to Maresca’s plans, as the Portugal international has often taken the Palmer role in this second unit.

Maresca's attacking options

Christopher Nkunku has been playing as a striker in the Conference League, with Nicolas Jackson being rested for Premier League games. The 27-year-old Frenchman has made 23 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists in 903 minutes played.

But in the absence of Felix, Nkunku would likely drop slightly deeper, playing in his preferred number ten position, able to drop deep, link play, get on the ball more often, and create for others alongside himself. This would see the striker position become available, with Marc Guiu being the player who has benefited from these sparing minutes this campaign.

Guiu has made nine appearances since joining the Blues this summer for a fee of around £5m, scoring three goals, all of which have come in the Conference League, where 224 of his 382 minutes have been played.

The 18-year-old striker has shown his ability to be a nuisance in the box, willing to get his shots off (shown by his 5.17 shots per 90), and pressing with high intensity, always looking to do his part off the ball, as well as on it. Nkunku has shown his creative numbers are far superior, and by dropping him to the number ten position, he will have even more chances to impact the game in this way.

But there is another option Maresca could choose to hand those minutes to upfront, with an academy graduate who has been called “the next big thing from Cobham” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Why Shumaira Mheuka must be unleashed

Shumaira Mheuka made his debut against Astana last week, coming from the bench in the 78th minute, taking one shot (off target) and winning two of his three ground duels.

The 17-year-old has made 14 appearances for the U21 side this season, scoring two goals, providing one assist and totalling 1,003 minutes played.

The young English forward thrives in and around the box, having excellent movement to find himself in dangerous positions, having brilliant ball manipulation in order to shift it himself and find a yard to get a shot away, and also using his body well to protect the ball.

Maresca will have a tough decision on his hands, as Guiu will be knocking on the door for minutes after scoring twice against Astana last week. However, whilst Mheuka might not start the game, it should be a good chance to give him more minutes in the senior team, as he looks to gain his reps and experience this season.

And Mheuka isn’t the only academy graduate in line for some minutes against Shamrock Rovers, as two players, in particular, are even expected to start the game on Thursday night, having also started last week against Astana.

Other academy graduates who could feature

Both Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong are expected to be involved in the Conference League game this week, with Mudryk unavailable, and Jadon Sancho likely being rested ahead of the Premier League game against Everton this weekend.

This will likely see George start in his favoured left-wing position, allowing him the freedom to cut inside on his stronger right foot.

In the absence of James and Fofana (both right-side defenders), extra pressure is on the likes of Malo Gusto and Adarabioyo, which will likely mean they are also rested for the weekend’s game. This could see a second consecutive Conference League start at right-back for Acheampong.

Both George and Acheampong are highly rated by the club, with the latter even signing a new five-year contract yesterday, with Maresca stating he believes “Josh needs to stay close with us rather than going on loan”, insinuating the 18-year-old defender is a part of the plans not only for the future, but also the present.

Exciting times, indeed, in both the short-term and long-term at Stamford Bridge.

Beware Jackson: Chelsea chasing "monster" who'd be their own Gyokeres

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By
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Dec 18, 2024

Leicestershire bowled out for 99, Steven Croft anchors simple chase for hosts

ECB Reporters Network25-May-2023Lancashire’s star-studded line-up gave Liam Livingstone the perfect start to his spell as Lightning’s Vitality Blast captain with a landslide eight-wicket win over Leicestershire at Emirates Old Trafford.A team with seven internationals blitzed the Foxes early on thanks to Luke Wood’s pace in the powerplay after the visitors had elected to bat, limiting them to a measly 99 all out inside 19 overs.Livingstone didn’t bat or bowl in this lunchtime fixture, with his England white-ball team-mate Wood setting the tone with two wickets in the third over. He got openers Sol Budinger and Nick Welch caught pulling as the score fell to 17 for 2.Left-armer Wood finished with 3 for 11 from four overs, while another England quick Saqib Mahmood finished with 3 for 17 from 3.5 before the chase was completed inside 12 overs thanks to Steven Croft’s unbeaten 46 off 34 balls.Lancashire have started their bid for what could be a record-breaking 10th Finals Day appearance – Hampshire have also previously qualified for nine – by winning two from two at the start of the North Group.Wood’s fiery new-ball spell seemed to scramble the minds of Leicestershire’s batters, with nine of the 10 wickets falling to catches in their first game of the competition. Wiaan Mulder’s 25 was the only score above 20.When the easier-paced seam of Colin de Grandhomme was introduced in the fourth over, Arron Lilley chipped to midwicket and later Colin Ackermann was bowled aiming a big heave at a slower ball from the former New Zealand allrounder – leaving Leicestershire 35 for 4 after seven.Wickets continued to fall, three in four overs, as Leicestershire slipped deeper into trouble at 74 for 7 in the 14th. Matthew Parkinson struck with his third ball in the 11th when Rishi Patel tried to break the shackles and miscued to Wood at long-on before Mahmood had Mulder caught at deep midwicket pulling in the next.Wood then returned to get Rehan Ahmed caught behind trying to uppercut a short ball in the 14th over, the England allrounder falling for 6.That brought about a battle of the Parkinson twins, Matthew and Callum, the latter attempting to retrieve what already looked a lost cause. Callum survived against his brother, picking up a couple of singles off him on the way to 9. But he then fell caught behind off a top edge against Lancashire’s other New Zealand allrounder Daryl Mitchell.As the Foxes fell to 94 for 8 in the 18th over, Parkinson became the fourth batter out attempting to pull.Mahmood then wrapped up the innings – Leicestershire’s fifth-lowest in Blast history – with two more wickets caught off miscues in the 19th over, Pakistan debutant fast bowler Naseem Shah and Will Davis falling.South African Mulder took the new ball for the Foxes and struck in the second over when Luke Wells followed a number of visiting batters by falling caught on the pull, leaving Lancashire at 8 for 1.Croft and Phil Salt then shared 60 inside six overs for the second wicket, both hitting sixes. Salt was then superbly caught at backward point by a diving Patel off Ahmed’s legspin for 28, but it was nothing more than a consolatory wicket at 68 for 2 in the seventh.Mitchell later hit a six off Davis over backward square-leg to seal victory and finish 25 not out.Such is the strength of the Red Rose county’s team, captain Livingstone’s contribution was limited to captaincy alone upon his return from IPL duty. And England limited-overs skipper Jos Buttler will be added to the mix in time for next Thursday’s Roses clash at Headingley.