Muhammad Jawadullah’s four-for goes in vain for UAE as Bangladesh take 1-0 lead
Mohammad Isam17-May-2025
Parvez Hossain Emon smashed a 53-ball hundred to lead Bangladesh to 191 for 7 and set up a 27-run win for a 1-0 lead in the two-T20I series against UAE in Sharjah on Saturday. Big hits from Muhammad Waseem, Rahul Chopra and Asif Khan meant that UAE make a good fist of the chase, but clever death bowling from Mustafizur Rahman, who is headed for IPL 2025, gave Bangladesh victory.Parvez’s century was only the second by a Bangladeshi in T20Is after Tamim Iqbal had scored an unbeaten 103 against Oman in the 2016 T20 World Cup. Parvez also set the Bangladesh record for most sixes in a T20I innings, hitting nine, beating Rishad Hossain’s seven against Sri Lanka last year.Related
Waseem and UAE make history after acing 206 chase against Bangladesh
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UAE had Muhammad Jawadullah to thank for keeping Bangladesh under 200 as the left-arm quick took four wickets. He became only the second Associate bowler to take a four-wicket haul against Bangladesh. The first was Hong Kong’s Nadeem Ahmed in the T20 World Cup in 2014.UAE’s batters put pressure on Bangladesh’s attack, but a late collapse damaged their cause.Asif can’t take UAE homeAfter Waseem’s fall in the 12th over with UAE at 103, Asif hit some massive sixes, giving Bangladesh a scare during his 21-ball 42. He took a liking to Mahedi Hasan, pasting him for three sixes down the ground in the 13th over. In all, Asif took the spinner for 23 off five balls at a strike rate of 460.Wickets, though, kept falling at the other end. Chopra and Dhruv Parashar fell in successive overs, but Asif continued to go big, hitting Hasan Mahmud for a straight six and four in the 17th over. Sanchit Sharma and Muhammad Zuhaib fell in quick succession as well before Asif was the eighth UAE batter to be dismissed in the penultimate over. That meant game over.Waseem’s fiery startIn a surprising move, Bangladesh had offspinner Mahedi operating with the new ball against the right-handed Waseem, who launched him for six first ball. In that second over of the innings, Mahedi conceded 19 runs.Waseem then tore into Tanzim Hasan, hammering him for a six and two fours in the third over, before UAE lost two wickets in the space of four balls. Waseem then attacked Tanvir Islam with sweeps, taking 14 off another over, and then reached his fifty off just 32 balls in the tenth over.Chopra was also similarly aggressive and had an answer for everything that Mahmud threw at him, including a scooped six. Chopra also struck Mustafizur for a superb boundary. The fall of Waseem and Chopra, though, hurt the chase.Muhammad Waseem set UAE’s chase up with a 39-ball 54•Emirates Cricket BoardParvez brings the sixesParvez offset the early dismissal of his opening partner Tanzid Hasan with a four and a six off Parashar in the third over. His second six, a belt over long-on against Matiullah Khan, went out of the stadium. Parvez also lined up Sanchit, hitting him for three straight sixes in an 18-run over.The left-hand batter reached his fifty in the ninth over, with a straight four against the legspinner Haider Ali, before Parashar removed Towhid Hridoy to break a 58-run third-wicket stand. There was a short break from boundaries after that, but Parvez resumed the big-hitting the 14th over. The only one of his nine sixes that wasn’t hit down the ground came then as Parvez struck Zuhaib over square leg.Jaker Ali also struck Zuhaib for a six but he fell off the next ball, caught at long-on, for 13. Parvez, though, kept swinging at the other end, hitting Zuhaib for his eighth six, breaking the Bangladesh record for most sixes in a T20I innings.He got a life on 84 when he was caught down the ground but the bowler Matiullah had overstepped. Parvez struck his ninth six to move into 96 and went on to bring up his century in the penultimate over of the innings, with a quick single, before falling next ball.Jawadullah impressesThe six-hitting mayhem, however, stopped whenever Jawadullah came into the attack. He conceded just one boundary in his four overs, picking up wickets at every opportunity.Jawadullah removed the Bangladesh captain Litton Das, yorking him with his first delivery. He then removed Mahedi, Bangladesh’s new vice-captain, in the 12th over. Mahedi was late to Jawadullah’s hard length, falling caught behind for two. The dangerous Shamim Hossain was his next victim, given lbw swinging across the line, before Jawadullah signed off with Parvez’s wicket in the last over.Impressively, Jawadullah only gave away six runs in the 20th over of Bangladesh’s innings, but his spell was not enough for UAE to topple Bangladesh.
MatériaMais Notícias
OCoritiba recebe oRed Bull Bragantino neste domingo, às 18h30 (horário de Brasília), pela 18ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Os times estão em situações opostas na tabela, já que o Coxa está em 18º e busca fugir da degola, enquanto o Massa Bruta iniciou a rodada na 6ª posição e quer vaga na próxima Libertadores.
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+ Brasileirão: dicas e odds para apostar na 18ª rodada
Os donos da casa vêm de derrota para o líder Botafogo, que interrompeu uma sequência de quatro jogos sem perder da equipe curitibana. Já o Bragantino venceu fora de casa na última rodada, com um 3 a 0 sobre o Fortaleza, mas empatou em 1 a 1 com o América, também fora, pela Copa Sul-Americana no meio de semana.
Desfalque no ataque e novas opções disponíveis
O Coritiba não terá o atacante Robson para a partida. Artilheiro da equipe no Brasileirão com cinco gols, o jogador recebeu o terceiro cartão amarelo no último jogo e cumpre suspensão automática. Entretanto, o treinador Thiago Kosloski pode promover a estreia dos recém-chegados Reynaldo (zagueiro), Hayner (lateral-direito) e Sebastián Gomez (volante).
+ Os clubes que nunca foram campeões no Brasileirão de pontos corridos; veja lista
Zagueiro rumo à Europa
O Red Bull Bragantino, por sua vez, não contará com Nathan. O zagueiro foi liberado para tratar de sua transferência ao Napoli, da Itália, que deve ser confirmada nos próximos dias. A negociação gira em torno de 10 milhões de euros, segundo informações do jornalista italiano Fabrizio Romano e do GE. Além disso, o Massa Bruta tem os desfalques do volante Raúl e dos zagueiro Lucas Cunha e Eduardo Santos, todos lesionados.
CORITIBA X RED BULL BRAGANTINO
Data e hora:6 de agosto de 2023, às 18h30 (de Brasília)
Estádio:Couto Pereira, Curitiba (PR)
Árbitro:Yuri Elino Ferreira da Cruz (RJ)
Assistentes:Kleber Lucio Gil (SC) e Luiz Claudio Regazone (RJ)
VAR:Carlos Eduardo Nunes Braga (RJ)
Onde assistir:Premiere.
CORITIBA (Técnico: Thiago Kosloski)
Gabriel; Natanael, Kuscevic, Henrique e Jamerson; Andrey, Matheus Bianqui (Sebastián Gomez) e Bruno Gomes; Mauricio Garcez (Kaio ou Lucas Barbosa), Diogo Oliveira e Marcelino Moreno.
Suspenso: Robson
Desfalques: –
RED BULL BRAGANTINO (Técnico: Pedro Caixinha)
Cleiton; Luan Cândido (Hurtado), Léo Ortiz, Luan Patrick e Juninho Capixaba; Vitinho, Lucas Evangelista, Matheus Fernandes e Ramires; Sasha e Thiago Borbas (Sorriso).
Suspenso:-
Desfalques: Raúl, Lucas Cunha e Eduardo Santos (lesionados); Nathan (liberado para acertar transferência ao Napoli-ITA)
+ De quantos pontos o Vasco precisa para não ser rebaixado?
Everton’s start to the 2024/25 Premier League season has been anything but dull.
David Moye’s side may have lost their opener 1-0 at a raucous Elland Road, but the response was emphatic.
The Toffees christened their new Hill Dickinson Stadium with a 2-0 win over Brighton, followed by a breathless 3-2 victory at Wolves.
The ride hasn’t been smooth every week – a cagey 0-0 with Aston Villa showed they are still bedding in their summer signings, and the Merseyside derby ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat.
Yet, there is a newfound sharpness in attack.
Everton’s front four of Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye, and Beto have breathed life into Moyes’ forward line, offering pace, technical quality, and variety of movement.
Sitting 10th in the table, Everton already look like a far more threatening side going forward compared to last season.
Their next test comes against struggling West Ham, where the Toffees will be favourites to build further momentum.
Amid this early-season optimism, however, one player is quietly developing in the background.
A 6ft 5in striker who may yet become the jewel of this Everton project.
Thierno Barry finding his feet at Everton
When Everton paid £27.6m to bring Thierno Barry from Villarreal, they knew they weren’t buying the finished article.
At just 22, the French U21 international represents an investment in the future – a striker whose raw attributes suggest a ceiling as high as some of Europe’s elite forwards.
Barry arrives in England off the back of a promising season in La Liga, scoring 11 goals from an xG of 11.7 while adding four assists.
What makes him stand out is not just his finishing, but his ability to impose himself physically and stretch defences.
Ranking in the 87th percentile for aerial duels won (3.84 per 90), Barry has the profile of a classic penalty-box predator yet also shows surprising agility with strong progressive carries and take-ons.
Standing taller than most centre-backs, Barry has been compared to Dusan Vlahović and Ollie Watkins for his blend of physicality and dynamism, as noted by FBref.
He thrives in attacking the six-yard box but is equally capable of pulling wide to create space for teammates.
So far, Moyes has been cautious with his integration. Barry has featured in five league matches, totalling 142 minutes, with flashes of potential rather than complete performances.
The Everton manager has stressed patience, saying the striker will require a period of adjustment to adapt to the physicality and pace of the Premier League.
It is a smart approach. Everton have the luxury of easing Barry in thanks to the immediate impact of their new frontline.
But make no mistake, the long-term plan is to see him leading the line. Hopefully, he does not go the same way as those before him…
Why Thierno Barry can learn from Moise Kean
For Everton fans, Barry’s situation may feel eerily familiar.
In 2019, the club signed another young striker in the form of Moise Kean.
Like Barry, Kean arrived with high expectations, touted as a generational talent who could transform the club’s attack.
But unlike Barry, he was thrust into the spotlight without the right platform, and his time at Goodison never truly took off.
Kean made 39 appearances for Everton, scoring four goals and registering two assists, before a series of loan moves eventually led him back to Juventus and later Fiorentina.
It was in Serie A where his career took off.
Last season with Fiorentina, Kean netted 19 goals in 32 appearances, finishing second in the league’s scoring charts behind Mateo Retegui.
Matches Played
31
Goals
19
Assists
3
Progressive Carries
42
Progressive Passes
26
Now valued at €50m (£45m), as per Transfermarkt, Kean has become the striker many thought he could be, while drawing statistical comparisons with Erling Haaland for his explosive pace, direct style, and ruthless finishing.
Indeed, FBref notes that the most similar striker to him in Europe’s top five leagues is the Manchester City hitman. Former teammate Weston McKennie went as far as to describe him as a “beast.”
His numbers underline the transformation: ranking in the 89th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.58), the 87th percentile for total shots (3.39), and the 93rd percentile for successful take-ons (1.46).
Everton undoubtedly let a gem slip through their fingers.
Yet in Barry, they have a second chance.
The lesson from Kean’s time on Merseyside is clear: patience and the right environment are crucial.
Barry cannot be burdened with expectation too soon, but if nurtured properly, he has the potential to blossom into one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards.
However, this time in blue.
Everton are brewing their own homegrown Ndiaye in “fantastic” teen talent
Everton is now brewing their very own homegrown version of Iliman Ndiaye in this exciting teenager.
ByKelan Sarson Sep 22, 2025
Tottenham Hotspur are now leading the race for an “excellent” player, who is also being targeted by AC Milan and one of their Premier League rivals.
Spurs keen on new defender after Bournemouth defeat
Tottenham suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season on Saturday afternoon, coming up short in a 1-0 loss at home to AFC Bournemouth, and Thomas Frank wasn’t impressed with his side’s defensive performance.
The Spurs boss criticised his side’s ability to deal with balls in-behind, saying: “Not a shock if I’m honest but not what I expected. I hoped for more. We played against a good Bournemouth team. I don’t think we handled the balls behind and the second ball game very well for whatever reason.
“They play behind as soon as they can and have willing runners. A few passes and they play the ball behind. That’s difficult to play against.
“In football, it goes so quick. We can still find good bits but overall, it’s not a good performance.”
Defensive issues plagued the north Londoners throughout the 2024-25 campaign, given that Ange Postecoglou was known to be uncompromising on his attacking principles, but Frank is well-known to be more pragmatic.
As such, the Dane’s side have kept two clean sheets in their opening three Premier League games, but the manager still remains keen on bringing in another centre-back, who could provide competition for Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.
That is according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), which states Tottenham have now moved into pole position in the race for Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, who is also being targeted by AC Milan and Crystal Palace.
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Crucially, Spurs have Champions League football on offer this season, which gives them a key advantage over rival suitors in the race for Akanji’s signature, and City are only looking to receive a fee of €15m (£13m) plus bonuses.
"Excellent" Akanji could be solid signing for Spurs
Lauded as “excellent” by The Telegraph’s James Ducker, the 30-year-old has proven himself in the Premier League over a number of years, making a combined 59 appearances for City as they secured back-to-back titles in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns.
The Switzerland international’s experience could make him a solid signing for Frank, and his versatility would also be of great use, with Pep Guardiola praising his player for being able to play in a multitude of positions.
Guardiola said: “He is a lovely guy, can play in different positions. Normally a central defender but (he can play) right back, holding midfield. He is open minded, well educated, so intelligent.”
Although Akanji is now 30-years-old, he would be a low-cost addition to the Tottenham squad at just £13m, and the defender’s versatility would make him a useful option for Frank, in what is set to be a congested campaign.
Are Chelsea genuine title contenders?
Well, the Blues certainly looked the part on Friday night, demolishing an admittedly hopeless West Ham United 5-1 at the London Stadium, all the goals coming during a 39 minute spree either side of half time.
Summer signing João Pedro scored his first Premier League goal for the club, while fellow new recruit Estêvão Willian played a starring role, with Liam Delap starting up front, before Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato were both introduced later on.
In all, the Blues have brought in nine new recruits this summer, only a few of whom are calling Strasbourg home for now, spending around £262m, but they’re not done yet, so could they sign a “generational” Premier League star before Monday’s deadline?
Chelsea chasing more talent
One deal that has not gone through, but is expected to before the transfer window slams shut, is Alejandro Garnacho’s move to Stamford Bridge.
As noted by Simon Johnson of The Athletic, this deal cannot be finalised until Chelsea sell players, looking to move on Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, David Datro Fofana, Alfie Gilchrist and others.
Garnacho remains “keen” on the switch to West London, but should Chelsea actually focus on signing another of Manchester United’s semi-outcasts.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Well, it is being reported by United in Focus that Chelsea are in the race to sign Kobbie Mainoo from Old Trafford, while Tottenham, Brighton, Fulham and Brentford are also noted as holding a long-standing interest in the £70m-rated sensation.
They add that Mainoo is currently considering his future at Old Trafford, having been an unused substitute for both Premier League fixtures so far, with Rúben Amorim favouring Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, who are hardly making themselves undroppable.
So, could the England international actually be the man to make the move from Man United to Chelsea in the next few days?
What Kobbie Mainoo would bring to Chelsea
What makes Mainoo’s lack of minutes this season particularly baffling is how integral he has been to Man United in the very recent past.
The highlight of the Erik ten Hag era was undoubtedly the FA Cup triumph, and Mainoo was excellent in the final victory over Manchester City, scoring, what turned out to be, the winning goal at Wembley.
Last season, despite spending two periods of time on the sidelines due to injury, the England international still accumulated 37 appearances across all competitions, starting 23 of these matches, most memorably scoring during the famous comeback victory over Olympique Lyonnais.
Teammate Rasmus Højlund even described Mainoo as a “generational talent” back in February 2024, but how does his importance to Man United compare to Garnacho?
Let’s find out.
Age
20
21
Man U apps
72
144
PL apps
50
93
PL starts
43
58
International caps
10
8
Major tournament apps
6
1
Estimated value
£43m
£39m
As the table outlines, Garnacho, who is a year older, does have more club-level experience, but is he the bigger talent?
Well, Mainoo has made himself more of an important figure at Man United, with Amorim labelling him a “big talent”, adding that he has “big plans” for the “perfect” defensive midfielder, while Garnacho, on the other hand, has been told to find a new club, part of the infamous bomb squad at Carrington.
This is partly due to Garnacho’s off-field issues, with teammate Bruno Fernandes admitting that the winger does not “have the best attitude”, which is certainly a concern, and something that has never been accused of Mainoo.
The duo’s respective international careers are also telling.
At last summer’s Copa América, Garnacho’s only appearance came during a dead-rubber group game against Peru in Miami, adding only two caps in an Argentina shirt in the subsequent 12 months.
Concurrently, over at Euro 2024, Mainoo was viewed as England’s saviour, introduced as a half-time substitute during the final group game against Slovenia, before starting all four knockout phase fixtures, including the narrow final defeat at the hands of Spain.
Thus, while Garnacho is a precocious talent, he is something of a maverick, often inconsistent, and paying £40m for him could be viewed as a massive risk; Chelsea could end up with another João Félix or Mykhailo Mudryk on their hands.
Mainoo, on the other hand, appears to be a model professional, still with plenty of room to develop, so taking advantage of the turmoil at Old Trafford and snapping him up might just be the smart move.
Maresca's answer to Eze: Chelsea now "expected" to sign £25m "superstar"
Chelsea could sign their answer to Eberechi Eze.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 26, 2025
Thomas Frank will be the latest Tottenham Hotspur boss tasked with the responsibility of making the club Premier League title challengers in 2025/26, after taking the reins following Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal.
Whilst only being in the role for a matter of weeks, he’s already seen the challenges he faces in the role, with the Dane already embroiled in a saga over the addition of Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.
A deal for his signature appeared to all be in order, after the Lilywhites decided to pull the trigger and activate the £60m release clause within his deal at the City Ground.
However, this is Spurs we’re talking about, and nothing ever comes easy – resulting in a missed opportunity after the player remarkably signed a new deal, in a move spearheaded by Reds’ owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Being unable to land the star will undoubtedly leave a sour taste in the hierarchy’s mouth, but ultimately, the show goes on, with other targets now being considered to help strengthen the squad this summer.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
In an attempt to forget about the failed move for Gibbs-White, the Spurs board have since turned their attention to a potential deal for Liverpool star Harvey Elliott.
It’s been reported that the Lilywhites have made an approach to the 22-year-old’s representatives over a move to North London, with Arne Slot’s side demanding £40m for his signature.
However, he’s not the only Englishman currently on their radar, with want-away Manchester City star Jack Grealish another name being considered, according to GIVEMESPORT.
Their report claims that enquiries have already been made for the 29-year-old forward, who joined Pep Guardiola’s side for a then-English record £100m back in the summer of 2021.
The article also goes on to state that the player himself would be keen on a move to North London this summer, subsequently leading West Ham United in the race for his signature.
A move could cost £40m if previous reports are to be believed.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be a better signing than Gibbs-White
Given the addition of Mohammed Kudus already this summer, along with the offer for Gibbs-White, it’s evident the Spurs hierarchy are targeting Premier League-proven options for Frank’s side.
The Englishman has been key in Forest’s remarkable rise in England’s top-flight, notching 15 combined goals and assists last season, subsequently securing European football for the first time in 30 years.
Such a season saw him make his senior England international debut, making £60m an excellent deal had they managed to get it over the line before Marinakis’ intervention.
However, the Premier League is a ruthless division, with other sides able to completely bypass you if you rest on your laurels – something which the Lilywhites aren’t currently guilty of.
Their disappointment will be undeniable, but it could prove to be a blessing in disguise if they manage to pull off a deal for Grealish in the coming months.
There’s no denying his move to the Etihad has halted his progression; only starting seven league outings last season after falling down Guardiola’s pecking order.
However, he managed to outperform Gibbs-White in multiple key areas last season, handing Frank a proven winner and arguably a better option given his trophy collection and experience in major European competitions.
Games played
20
34
Goals & assists
2
15
Progressive carries
8.6
2.2
Progressive passes
6.5
5.2
Pass accuracy
88%
78%
Key passes made
3.1
1.6
Take-on success
45%
40%
Carries into opposition box
5.8
0.4
Crosses completed
2.5
1.4
Grealish, who has previously been dubbed a “monster” by Joe Cole, showcased his excellent ball-carrying ability last campaign, completing more progressive carries, with the vast majority being into the opposition’s box.
Such figures would massively bolster Frank’s side, as would the 29-year-old’s tally of key passes per 90, bettering Gibbs-White in such a department, able to provide a creative threat off the left or in central areas.
He also has the end product at the end of his mazy runs with the ball, completing more crosses per 90, having the talent to provide others in forward areas to improve their own goalscoring tallies.
It’s unclear whether a move for Grealish would be a temporary or permanent one this summer, but they could massively take advantage of his lack of game time with the Citizens.
The former Villa star has showcased he’s still capable of outperforming a £60m star despite his lack of action, potentially playing a huge role in any success endured during the Frank era.
Their very own Rodrygo: Spurs preparing £28m bid to sign "Messi-esque" star
Tottenham Hotspur could forget about Rodrygo with a move for another young star.
ByEthan Lamb Jul 30, 2025
Ipswich Town have now made a breakthrough after agreeing a deal to sign a player Kieran McKenna rates highly, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Ipswich Town rejected by Hayden Hackney
The Tractor Boys rounded off their pre-season with a 3-0 win over Auxerre on Saturday, as McKenna prepares his side for a Championship opener against Birmingham City on Friday evening. However, despite a positive display against the Ligue 1 side, Ipswich were handed a transfer blow over the weekend.
A deal worth a total package of £20m was agreed for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney in recent days, however, the midfielder has now turned down a move to Portman Road.
In the week, Boro manager Rob Edwards admitted that it was a win-win situation for those at the Riverside, and it looks as if Ipswich will miss out on their marquee target.
“The ball, so to speak, is in H’s court now, and that’s where we stand. I think it’s a win-win, and I’m happy to reassure fans of that and to be calm about the situation. If H stays here, he’s a brilliant player and he’s ours which is great. If he’s not, there will be funds available.”
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However, Ipswich and McKenna have been working on alternative midfield targets alongside Hackney, with 2024/25 loanee Jens Cajuste of interest once again.
Ipswich made an offer to Napoli in recent days to re-sign Cajuste, and there has now been a breakthrough in those talks.
Ipswich Town reach agreement to sign Jens Cajuste
Romano took to X on Saturday afternoon to share a development regarding the Tractor Boys’ pursuit of Cajuste. He revealed an agreement has been reached in a deal worth more than £8m when you factor in a loan fee and the option or mandatory purchase clause next summer.
Cajuste, primarily a holding midfielder, made 33 appearances in all competitions for Ipswich last season, scoring one goal and providing a single assist.
The Sweden international couldn’t prevent the club’s relegation, however, he impressed McKenna, who called Cajuste “quality”.
“He’s been one of the top performers this season and to do that in a team that’s found it a big challenge, with some injury issues that he’s been carrying, and in a new league and new country – I think it’s testament to his quality. He’s a player that we like a lot, but he’s a Napoli player. Any conversations won’t take place until the end of the season.”
The left-arm quick picked up a side strain playing in the Hundred so will miss the chance to add to his T20I caps
Andrew McGlashan15-Aug-20242:32
Bailey impressed with Connolly’s ‘versatility’
Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson has been ruled out of the T20I series against Scotland and England next month after picking up a side strain in the Hundred with Oval Invincibles.He will be replaced by New South Wales allrounder Sean Abbott who had initially only been due to be part of the ODI squad for the five matches against England.Related
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It had been a lean Hundred campaign for Johnson who claimed just two wickets in six matches although he did produce an impressive display against Northern Superchargers with 1 for 10 from his 20 deliveries.Johnson, who emerged quickly through the BBL with Brisbane Heat, has played five T20Is and one ODI since making his debut against South Africa last year. He is viewed as a likely replacement for Mitchell Starc in the T20 side when that opening becomes permanently available.Starc has been rested from the T20Is against Scotland and England but will feature in the ODIs. Pat Cummins will miss the entire tour but Josh Hazlewood is part of both squads.Spencer Johnson has so far had a handful of opportunities with Australia•Getty Images
Abbott, who has appeared in 15 T20Is, has been unfortunate not to play more for Australia. He is the leading wicket-taker in BBL history with 165. Abbott has also featured in the Hundred where he has taken nine wickets in seven matches for Birmingham Phoenix.Xavier Bartlett, who burst into international cricket last season, and Nathan Ellis are the other frontline seamers in the T20I squad alongside allrounders Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie and Marcus Stoinis.Australia’s selectors have one eye on the next T20 World Cup in 18 months’ time although have not drawn a line through either Starc or Cummins in the format.Johnson’s aim will now be to recover in time for the start of the Australia domestic season where he plays for South Australia. After the UK tour, Australia’s next T20Is are a three-match series against Pakistan in mid-November which could be another opportunity for Johnson as the Test quicks won’t feature due to the proximity of the first Test in Perth.After the Pakistan series, Australia are not scheduled to play T20Is until next July in West Indies.Australia T20I squad vs Scotland and EnglandMitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Rangers are almost back in action and it’s a particularly exciting time for the new man in the Ibrox dug-out Russell Martin.
He will take charge of the Gers for the very first time in a pre-season friendly on Sunday, with last season’s Belgian Pro League runners-up in town, and a fair few players could be debuting in light blue.
Lyall Cameron, Max Aarons, Joe Rothwell and Emmanuel Fernandez have all arrived in Govan so far this summer, but could the biggest name of the lot be on his way to Glasgow’s West End soon?
The latest on Rangers' striker search
It appears as though all three Rangers players who scored more than six goals across all competitions last season could depart.
Transfer Focus
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Václav Černý won’t be back, he has returned to Wolfsburg following his loan, while Cyriel Dessers is seemingly on his way to AEK Athens, if the two clubs can agree a fee, with Rangers holding out for £5m, as relayed by The National.
The biggest departure of them all though, could be Hamza Igamane, who is reportedly being targeted by Ligue 1 side Lille, in a deal which could be worth as much as £20m, thereby becoming Rangers’ all-time record sale.
Martin McMillan of the Glasgow Times claims that les Dogues have put their interest in the Moroccan striker ‘on hold’, but it does appear more likely than not that Igamane will be sold this summer, either ending up at Stade Pierre-Mauroy or elsewhere.
So, as Martin searches for attacking reinforcements, Mark Pirie of the Daily Record has reiterated Rangers’ interest in Jamie Vardy, stating that the Glasgow giants remain ‘keen’ on a move, citing the Daily Mail.
Meantime, Mike McGrath of the Telegraph has previously documented that, wherever he goes, Vardy wants to be a ‘regular starter’ and, well, given Rangers’ need for a centre-forward right now, with a Champions League tie against Panathinaikos less than three weeks away, the veteran would surely be guaranteed game time from the jump.
How Jamie Vardy would improve Rangers
Despite the fact he is now 38 years old, Vardy still scored ten goals last season, made all the more impressive by the fact he was playing for a generally hopeless Leicester City side, who were relegated from the Premier League.
By netting against Bournemouth in May, Vardy took his tally to 200 goals in 500 appearances for Leicester, which is very pleasing for fans of symmetry. In total, the veteran has scored 237 club career goals at professional level, ahead of what free-scoring Rangers skipper James Tavernier (138 career goals) has achieved to date.
His most recent manager at the Foxes, Ruud van Nistelrooy, labelled him a “living legend”, while Rob Tanner of the Athletic believes he is, unquestionably, Leicester’s greatest-ever player.
So, let’s assess how his statistics compare to Igamane, a player 16 years his junior, but one he could soon be replacing.
Appearances
36
46
Minutes
2,899
2,651
Goals
10
16
Assists
4
3
Shots per 90
1.5
3
Shots on target per 90
0.9
1.6
Shots on target %
55.32%
51.52%
Big chances missed
14
7
Touches per 90
20.1
50.3
As the table outlines, Igamane did score six more goals than Vardy last season, while the Moroccan came out on top when it came to shots, shots on target and touches per 90, which all makes sense when you think about it.
Igamane was playing for a dominant team in, according to Global Football Rankings, the 43rd strongest league on the planet.
In complete contrast, Vardy was plying his trade for one of the worst teams in the Premier League, so was very much feeding off scraps, underlined by his miserly 20 touches per 90, making his tally of ten goals actually incredibly impressive.
The season before last, when Leicester were in the EFL Championship, still ranked all the way up at 11th by the aforementioned Global Football Rankings, Vardy scored 20 goals in all competitions, so just imagine how many he would get in the Premiership.
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