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“Even if he’s still positive he can still play, [but] there’ll just be a few protocols,” Pat Cummins said

Andrew McGlashan23-Jan-20240:59

Clarke: No Australia attack will reach McGrath and Warne levels

Australia are confident that Travis Head will be able to take his place in the second Test against West Indies despite having Covid since the end of the opening game in Adelaide.Head delayed his arrival into Brisbane by a day to give himself extra time to recover at home and opted not to take part in Australia’s main training session at the Gabba on Tuesday evening in order to rest further but will take part on Wednesday. There remains hope that he will test negative before the start of the game, but even if he doesn’t, he will be able to play although there will be some additional protocols in place.”Think he’s almost out of it. He’s fine, feeling good,” Pat Cummins said. “Think he’ll train tonight. Obviously, even if he’s still positive he can still play, there’ll just be a few protocols. But think he’s pretty close to a negative.”Last season against South Africa, Matt Renshaw came down with Covid during his comeback game at the SCG and was kept separate from team-mates while off the field.Related

• Australia's marvel and crisis man, Head again shows why he's a cult hero

• Renshaw could remain available to Brisbane Heat in Test lead-up

• Khawaja cleared for Gabba Test after Adelaide head blow

With Usman Khawaja having cleared his concussion tests since the blow on the head late in the game in Adelaide, Australia are set to be unchanged. Renshaw has been made available to Brisbane Heat for the BBL final at the SCG on Wednesday and will then rejoin the Test squad.Head played the decisive hand in Adelaide with his 119 off 134 balls turning around an uncertain Australia first innings into a lead, which was almost enough to win by an innings inside two days.There was considerable assistance in the Adelaide surface and two days out at the Gabba, the pitch had a distinctive green tinge although it may lose some of that colour before the first day for what will be the venue’s third day-night Test. Last year, the match against South Africa ended inside two days and the ground was handed a demerit point by the ICC, but this surface is not expected to be as wild.”The aim is definitely to wind it back from what it was last year for sure but we have to be careful we don’t go too far,” head groundsman Dave Sandurski told the last week. “We want a contest between bat and ball. We don’t want a T20 batathon. We have to find a happy [middle] ground and hopefully we will find it this year.”The early finish in Adelaide meant the ground was left with no Test cricket over the weekend given the game started on a Wednesday. As a bowler, Cummins is rarely going to shy away from early finishes – and has pinpointed the shorter Tests this summer as a reason why Australia’s attack is set to remain unchanged throughout the home season – but he also believed matches where the ball holds sway provide more enthralling cricket.”I’ve played in Tests that have fizzled out into a five-day draw and think everyone walks away feeling a bit empty whereas [have] played in two or three-day matches where everyone can’t take their eyes off the TV for a minute,” he said. “Ideally you want it to go a bit longer than two days but you want it to be a good contest between bat and ball. A couple of the Tests this summer have been fantastic, feels like every session has importance and each side can win.”With Australia’s three frontline quicks all averaging under 20 in day-night Tests, life is unlikely to get any easier for West Indies’ batters. However, one element that may yet prevent a short finish in Brisbane is the weather, with the forecast deteriorating in recent days with significant rain now expected over the weekend.

GOAL looks at Sullivan's first start, how he fared, and what it indicates for the future of one of the U.S.'s brightest talents

It all happened rather quietly. Philadelphia Union have been working next-great-hope Cavan Sullivan into the fold for the best part of 12 months now. But for all of the good PR and positive vibes, he hadn't managed more than a few cameos and lively stints off the bench.

That is, until last week. Sullivan started and played 120 minutes of an admittedly grueling and often ugly U.S. Open Cup game against Indy Eleven.

The Union won on penalties, in the end, avoiding a Cupset, but not doing so in particularly convincing fashion. New manager Bradley Carnell put out a lineup consisting mostly of fringe first-team players and reserves. The USL side went full strength, and gave as much as they got. Penalties are a cruel way to go out of a tournament, especially when you hold a team of superior quality and budget over 90 minutes plus two halves of extra time.

Still, this game will likely be remembered as the one where Sullivan got his first start. And although it wasn't the highest profile affair – that's kind of the point – it was still one that might indicate where the somehow-still-15-year-old might operate for the Union in the next two full MLS campaigns before he moves to Manchester City.

GOAL takes a look at Sullivan's first start, how he fared, and what it might say for the future of one of the U.S.'s brightest talents.

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  A long-awaited first start

  The Union have been smart about this whole thing. Sullivan has played just 48 minutes in MLS this year. That is by no means a bad thing. The team have been doing just fine with him in a rather limited role. They are third in the Eastern Conference and have won seven of 12 matches. There is no need to toss him in, risk injury, expand his role, or tinker with a winning formula.

  This is also, of course, the paradox of having a really talented youngster. He is probably the best natural footballer the Union have in their ranks. But he is also has little top-level experience. He plays in a position of relative strength for Philadelphia, and even if he is better naturally than a number of their other attacking options, there isn't a great need for him to play – today.

  The flip side of that is it leaves expectant fans for Philadelphia and the USMNT rather disappointed. Sullivan has made it clear that he wants to play for the USMNT – and big picture, win the Ballon d'Or. The style, swagger and wonderful left foot are all there. Fans want to see him play.

  Yet the Union are still keeping him on a tight leash. It may be frustrating for some, but it's probably the right move for his career development – no matter how well he can kick a ball.

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  A statistical overview

  That's why the U.S. Open Cup fixture made sense of his introduction. Indy Eleven have a good record in the competition, but they are still far from the level of an MLS side. Carnell, meanwhile, wanted to rest some of his first-teamers – or at least save some legs. It was always going to be a lower intensity night with fewer fans in the building and fewer viewers. Perfect time to let the kid play.

  Sullivan started, roughly, on the right side of a 4-4-2 – the Union's preferred system so far this year. On paper, the numbers were agreeable, if slightly unspectacular. Sullivan played 120 minutes, completed 30/40 passes, created two chances, and had six attempts on goal – three of which were on target.

  The heatmap tells a mostly similar story. Sullivan stuck to the right side of the pitch, occasionally ventured inside, and spent most of the game pretty much doing his job. Any coach would conclude that Sullivan put in a good shift, did exactly what was asked of him, and ensured that the regular starters could rest their legs in the midst of a hectic league schedule. That's basically what he said.

  "Cavan wants to play, he wants to express himself, he wants to get on the pitch,” Carnell outlined after the game. “He wants to prove himself, and he wants to prove he belongs with the team. He did a great job. He’s young, fit, hungry … it was fun to watch him play tonight.”

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  Moments of promise

  But watch the game, and there were some real indications that Sullivan was operating a little faster than everyone else on the pitch. His first touch was sharp from the first minute, and while the rest of the Union rather slumbered their way through the game, Sullivan tried to break it open. He took five shots in the first half alone, and was always looking for the incisive moment.

  Perhaps the passage that summarized his performance the most was in the 37th minute. He received a pass just outside the box, 19 yards from goal in the right half space. The smart move, at that point, would have been to take the ball to the byline and cut it back to one of four Philadelphia runners darting into the box.

  Instead, Sullivan cut sharply onto his left, a sent two Indy defenders skirting the wrong way, and unleashed a shot on goal. It was pretty easily blocked by a deluge of defenders who had diligently tracked back. He latched onto a loose ball in the same phase of play. Again, there were perhaps two passes on; he could have fed either Union forward. Sullivan had a shot on goal instead, stinging the palms of the Indy goalkeeper.

  He did much the same in extra time. Sullivan darted into the box to snag loose ball, six yards out from goal and facing a near-impossible angle. The pass across the box was on. Instead, he tried to fire into the roof of the net – but launched the ball over the bar. His teammate was not happy.

  He went for the spectacular when the simple was on. There are no stats for valiant failures, or almost-goals. But from the perspective of a young player learning his craft, these will go down mostly as good things – especially given the final score.

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  A mixed body of work

  There were some shortcomings. Sullivan may have been active and assertive in the first half, but his influence rather waned in the second. In fairness, it was partially his team's fault. The Union should have led by two or three at half time. They came out slightly sluggish after the break. Indy grabbed a goal on 48 minutes, and then put in the kind of resolute defensive showing that perhaps deserved three points.

  In those moments, when the game became a slog, Sullivan faded. It was an odd game in the second half. The Union didn't seem to have the legs to press, but Indy didn't really want the ball, either. The Union completed 225 passes to Indy's 132, and 42 percent of their passes came in the final third. They put nine shots on goal, attempted 11 crosses, and hit the post once.

  In other words, they were camped out in their opponents' half, created a lot, but didn't manage to find the back of the net.

  Indy were simply up for the scrap. And that's where you could see Sullivan's need for improvement. He is, remember, still 15, and although not afraid to tackle, isn't the biggest physical presence. He won four of his eight duels, and lost possession, due to either giveaways or misplaced passes, 18 times. Only when Indy decided to open the game up a little more, and spaces became bigger, did Sullivan get back to playing football again.

MatériaMais Notícias

Atualmente, poucos questionariam o status do Palmeiras como melhor time do Brasil. O trabalho longevo de Abel Ferreira, os resultados e os bons jogadores que formam o elenco são justificativas mais do que evidentes para essa alcunha alviverde. No entanto, nada disso entra em campo na cabeça dos jogadores e da comissão técnica. É assim, rechaçando qualquer favoritismo diante do Água Santa, na final do Paulistão, que o Verdão busca mais um título nesta era vitoriosa do clube.

> Veja classificação e simulador do Paulistão-2023 clicando aqui

São 11 finais disputadas sob o comando de Abel, ou seja, perdendo ou ganhando essas decisões, sabemos que se trata de um time altamente acostumado com esse tipo de confronto. Nesse período, a equipe já passou por todos os tipos possíveis de disputa de título: nacional, continental, estadual e até Mundial. Os adversários variaram, mas somente agora chegou a um “pequeno”.

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No entanto, de acordo com o discurso de Abel Ferreira e de seus comandados, isso não significa nada e a postura será a mesma em comparação com qualquer outro rival. E olha que já passou por finais contra Flamengo, Grêmio, Athletico-PR, São Paulo, Chelsea, entre outros adversários.

-A única obrigação do Palmeiras é dar o seu melhor para vencer. Em relação ao favoritismo, isso nos dá zero pontos, zero vitórias e zero títulos. Meu trabalho é com os jogadores em campo – declarou o treinador português em coletiva na última sexta-feira.

>Água Santa x Palmeiras: onde assistir, prováveis times e desfalques

Toda essa ideia é comprada pelos jogadores, que apesar de já terem vencido muita coisa dentro do clube, não param de mostrar mais motivação para conquistar outras taças pelo clube. Essa vontade cria uma disputa interna que mantém todos os atletas brigando por vaga entre os 11 titulares.

-É muito simples: viver o momento, aqui e agora. O que ganhamos e disputamos, ficou para a história. Agora é o Paulistão e depois pensar nos outros campeonatos. É desfrutar de cada treino, de mais uma final, que chegamos por nosso mérito, e lutar para conseguir mais um título – contou Gustavo Gómez, capitão do time, em entrevista coletiva.

-Diga como treina, que eu digo como vai jogar. Não temos 11 titulares, são jogadores que trabalham durante a semana para merecer a vaga entre os 11. Eu olho primeiro para a nossa forma de defender, de atacar, esse é o primeiro ponto. Nós temos uma forma de atacar e de defender, é em função disso que eu escolho os jogadores – explicou Abel Ferreira.

O Palmeiras tem somente uma derrota nos últimos 30 jogos que disputou. Além disso, ainda não perdeu na temporada atual e pode conquistar o Paulistão de forma invicta pela quarta vez em sua história. No entanto, antes de pensar nisso, é preciso passar pelo Água Santa e Abel já deu a letra:

>Recordista em finais, Rony prega concentração para chegar ao título

– Se igualarmos os nossos adversários na vontade, seremos melhores, se não fizermos isso, teremos dificuldades.

Água Santa e Palmeiras se enfrentam neste domingo, às 16h, na Arena Barueri, pela partida de ida da final do Paulistão. O segundo jogo será no domingo seguinte, dia 9 de abril, no Allianz Parque.

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Worcestershire’s blushes saved but questions remain about ground’s viability as their permanent home

ECB Reporters Network27-May-2024

Nottinghamshire’s hopes of pushing for a last-day victory were wrecked by the weather during the rain-ruined draw with Worcestershire in the Vitality County Championship encounter at Visit Worcestershire New Road.Despite the wash-out of two of the first three days, Nottinghamshire were strongly placed, coming into Monday 154 runs ahead. But heavy overnight rain and a steady stream of morning showers dashed any hopes of the players being able to take the field.Umpires Nigel Llong and Suri Shanmugam carried out a series of inspections. The visitors are entitled to feel frustrated after completely outplaying Worcestershire on Saturday, the only day of play possible.While Worcestershire avoided any awkwardness on the final day, it was a demoralising end to this first chunk of the County Championship. The final round of the opening block of red ball matches was supposed to be a welcome return to New Road after eight floods over the winter forced them to relocate their first two home games to Kidderminster.Last month, chief executive Ashley Giles floated the idea of moving the club to a new permanent home because the ground is built on a floodplain which relieves the River Severn, making it extremely susceptible to bad weather. “It’s costing us a lot of money,” Giles told BBC Hereford and Worcester. “We’re going to lose virtually two months of a six-month season. The ground is here to stage cricket, to be a venue for entertainment and hospitality. But conditions are seemingly getting worse.”New Road is due to host its next match on Friday, a Vitality Blast match against Lancashire Lightning. While the ground staff worked relentlessly over the last four days, further inclement weather could affect preparations for that fixture. As a non-Test venue, the Blast is an important part of the club’s matchday revenues over a season. The ground will also host a women’s ODI between England and New Zealand on June 30.”A disappointing day in the field, and, ultimately, three disappointing days being back at New Road and not being able to get on the park as well,” said Worcestershire head coach Alan Richardson. “It’s lovely to be back but four days that we probably don’t want to remember for too long.”Nottinghamshire head coach Peter Moores echoed Richardson’s frustrations about the weather, while lauding a professional performance from his team. Luke Fletcher was the star performer with the ball but a disciplined attack took full advantage of the seamer-friendly conditions to dismiss the hosts for 80. Then skipper Haseeb Hameed scored an excellent century to press home Nottinghamshire’s advantage, with former Worcestershire batter Joe Clarke notching an unbeaten 73.”It’s been frustrating because as soon as we got here and saw the outfield, we knew it was going to be difficult if we got any rain, and we did get rain over three days,” said Moores.”We played brilliantly in the game so credit to the lads. To bowl them out in a session was a fantastic effort, not just the quality of the bowling but the catching that went with it.”All in all, no complaints there, and were then getting to a very strong position in the game with the partnership between Hameed and Clarke on the second day.”

Kane Williamson followed his first-innings 118 of 289 with a more enterprising 109 off 132 balls to flatten a depleted South Africa and power New Zealand’s lead to a gigantic 528 at the end of the third day. South Africa had earlier been bowled out for 162 as New Zealand further pushed for victory despite not opting to enforce the follow-on after taking a lead of 349 in the first innings.Williamson went from 29 to 31 Test centuries in a matter of three days and unlike in the first innings, he scored quicker and held the New Zealand innings together even though they were well ahead in the game when he walked out to bat at 10 for 1. But like in the first innings, he was again given a life, on 61, and he cashed in to punish the South Africa bowlers. He become the joint second-quickest batter to 31 Test centuries in 170 innings with Steven Smith, and only behind Sachin Tendulkar’s 165.As compared to his hundred on Sunday, Williamson played his strokes with a lot more freedom and found the gaps more easily once he reached fifty off 75 balls. Until then, he was held down a fair bit by Tsepho Moreki and Dane Paterson by the new ball, but not by Ruan de Swardt whom he smacked for three fours in the over after the tea break. Barring a classical straight drive early in his innings, also off de Swardt, Williamson scored most of his runs square of the pitch and behind it with his trademark dabs on the off side and pulls off the shorter balls. Like in the first innings, he showed some signs of frustration when he couldn’t pierce the gaps early on and got a life when he uncharacteristically heaved Paterson to deep square leg where Edward Moore shelled a sitter.Related

• Morris suffers side strain, in doubt for New Zealand Tests

• Williamson all praise for 'class act' Ravindra: 'His temperament speaks volumes'

There was no stopping Williamson after that. He raced from 64 to 100 in just 25 balls, by backing away for boundaries against Paterson – one of which was half a chance at mid-off – and with just four dot balls in the period as he also took on Neil Brand’s left-arm spin from over the wicket. The hundred came up with 15 minutes left for stumps when he punched Brand on the off side for a single and followed it with a big swing for six over wide long-on in Brand’s next over when he came around the wicket. Five balls later he attempted another big shot on the leg side but was stumped for 109.In between, first-innings hero Rachin Ravindra fell for 12 to de Swardt when he tried to attack after the second-wicket stand of 92 between Devon Conway and Williamson was broken when Conway slog-sept Brand to deep midwicket. Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell ended the day for the hosts by batting for just one over together.New Zealand’s charge was started by two wickets in an over from Matt Henry in the first session of the day followed by a three-for from Mitchell Santner, who bowled a very disciplined 21 overs for just 34 runs a day after turning 32.South Africa had to crawl their way from 80 for 4 to their eventual score of 162 as the New Zealand quicks bowled tight and the spinners Santner and Ravindra found turn and drift to contain the tail. Keegan Petersen was the main source of resistance for South Africa along with supporting acts from Clyde Fortuin and Duanne Olivier. South Africa had scored just three runs in the first 33 balls of the day before a solid-looking David Bedingham got a leading edge off a wild pull which Santner settled under near the pitch. Two balls later, left-handed de Swardt shouldered arms to an inswinger from around the wicket to be struck outside off and was given out. De Swardt reviewed almost immediately, and ball-tracking showed the ball would have just shaved off stump and the batter had to walk back reluctantly.Matt Henry struck twice in an over removing David Bedingham and Ruan de Swardt•Getty Images

Petersen and Fortuin got together at a precarious 83 for 6 and started with plenty of blocks. Petersen was stuck on 2 for as many as 31 balls, while Fortuin showed good technique against the fast bowlers. Petersen soon picked up pace with a rare boundary off Tim Southee and survived a close lbw call when he missed a rare reverse sweep against Santner. New Zealand called for a review, but ball-tracking showed the ball to be missing the stumps.Fortuin took 17 balls to get off the mark and also survived a chance when Santner drew an outside edge that deflected off Blundell’s gloves and landed near the right boot of first slip. His stubborn 79-minute vigil and the seventh-wicket stand of 37 ended when he attacked Santner but handed a catch to short cover for 9.Soon after Duanne Olivier collected consecutive boundaries off Kyle Jamieson after lunch, Southee brought on spin from both ends after seeing Santner draw a few edges and keep the lbw in play. Santner produced two loud lbw shouts in the 60th over against Olivier and Peterson, but on both occasions the batters had edged the ball. When it looked like Peterson would bring up a valiant fifty, he threw his wicket away with a slog against Ravindra and handed a leading edge to mid-off for 45.Olivier continued to frustrate the hosts which made the spinners strike in consecutive overs at the other end. Santner removed Moreki’s off stump for his 50th Test wicket while Ravindra snared Paterson in similar fashion to wrap up the innings.

GOAL writers debate whether Messi should consider leaving MLS, and if a move for De Paul would help keep him in Miami

These are interesting times in Miami. The Herons crashed out of the Club World Cup in unspectacular fashion, beaten convincingly by a far superior PSG side. But they have since rebounded in style, smashing Montreal on the back of a Lionel Messi masterclass.

There's other intriguing stuff, too. Miami have been heavily linked with Atletico Madrid midfielder, Rodrigo De Paul. On his day, the Argentine is among the best in the world in his position. He is a stalwart of his national team and a favorite of Diego Simeone's.

But he would also cost a reported $17 million, and require some serious roster reconfiguration. Miami would almost certainly need a designated player spot to allow for his signature – something they do not currently have. And although it has been reported that there is mutual interest in the move, for technical reasons, it might require, for example, the retirement of Sergio Busquets – something that doesn't seem imminent.

Still, this is Miami, and MLS has repeatedly found ways for them to assemble Messi's old teammates. What's another bit of financial wizardry?

This all comes at a time, though, with the MLS Cup favorites staring at the existential question of of Messi's future. There has been speculation of a possible move abroad, and while Miami insist that an agreement on a new contract is down to its final stage, the uncertainty will have both the club and MLS somewhat on edge.

GOAL US writers break down all things Messi and Miami in the latest edition of… The Rondo.

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  Is the best move for Messi to stay in Miami?

  Tom Hindle: Unquestionably. Those across the pond might not admit it, but MLS is a good level of competition for the Argentine, while it certainly allows him the flexibility to manage his legs a little. Let's be honest: he's got about 18 months of football left. America is the best place to play them out.

  Jacob Schneider: Anywhere at a high level is a good spot for Messi, to be frank. At Miami, though, he is surrounded by friends and family and in a situation that is built around him to succeed. Heading into 2026, it’s hard to think of a better place for him.

  Ryan Tolmich: Absolutely, and there isn't really an argument otherwise. At this point in his career, Messi can still go with the very best of them, but it's unlikely he can go with the consistency required to play at the highest levels of European soccer. In Miami, he can live a comfortable life, play with his friends and, if all goes to plan, still win things. What else could he want in these final few years?

  Alex Labidou: He's reported to be a part-owner of Inter Miami and has a stake in the league's Apple TV deal. While the finer details have not been disclosed, the obvious answer should be of course, he should stay. All of the rumors seem like nothing more than a way to extract the absolute best offer and roster composition to keep Messi happy in MLS. Can anybody really see Messi embracing a move to the Middle East? At least compared to his situation at Miami, which is essentially South America north? No.

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  Are there any opportunities that should tempt Messi?

  TH: Realistically? Nah. America presents a perfect balance of competition and lifestyle. Don't overthink it. Butyou could understand the temptation should a Barca offer actually come. Nostalgia is a powerful thing, and Messi has repeatedly admitted he never wanted to leave the club. He would probably still be there if the Blaugrana hadn't messed up their finances five years ago.

  JS: If Barca asked him to come back, he’d drop everything – who wouldn’t? – but moves to the Middle East likely will not tempt him. It’s not a playing level that Messi would be interested in. As for a move to a club in his native Argentina, he has confidently said it’s not the time yet.

  RT: The only tempting offers, realistically, would be Newell's or Barcelona. Financially and logistically, Newell's will likely never make sense. A Barcelona homecoming, meanwhile, would be unimaginably risky. How many great movies have we seen dinged by lackluster sequels? Let the past stay in the past, and go back only for what should be the greatest testimonial ever put together.

  AL: The only two offers that would make sense from a sentimental point of view, not a footballing one, are Barcelona or Newell's Old Boys. Yet, as seen plenty of times over the past three years, Barcelona can barely afford to keep the players they have on their roster – they couldn't find a way to register Spain star Nico Williams. Is Messi going to play there for free? Obviously not, and Newell's aren't in a great sporting or financial position right now either. It's Inter Miami or the Middle East.

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  Are Argentina still better with him?

  TH: Yes, but that window is closing. There is still magic in those boots, yet it's fair to wonder where he might be in a year. That left foot won't disappear, but can his legs manage a 48-team World Cup in the middle of the summer? Tough to say. This Argentina team have probably peaked. Is now the time to think about the next era?

  JS: Of course. He is the body and soul of that team, the heart and passion of all things Albiceleste. Lionel Scaloni still builds his system around Messi, and his teammates know that he is the key to the national team.

  RT: Absolutely. Even if his actual soccer skills disappear, and they haven't, the mentality that he inspires in the national team cannot be understated. Argentina follow him like soldiers off to battle, and it's because of that mentality that they continue to win. Argentina aren't the most talented team in the world by any stretch, but they are the most mentally strong, and it's Messi's leadership that inspires that strength.

  AL: Yes, Argentina are uniquely built to capitalize on his strengths and have elite defensive midfielders such as De Paul to cover up his weaknesses. Not sure if they are the favorites heading into 2026, but as seen at the Club World Cup with Miami against Porto, it only takes one moment for Messi to knock a team out.

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  What's the right time for Messi to retire?

  TH: It feels unbelievably silly to tell any of these lads when to go. But for the narrative arc? After the 2026 World Cup – or at the end of that MLS season. However, declines are rapid in football. Can Messi still be effective in 12 months time? Probably, but you wouldn't begrudge him for walking away at the end of this season. Leave the football before the football leaves you.

  JS: It would not be a surprise if he retires in 2028 – getting one last Copa America with Argentina in the books. However, a send off after the 2026 World Cup, internationally, would be a beautiful one.

  RT: Whenever the hell he wants. He has earned the right to go out on his own terms, whatever those may be. Does he want to retire on a high and leave the world wanting more? Does he want to go until the wheels fall off and he uses every bit of soccer left in his body? Entirely up to him! Few players know when to call it quits at the right time but, when it comes to Messi, the right time is whenever he says so. The world will enjoy watching him play until that moment comes.

  AL: If Messi retires from international football and stays in Miami, he could reasonably dominate in MLS for at least three more years. Even if he continues to lose a step, his technical ability, as shown against Montreal last week, is unlike any seen in the league before. If he is seriously considering a return to Europe, that timeline gets halved. European club soccer is all about pressing high and being part of a cohesive unit and Messi doesn't have the legs for that anymore.

Cricket Australia will make neck guards mandatory for Australia and domestic players from October 1 meaning the likes of Steven Smith and David Warner, among others, will be forced to wear them on their helmets having resisted doing so since their introduction in 2015.Mandatory neck guards are one of a number of changes made to CA’s playing conditions ahead of the 2023-24 season including a change to the automatic six rule for balls that hit the roof at Marvel Stadium in the BBL, with the umpires now to make a discretionary decision on whether the ball was travelling over the boundary. Several other changes were made to speed up play in the Big Bash leagues, including time limits on injury stoppages and streamlining stumping reviews.But the decision to make neck guards mandatory will have the biggest impact on Australia’s men’s players with Smith, Warner and Usman Khawaja among the major names not to use them since their introduction. Players will have to wear neck guards on their helmets when facing fast or medium-paced bowling only. The rule does not apply to facing spinners or for wicketkeepers and close-in fielders.Neck or stem guards were designed in the wake of Phillip Hughes’ death. Warner, who was playing in the game when Hughes was struck, made a very strong written statement in the New South Wales coroner’s inquest into Hughes’ death about why he would not wear neck or stem guards.”I do not and will not wear them,” Warner wrote. “When I turn my head…wearing a StemGuard, it impedes my neck and restricts the movement of my neck when I turn around to face bowlers. I have tried a StemGuard and it digs into my neck. It is uncomfortable and is a distraction.”With safety, the helmets are getting heavier. As a player, it is what you feel comfortable with. I go with being able to see better, and being able to move my neck.”Steven Smith did wear a neck guard briefly in the 2019 Ashes•Getty Images

Smith has also avoided wearing them with the exception of a couple of occasions. He was not wearing one when he was concussed after being hit by Jofra Archer in a Test match at Lord’s in 2019. He spoke about having to wear one on his return from concussion during that series.”I’ve tried them before and I tried them the other day when I was batting [in the nets] and I reckon my heart rate went up about 30 or 40 straight away,” Smith said. “I just feel claustrophobic. I compare it to being stuck in an MRI scan machine.”They’re probably going to become mandatory, so I’m going to have to get used to them. I’m sure the more I wear them, the more I practice with them, my heart rate will come down and everything will be okay.”Smith did wear one in the Old Trafford Test of that series and made 211 and 82 but has avoided using one since with the exception of his three-game stint with Sussex earlier this year as it was mandatory in county cricket under ECB rules – the game was briefly stopped when Smith was told he had to get them added to his helmet. It is not mandatory for overseas players in Test matches in England so he did not wear one during the 2023 Ashes.CA has now introduced similar rules on neck guards to the ECB with umpires to enforce their use in domestic matches, but those standards will apply to Australia’s international players only in all matches both home and away, although international umpires can’t enforce them under ICC rules. Australian players choosing not to wear them will now face CA code of conduct penalties.”Protecting the head and neck is extremely important in our sport,” CA head of cricket operations Peter Roach said. “The neck protector product has come a long way in recent years and the decision to make them mandatory comes off the back of a lot of advice and consultation with a wide range of experts and stakeholders.”A number of players have hit the roof at Marvel Stadium•Getty Images

Changes to stumping reviews

In other changes to the playing conditions, balls hitting the roof at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne are no longer automatically six. The on-field umpires will now make a judgment call on whether the ball was travelling for six and if they decide it was not, it will be a dead ball. This follows several examples where top edges that went straight up into the roof were awarded six runs despite clear evidence that the ball would not have landed beyond the inner circle.Also in the BBL and WBBL, any umpire reviews for a stumping will not include a TV umpire review for caught behind as well. The TV official will only adjudicate on the stumping. Captains will need to use the DRS to query a caught-behind decision and the review must be taken before the TV umpire adjudicates on a stumping.There were also several new conditions added to speed up play. On-field injury assessments, with the exception of concussion assessments, are now limited to one five-minute window. Players needing further treatment will need to leave the field, meaning batters would be forced to retire hurt.CA has also removed the Covid-19 substitute rule from their playing conditions in line with the ICC doing the same.

كشف مصدر بـ نادي الزمالك، حقيقة وجود مفاوضات مع بيرسي تاو لاعب الأهلي السابق للانضمام إلى القلعة البيضاء خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفة الجارية.

ويسعى الزمالك للتعاقد مع عدد من اللاعبين لتدعيم صفوفه في الفترة الراهنة بعد تعيين يانيك فيريرا مدربًا للفريق.

وكان الزمالك قد تعاقد مع البلجيكي يانيك فيريرا، لتولي منصب المدير الفني للفريق خلفًا لأيمن الرمادي، الذي تم توجيه الشكر له بنهاية الموسم الماضي.

طالع.. خاص | وصول صفقة الزمالك المنتظرة تمهيدًا لتوقيع العقود

وقال المصدر لـ بطولات: “اسم بيرسي تاو تم عرضه على الزمالك بشكل عام، ولكن لم نصل لاتفاق معه أو الاستقرار على ضمه”.

وأكمل: “صفقات الأجانب تحت التقييم بشكل دقيق خاصة أن أي صفقة أجنبي جديدة ستعني خروج أحد المحترفين من الفريق كون الأبيض يضم 4 أجانب حالياً، وهناك صفقة شيكوا بانزا”.

ويُعد تاو من أكثر المواهب المميزة في قارة إفريقيا وقضى مسيرة مميزة مع الأهلي، حيث حصد دوري أبطال إفريقيا والدوري المصري أكثر من مرة، قبل أن ينضم في يناير الماضي إلى نادي قطر القطري.

Amid what appears certain to end as Manchester United’s worst-ever Premier League campaign, the Red Devils will once again be looking to oversee something of a squad overhaul this summer.

The INEOS regime will likely need to be as ruthless as they were last summer, having notably allowed high profile stars such as Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial to depart following the expiry of their contracts.

Equally, the Old Trafford hierarchy also opted to cash in on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer favourites, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Scott McTominay, while a raft of academy graduates were also shown the door, namely Willy Kambwala, Alvaro Fernandez and Hannibal Mejbri.

With new boss Ruben Amorim having already hinted that the club will need to sell before buying this summer, it could be a repeat scenario this time around, with the futures of a number of first-team assets currently up in the air.

Player

New club

Fee

Scott McTominay

Napoli

£25m

Mason Greenwood

Marseille

£22m

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

West Ham

£15m

Willy Kambwala

Villarreal

£9m

Hannibal Mejbri

Burnley

£5.5m

Facundo Pellistri

Panathinaikos

£5m

Alvaro Fernandez

Benfica

£5m

Donny van de Beek

Girona

£400k

Raphael Varane

Como

Free

Omari Forson

Monza

Free

Jadon Sancho

Chelsea

Loan

Anthony Martial

AEK Athens

Free

If recent reports are anything to go by, there could well be a mass exodus from the Theatre of Dreams by the time next season rolls around…

Man Utd's mass summer exodus

As the player has hinted at himself this week, Christian Eriksen is likely to be moving on to pastures new following the expiry of his contract at the end of June, with the Danish playmaker having initially signed on a free transfer back in 2022.

The 33-year-old – as reported by Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst – is likely to be followed by fellow Scandinavian star, Victor Lindelof, with the long-serving Swede also unlikely to be handed a new deal.

Further experienced exits could lie in store for one-time academy graduates, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton, with both men in line for retirement once their own contracts are up this summer.

As Luckhurst also alluded to, fellow veteran Casemiro is likely to be made available for transfer, despite the Brazilian having recently admitted that he would be willing to see out the remainder of his deal, which expires in 2026.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co are also likely to try and cash in on both Marcus Rashford and Antony, with the pair having joined Aston Villa and Real Betis, respectively, in January.

In the case of the Brazilian, there was no clause included as part of the move to Spain, although Villa do have a £40m option to buy as part of their temporary acquisition of Rashford.

Another man who could also be set for a permanent departure within the Premier League is Jadon Sancho, albeit with the Englishman’s future at Chelsea having been brought into fresh doubt of late.

Man Utd's total cost of signing Jadon Sancho

It is very on-brand for a chaotic club like United that even a seemingly routine obligation-to-buy clause has become rather complicated, with it looking as if the Stamford Bridge side could attempt to back out of the permanent signing of Sancho.

As reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Blues could avoid paying £25m for the addition of the 25-year-old by instead paying the Red Devils a £5m penalty fee, in order to send the winger back to Old Trafford.

That could potentially see the former Borussia Dortmund man return to Manchester this summer, leaving INEOS with the potential task of trying to find a suitable buyer for him, ahead of next term.

It would be no surprise if Chelsea do opt not to sign the wideman permanently, not least considering his meagre return of just two goals and six assists in 28 games for the west Londoners to date.

After a bright start, which included three assists in his first three Premier League games under Enzo Maresca, the one-time Manchester City youth star has failed to maintain that momentum, with Chelsea hero John Obi Mikel stating that he has simply “disappeared” of late:

Those woes reflect Sancho’s dismal time back at United thus far, with the 2021 arrival having contributed just 18 goals and assists in 83 games to date – a return bettered by Dan James, for instance, who chalked up 18 goal involvements from just 74 appearances.

Described by Solskjaer as “a forward player in the best traditions of Manchester United” upon his £73m switch from Germany, the England international has certainly failed to live up to that price tag, having proven a costly mistake instead.

Not only have the club had to fork out that initial fee, but they have also coughed up over £35m in wages since then, as per Capology, representing a total cost of around £108m in all.

The idea of then being burdened with him again next season, provided Chelsea wiggle out of a move, would be a real concern for the United hierarchy, with INEOS needing to ensure that they finally cash in on Sancho this summer – one way, or another.

INEOS must axe Man Utd flop who's cost them over £50m in wages

He’s likely to be part of the much-anticipated summer clear-out at Old Trafford.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Mar 24, 2025

Ireland international shares third-wicket stand of 186 with Fran Wilson, 48 hours after joining new team

ECB Reporters Network29-Apr-2023

Orla Prendergast scored a magnificent century on debut to propel Western Storm to a convincing six-wicket Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy victory over Thunder at Sophia Gardens.Having joined the staff only 48 hours previously, the Irish international made the best possible first impression, posting a career-best 115 and sharing in a mammoth third-wicket stand of 186 with Fran Wilson, who finished unbeaten on 74 from 100 balls.Prendergast’s superb innings comprised 115 balls and included 11 fours and a six as Storm chased down a victory target of 215 with 51 balls to spare. The pick of Thunder’s bowlers, Mahika Gaur claimed 3 for 39 from her allotted overs.Opener Emma Lamb top-scored with 74 and Deandra Dottin contributed a hard-hitting 41 after Thunder had won the toss and elected to bat.But Storm’s bowlers stuck to their task, Chloe Skelton accounting for Lamb and Dottin in an incisive return of 3 for 36, while Dani Gibson and Lauren Filer claimed two wickets apiece. Thunder’s middle and lower order came up short and they were bowled out for an inadequate 214 in 44.4 overs.Heavily defeated by reigning champions Northern Diamonds at Headingley in their opening fixture, Storm summoned the perfect response, but Thunder are still seeking their first win.Eager to stake a claim for a place in the England team for this summer’s upcoming Ashes series against Australia, Thunder opener Lamb was determined to make a good impression at a venue in which she posted a notable half-century in a T20 match against Storm two seasons ago.But the early going was predictably tough against the new ball pair of Gibson and Filer, who made the England international play and miss on several occasions. Fellow opener Naomi Dattani never looked comfortable and was beaten by movement off the seam, caught at the wicket off Gibson, while former Storm player Fi Morris was comprehensively bowled by a superbly-executed in-swinging yorker from Filer as Thunder slipped to 19 for 2 inside six overs.Unfazed by what was happening at the other end, the meticulous Lamb continued to cut and drive with confidence, collecting seven boundaries on her way to a chanceless 50 from 59 balls. She was afforded valuable support from her captain, Eleanor Threlkeld happily playing second fiddle in an innings of 27 which helped steady the ship. These two added 72 in 13.5 overs for the third wicket to put the visitors in credit, and Storm breathed a collective sigh of relief when Threlkeld inadvertently fluffed her lines, caught and bowled by slow left armer Sophia Smale in the act of driving.Any respite afforded the home team proved short-lived as former West Indies international Dottin picked up the cudgels in progressive partnership with Lamb, the fourth-wicket pair staging a quickfire alliance of 69 in 61 balls, in the process putting a young Storm side under intense pressure.Dottin seized the initiative when harvesting a quartet of boundaries in one over from Filer, this a prelude to launching off spinner Claire Nicholas over long-on for the first maximum of the innings and then cover driving the Wales international for four later in the same over.Desperate to effect a breakthrough and stem the flow of runs, skipper Gibson called upon Skelton’s off breaks with immediate results. The 22-year-old Gloucestershire bowler struck twice in the space of nine deliveries to claim the key wickets of Lamb and Dottin and altogether alter the complexion of the game.Lamb had plundered 74 from 85 balls with eight fours and no doubt had three figures in her sights when she miss-timed a pull shot straight to Wilson at deep mid-wicket, while the aggressive Dottin, having raised 41 from 40 balls and struck seven fours and a six, holed out to Gibson at deep long-on.Sitting pretty at 160 for 3 in the 29th over, Thunder went into freefall thereafter, their last seven wickets falling inside 14 overs for the addition of just 54 runs.Encouraged by their double breakthrough, resilient Storm turned the screw, Filer accounting for Liberty Heap and Nat Wraith adroitly stumping Tara Norris off the bowling of the excellent Gibson. Thunder were by now dependent upon Danielle Collins, but she was bowled by Skelton for 23, after which Alex Griffiths knocked back Gaur’s off stump and then completed a run out to dismiss Alex Hartley and terminate the innings with 5.2 overs unused.Defending a modest total, Thunder required the reassurance of early wickets. Sure enough, Gaur obliged in a new-ball burst of 2 for 8 in five overs, the tall left-arm seamer pinning Griffiths lbw for one and then persuading Emma Corney to edge behind for two as Storm stuttered to 11 for 2, their new-look opening partnership failing to fire for a second successive match.Having only recently arrived from Ireland and still getting to know her new team-mates, Prendergast found herself between a rock and a hard place, charged with the task of rebuilding under extreme pressure in unfamiliar surroundings. She could not have wished for a better partner than Wilson, the former England international bringing all of her vast experience to bear on a tricky situation.Especially impressive in the circumstances, Prendergast played an innings full of calculated risk, punishing anything short of a length to score ostensibly in boundaries while the fielding restrictions were in place and then demonstrating a willingness to take the aerial route when confronted by spin. Warming to her task, the 20-year-old went to 50 in the grand manner, hoisting Morris over square leg for six, attaining that landmark via 49 balls with seven fours.Prepared to play a supporting role and aware of the additional responsibility placed upon her by the injury-enforced absence of Sophie Luff, Wilson batted with a degree of caution, compiling steadily rather than succumbing to any urge to take unwarranted risks. Her 50 comprised 71 balls and included a modest two fours, at which point the unbroken third-wicket stand was already worth 144.Threlkeld tried a final roll of the dice, recalling Gaur, but the young Emirates bowler was not nearly as effective with a soft ball, and Prendergast and Wilson began to relax as the required rate dropped to below four an over.Nevertheless, Prendergast maintained her concentration and poise to register three figures for the first time in senior women’s cricket, turning Hartley down to deep fine leg and running three to bring home supporters to their feet in appreciation. Her second 50 spanned 49 balls in an even-paced innings. By the time she was out, bowled by Dattani in the 38th over, Storm were almost home and dry.