UP Warriorz (UPW) have named Australia top-order batter Georgia Voll as replacement for Chamari Athapaththu, who will be missing the final phase of the WPL owing to national duties. As reported by ESPNcricinfo last week, Athapaththu was supposed to be available for UPW only till February 26, for their game against Mumbai Indians in Bengaluru which they lost.UPW next play on March 3, which will be the first game this season in Lucknow. Sri Lanka’s tour of New Zealand begins with the first of three ODIs in Napier the following day, followed by as many T20Is. As such, Athapaththu hasn’t played any of UPW’s five games this season.Twenty-one-year-old Voll has only played three T20Is, having made her debut against England in January. But prior to that, she was Sydney Thunder’s second-highest run-getter at WBBL 2024-25, where she scored 330 runs at a strike rate of 144. Thunder had made their way all the way up to the WBBL Challenger, where they lost to Brisbane Heat.Voll scored a century in just her second ODI, against India last December. She had finished as the highest run-scorer in that series, with 173 runs at an average of 86.50. Voll joins UPW for INR 30 lakh (US$ 34,350 approx.).UPW are currently placed fourth on the five-team WPL points table, having won two of their games so far.
São Paulo e Rogério Ceni chegaram a um acordo pelos valores a que o ex-goleiro e treinador do Tricolor receberá pela sua demissão do clube do Morumbi, no último dia 19.
Ceni receberá por três meses ‘um salário’ do Tricolor. Somados além da multa, direitos trabalhistas e férias, o treinador receberá aproximadamente R$ 2,1 milhões do clube. Valor bem inferior aos R$ 7 milhões recebidos após a demissão na primeira passagem na função pelo Morumbi, em 2017.
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+ Saiba os 20 clubes das Américas que receberam mais interações no Twitter em março
A multa rescisória de Ceni com o São Paulo variava de acordo com o tempo de contrato e os valores recebidos na CLT e direitos de imagem, pagos por meio de CNPJ. A comissão técnica custava cerca de R$ 700 mil mensais durante a passagem pelo Morumbi.
Não havia um valor estabelecido em cláusula para evitar o vazamento, como aconteceu na primeira passagem do treinador pelo clube, durante a gestão de Carlos Augusto Barros e Silva, o Leco.
Oficialmente, não houveram manifestações dos dirigentes são-paulinos para justificarem a saída de Ceni. Entretanto a decisão da demissão foi tomada por conta de problemas de relacionamento do treinador com peças do elenco. O ex-goleiro deixou o Morumbi nesta segunda passagem com os vices do Campeonato Paulista e Copa Sul-Americana.
+ Confira os jogos e classificação resultados da Sul-Americana-23 na tabela do LANCE!
Celtic’s generally positive results in pre-season continue.
On Wednesday night, Brendan Rodgers’ side beat Primeira Liga champions Sporting CP 2-0 at Estádio Algarve, with Reo Hatate breaking the deadlock from the penalty spot, before substitute Luke McCowan came off the bench to secure victory.
That makes it three wins out of four in pre-season, after the Hoops enjoyed victories over both Queen’s Park and then Cork City, the sole blot on their copybook so far a 3-2 defeat to Estrela da Amadora last weekend, albeit that was played behind-closed-doors.
Now, ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Newcastle United at Parkhead, the 10,000 Geordies who are making the 139-mile journey north to Glasgow will ensure there is a great atmosphere at that one, but will Celtic have made an exciting new signing by then?
Celtic seeking to add attacking talent
Following the aforementioned mid-week victory over Sporting, Rodgers confirmed that adding attacking reinforcements to his squad is the priority in this window, stating “we’ve lost a lot of goals, so we need to replace that”.
This comes after Nicolas Kühn joined Como for a reported fee of £16.5m earlier this month, while the Celts are also still searching for a Kyōgo Furuhashi replacement, after he was sold in January.
While the Hoops have already snapped up Swedish talent, Benjamin Nygren, they are now set to complete the signing of striker Shin Yamada for £1.2m, as noted by Graeme Young of the Daily Record,
The 25-year-old, who helped Japan win the EAFF E-1 Football Championship earlier this week, said goodbye to supporters of his current club Kawasaki Frontale, with the Sky Blue and Black confirming he will now finalise a move to a ‘foreign club’.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
So, will he prove to be Celtic’s next Japanese sensation?
How Shin Yamada will improve Celtic
Upon his arrival, following the prior capture of Nygren, Yamada will become the ninth Japanese player in Celtic’s history.
Celtic’s Japanese players
Players
Celtic career
Celtic appearances
Shunsuke Nakamura
2005-09
159
Kōki Mizuno
2008-09
12
Tomoki Iwata
2022-24
42
Yūki Kobayashi
2023
7
Yosuke Ideguchi
2022
6
Kyōgo Furuhashi
2021-2025
165
Reo Hatate
2022-present
142
Daizen Maeda
2022-present
158
All information courtesy of Transfermarkt
As the table outlines, he will be following in the footsteps of a few modern-day Celtic greats, linking up with new teammates Hatate and Daizen Maeda.
Yamada began his senior football career at college side Toin University of Yokohama, before moving to J League side Kawasaki Frontale three years ago, bagging 32 goals in 121 appearances for the club, most notably helping them reach a first-ever AFC Champions League Final back in April.
Daizen Maeda
Data scientist Ryo Nakagawara labels Yamada a “fantastic” talent, as well as describing him as a ‘natural finisher’, praising his ‘excellent movement’ and ‘quick acceleration’, assertions that are supported by his statistics in the J League last season.
Shin Yamada 2024 J League statistics
Statistics
Yamada
J League rank
Goals
19
3rd
Goals per 90
0.85
1st
Goals + assists per 90
0.98
1st
Shots
80
12th
Shots on target
37
5th
Shots on target %
46.3%
10th
Big chances missed
14
8th
Statistics courtesy of FBref.com and SofaScore
As outlined, Yamada was prolific in the J League last season, made all the more impressive by the fact that his team finished eighth, closer to relegation than champions Vissel Kōbe.
Meantime, according to Global Football Rankings, the J League is the 23rd strongest division in the world, a whopping 20 places above the Scottish Premiership.
Now though, the question remains, will he be a better starting centre-forward option than the current occupant of this position, Adam Idah?
The Republic of Ireland international’s performance against Sporting on Wednesday night was widely criticised, with Rodgers himself stating that the striker “needs to come alive”, calling for him to “have authority in the box”, intimating he is open to an alternative solution.
Shin Yamada vs Adam Idah comparison
Statistics
Yamada 2024
Idah 24/25
Minutes
2,012
2,168
Goals
19
16
Assists
3
0
Shots
80
88
Shots on target %
46.3%
48.9%
Big chances missed
14
19
Big chances created
6
6
Average Sofascore rating
7.06
6.93
Statistics courtesy of FBref.com and SofaScore
As the table outlines, during the timeframes included, Yamada comes out on top for the majority of metrics.
The Japanese striker scored more goals, registered more assists and missed fewer big chances than the Irishman, while doing so for a side who are exponentially less dominant relative to their competition.
Thus, if Idah continues to flatter to deceive, all available evidence suggests the incoming Yamada deserves the opportunity to stake a claim for the starting nine number spot.
Celtic open talks to sign "outstanding" £15m striker, he's open to the move
The Hoops have approached the agents of a centre-forward.
أثنى لاعب نادي برشلونة السابق على قدرات لامين يامال، نجم الفريق الحالي، موضحًا أن الأخير يستحق الفوز بالكرة الذهبية عن العام الحالي.
يامال صعد للفريق الأول بنادي برشلونة خلال موسم 2024، حيث ظهرت موهبته بشكل واضح على الرغم من خروج البلوجرانا دون تحقيق أي لقب.
ثم انفجر يامال بشكل كبير خلال الموسم الماضي مع برشلونة وتحت قيادة المدير الفني هانز فليك، حيث ساهم في فوز البلوجرانا بثلاثية الدوري الإسباني وكأس السوبر الإسباني وكأس ملك إسبانيا.
أقرأ أيضًا .. لامين يامال يثير القلق في برشلونة قبل مباراة فالنسيا بـ الدوري الإسباني
وفي حوار مع صحيفة ماركا، يرى بابلو توري، لاعب نادي ريال مايوركا الحالي وبرشلونة السابق، أن يامال يمتلك موهبة استثنائية.
وقال توري: ”إنه لاعب خارق في الثامنة عشرة من عمره الآن، لكن كل ما فعله في السابعة عشرة وحتى في السادسة عشرة يظهر موهبة مذهلة، لا داعي لقول أكثر من ذلك”.
وأتم توري في حديثه عن يامال: “فنيًا، هو لاعب مذهل، لكنه الآن، حتى جسديًا أصبح وحشًا، ويبذل جهدًا طوال الوقت ويكرر ما يفعله ويضغط بشدة، ويقضي على الفريق المنافس ويستمتع، إنه لاعب مذهل وهو يستحق الكرة الذهبية هذا العام”.
It is clear that Manchester United have identified the top end of the pitch as the area of the team that needs improving during the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils have already completed the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £62.5m, and there are set to be further attacking reinforcements to arrive at Old Trafford.
Man Utd's attempts to bolster their attack
The Brazil international is a strong start to the window for Ruben Amorim, because he produced 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League for the Old Gold in the 2024/25 campaign.
Cunha is a proven performer in the top-flight, as evidenced by his goal contributions over the past nine months, and the former Atletico Madrid star is set to compete for one of the number ten spots behind the striker.
After signing the Brazilian star, Manchester United are also in the market to bring a new number nine to Old Trafford, with Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic reportedly one of the players on their radar.
The Red Devils have also reportedly made an approach to sign Eintracht Frankfurt number nine Hugo Ekitike to bolster their options up front, after the French youngster international plundered 22 goals and 12 assists for the German side in the 2024/25 campaign.
As well as a new striker, Amorim is also in the market to add another number ten option alongside Cunha, with a Premier League star in his crosshairs.
Man Utd have verbal agreement with Premier League star
According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have a “verbal agreement” in place with Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.
The reporter claims that the Premier League giants are already in talks with the Bees over a deal to sign the Cameroon international, and that he has given his blessing for the clubs to discuss a move.
Plettenberg adds that the Red Devils, who will not be competing in any European competition next season, remain “optimistic” that a deal will go through during the summer transfer window.
The journalist states, however, that Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race to sign the left-footed star, because they have appointed the attacker’s former manager, Thomas Frank.
Spurs are hoping that their new head coach will be able to convince the 25-year-old whiz to make the move to North London to reunite with him, but Manchester United remain optimistic in spite of the fresh competition for his signature.
24/25 Premier League
Matheus Cunha
Bryan Mbeumo
Appearances
33
38
xG
8.63
12.26
Goals
15
20
Big chances created
13
17
Assists
6
7
Dribbles completed per game
1.8
1.3
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Amorim would have two Premier League-proven attackers to deploy as the two number tens behind his new striker in the top-flight next season if the club sign the Brentford star alongside Cunha.
Mbeumo, who was once hailed as “unplayable” by Frank, created a whopping 17 ‘big chances’ in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign, which suggests that he would be the perfect signing for any new number nine, as he can consistently put opportunities on a plate for them.
After Cunha: Man Utd join race for "red-hot" £47m Bryan Mbeumo clone
Man United need new forwards to improve Ruben Amorim’s team.
By
Angus Sinclair
Jun 14, 2025
It is now down to the club to ensure that they do not lose to Spurs in the race to sign the Brentford star in the coming weeks, as he could be a terrific addition to their attacking arsenal.
They were originally booked at a hotel 90 minutes from the cricket ground in New York
ESPNcricinfo staff06-Jun-2024Pakistan have made a change to their accommodation in New York, switching to a hotel closer to the cricket ground in Nassau County, where they will play two T20 World Cup group games on June 9 and June 11.Pakistan were originally booked to stay at a hotel about an hour and a half away from the venue. ESPNcricinfo understands the PCB took exception to the arrangement and arranged for the team to move to a hotel in Long Island, about a ten-minute drive from Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.Pakistan arrive in New York from Dallas on June 7 and play India at the venue two days later. The Indian team has been accommodated at a hotel about ten minutes from the ground, and have been in New York for more than a week, having played their warm-up match against Bangladesh and their first group game against Ireland at the venue.Generally at World Cups, hotel bookings are handled by the ICC working with the Local Organising Committee (LOC), a body that includes the host board. It is rare for teams to change hotels but given Sri Lanka’s experience during their stay in New York, arrangements have come under scrutiny.Sri Lanka were staying in Brooklyn ahead of their game against South Africa, 90 minutes from the ground. The logistical complications resulted in them cancelling their training session on the eve of the game to prevent fatigue. Ahead of their morning match, Sri Lanka were forced to start their day at 7am and ultimately succumbed to a heavy defeat against South Africa. Bowler Maheesh Theekshana called the scheduling and logistics “unfair” and Sri Lanka’s manager Mahinda Halangoda told ESPNcricinfo they had lodged an official complaint about their travel arrangements in this tournament.The PCB decided not to wait and raised concerns about their hotel being too far from the ground, insisting on a change in accommodation. The ICC eventually acquiesced to the request. Pakistan play India on Sunday 9 June, and Canada two days later in New York.
Everton have been put through the wringer over the past several years, but the return of David Moyes in January has turned the club back in the right direction.
The Friedkin Group have a daunting task ahead, with so many players out of contract at the end of the month. But it’s also a golden opportunity to redesign the Toffees squad as they step into a new home at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton manager DavidMoyes
New CEO Angus Kinnear, who left Leeds United to replace Kevin Thelwell in May, has got his work cut out, but Everton are willing to entrust their senior figures with the big decisions, and understandably so, given Moyes has identified an exciting new option to strengthen the frontline.
Everton make their first move
According to Turkish outlet A Spor, Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz has been approached by Everton as they look to add depth and dynamism to Moyes’ squad.
Yilmaz can play across both attacking flanks and thus would fit the bill as to what the manager hopes to add. It’s understood that the Merseysiders will soon present an opening £16m offer, but that the Istanbul club are holding out for a figure closer to £29m.
With Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom both returning to their parent clubs after difficult loan spells at Goodison Park, this could be a shrewd signing indeed for the Blues.
What Yilmaz would bring to Everton
Everton’s Premier League pedigree has at times felt threatened by the turbulence at the club over recent seasons, by the dysfunction that has led to palpable fears of relegation.
Moyes, though, transformed the club when arriving in January, after 12 years away. Everton finished comfortably in 13th place, and if they can get things right during the off-season, bringing in players such as Yilmaz, they could be headed for a new level of success.
Baris Alper Yilmaz for Galatasaray.
Yilmaz, a silky and talented winger, would certainly ease the burden on Iliman Ndiaye’s shoulders, the Senegalese star hailed by pundit Jamie Redknapp for his “dynamite” qualities after joining from Marseille for £15m last summer.
He could even prove an upgrade on Dwight McNeil, taking his place in the starting line-up as Charly Alcaraz makes the number ten spot his own, especially after notching 20 goal contributions from 48 matches for Gala last season.
That came after a EURO 2024 showdown with the Netherlands, which led Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk to declare his adversary “difficult for every defender”.
The Turk’s constant running and unrelenting intensity suggest he’d be a fantastic addition to the Premier League, potentially even capable of keeping McNeil on the bench.
Everton’s industrious playmaker started the 2023/24 season off with aplomb, but a knee injury ruled him out for the entirety of the midseason. Still, the one-time Burnley talent finished the year with four goals and eight assists from 21 top-flight fixtures, 15 starts.
Matches (starts)
32 (29)
21 (15)
Goals
12
4
Assists
3
8
Touches*
46.9
39.4
Shots (on target)*
2.4 (0.9)
1.2 (0.5)
Pass completion
75%
83%
Big chances created
8
12
Key passes*
1.4
1.8
Dribbles*
1.4
1.1
Ball recoveries*
3.0
3.6
Tackles + interceptions*
1.7
0.9
Duels won*
6.3
2.8
Though McNeil is evidently the more naturally creative player, Everton could add a new dimension to their attacking efforts by bringing Yilmaz in.
Everton, let’s not forget, finished 13th in the chance creation standings last season (63 big chances created) but only scored 42 goals, fewer than all but the three relegated outfits.
Dwight McNeil for Everton
Ultimately, it would serve Moyes well to have both players in the team next season, but Yilmaz’s pace and directness offer shades of Ndiaye, and we’ve seen how well he took to life in the Premier League when signing for Everton.
Everton ready to trigger £30m release clause for "exciting" DCL replacement
The Toffees could land their Liam Delap alternative.
Celtic have made a habit of bringing back former players in recent times and could now be set to repeat the trick in surprise fashion, according to a report.
Celtic look to kickstart summer transfer business
Brendan Rodgers has enjoyed another supremely successful season at Parkhead and stands only one game off completing a domestic treble, coming against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final.
The Bhoys have already won the Premier Sports Cup and Scottish Premiership title, setting the scene for a summer that could see some exciting arrivals at Parkhead.
Club icon Kieran Tierney will return to Celtic on a free transfer once his Arsenal contract expires next month, completing a whirlwind comeback after leaving for the Gunners back in 2019.
With Jota set to miss up to nine months of action, the Bhoys could also look to bring in Stoke City winger Million Manhoef. However, the Dutch star may cost around £10 million to prize away from the bet365 Stadium.
Scottish talent Lennon Miller is also on Celtic’s radar and is set for a summer of speculation following a fine couple of years at Motherwell, even if the Scottish Premiership champions are likely to be one of a number of clubs interested in his services.
Celtic could sign a perfect £7m Jota replacement this summer
Celtic may be in the market for a new winger after they lost Jota to a long-term injury.
ByDan Emery May 5, 2025
In a global marketplace, homegrown signings are important for the Bhoys to ensure they can meet squad quotas for European competitions.
Ultimately, Scottish players have always formed a strong part of Celtic’s backbone and club culture. Callum McGregor and James Forrest are shining examples, though they are rare examples from the academy set-up in recent years.
Now, the Hoops could be set to turn to one of their former youth graduates in a surprise move, per recent developments.
Celtic eye surprise move for Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan
According to The Herald, Celtic are lining up a surprise move for Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan, who spent seven years coming through the ranks at Lennoxtown before signing for Tranmere Rovers in 2022. Since then, the 27-year-old has featured for Forest Green Rovers before pitching up at Pittodrie, where he has filled in at times for Dimitar Mitov this campaign.
Ross Doohan’s season at Aberdeen – all competitions
Appearances
18
Goals conceded
27
Clean sheets
5
Labelled “brilliant” by Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie, his final match with the Dons could come against Celtic in the Scottish Cup final before a move if the scenario were to materialise. Third-choice Hoops stopper Scott Bain could leave with only a year on his deal left, opening up a slot for Doohan to make his way back to Glasgow as he features on a list of potential alternatives.
Celtic are required to have four club-trained players and the former Scotland Under-21 fits the bill, making it easier for Rodgers to piece together his final 25-man squad for whatever European league phase his side end up in.
Admittedly, Doohan wouldn’t be a signing that would attract much fanfare, but his arrival could be beneficial in light of quota requirements.
Arsenal have been contacted by the representatives of a wantaway Chelsea player, and it is believed he could well be tempted by a north London switch.
Andrea Berta targets new Arsenal forward for Mikel Arteta
The anticipation of new sporting director Andrea Berta’s first summer window at Arsenal is growing and growing.
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The former Spurs midfielder has made a damning comparison.
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The 53-year-old orchestrated a plethora of high-profile deals during his productive 12-year stint at Atlético Madrid, and he’s now transferring that expertise to the Emirates Stadium in a major boost for Mikel Arteta.
Reports in both England and France claim Berta recently reached out to Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams’ agents for talks, so it is clear the Italian is aiming to make a head start on the first summer window, which opens from June 1st to June 10th.
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Southampton (away)
May 25th
Berta is rumoured to be prioritising the potential signing of a new winger and striker, as well as a new left-back, midfielder and second-choice keeper (GiveMeSport), so we can fully expect some fresh faces to arrive in attack before the beginning of 2025/2026.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard face uncertain long-term futures, according to some reports, while injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have left Arteta desperately short in the centre-forward area.
One player who could actually fill all of their roles, given his versatility, is £195,000-per-week Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku.
The Frenchman has bagged 14 goals in all competitions this term, despite being used more as an impact substitute under Enzo Maresca, and he can play as a second striker, centre-forward, left-winger and even an attacking midfielder when required.
Christopher Nkunku could be tempted to join Arsenal after talks
He appears to be on the way out of Stamford Bridge this summer as well, with Nkunku’s representatives holding some talks with Arsenal and other Premier League sides.
That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who also told The Boot Room that his desire to stay in London could mean that Nkunku may well be tempted by the prospect of a switch to Arsenal.
“His people are touching base with clubs in England,” said Bailey.
“Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham have all been spoken to in the past few months. Chelsea want to recoup as much of their plus £50m outlay, but that looks difficult at this juncture.
“I am told the player is very happy in London, and so would a move to a Arsenal or Tottenham appeal? I believe it would but as it stands those options are not advanced – but Arsenal and Spurs both have an historic interest in the player. Both want a wide forward, so you could see the fit.
“There is interest back in Germany – Bayern Munich like him, a new deal for Leroy Sane doesn’t rule out them making a move but it is not pressing. Former club RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen also admire him. Atletico Madrid have also shown some interest, as have the Saudi Pro League – who are willing to offer him a pay rise to move.”
The former RB Leipzig sensation was unrivalled during his time in the Bundesliga, and has displayed real quality when given the chance at Chelsea. Nkunku is also a player who could reinforce multiple attacking positions for Arteta, so this could well appeal to the Spaniard, who is known to greatly value versatility.
Carey made a brilliant 74 in just his second match back since being dropped from the ODI side and his first match at Headingley since the hostile 2023 Ashes
Andrew McGlashan22-Sep-2024It was probably no surprise that the Headingley crowd noted Alex Carey’s arrival at the crease with a reception not dissimilar to last year, although they kept their shoes on this time.Fourteen months ago Carey arrived in Leeds as public enemy No. 1 after his (perfectly legal) part in Jonny Bairstow’s stumping at Lord’s. It was a difficult match for Carey who fell for 8 and 5; team-mates have since revealed their concern for him at the time, while Carey has spoken of the vital role his family played and also his anger that they were drawn into the abuse.”Look, it’s never nice hearing things spoken about yourself, but more importantly [I had an issue with] the personal attacks on my family,” he recently told the . “It was unwarranted and disappointing to see that.”A mid-September ODI provided much lower stakes than the heat of one of the most hotly contested Ashes series in recent memory, but Carey came away the winner in every sense on Saturday having played the defining hand in Australia’s 68-run win.Related
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“I was aware of it [the crowd] but it’s business as usual,” Carey said after being named Player of the Match. “As soon as you get into your routine you block out as much as you can and you start to get into your innings. I think [for] most batters, a lot of that noise disappears and you are quite focused, and that’s the position I like to get into. It’s one of those things, isn’t it. I think Smudge [Smith] gets it all the time, I was prepared to get it today. It happened. So fair play.”Carey forged a last-wicket stand of 49 with Josh Hazlewood which changed the complexion of the game, finishing with 74 off 67 balls in his first innings since the Test series against New Zealand in March – which, coincidently, finished with him playing a matchwinning hand with 98 not out in Christchurch. He had spent time with Los Angeles Knight Riders in MLC in July but didn’t get a game.
“I’ve sat on the bench the last little period for the Australian team in ODIs and it’s nice to get back out. An opportunity popped up; who knows how long I’ll last but it’s been great fun.”Alex Carey
And this was a match he wasn’t expected to be playing. Carey lost his ODI spot after one game of last year’s World Cup in India when Josh Inglis replaced him. Inglis is viewed as a key part of Australia’s white-ball future but picked up a quad injury in the second T20I against England and has sat out the start of the ODIs, creating the opportunity for Carey.Carey walked in on the back of Marnus Labuschagne’s wicket and soon saw Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell depart to leave Australia 161 for 6. He added a lively 55 with Aaron Hardie before three more quick wickets had the visitors 221 for 9 in the 37th over. Carey was on 32 off 29 balls and looking likely to be stranded. But he marshalled things superbly alongside Hazlewood, turning down singles until late in the over and picking his moments to find the boundary.”[It’s] probably the longest break I’ve had since I’ve played professional cricket and to spend that time with the family, two young kids, it brings a lot of energy back to you,” he said. “I’ve had a fair bit of time just to bat in the nets and I haven’t done that for a while. To get back into the game scenario is great. Although it’s been close to six months it doesn’t feel that long. Once you get out there and the competitive juices come back it feels like just the other day.”The situation required a bit of batting for a while and then the way Hoff stuck around, he does a great job at doing that.”Marsh felt Australia had been a little short with 270 but was delighted with how the team fought. “It really goes to show those little partnerships towards the back end with your tailenders are vitally important in days like today,” he said. “A real credit to Kez [Carey] coming back in and Hoff hanging around for a beautiful four not out.”Carey added to his impressive outing with a slick leg-side catch, diving full length to his left, that removed Liam Livingstone and left Hardie on a hat-trick. “Not a nice way to get out, but nice to be the keeper when you hold onto them,” he said.A few minutes earlier at the post-match presentation Carey was asked about potentially just keeping Inglis’ seat warm. “He’s a great young player, he showed that in T20 series’ earlier this tour,” he said. “I’ve sat on the bench the last little period for the Australian team in ODIs and it’s nice to get back out. An opportunity popped up; who knows how long I’ll last but it’s been great fun.”Probably a bit more fun than his last visit to Headingley.