All posts by h716a5.icu

Manchester United will be thankful for the opportunity to play in a different competition than the Premier League, a competition that saw the Red Devils pick up their biggest win of the season last time out – overcoming Roy Hodgson's Crystal Palace 3-0 in the Carabao Cup at the end of September, fringe players such as Facundo Pellistri and Hannibal Mejbri starting and performing well against the Eagles.

Erik ten Hag could give even more faces on the periphery at Man United a starting spot versus Newcastle United this mid-week, especially after the first-teamers fell to a crushing 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last time out in top-flight action.

One player Ten Hag could give rare first-team minutes to against Newcastle is youngster Kobbie Mainoo, the midfielder born and raised in nearby Stockport is held in high regard at the Theatre of Dreams with his set of skills drawing comparisons to Paul Pogba.

Man United's manager will surely tinker with the set-up for the game against the Magpies, in order to give his side the best possible chance to advance further in the Cup and maybe even lift silverware at the end of it all.

Man Utd team news vs Newcastle

The Red Devils are still contending with various injury issues in their squad, with Casemiro, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw all absent from the Manchester Derby at the weekend.

Players such as Sofyan Amrabat could be sacrificed for fresh blood against Newcastle also, more so through a drop off in form from the Fiorentina loanee than a need for freshness – the Moroccan midfielder hauled off at half-time versus Man City, not the first time Ten Hag has taken off his number four abruptly.

Mainoo could benefit directly from Amrabat being potentially excluded, the 18-year-old eager to break into the first team at Old Trafford.

Mainoo's numbers for Man United

Hailed as "unreal" and "similar" to former United academy prospect turned star Pogba by ex-teammate Anthony Elanga, Mainoo is being tipped to have a very bright future in football.

Named on the bench against Man City by Ten Hag, the 18-year-old could go one better and make up the starting XI in the Carabao Cup with his numbers at youth level demanding that the Dutch head coach gives him a chance to strut his stuff in the senior team more frequently.

Mainoo, who is yet to feature at all at senior level this term, would provide energy in the centre of the park that has been sorely lacking from the Red Devils' overall game this campaign, far too lethargic and slow in the way they build up for an eventual attack.

The 18-year-old can also pop up with a goal or two from midfield, netting six goals in total for both the Man United U18s and U21s over a number of years honing his craft in the youth set-up.

An ankle injury has plagued Mainoo over the last few weeks, out of action for the U21s all season so far in the Premier League 2, but the youngster has worked hard to get back to full fitness having been on the bench last weekend and will hope his reward is a rare first team start versus Eddie Howe's Magpies.

With the current crop of first-team players continuing to put in sub-par displays, it's time for Ten Hag to start raw talents like Mainoo in the Cup competitions to inject positivity back into proceedings at a deflated Old Trafford.

A murder investigation is underway after human remains were found near Manchester United's academy training ground.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Murder investigation launched in SalfordHuman remains wrapped in plastic foundDiscovered near Man Utd's academyWHAT HAPPENED?

A member of the public found the remains wrapped in plastic in woodland in Kersal Dale in Salford on Thursday. The Cliff Facility, where United used to train and where the academy is now based, has reportedly been sealed off.

AdvertisementGettyMURDER INVESTIGATION BEGINS

Detectives and a pathologist confirmed human remains were found and police have since been searching the rest of the woodland. Greater Manchester Police said efforts to find out who the victim was have been unsuccessful, no arrests have been made, and a murder investigation has begun.

POLICE APPEAL

Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, from GMP’s Serious Crime Division, said: “I want to assure the local community that although this is a disturbing and unsettling find, we have a large visible presence in the area to complete enquiries, provide reassurance and to listen to any concerns. I encourage anyone who may have relevant information to speak to these officers.

“A large scene is now in place, and is likely to remain for some time, whilst we work to unravel what exactly has happened here. The area is closed to members of the public. The victim has not yet been identified, but we know that behind this discovery there will be a family who have lost a loved one, and we want to make sure they are supported as quickly as possible.

“Anyone who thinks they may have witnessed something suspicious in the Kersal Dale area over the last few days, could be key to unlocking what happened. I would ask that anyone who has any information that may be relevant to our enquiries, no matter how big or small, comes forward by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024. Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyPOST-MORTEM

Police say a post-mortem examination will take place in the hope of identifying the victim. However, officers are not expecting the examination to reveal a cause of death as the full body has not yet been found. Further updates from the force are expected.

Glamorgan will look to appoint a new director of cricket after Hugh Morris stepped down from his dual role in order to focus on his work as the club’s chief executive

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Oct-2018Glamorgan will look to appoint a new director of cricket after Hugh Morris stepped down from his dual role in order to focus on his work as the club’s chief executive.The potential change was one Morris flagged in advance when commissioning an external review of Glamorgan’s season. The Welsh county finished bottom of Division Two of the Championship, winning just twice, and failed to make it out of the group stage in either the Vitality Blast or Royal London Cup.Morris returned to the county where he spent his playing career in 2014, having served as England’s managing director of cricket since 2007. The club will start its search for his successor immediately.Huw Bevan, who was strength and conditioning coach at the ECB during Morris’ time with England, conducted the independent review, which was presented to the Glamorgan board this week.”With the disappointing performances on the pitch this season and the need to spread my time more evenly across the business, it has been decided to split the chief executive and director of cricket roles at the club,” Morris said.”Next year we have four Cricket World Cup matches at Sophia Gardens, as well as an IT20 match, followed by the ECB’s new competition in 2020 and the new international calendar. We are also working with Cricket Wales on developing a strategy for cricket in Wales to grow the game across the country.”I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the position but this is the right time for myself and the club to bring in someone with a fresh perspective to lead the department and bring success to Glamorgan on the field.”

Arsenal seem to have picked up where they left off last season, as Mikel Arteta’s side sit one point below the summit having lost only one Premier League game in 12 so far in the 2023/24 campaign.

While it’s been a strong start for those at the Emirates in the first team, there has been plenty to celebrate elsewhere, with the next crop of stars also excelling this term at Hale End.

The manager is already reaping the benefits of Arsenal’s academy graduates through the likes of Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah, however one player nearing an emergence is up there with the best in the first team in terms of goal contributions this season.

Charles Sagoe Jr’s career so far

The name of Charles Sagoe Jr has become one more known this campaign in north London, after Arteta handed the academy star his senior debut in the Carabao Cup against Brentford back in September.

In 2015, the Gunners swiped the Englishman from Fulham’s academy at U12 level, where he has since excelled through the ranks at Hale End to find himself becoming a fringe player around the first team.

As well as his senior debut, the 19-year-old has been named in the squad in both the Champions League and Premier League this season, where he was an unused substitute on both occasions.

Once lauded as “unpredictable” for his actions on the wing by fellow graduate Reiss Nelson, it’s clear to see why Arteta is keeping close tabs on the teenager’s progression following his impressive tallies in the academy over the past few years.

Appearances

Goals

Assists

29

10

3

30

6

3

13

3

6

With nine goal contributions across the entire 2022/23 season, the forward seems to be on an upward trajectory, having already recorded nine contributions in only 13 appearances this term with the U23’s.

Charles Sagoe Jr’s season in numbers

Away from his slight involvement with the first team, Sagoe Jr has been one of the shining lights in Arsenal’s U23 side, scoring three goals and contributing to six assists so far this campaign.

To put into perspective how impressive the 2004-born ace’s numbers are so early into the 2023/24 calendar, in the first team, only Saka has more goal contributions, scoring six and assisting eight in all competitions.

Player

Goals

Assists

Bukayo Saka

6

8

Leandro Trossard

6

2

Eddie Nketiah

5

1

Martin Odegaard

5

1

Gabriel Jesus

4

1

After granting the teenager his debut against the Bees, Arteta dubbed the young forward as being one of the “most consistent players” in the U23s squad, reinforcing how highly the Spaniard regards the academy hopeful.

Already this season, Arsenal have suffered from questionable squad depth as injuries continue to have a detrimental impact on team selection, ensuring players on the cusp such as Sagoe Jr can potentially see more first-team activity in the near future.

It’ll be interesting to see just how the Londoner’s career will unfold if his form this term remains consistent, with Saka being a prized asset to aspire to follow, having made the exact steps that those in Hale End dream of only four years ago.

Arsenal are one of the many clubs looking towards the January transfer window to bolster their squad, as Mikel Arteta aims to keep his title-challenging trajectory going in preparation for the second half of the 2023/24 season.

The Gunners have struggled with injury considerably after just 12 Premier League games played, leaving the manager and Edu in a position to once again consider the depth in quality at the club.

A host of names have been speculated to be of interest to the north Londoners, with a report from the Mirror explaining that Arteta will hope to strengthen his side’s midfield in particular this winter.

Arsenal transfer targets – Joao Neves

According to news in Portugal, Arsenal are one of the clubs to have been ‘seduced’ by Benfica teenager, Joao Neves, who is excelling in defensive midfield in Liga Portugal.

A report from O Jogo, relayed by Paisley Gates, claimed that both the Gunners and Liverpool are impressed by the 19-year-old’s rise to prominence with the Eagles, however, his talents won't be easy to come by.

In January 2022, the Portuguese champions reaped the benefits of selling to English clubs, as Benfica received £106.8m from Chelsea for the signing of Enzo Fernandez, with Neves’ price set to be of a similar calibre.

As relayed by O Jogo, the teenager has a release clause of €120m (£105m), with the club making it clear that such figure is the only price they would allow their starlet to depart for, but why is he worth so much?

What Joao Neves could offer to Arsenal

In the 2023/24 edition of Liga Portugal, no midfielder averages more touches per 90 (97.07) than the Portugal international, and as a player who loves to be on the ball, the defensive maestro has a lot to show for it.

Lauded as a “sensational” asset to his boyhood club by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Neves, with his playing style credited as that of a “box-to-box phenomenon” by talent scout Jacek Kulig in his scouting report of the teen.

Described as a “perfect midfielder” by Kulig, the 2004-born dynamo is hailed for his ability to hold himself in physical battles, as well as staying “one step of the opposition” when it comes to progressing play.

For Arsenal, the signs shown by the youngster make for encouraging viewing, particularly with reference to the individual the Gunners seek to complete their midfield.

After signing Declan Rice in the summer, there was hope that the Englishman could thrive alongside Thomas Partey, however, his Ghanaian counterpart has struggled to stay fit, with rumours also rising to suggest his future in north London is under threat.

Joao Neves

Declan Rice

88.0%

91.2%

7.07

6.96

1.56

1.41

1.80

0.53

3.12

2.11

0.96

1.41

2.16

1.50

1.92

0.97

As portrayed in the table above, Neves could be the perfect suitor to partner the £105m star going forward, with his ability to progress and act as the anchor putting the Benfica starlet in good position to be Rice’s partner in the engine room pivot at the Emirates.

The Tavira-born sensation treasures his strengths in progressing into the final third, as well as being an accomplished tackler, holding the keys to allow the Englishman to roam forward – something that could well take him to the next level as a midfielder.

Kulig stressed that it could be “incredible to think” of just how good the 19-year-old could become, making Arsenal’s reported interest an exciting prospect, as the eye-capturing midfielder continues to showcase his fearless edge in his homeland.

Harry Kane has broken his silence on his future at Bayern Munich, admitting his debut season hasn't gone as smoothly as he'd hoped.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Bayern set to surrender Bundesliga title to LeverkusenKane admits it will be 'bitter pill to swallow'Addresses speculation over his futureWHAT HAPPENED?

Having departed Tottenham last summer in a record-breaking £100 million move to Bayern Munich, Kane has been a standout performer for the German giants, leading their goal-scoring charts with an impressive tally of 39 goals in all competitions for Thomas Tuchel's side.

Despite Kane's individual success, Bayern are facing the prospect of a trophyless season, unless they secure the Champions League title. This would mark their first season without silverware since 2012, a fact accentuated by their early exit from the German Cup at the hands of third-tier Saarbrucken in November and Bayer Leverkusen's dominance in the Bundesliga.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

While Kane is tied to a contract at Bayern until 2027, speculation has been mounting over a return to the Premier League for the England captain, with a potential return to Spurs or move to Manchester United mooted. However, Kane quashed these rumours following Bayern's 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie, affirming his dedication to the German club.

WHAT KANE SAID

When quizzed on whether he has any plans to leave Bayern, Kane said (as per the ): "I'm really enjoying my experience in Germany. It was a step that I needed in my career for a fresh stimulus, a fresh challenge and new surroundings and I'm really happy that I made the move. My future is at Bayern Munich. I have a four-year contract. I'm enjoying it and hopefully, I will be able to make something special happen this season. If not, I'll be ready to go again in the summer and turn things around."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

KANE ADMITS DISAPPOINTMENT

However, Kane also admitted that things have not gone according to plan in his first season in Germany.

"Of course, it's not the season I wanted with the way the league has gone and the way we got knocked out of the cup," he said. "It's a competition that the club wants to win. Not winning the Bundesliga is a tough pill to swallow and it makes this competition even more important but we know there's still a long way to go. We have to find that togetherness and team ethic where we grind out games because we haven't done it enough this year. It's been a disappointing season in the Bundesliga compared to what Leverkusen have done."

Kane added on Bayern's performance against Arsenal: "This was a chance to show some togetherness and sometimes that's through defending as a team. We had a 4-4-2 block – we worked, we blocked, we tackled, we caught them on the transition, and we had a big chance to go 3-1 up but that's football."

He also said attacking Rohit Sharma upfront will be crucial for New Zealand when they host India for five ODIs early next year

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Nov-2018Containing Virat Kohli in the first 15 deliveries and attacking Rohit straight up will be key to New Zealand gaining advantage over India, when the teams contest in a five-match ODI series in February next year, according to former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson.India’s top-order has shown superiority in the shorter formats, and they proved it again during the recently-concluded home series against West Indies. Kohli and Rohit in particular have been instrumental in setting up and chasing down big targets over the last few years, especially at home.However, Hesson felt both batsmen could be challenged in swinging conditions in New Zealand, although the host bowlers will have to work hard, especially against Kohli. “The key thing is if you can contain Virat Kohli in the first 10-15 balls where he has to take some risks to get his innings underway then that will provide opportunities,” Hesson told ESPNcricinfo. “How you do that is dependent on the surface. But, if we found a magic formula, I’m sure it would be circulated all around the world very quickly.”Hesson also warned that New Zealand would need to have plans for Rohit. “Rohit Sharma is in incredibly good form at the moment and has been for a long time. The thing with Rohit is that once he is in, once he gets himself set, he generally dictates the outcome of the game. It’s making sure that the new-ball bowlers can attack Rohit early on whether it’ll be with swing or with some other variations wide outside the crease or whatever.”New Zealand had blanked out India 4-0 at home in 2014 in an ODI series, which also featured a tie in Auckland. Hesson, the then coach, predicted a 3-2 series score in favour of the home team for the upcoming series. “I think it was 4-0 last time with a tie. I think it’ll be 3-2 [this time]… it’s going to be tight… I think Black Caps 3-2.”New Zealand are currently the third-ranked ODI side, one behind India, but Hesson pointed out that Kane Williamson’s men would need to quickly sort out a couple of key issues for them to arrive at next year’s World Cup as favourites.”I think there are a couple pieces of the puzzle the Black Caps would be keen to find out before the World Cup. Who is the allrounder? Who provides that balance? A lot of options there. From a bowling point of view, who’s going to take wickets in the middle overs when it’s flat? I think if they can get that sorted then the side’s looking very good.”

Erling Haaland was left out of Manchester City's squad for the FA Cup semi-final tie against Chelsea with an injury.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Haaland not in squad for FA Cup tieNorwegian suffered 'muscular issue' vs Real MadridCould not play in extra-time on WednesdayWHAT HAPPENED?

Haaland was substituted after 90 minutes of City's Champions League quarter-final second leg with Real Madrid and Pep Guardiola subsequently revealed that the Norwegian had asked to come off before extra-time as he was not feeling right. The manager went on to confirm that his top scorer was injured ahead of the game with Chelsea.

AdvertisementWHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

"He's injured. I don't think it's much but he's not available for today. I don't know [if he will be back for the next game]," Guardiola told the .

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Guardiola had said the day before the game that Haaland had felt "a muscular issue" against Madrid but had played down the severity of the injury, putting it down to fatigue. Kevin De Bruyne, who was also forced off before extra-time against Madrid, was named in the starting line-up against Chelsea. Julian Alvarez replaces Haaland in City's attack.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

DID YOU KNOW?

Haaland missed two months earlier in the season with a foot injury. He has scored 30 goals this campaign but has been frequently criticised for not delivering in the biggest matches, drawing blanks in both games against Arsenal, Real Madrid and against Liverpool at Anfield.

Leeds United continue to make up ground in their hunt for automatic promotion and are now seven points behind second-place Ipswich Town following a 3-1 victory over Swansea City.

Whilst league leaders Leicester City dropped two points against Sheffield Wednesday, the Whites avoided a slip-up on Wednesday night, although they did initially fall behind.

A Jamie Patterson deft lob caught Daniel Farke's men cold inside the first minute, but once Joel Piroe instantly levelled against his former club, Leeds began to find their groove as goals from Georginio Rutter and Daniel James handed them the initiative in the contest.

The German tactician cooked up a storm at Elland Road as the Whites blew Swansea away with a 2.33 xG and eight shots on target, compared to the visitor's 0.34 xG and two shots on target.

Rutter played a pivotal role in that threat as the Frenchman wreaked havoc in the final third.

Georginio Rutter's performance against Swansea

Rutter has been in phenomenal form this term and he continued in that vain against the Swans by supplying a goal and an assist.

The goal he scored – Leeds' second on the night – personified his class, as he delightfully controlled a sumptuous Ethan Ampadu pass before racing through on goal and calmly slotting the ball past Carl Rushworth.

He then turned into a creator for the third to grab his seventh assist of the campaign. After the ball dropped his way following a crunching tackle from Sam Byram, he threaded an inch-perfect pass into James, who clinically fired a rocket into the roof of the net.

Although the chance creation machine caused real problems for the visitors, having completed five of his eight attempted dribbles, he also set the tempo through his ferocious pressing and aggression in the tackle by winning eight of his 13 ground duels; the most of any player on the pitch.

The 21-year-old arguably put in one of his best performances for the club since arriving in January, but that still wasn't enough to outshine the irrepressible Crysencio Summerville.

Crysencio Summerville's performance in numbers

Summerville has been tearing through defences at will all season long and the plaudits have continued to drop for the Dutch dynamo.

Dubbed a "real talent" by writer Beren Cross, the 22-year-old has become the fulcrum of the Whites's attack this term by cutting in from the left flank and wreaking havoc with his devastating dribbling and sublime end product.

With seven goals and six assists already this season, including the sublime assist for Piroe's opener, Summerville is the difference-maker that every promotion-chasing team needs.

And he certainly showcased his ability to make a difference against Swansea with the Dutchman described by journalist Phil Hay as "causing a fair amount of havoc", implying how much the Welsh side struggled to live with him.

Assists

1

Acc passes

20/23 (87%)

Key passes

4

Big chances created

1

Dribble attempts (succ.)

8 (5)

Ground duels (won)

13 (7)

All stats via Sofascore

The above table, in particular, demonstrates how much of a menace he was and Swansea – like several teams this season – struggled to cope with his searing pace, directness and agility.

In what was an excellent performance from Summerville, he was awarded an 8/10 match rating by Yorkshire Post's Graham Smyth, matching Rutter in that regard, while showing he was the real hero against the Swans.

From picking the wrong choice of balls to pitches not being abrasive enough, Australia haven’t had the best luck producing reverse swing in this series against India

Daniel Brettig01-Jan-20191:26

‘Australia desperate to win in Sydney’ – Cummins

Australia’s in-form fast man Pat Cummins admits the home side’s pace trio has spent time in discussion over why they have not been able to match India’s old-ball success so far in a series due to resume at the SCG on Thursday, but denied that reverse swing played a disproportionate part in last summer’s Ashes bout.Statistics revealed by ESPNcricinfo have shown that the Australians are struggling to have anything like the same impact as India’s pace bowlers when the ball is aged 40 to 80 overs old, while also proving far less effective over the same period as they were during the home series win against England in 2017-18.That series has been subject to plenty of questions in light of the subsequent Newlands ball-tampering scandal, and the Australian captain Tim Paine stated earlier this summer that he knew the team needed to be squeaky clean in terms of ball management given the amount of attention that would be on them. Cummins, who has been Australia’s leading bowler, said numerous theories had been floated as to why India have been more incisive at these times, from his choice of balls to use to the abrasiveness of the pitches and squares at various points in each Test.ESPNcricinfo Ltd”We spoke about it a little bit. The other two bowlers blame me because I pick the ball out of the box and they reckon I picked a bad one,” he joked. “But it’s just one of those things, I think on day one and two when we bowled the [MCG] wicket wasn’t as abrasive and that makes a big difference.”We tried bowling some cross-seamers and it just didn’t seem to scuff up as much as a couple days later. Sometimes you get a ball that goes, sometimes it doesn’t, no doubt they bowled really well with it, present a really good seam. And probably more suited to those conditions. To be honest I don’t really remember getting too much reverse swing last summer in the Ashes. I didn’t feel like it played a massive part.”ALSO READ: Australia’s selection headaches before SydneyBy contrast, Australia have performed far better than India with the newer ball, gaining more conventional swing and movement off the seam when the ball is 0-40 overs old. “I know last summer, traditional swing, there was pretty much none,” Cummins said. “And we thought reverse swing was probably the only way we’re going to get side[ways] movement, and it didn’t really happen at all last summer either.Pat Cummins celebrates his first five-wicket haul at home•Getty Images”So we know we’re going to be out there for quite a while bowling, it’s a really good team. The wicket’s pretty dry. So reverse swing’s a pretty big factor, especially I’d say for the other two, Joshy [Hazlewood] presents a really good seam, we know what [Mitchell] Starcy does, but it just hasn’t been a massive player so far.”Ahead of the final Test in Sydney, where Australia must win to preserve a long-standing unbeaten record in home series against India, Cummins stated that the inclusion of Mitchell Marsh as a fifth bowler had made a major difference to the ability of himself, Starc and Hazlewood to be ready in time for the New Year’s Test. Marnus Labuschagne was the only addition to the squad, and looms as the equivalent option to Marsh should the pitch show signs of taking spin.”A huge advantage,” Cummins said of Marsh. “It felt like a long few days out there, but when you’ve gone the whole Test match, I think I bowled 45, Josh bowled probably 40 and Starcy a little bit less than that, and to be honest that’s the same number of overs you’d budget for most Test matches. So having Mitch there played a massive role. It meant that we come into this Test not feeling too overdone, he was our most economical bowler the whole time which really built up pressure, and he could easily have had a couple of wickets. So I think he did his role brilliantly down there.”ALSO READ: MCG pitch rated “average” by ICCBeyond this series, Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood appear likely to be afforded a bigger break than they received after the Ashes, when they were pressed back into service for the subsequent ODI series against England where none looked to be near their best. In a year when the World Cup will be swiftly followed by the return Ashes bout, Cummins said that training adequately to prepare for format changes, when workloads were so closely monitored, remained a major challenge for him.”I found it quite hard. It was the first time where I really bounced between Test matches straight into one-dayers,” Cummins said of January 2018. “The biggest thing for me is there’s only one or two bowling sessions I had before that [50-over] series, and just being able to practice your skills, mainly death bowling which you don’t do in Test match cricket.”That’s a real area I feel I need to get better at, just adapting between the formats. It’s certainly hard, but it’s just the nature of us playing quite a few formats and not wanting to miss too many games. Something’s got to give, so I feel like I’ll be better for the runs and see what happens.”Before that, however, is the SCG Test and Cummins said the team had been talking about preserving their record against India since before the series began. “We spoke at the start of the series about the record that we’ve got to try to hang onto,” Cummins said. “2-1 is a pretty fair reflection of how we’ve played the series so far, you can see why they’re the No. 1 Test side in the world. Not only at home but they also travel really well.”We saw it in England, they played well over here, they just seem to adapt really well. If we can get a win up here and make it 2-2 in the series, I think that’s a pretty good result against the best side in the world, and what is a pretty inexperienced [Australian] side compared to previous years. Everyone’s desperate, everyone knows what the record is and can’t wait to try to rectify what’s happened so far.”