da poker： Quando Rodrigo Nestor encheu o pé, de primeira, e marcou o gol do título inédito do São Paulo na Copa do Brasil, o volante Pablo Maia celebrou apontando para o companheiro de meio-campo e dizendo ‘ele merece’.
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da betsson： Cria de Cotia, Nestor foi o jogador mais criticado pela torcida são-paulina durante esta temporada. Essas reclamações chegaram até a passar dos limites, quando a mãe do atleta foi ameaçada, através das redes sociais, por um usuário que disse que a vida dela e do filho corria perigo caso ele não saísse do clube. Isso foi revelado pelo jogador em agosto, após uma vitória sobre o San Lorenzo (ARG), pela Sul-Americana.
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Assim como havia acontecido com outras revelações do São Paulo, como Rodrigo Caio, Liziero e Igor Gomes, em anos anteriores, Nestor foi o ‘bode expiatório’ da equipe em 2023. E, embora já tenha declarado que da parte dele era ‘só amor’, não teve sangue de barata e chegou a discutir com um integrante da torcida no intervalo do jogo em que o Tricolor foi eliminado no Campeonato Paulista para o Água Santa, no Allianz Parque.
A situação, no entanto, foi inversa contra o Flamengo, na decisão da Copa do Brasil. Ao marcar o gol, que confirmou o título são-paulino, o jogador teve o nome gritado pelos mais de 60 mil torcedores presentes no Morumbi.
+ Público no Morumbi prova que São Paulo tem a torcida que conduz
E a importância de Nestor para a primeira conquista do São Paulo na competição nacional foi além do gol marcado cinco minutos depois dos cariocas abrirem o placar na casa do Tricolor. Na partida de ida, foi dele o cruzamento para o gol de cabeça marcado pelo centroavante Calleri, na vitória por 1 a 0 em pleno Maracanã.
E não foi só na final da Copa do Brasil que Rodrigo Nestor foi decisivo. Ao todo, são oito ele foi autor de oito assistências em jogos decisivos. Somente em finais disputadas, foram três: nesta Copa do Brasil e nos Paulistas de 2021 e 2022.
It is the start of a new era at Ibrox after Glasgow Rangers confirmed that Russell Martin is their new head coach, which came shortly after their takeover was finalised.
They also have a new sporting director, in Kevin Thelwell, and will be attacking the summer transfer window with a view to creating a team that will compete for trophies next season.
Martin and Thelwell are tasked with making changes to a squad that ended the 2024/25 campaign without a single trophy to show for their efforts.
The former Scotland international has already confirmed, though, that James Tavernier will retain the captaincy, and that a change in management will not result in a change in leadership.
Of course, the English defender keeping his role as the club captain does not mean that he is guaranteed to start week-in-week-out next term.
Why James Tavernier's position could be in danger
The veteran full-back should not be a guaranteed starter at right-back under Martin because of his defensive deficiencies that have cost Rangers on many occasions.
As recently as April, broadcaster Graham Spiers posted this on X: “The criticism that has been cast at James Tavernier all his career – defensive negligence – strikes again.”
That comment was in reaction to the goal in the clip above, as Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams ghosted in behind the Rangers skipper to score at the back post.
Tavernier, who former Gers full-back Steven Whittaker once claimed “needs to look” at the defensive side of the game, did not enjoy the best season in the Scottish Premiership from a defensive perspective either.
24/25 Premiership
James Tavernier
Appearances
33
Goals
4
Assists
8
Dribbled past
17x
Error led to shot
4
Duel success rate
56%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the 33-year-old captain made four errors that directly led to shots for the opposition, which is twice as many as any other Rangers defender made in the division this season.
Errors have simply become too commonplace for the English full-back, whether that is giving the ball away to set up a shot for the opposition or by failing to track a runner at the back post, and that is why his spot as a regular starter should be in danger heading into next season.
Rangers are now reportedly eyeing up a new right-back to bolster their squad, and it could mean that Tavernier starting regularly next term is even less likely.
Rangers eyeing deal for new right-back
According to Hull Live, Rangers are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Hull City right-back Cody Drameh in the summer transfer window, which reopens next Monday.
The report claims that the Gers are ‘huge admirers’ of the English defender, as they line up a swoop to sign him from the Championship side ahead of next season.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It adds that Derby County, who are also in the English Championship, have already had one bid turned down for the former Leeds United full-back, but they remain determined to snap him up.
The outlet reveals that as many as nine clubs are eyeing up moves to sign Drameh this summer, with Preston North End and Strasbourg named alongside Derby and Rangers.
Cody Drameh in action for Hull City.
Hull Live reveals, though, that the Tigers are not ‘actively’ looking to cash in on the defender, although they would be prepared to consider offers in excess of £1m for his services.
Rangers should, now, push hard to win the race for Drameh’s signature before the end of the summer transfer window, because he could improve Martin’s options at right-back.
Why Cody Drameh could be an upgrade on James Tavernier
As aforementioned, Tavernier’s defensive work has left a lot to be desired for Rangers and bringing in the Hull star could improve the team defensively because of the qualities that he can provide down the right flank.
The 23-year-old star, who was once described as a “Duracell bunny” by former Cardiff City boss Steve Morison, is a solid defender who can lock up opposition wingers week-in-week-out.
Ex-Leeds player Ben Parker previously hailed the full-back’s defensive qualities, saying: “Cody Drameh, his strength is one v one defending. He loves defending. There has not been too many players I’ve seen this season that gets the better of him in a one v one duel. I love to see that.”
Drameh has averaged 3.9 tackles and interceptions per game across his entire club career to date, compared to Tavernier’s 3.1 per match, and his defensive statistics in the 2024/25 campaign in particular suggest that he could be a terrific addition for Rangers.
24/25 Championship
Drameh (per 90)
Percentile rank vs full-backs
Tackles
4.04
Top 1%
Tackles in defensive third
2.57
Top 1%
Dribblers challenged
4.15
Top 1%
Dribblers tackled
2.46
Top 1%
Tackles + interceptions
5.08
Top 1%
Errors
0.0
Top 23%
Stats via FBref
As you can see in the table above, the Hull star ranked incredibly highly among his positional peers in the Championship in a host of key defensive metrics, winning tackles and challenges in his own half and preventing wingers from getting by him with dribbles.
He also ended the Championship season without a single error that directly led to a shot or goal for the opposition, compared to Tavernier’s four, which suggests that he would be far more reliable in the right-back slot.
As Parker claimed, Drameh ‘loves defending’ and the same could not be said of Tavernier after aforementioned his mistakes for the Gers, which have cost them, particularly in the Europa League.
The Hull defender is also ten years younger than the Rangers captain and could be the long-term option for Martin in the right-back position, as a big defensive upgrade on the former Newcastle man.
As important as selling Propper: Five clubs now want to sign Rangers flop
Five teams are eyeing up a deal for a Rangers flop should be sold as well as Robin Propper.
da roleta： Still chasing potential incomings despite their PSR concerns, Aston Villa have now reportedly opened talks to sign an experienced winger who scored against Manchester United last season.
da bet sport： In just three days, Aston Villa will face the PSR deadline in the hope that they’ve done enough to avoid any sanctions. Whether that means player sales or even the sale of their women’s team is the big question. Already, names who could be sacrificed include young gem Louie Barry who Villa are reportedly ready to sell this week to meet PSR requirements.
Meanwhile, fresh reports have suggested that Villa could also follow Chelsea in selling their women’s team for over £100m this summer. The sale would take advantage of a PSR loophole and could save their transfer window.
Once Monday’s deadline has passed, Aston Villa should finally know where they stand on the transfer front and that could see them spring into action to get their business underway.
If they are in a position to spend, then they could do so to welcome the likes of Lucas Chevalier. The Villans have reportedly opened talks to sign the LOSC Lille goalkeeper and have tabled an offer worth £40m.
Aston Villa chiefs now prepared to sell "superb" 16-goal forward this week
The Villans must be ruthless.
ByTom Cunningham Jun 26, 2025
Their pursuit of the Frenchman comes amid rumours that Emiliano Martinez could leave the club this summer. Reports have even gone as far as to suggest that the World Cup winner now wants to join Premier League rivals Manchester United.
It’s not just in the defensive third that Aston Villa could make changes, though. A fresh name who knows all about scoring against Premier League opposition is now threatening to steal the headlines.
Aston Villa hold talks to sign Pepe
As reported by ESPN Brazil, Aston Villa have now held talks to sign Pepe from FC Porto this summer. The 28-year-old winger has already got his name on the scoresheet at the Club World Cup – netting in a 4-4 draw with Al-Ahly and could now be on the move for over €15m (£12m+) in the coming months.
Porto's Pepe scores at the Club World Cup against Al-Ahly.
At the peak of his powers, Pepe proved that he has the quality to perform against Premier League sides when he scored in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Manchester United in the Europa League’s table phase last season.
Just one of the six goals that he managed alongside his four assists in all competitions last season, Pepe would offer Unai Emery some much-needed attacking depth following the end of Marco Asensio’s and Marcus Rashford’s loan spells.
As the Spaniard looks to enjoy more success in the Europa League next season, having that depth will be more important than ever for Aston Villa.
Jack Grealish has revealed he phoned Everton and England great Wayne Rooney before moving to Merseyside on loan from Manchester City.
Grealish reveals Rooney inspirationWill take No.18 shirt with ToffeesHoping for 2026 World Cup spotFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
New Everton signing Grealish has revealed he spoke with former Toffees forward Rooney before making the loan move to Merseyside. The England attacker has joined David Moyes' side for the 2025-26 season after falling out of favour with Pep Guardiola at City and will hope a solid campaign can get him on the plane for the 2026 World Cup next summer.
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Grealish had the chance to pick his shirt number and has now admitted he was drawn to No.18 because greats like Rooney and Paul Gascoigne previously wore it for the club. The 29-year-old previous donned No.10 at City and Aston Villa, but that jersey is currently held by Iliman Ndiaye.
WHAT GREALISH SAID
Grealish told Everton's website: "There is a reason for [choosing number 18]. There were other numbers but my two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne and I know they both wore number 18 here.
"So, as soon as I knew this deal was close, I had a look and number 18 was free, so that was perfect for me and it was the only number I was going to take from that point. I spoke to Wayne [Rooney] before I came here and I mentioned that to him – about the number 18 – so I hope he's happy as well!"
DID YOU KNOW?
Everton confirmed their loan move for Grealish earlier on Tuesday, with the winger reportedly taking a pay cut to ensure the deal went through.
Premier League legend Sol Campbell has named his favourites to become the next invincibles – and it is not Mikel Arteta's side.
Campbell names next invincibles
Chooses rivals over Gunners
Clear message to Arteta
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
WHAT HAPPENED?
Campbell was part of Arsenal's 2004 invincible team and knows what it takes to win, so it might hurt Gunners fans to hear that he has named Liverpool as the most likely to replicate Arsene Wenger's side's achievement.
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WHAT CAMPBELL SAID
Speaking to BetSelect, he said: "Never say never. It’s very, very hard, but I think it’s doable. If you look at the talent in that Liverpool squad now, they’d be the most likely for me to go on to be the next Invincibles."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Only one side have come close to matching Arsenal's famous achievement from 20 years ago – and it was the Reds themselves in 2018-19. They did not even win the league that term, losing out to Manchester City in that instance.
J.LEAGUE
WHAT NEXT?
Liverpool will be looking to claim back-to-back Premier League titles under Arne Slot and would love to go one better than their 2019 side and finish the campaign unbeaten. They kick off their new season against Bournemouth on August 15.
Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee will make their returns to international cricket in next month’s T20I series against India at home after a conditioning break. Both players have been part of the CSA domestic T20 Challenge, after Jansen last featured at the T20 World Cup in June and Coetzee at the preceding T20I series against West Indies in May.The pair have worked on a shoulder and hip niggle respectively and were the first two bowlers to be given an extended period of time off as Cricket South Africa (CSA) introduced structured breaks in play to work on conditioning. Lungi Ngidi, who is part of the Test squad in Bangladesh but has not played a game since an ODI in October, will have his turn to work over the next six weeks, as he prepares for the home Tests against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. He is not part of the T20I squad for the India series while Kagiso Rabada has been rested with the Tests in mind.Fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who opted out of a national contract, has also not been named in the squad. “I wanted to prioritise other fast bowlers in the group. Anrich is a quality player, he plays in leagues around the world and we know what we get from him. We need to give some of our other bowlers an opportunity to play quality opposition,” Rob Walter, South Africa’s white-ball coach said at a press conference.Related
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South Africa still have several big names in the squad. Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller and Keshav Maharaj, who were not part of South Africa’s white-ball squads in the UAE, have all been included.The squad will be captained by regular leader Aiden Markram and will have Reeza Hendricks and Ryan Rickelton at the top of the order.There are two uncapped players, allrounders Mihlali Mpongwana and Andile Simelane, who were the joint second-leading wicket-takers in the recently completed T20 Challenge. They were among four players who took 12 wickets at averages of 14.08 and 14.25 respectively. Both have been part of South African squads in the recent past and add to a strong all-round contingent. Donovan Ferreira, who was the third-highest run-scorer in the T20 Challenge, and Patrick Kruger have also been included.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Notably, there is no room for Tabraiz Shamsi after he also opted out of a national contract last month. He remains available for international cricket but South Africa have opted for Maharaj and legspinner, Nqabayomzi Peter.”Shammo’s situation is similar to Anrich Nortje,” Walter said. “They are both available and wanting to play. For me, giving Nqaba Peter an opportunity to play was a priority. Shammo has played a lot for South Africa and in leagues around the world. We know what we get from Shammo.”He is a fierce competitor and loves playing for South Africa. It’s important we get the balance right between experience and inexperience.”South Africa’s seam-bowling contingent will be bolstered with the addition of Lutho Sipamla for the third and fourth matches on the Highveld. Sipamla last played for South Africa in 2022 in a Test match and has not played a white-ball international since April 2021 but his career-best 4 for 12 at the Wanderers in the T20 Challenge final forced him into the squad. Sipamla will not be in the squad for the coastal games in Durban and Gqeberha, which kick off the series, which starts on November 8.There has been no movement on Quinton de Kock’s availability, despite him not announcing his T20I retirement. Walter had previously said he has not had any discussion with de Kock about his future and that remains the case.”Quinny’s status is as it has been for the last couple of months. I continue to leave the ball in his court. I have allowed him to have his space and not play international cricket. If he wants to play for South Africa, we will have that conversation. For now, he is not part of our selection conversation,” Walter said.
South Africa Squad for T20Is against India
Aiden Markram, Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Patrick Kruger, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Mihlali Mpongwana, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla (only for third and fourth T20I), Tristan Stubbs
From his 1998 records to his only sub-100 scores. Read on find out more about his numerous records
Bharath Seervi24-Apr-20202 Number of times Sachin Tendulkar has defended six or fewer runs in the 50th over in ODIs, the only player to do so. He did so against South Africa in the Hero Cup at Eden Gardens in 1993 and versus Australia in the Titan Cup in Mohali in 1996.3 Number of countries in which Tendulkar is the youngest centurion in Tests, in England, Australia and South Africa. He scored centuries before his 20th birthday in all those countries.ESPNcricinfo Ltd6 Number of times Tendulkar reached a Test century with a six, the most by a batsman.7 Most sixes hit by Tendulkar in an ODI innings, against Australia in Kanpur in 1998, in an innings of 100 off 89 balls.8 Number of times Tendulkar dismissed Inzamam-ul-Haq in international matches, the most he got a batsman. He dismissed Steve Waugh, Brian Lara, Andy Flower and Moin Khan four times each.9 Tendulkar’s ODI centuries in 1998, the most by a batsman in a calendar year.14 Number of times Brett Lee dismissed Tendulkar in international matches, the most by a bowler. Glenn McGrath, Shaun Pollock and Muttiah Muralitharan got him out 13 times each.19 Consecutive years in which Tendulkar scored at least one ODI century: from 1994 to 2012.23 Years and 356 days, the gap between Tendulkar’s first and last Test fifty, the highest among all batsmen. His first fifty came in his second innings, in 1989, and last fifty in his final innings, in 2013.24 Number of years that Tendulkar played international cricket – the longest by an Indian, and fifth-longest by any player.31 Tendulkar’s highest score at No. 3 in ten innings in all international matches. He has scored centuries at every other position from opening to No. 6 in his international career. His career aggregate at No. 3 in international cricket is only 92.
38 Number of century partnerships with Sourav Ganguly in all internationals – 26 in ODIs and 12 in Tests. It is the most by a pair. Tendulkar also shared 31 century stands with Rahul Dravid.40 Tendulkar failed to score a century in his last 40 Test innings, the longest sequence without a hundred in his career. He scored nine fifties in those 40 innings with an average of 31.87 and high score of 94.45 Number of World Cup matches for Tendulkar, the second-most by a player.52 The highest identical score for Tendulkar in both innings of a match – versus Pakistan in Kolkata in 2005.58 The lowest score not achieved by Tendulkar in international matches; 58 and 75 are the only sub-100 scores he hasn’t made.71 Balls taken for his fastest ODI century, against Zimbabwe in Sharjah in 1998.74 The highest score for Tendulkar in the other innings of a Test in which he also scored a hundred: 177 and 74 against England at Trent Bridge in 1996. In his 200 Tests, he never scored centuries in both innings.79 Number of matches taken by Tendulkar to score his maiden ODI century. He had scored 17 fifties before scoring his first century, against Australia in Colombo in 1994. After his maiden century, the longest stretch without an ODI century was 36 innings between 2007 and 2008, which included three dismissals of 99.82 Tendulkar’s score when he first opened the batting in ODIs, off 49 balls, against New Zealand in Auckland in 1994. It was the first 50-plus score by an opener at a strike rate of more than 150 in ODI history.ESPNcricinfo Ltd87 Tendulkar’s average in Ranji Trophy – 4281 runs at 87.37 – the best among batsmen with 4000-plus runs in the tournament’s history.98 Number of matches Tendulkar captained for India – 25 Tests and 73 ODIs.99 Number of century partnerships for him in ODIs, the most for a batsman. In Tests, he was involved in 86 century stands, second after Dravid (88).142 Centuries across all formats for Tendulkar. He scored 81 hundreds in first-class, 60 in List A and one in T20s.157 Tendulkar’s Test average at the SCG – 785 runs in nine innings – the highest for a batsman with eight or more innings at a venue in Tests.175 Tendulkar’s score against Australia in an ODI in Hyderabad in 2009, the highest in an unsuccessful chase in ODI history.185 Number of consecutive ODIs played by Tendulkar from 1990 to 1998, a record for any player. His streak ended with his 25th birthday in 1998.195 Sixes in ODIs by Tendulkar. At the time of his retirement, they were the highest by an Indian batsman and third-highest among all batsmen in ODIs.201 Wickets for Tendulkar in all internationals – 46 in Tests, 154 in ODIs and one in T20Is.301 Most runs for Tendulkar in a Test match – 241 not out and 60 not out against Australia at the SCG in 2004. It is only the second instance of a batsman batting twice in a Test, scoring 300-plus runs, and being unbeaten in both innings.497 Runs between dismissals for Tendulkar in Tests in 2004. He had scores of 241*, 60*, 194* and 2. It was a record in Tests until Adam Voges scored 614 runs between dismissals in 2015-16.618 Runs scored by Tendulkar in IPL 2010. He became the first India player to win the Orange Cap in the IPL.664 His partnership with Vinod Kambli in a Harris Shield Tournament match in 1988, at the age of 14. Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 326 in the match. It is also the number of international matches played by Tendulkar – 200 Tests, 463 ODIs and one T20I.ESPNcricinfo Ltd673 Tendulkar’s aggregate in the 2003 World Cup, the most by a batsman in a single World Cup.898 Tendulkar’s highest rating points in the ICC rankings in his Test career. He got there in 2002. His highest rating points in ODIs was 887, in 1998.989 Number of players who played with or against Tendulkar in international matches, which is a record – 848 opponents and 141 team-mates. Among his team-mates, he played the most matches with Dravid (391); among opponents, it was Ricky Ponting (84).1562 Runs in Tests in 2010, at the age of 37, the most by a batsman in a year after the age of 35.1723 His aggregate as captain in the IPL, in 51 matches. It was the highest by a captain in the IPL when he quit captaincy at the end of the 2011 season.1894 Runs in ODIs in 1998, a record for most runs in a calendar year.2278 Runs in World Cups, the most by a batsman in the tournament’s history by a distance.2334 Tendulkar’s aggregate in the IPL. He completed 2000 IPL runs in 63 innings, which is still the fastest among India players and third-fastest among all batsmen.6225 Number of days between Tendulkar’s Test and T20I debuts, the highest among all players who have played both formats.6707 Runs and 20 centuries for Tendulkar versus Australia across formats, the most for a batsman against any opposition.8227 Partnership runs with Ganguly in ODIs, the most by a pair. No other pair has more than 6000 runs.8571 ODI runs in the 1990s, the most by a player in that decade. He scored 24 hundreds and averaged 43.07 at a strike rate of 86.81 from 1990 to 1999.10,032 Runs under Mohammad Azharuddin’s captaincy, in 207 matches – Tendulkar’s highest under a captain. He also scored 33 centuries under Azhar.50,192 Runs across formats (first-class, List A and T20s), the highest by an Asian batsman and 16th highest overall.
يخوض منتخب مصر الأول بطولة ودية دولية تُقام خلال شهر نوفمبر المقبل في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة، وتأتي هذه الدورة ضمن استعدادات الفراعنة لخوض منافسات كأس أمم إفريقيا 2025 المقرر إقامتها في المغرب.
وانفرد بطولات في وقت سابق، بمشاركة منتخب مصر في دورة ودية تضم منتخبات كاب فيردي (الرأس الأخضر)، أوزبكستان، وإيران.
ومن المقرر أن تُقام البطولة بنظام نصف النهائي والنهائي، حيث يلتقي منتخب مصر مع أوزبكستان، بينما تواجه إيران منتخب كاب فيردي، وسيلتقي الفائزان في المباراة النهائية، فيما يخوض الخاسران مباراة تحديد المركز الثالث.
طالع أيضًا | الرأس الأخضر يوضح موقفه من المشاركة مع منتخب مصر في البطولة الودية بالإمارات مواعيد مباريات البطولة الودية الدولية
تُقام مباريات نصف النهائي يوم 14 نوفمبر 2025، حيث يواجه منتخب مصر نظيره أوزبكستان، فيما تلتقي إيران مع كاب فيردي في المباراة الثانية.
وتُقام المباراة النهائية ومباراة تحديد المركز الثالث يوم 18 نوفمبر 2025، لتختتم البطولة الودية الدولية بالإمارات.
ومن المقرر أن يُقام معسكر منتخب مصر في الإمارات خلال الفترة من 10 حتى 18 نوفمبر 2025، في إطار التحضيرات للبطولة الودية، والاستعداد لبطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا 2025.
The left hander will slip down the order for the day-night Test as she continues as wicketkeeper in place of Alyssa Healy
ESPNcricinfo staff26-Jan-2025Beth Mooney wants Australia to “show off our skills” during the day-night Ashes Test at the MCG as they aim to complete a miserable tour for England by claiming a 16-0 whitewash.Mooney, who was masterful in the third T20I with an unbeaten 94 off 63 balls, conceded there was an element of disappointment in the fact the Test wasn’t a live contest in terms of the Ashes, but on the flip side hoped that it would allow the team to play with freedom.Related
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Mooney 94*, England 90 all out; Australia make it 12-0
“It’s going to be awesome,” Mooney said. “We obviously don’t get to pull on the baggy green too often. The pink ball behaves a little bit differently so that’ll create some challenges. I’m just really looking forward to the spectacle of the game to be honest.”We’re pumped that we’re 12-0 up. It certainly would have been nice if we played the test match while the series was still on the line, maybe earlier in the series, but that wasn’t to be. I think on an individual front and as a group it’s come at a great time for us to basically just show off our skills and really enjoy playing the four-day game.”Mooney confirmed she will bat in the middle order for the Test as she continues to take the wicketkeeping gloves from Alyssa Healy with Australia’s captain working around the clock to try and ensure she can overcome a foot injury to play as a batter. Mooney’s last three Tests have come as an opener but the workload would be too great for her to continue in that role and keep wicket.”I take pride in the fact that I can offer the coaching staff and selection panel different options,” Mooney said. “Whether it’s batting order or behind the stumps or in the field. It’ll be a nice challenge for me wicketkeeping and batting in that middle order role, so looking forward to what that’s going to present and hopefully I’m just warming Midge’s spot for a little while.”Should Healy be fit it leaves Australia with an interesting selection call to make given she has moved down the order in Test cricket in recent years. She would likely have to slot back in at the top alongside Phoebe Litchfield unless the selectors were also able to find room for Georgia Voll.There is one vacancy from when Australia last played a Test, against South Africa at the WACA, with Sophie Molineux out injured. Georgia Wareham could come into the side to partner fellow legspinner Alana King, although the pink-ball factor may bring Megan Schutt into contention as another seamer. Wareham has only played one previous Test, against India in 2021.Ash Gardner is expected to be fit after a calf injury kept her out of the T20I series.
Sunderland are looking to potentially hijack a move for an attacking star in the summer transfer window, according to a new transfer claim.
Le Bris excited about Sunderland signing Sadiki
The Black Cats have completed the signing of Noah Sadiki, with the midfielder arriving at the Stadium of Light on a five-year deal from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Regis Le Bris is clearly in positive spirits about an exciting piece of business for Sunderland ahead of their imminent return to the Premier League next month, assessing the capture of the 20-year-old.
Union Saint-Gilloise'sNoahSadikiin action with Rangers' Nedim Bajrami
It’s now a case of Sunderland building on the signing of Sadiki and bringing in more signings before the current window slams shut at the end of August, and a promising new update has now emerged regarding their transfer situation.
Sunderland pushing to hijack £17.2m signing
According to Foot Mercato, Sunderland are in the mix to sign Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui this summer, with the 24-year-old valued at more than €20m (£17.2m) by the French club.
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The Black Cats are joined by a host of top clubs in the tussle to snap him up, as they look to steal him from under the noses of the likes of Roma, Juventus and AC Milan.
Olympique de Marseille's Quentin Merlin in action with RC Lens' NeilElAynaoui
El Aynaoui could immediately improve Sunderland as a team if they managed to get a deal over the line, adding quality in the middle of the park, as highlighted by the calibre of clubs interested in him.
The midfielder is a one-cap Morocco Under-23 international, while journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter has described him as a “highly-talented” footballer, so he would be a signing of real intent.
It is clearly going to be tricky for Sunderland to sign El Aynaoui, given the level of interest in him from some of the biggest clubs in Italy, but they are now back in the Premier League, which is a major attraction for so many players around the world.
Hopefully, Le Bris can sell him the idea of moving to the Stadium of Light, being a key starter instead of a potential cog in the machine elsewhere, as he looks to give his side the best possible chance of survival next season.