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Chair of selectors George Bailey confirmed that Smith had requested to move back down the order prior to Cameron Green’s injury

Alex Malcolm14-Oct-20241:36

What’s the logic of moving Smith back down the order?

Steven Smith won’t open the batting against India in the Border-Gavaskar series with Australia’s chair of selectors George Bailey confirming that Smith had indicated his desire to move back down the order, and that it was set to be accommodated even prior to Cameron Green’s injury.Speculation had swirled around Smith’s batting position dating back to Australia’s last Test series against New Zealand in March after his eight innings at the top of the order had yielded just 171 runs at 28.50.Despite Smith making the initial request to open the batting back in January, which allowed for Green to slot in at No. 4, Bailey confirmed that Smith, in conversations with captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald, had requested a move back to the middle-order prior to Green’s summer-ending back injury.Related

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“Pat, Andrew and Steven Smith had been having ongoing conversations separate to the untimely injury to Cameron anyway,” Bailey said on Monday after the announcement of the ODI squad for the Pakistan series and the Australia A squad for the India A tour.”And I think Steve had expressed a desire to move back down from that opening position. Pat and Andrew have confirmed that he will be dropping back down the order for the summer. So, yeah, clearly we’ve got a No. 4 spot to fill and an opening spot to fill.”Bailey did not rubberstamp that Smith would slot in at No. 4 for the first Test against India which starts on November 22 in Perth and was careful to reiterate that Cummins and McDonald were the ones who decided the batting order. He added that the order was still not set in stone given there is five weeks to go before the first ball is bowled.Bailey did hint that Smith would have moved regardless of Green’s injury but he would not divulge how they would have configured the top six had Green been fit to play.”Part of those discussions have been had and what it might look like,” he said. “But I guess once you do get moving parts, a lot of those conversations become null and void.”0:56

Steven Smith: ‘Bumrah is the complete bowler’

Time for a specialist opener?It seems very likely that Australia’s selectors will pick an opener to replace Green and return Smith to his preferred position. Bailey was asked whether the need for an extra bowling option in the top six was necessary, given Green’s absence and queries over Mitchell Marsh’s bowling capabilities. But he was quick to note that Australia’s attack had played without an allrounder before.”They’ve done it in the past,” Bailey said. “You don’t know how each Test is going to play out in terms of the workload for the quicks, or how much of an impact Nathan Lyon’s going to have across the summer. We certainly have been and will continue preparing for Mitch Marsh to be able to bowl some overs as well, and that’s been part of his management and build for the last couple of months. So there’s other ways. There’s teams that have played, and we’ve been a team that has played, without an allrounder in the past. There’s more than one way to structure up a team.”All eyes then turn to Australia’s domestic openers to see which one will emerge from the pack to win a place alongside Usman Khawaja. Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and New South Wales’ teen sensation Sam Konstas were the three openers named in the 17-man Australia A squad that will face India A in two four-day games starting on October 31 and November 7.

“He’s in the mix as are plenty of others. I certainly don’t want to single him out. I think the consistency of Cam Bancroft over a number of years, the consistency of Marcus Harris over a number of years, they’ve both had a look at Test cricket as well. So I don’t think there’s any need at this stage to put undue pressure expectation on Sam.”George Bailey on Sam Konstas’ chances of a Test call-up

Matt Renshaw, who was the reserve batter in the Test squad for Australia’s last two series against West Indies and New Zealand following David Warner’s retirement, was not named in the A squad but Bailey said it shouldn’t be taken to mean they have moved on from him.”No, we still really like Matt’s ability to play,” Bailey said. “As far as Australia A selection goes, part of the process around that is trying to identify opportunities that may come around in the short term for any opportunities that that might pop up, but also making sure that we do keep an eye on developing opportunities for those players who may become important in different roles in the future as well.”So whilst there’s an Australia A squad there, I think Matt Renshaw, Pete Handscomb, Nic Maddinson as three examples are guys who we’ll continue to watch really closely in Shield cricket.”Bailey did suggest that the 19-year-old Konstas could put himself in the mix for the opening slot for India if he continues to perform following his twin centuries in the opening Shield round.”He’s in the mix as are plenty of others,” Bailey said. “I certainly don’t want to single him out. I think the consistency of Cam Bancroft over a number of years, the consistency of Marcus Harris over a number of years, they’ve both had a look at Test cricket as well. So I don’t think there’s any need at this stage to put undue pressure expectation on Sam.”He’s five games into his first-class career. He’s had a good start to that, and he certainly looks like he’s got a well organised game that we’re really excited and looking forward to seeing at the A level, and we’ll just continue to watch as that progresses.”Bailey also noted that Bancroft’s untimely pair against Queensland in the opening round of the Shield season would not count against him.”I spoke to Cam after that game, I sort of jokingly said to him, if he [wasn’t] in such good nick, he might have played and missed those as well,” Bailey said. “So that might be a really good sign for the rest of the summer. There’s plenty of batters that have managed to get a feather on an early Michael Neser ball. So no harm done. He’s certainly got credits in the bank. His consistency over a number of years has been phenomenal, as have a number of those other players I’ve mentioned. A one-off game like that wasn’t going to have any impact.”

Liverpool are less than one week away from returning to action. On Sunday, Arne Slot’s side will commence the 2025/26 campaign against Crystal Palace at Wembley for the Community Shield.

The season’s curtain-raiser counts for very little, but it does provide a chance for Liverpool to set the tone for the term, and for the fans to see some of the new signings in a competitive showing for the first time.

Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s record signing at £100m (which will rise to a British-record £116m with add-ons), is sure to have a few eyes on him, while Hugo Ekitike may well start up top with Luis Diaz sold to Bayern Munich and Darwin Nunez anticipated to sign for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

But it’s not only the Redman that fans will be eager to see in action. Indeed, one subplot on the afternoon will be the performance of Marc Guehi, with the Premier League champions having a vested interest in the central defender.

Why Liverpool want Marc Guehi

Last month, Liverpool allowed Jarell Quansah to leave for Bayer Leverkusen in a £35m deal. The 21-year-old was one of the club’s own, but he never found his footing in Slot’s system, and leaving was for the good of his career.

However, his departure has heightened the need to bring a refined talent like Guehi in.

The 24-year-old has become a regular for the Three Lions over the past year, and Liverpool have made it clear to Palace that they want to get a deal done this summer, with Guehi having entered the final year of his contract.

However, Newcastle United are also keen, with it having been reported that they are eager to snap him up after failed bids in 2024. Palace are holding out for £50m, a figure that the Anfield side are unwilling to pay.

However, news has broken that the Magpies are setting their sights on AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw, which might have something to say on their pursuit of Guehi.

Guehi would be the dream for Slot’s side, but there’s no certainty that he will join Liverpool or even leave Selhurst Park this summer. If sporting director Richard Hughes fails to get this one over the line, an alternative option has at least been lined up.

Liverpool lining up Marc Guehi alternative

As per GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool are monitoring Brentford centre-back Nathan Collins as Hughes continues to quest for more defensive depth ahead of the new season.

However, the Bees won’t want to engage in talks with suitors as they prepare for life without Thomas Frank at the helm. Brentford signed Collins, now 24, from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a £23m fee in 2023.

Though Brentford want to keep their star defender, we’ve seen how Liverpool making their interest known can entice players, and this is certainly one to keep an eye on, should Guehi remain away from Anfield this summer.

Why Liverpool want to sign Nathan Collins

Republic of Ireland skipper Collins has made 77 appearances across all competitions for Brentford since joining them two years ago, scoring four goals and providing six assists.

Last season in the Premier League, he was the only outfield player in the division to have played every single minute of the term.

Considered by those within Brentford circles to have gone under the radar at the Gtech Community Stadium, Collins is a “high-quality centre-back”, as has been said by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with an even distribution of tough-tackling impetus and steady creative passing.

Hailed by journalist Sam Tabuteau for being a “future leader”, Collins would bring the perfect blend of defensive ability on the field and an influential presence on the training ground to ensure that Liverpool maintain their levels across all four fronts last term.

And with this in mind, he might even serve as Slot’s dream alternative to Guehi, who has been described as “England’s best centre-back” by one online analyst.

Matches (starts)

34 (34)

38 (38)

Goals

3

2

Assists

2

3

Touches*

64.9

65.7

Pass completion

84%

86%

Big chances

5

3

Key passes*

0.5

0.3

Ball recoveries*

4.3

4.3

Dribbles*

0.4

0.3

Tackles + interceptions*

2.6

2.0

Clearances*

4.6

5.8

Duels (won)*

4.9 (59%)

5.1 (61%)

Errors made

2

3

Curiously, Guehi and Collins ranked up rather similarly in the Premier League last season, both proactive and hardy players with plenty of energy and a knack for organising teammates besides.

As per FBref, Collins ranked among the top 4% of centre-backs in the Premier League last year for assists, the top 3% for blocks, and the top 11% for aerial duels won per 90. This array of ball-playing and steely defensive qualities has actually seen Guehi listed as the Brentford man’s most statistically similar player.

With all this in mind, it’s clear that Hughes and the Anfield data analysts are targeting a specific defensive profile, and that Collins could be an astute alternative, should Palace remain firm on their £50m valuation.

He has, after all, proven himself capable against Liverpool’s frontline at their rip-roaring best, once winning 100% of his duels at Anfield while playing for Wolves.

It’s this kind of big-game mentality and willingness to step up in the face of adversity which differentiates Collins from the lion’s share of Premier League defenders; and which, indeed, led Frank to field him for every single minute of the recent campaign.

It’s a mindset Guehi wears on his sleeve, so commanding in the way he plays, but he’s not the only talented defender in the division, and Liverpool could hit the jackpot by signing Collins instead.

Liverpool clearly want to sign Guehi above all other targets on the shortlist, but if they fail to secure their quarry, Collins has exactly what Liverpool and Slot are looking for.

Imagine him & Ngumoha: Liverpool enter race for "outrageous" £56m striker

Liverpool are hoping to sign a new centre-forward in the transfer market this month.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 5, 2025

Bayern Munich chief Uli Hoeness says the club's cash position is as important as its sporting success while pointing out Barcelona's huge debt.

President says club needs act cautiouslyBelieves burning cash can lead to huge debtsClaims club's transfer choices are collective decisionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Bayern have been criticised for not spending enough in a transfer window for Vincent Kompany and Co. The German club's primary transfer targets – Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade – joined Liverpool and Newcastle respectively after multiple efforts were made to bring them to Allianz Arena. At the centre of this criticism is sporting director Max Eberl, who was reportedly expected to resign, given the limitations to the transfer budget. Board member and honorary president Hoeness dismisses these rumours, claiming Eberl's commitment was never an issue despite them having controversial discussions.

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Critiqued for his missteps in transfer policies, financial management issues, and internal tensions, Eberl still retains official support, as Hoeness believes it was a difficult time for the sporting director given the pressure he was under. The club legend points out that Eberl does get "sensitive" in these matters, but one must understand that overspending can lead to nightmarish situations, providing the example of Barcelona's recklessness and overspending behaviour, which eventually resulted in them generating €1.2 billion (£1.04bn/$1.4bn) in debt.

WHAT HOENESS SAID

When asked to comment on Eberl's transfer business, the Bayern chief said on : "He would have liked to buy a player, but we know our cash position. In the end, that's just as important as sporting success. Barcelona sends its regards. If you buy, buy, buy… Suddenly you have 1.2 billion euros in debt. See you later.

"Eberl often argued like mad with [board member] Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, but when the door closed behind us, it was okay again, Max is quite sensitive in that regard."

Clearing the air around Eberl's resignation rumours, the ex-German international said: "If he thought that way, they'd have to ask him themselves. We [the supervisory board] naturally had controversial discussions, as always, but the Eberl issue was not an issue at all, whether they were parting ways with him or anything like that.

"Eberl was constantly under pressure from outside. And it was always said: 'He didn't get him, he didn't get him'. There is no Eberl transfer, there is no Hoeness transfer, there is no Rummenigge transfer, but an FC Bayern transfer. FC Bayern buys players, not the individual. And if it doesn't work out, it's not the individual's fault, but all of us."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN?

Even though Bayern missed out on their primary targets, they eventually signed some good players, including Luis Diaz, Nicolas Jackson and Jonathan Tah. However, losing out on their dream deals, coupled with the club's reserved belief about overspending, speaks volumes about the shift in their standing in the transfer market.

Birmingham City have now agreed a season-long loan move for a “fantastic” attacking player, according to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph.

Birmingham eyeing double signing from Rangers

The Blues’ Championship return is now less than a week away, with Chris Davies’ side hosting Ipswich Town on Friday evening, which promises to be a memorable occasion.

In the meantime, Birmingham are still pushing for more signings to give them the best possible chance of reaching the Premier League, with a double deal for Rangers duo Ben Davies and Kieran Dowell being eyed up.

Davies spent last season on loan at St Andrew’s, playing a big role in them winning the League One title in relentless fashion, starting 32 league matches and winning an average of 4.1 aerial duels per game. For that reason, a permanent move to the Blues makes perfect sense.

Meanwhile, Dowell also was on loan at St Andrew’s and could be a shrewd addition to Birmingham’s midfield, with the 27-year-old already racking up 123 appearances in the Championship, possessing a huge amount of experience and knowing what it takes to be a success in the competition.

Birmingham agree deal to sign "fantastic" striker

Writing on X, Joseph claimed that Birmingham have now agreed a deal with Ajax to sign striker Chuba Akpom on a season-long loan deal.

However, since this update, it has emerged that Championship rivals Middlesbrough are looking to hijack the Blues’ move for the forward, with Akpom previously starring at the Riverside.

Akpom could be a brilliant signing for Birmingham, giving Davies the extra attacking quality that is needed to be promotion contenders in 2025/26.

The 29-year-old is now an experienced striker who has played at a high level, appearing in both the Champions League and the Europa League last season, as well as being praised by Michael Carrick during their time together at Middlesbrough, having reached 20 league goals in a season.

“It’s a terrific achievement. It’s not easy to score that many goals. He’s scored all different type of goals for us since I’ve been here. I thought his performance was fantastic. “He gets credit for his goals but his performance all round was terrific.”

Akpom is also a former Golden Boot winner in the Championship, highlighting his pedigree further, so he could prove to be a real coup for Birmingham if they can get a deal over the line in the coming days.

Double deal: Birmingham and Brady want £43k-p/w duo; advanced talks for one

Brady wants the Blues to keep spending.

2 ByCharlie Smith Jul 31, 2025

The loan nature of the move is arguably ideal, too, and if they win back-to-back promotions, an obligation to buy could be triggered, meaning Akpom may have played a big part in that potential success.

The Italian manager made numerous changes, and saw his disjointed team deservedly fall to a side that needed to win to keep their dream of playing at 2026 alive

Brazil's attack fell limp as Carlo Ancelotti's heavily rotated side lost against a well-drilled Bolivia on Tuesday evening, with a 1-0 win for the hosts securing a place in the 2026 World Cup inter-confederation play-offs. 

The Selecao fielded a much-changed XI, with World Cup qualification already secure, and the result was a rather disjointed performance that lacked creativity while the home side peppered the Brazil goal. 

Bolivia managed 15 shots in the first half alone, and were good value for the opening goal, when it came. Bruno Guimaraes lost the ball at the edge of his box before tripping a Bolivia attacker, and Miguel Terceros converted the subsequent penalty. Brazil offered a bit more attacking threat in the second half as Ancelotti shuffled his pack, introducing Raphinha, Estevao, and Joao Pedro from the bench as the visitors probed for an equaliser. There were, accordingly, some moments of promise as Raphinha whipped in some dangerous deliveries and forced a tidy save out of the goalkeeper as time expired.

GOAL rates Brazil's players from Estadio Municipal El Alto…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Alisson Becker (7/10):

Guessed the right way on the penalty, but it was struck too hard for him to do anything about it. Made a bunch of saves otherwise. 

Vitinho (5/10):

Got his positioning all wrong ahead of the penalty and really could have supported the attack more. 

Fabricio Bruno (7/10):

Imperious in the air, and was pretty much the only Brazil defender to equip himself well.

Alexsandro Ribeiro (5/10):

The more comfortable of the two centre- backs on the ball, but some of his tackling was nightmarish.  

Caio Henrique (6/10):

Never quite settled in, but good to get 90 minutes under his belt. 

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Andrey Santos (5/10):

Sat at the base of midfield effectively and broke up play, without offering loads in terms of forward progression. Lost the most duels in the match. 

Lucas Paqueta (5/10):

Struggled to get involved in the first half, when Brazil really could have done with more of a creative influence. Didn't create a single chance. 

Bruno Guimaraes (4/10):

Flew into tackles and was generally a bit of a menace in the middle of the pitch. Gave away the penalty.

GettyAttack

Luiz Henrique (6/10):

Put a couple shots on goal and had a few lively moments, but didn't get loads of service on the wing. 

Richarlison (4/10):

Not his most involved game at all. Seventeen touches in 60 minutes, and not much going forward otherwise.  

Samuel Lino (5/10):

Pretty poor in his chance to work his way into the left wing picture.

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GettySubs & Manager

Marquinhos (7/10):

Offered a steadier presence at the back, and a bit more forward progression. 

Estevao Willian (6/10):

A few nice touches, but not involved too much. 

Joao Pedro (5/10):

Barely touched the ball, and saw his only shot blocked. 

Raphinha (6/10):

A real livewire when he came on. Unlucky not to score or assist. 

Jean Lucas (N/A):

No time to make an impact. 

Carlo Ancelotti (5/10):

Rotated heavily in a game that didn't really matter. Won't like the loss, but Brazil had already wrapped up qualification.

“The guy has got real talent,” India’s captain said of his opening partner. “He has got the game to play in all sorts of conditions”

Ashish Pant15-Oct-20241:49

Manjrekar: ‘Pujara will be missed, but don’t underrate Jaiswal, Gill’s defensive game’

Yashasvi Jaiswal has received a ringing endorsement from his captain and opening partner Rohit Sharma who is not one bit surprised by the youngster’s meteoric rise and expects him “to do wonders for the team” across formats.Jaiswal made his international debut in a Test match last year against West Indies where he smashed 171 in his maiden innings. The 22-year-old has already scored 1217 runs in his 11-Test career with seven fifties and three centuries at an average of 64.05. He’s converted two of his centuries into double tons and has a highest score of 214 not out.”The guy has got real talent,” Rohit said of Jaiswal. “He has got the game to play in all sorts of conditions. Obviously, very new to international cricket, so very hard to judge right now. But he has got all the ingredients for success at this level.”What he has shown us in this brief period of time, you can bet on him and expect him to do wonders for the team. He has come through the ranks. He has played a lot of domestic cricket, Under-19 cricket. And obviously, has succeeded as well. That is why he is right now playing for India.”Related

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Rohit has seen Jaiswal’s rise from close quarters having opened the innings with him in all of his 11 Tests. Since they were paired together, in July 2023, they have added 1082 runs in 20 innings.Jaiswal has already risen to third position on the Test batting rankings and as things stand is the second-highest run-scorer in the current WTC cycle behind Joe Root. Even in T20Is, Jaiswal has shown immediate consistency, scoring 723 runs in 22 innings with five fifties and a century. He is yet to play an ODI though.Rohit said that Jaiswal’s willingness to learn and adapt makes him stand out.”He is somebody who wants to learn the game, learn about batsmanship, which is always a nice thing,” Rohit said. “When a youngster comes into the team, his mindset is quite critical. And the mindset that he has shown, he always wants to learn, always wants to improve, not happy with what he has achieved which is obviously a great start to a young career.”So far in his short career, he has shown what he is capable of. I mean, we found a great player. It does obviously bode well for our team as well being a left-hander, being an aggressive batter, it bodes well for the team.”Hopefully, he can just continue to do what he has done in the last year or so.”

The former San Diego and North Carolina midfielder has officially agreed a $1.25M move to Gotham

Jaedyn Shaw seals high-profile move to Gotham Deal worth an NWSL intra-league record $1.25MSecond transfer of 2025 for ShawFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Jaedyn Shaw is the newest addition to an already star-studded Gotham FC side after securing a $1.25 million move to the two-time NWSL Champions, the club announced Thursday. It marks the highest intra-league transfer in NWSL history.

Shaw is expected to sign an "updated and extended contract" as part of the deal. 

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Shaw, 20, is one of the most decorated young players in American soccer. She worked her way into the San Diego Wave first team as a teenager, and helped the Southern California side to the NWSL Shield and NWSL Challenge Cup in 2023.

The attacking midfielder was also a member of the USWNT team that secured a Gold Medal at the Paris Olympics last summer – giving Gotham four players of that team. 

WHAT SHAW SAID

Shaw outlined her excitement in joining Gotham in a club statement: "I’m so excited to be a part of this incredible club and community. I’m looking forward to playing alongside world class players and giving my all to help the team win another championship." 

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Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?

Shaw's move is double the value of the previous NWSL intra-league move, set by Ally Sentnor's $600,000 move from Utah to Kansas City in August. 

Glasgow Rangers are in a three-club battle to bring an “aggressive” Premier League player to Ibrox this summer, according to an update from journalist Santi Aouna.

Martin buoyed by Rangers win

The Gers won 4-2 at home to Alloa Athletic in the second round of the Scottish League Cup on Saturday, and while some weren’t wholly convinced about the performance, manager Russell Martin found plenty of positives.

“There will be a lot of players who finish the day in a much better place than they were before, they have got some minutes in the tank and there will be a lot of learning for them. I am happy we won, and we are through because these can be difficult games but of course there’s a lot to work on and improve.

“I think there was a lot of good intention, so a lot of the guys were really trying to do what they have been asked to do and the stuff we worked on. There’s a lot to be pleased with and also lots to improve which is exciting because these are the guys at the minute who have been supporting the group that have been playing the most minutes and they have been playing really well and deserved the opportunity to play today and a lot of them will be in a better place.”

Martin will know the importance of more signings for Rangers this summer, not least at left-back, with Jefte set to move on and Martin confirming his interest in Brentford’s Jayden Meghoma. It isn’t just the Bees full-back that the Gers have their eye on in that position, though.

Rangers in battle to sign "aggressive" Alex Moreno

According to Aouna on X, Rangers and Martin are among the clubs interested in signing Aston Villa left-back Alex Moreno this summer, but Real Betis are in pole position to get their man and Girona are also keen.

Moreno could be a statement signing by Rangers, even though Betis look the most likely to snap him up, having proven himself in the Premier League, making 55 appearances in the competition. At 32, the Spaniard has a huge amount of experience at a high level and has been lauded by Villa manager Unai Emery in the past.

“In the attacking third, he is getting into he box and finding not only crosses, but passes as well – very good. Now, what we’ve decided for him – because of his quality I knew before from Spain – I like sometimes the one side using the right or left back higher. We are doing it with the left-back higher than the right-back because to like use Moreno higher and more aggressive in attack.”

Martin's desperate to keep him: Rangers bracing themselves for "huge blow"

The Gers could lose one of their key men.

ByTom Cunningham Aug 16, 2025

As mentioned, signing Moreno, on £35,000-a-week may be wishful thinking currently, but if they could strike a deal, it would be strong business. If not, another left-back, like Meghoma, is needed.

Chair Mike Baird also said he understood India’s decision to stop holding open training sessions for the remainder of the tour

Andrew McGlashan05-Dec-2024Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird has defended the governing body’s stance on not playing bilateral matches against Afghanistan after being accused of hypocrisy by outgoing ICC chair Greg Barclay.Barcley’s tenure came to an end on December 1 when Jay Shah took over at the ICC and as part of a wide-ranging interview with the UK’s he took aim at boards who have suspended playing Afghanistan outside of global tournaments.”If you really want to make a political statement, don’t play them in a World Cup,” Barclay said. “Sure, it might cost you a semi-final place, but principles are principles. It’s not about having half a principle.”Related

Outgoing ICC chair Barclay blames members' 'self-interest' for congested cricket calendar

Afghanistan Women's XI to play in Melbourne ahead of Ashes Test

No bilateral cricket with Afghanistan till there's 'a level of progress', says CA chief

Responding to the comments, Baird said that CA remained comfortable with the line they had drawn around bilateral cricket. He pointed to their ongoing support of the refugee female players who now live in Australia, which will extend to an Afghanistan Women’s XI playing a Cricket Without Border’s XI on January 30 at Junction Oval, ahead of the day-night Ashes Test at the MCG.”I saw those comments this morning, and I hadn’t heard those views before in kind of any forum,” Baird said. “So obviously he’s entitled to his view. He’s going on to new things, and we wish him well on that, but we’re very proud of the position we’ve taken. We’re supporting the Afghan women’s cricket team and those members that are still here, and we’ll be doing that at the end of the summer.”People have different views, of course, but we’re very comfortable with the position we’ve taken. There’s all types of lines you can draw. We’ve drawn a line, we’ve taken a position and we’re proudly standing up where we think we should. I think that event that’s going to come at the end of January is a celebration of women and what we’re seeing in the women’s game in this country. We remain proud of it.”Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird (left) with newly appointed CEO Todd Greenberg (right) at Adelaide Oval•Getty ImagesMeanwhile, Baird took a diplomatic line over India’s demands to not have further public training sessions during their tour after more than 5000 people came to Adelaide Oval to watch practice on Tuesday. There had been plans for India to have open sessions in Brisbane and Sydney but they have now been shelved. Fans can’t be stopped watching the MCG nets as they are viewable from public areas within the precinct.Baird confirmed that CA would continue to make some Australian training sessions open to the public, believing it’s an important way to bring the fans closer to the team.”It’s obviously a difficult time when you’re going into a competitive Test series, and different teams will take different approaches,” he said. “We totally understand that. There’s huge pressure that comes, all types of things that can distract.”From our point of view, we love the fact that our players are open and available and they enjoy it as well. We want our fans to be connected to these players. It’s a once in a generation team with once in a generation players. That sort of experience, that’s how the game is going to grow. India’s taken a position and we totally respect [that]. We’re going to continue. We’ve done it for a long time.”

After what has been a busy summer transfer window already, Leeds United have officially welcomed their next new addition. The Whites have already signed eight players this summer, including two new attackers in Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, who scored on his debut against Everton.

Now, Daniel Farke’s side added their third forward. It was reported a few days ago that Leeds are close to agreeing a deal to sign Noah Okafor from AC Milan. The Switzerland international will now join the club from the Italian giants for a reported fee of £17m.

With just ten days or so left of the window, it may seem that Leeds’ business will finish at Okafor, but they may yet make another signing.

Leeds' next signing after Okafor

Leeds’ recruitment this summer has been smart, bringing in a couple of free transfers and not paying over £20m for a player.

Transfer Focus

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Bilal El Khannouss, a player strongly linked with the club, would have exceeded that with his reported £32m fee, but the Leicester City star is also being lined up by Crystal Palace.

Instead, a report from Simon Jones at the Daily Mail suggests that Leeds are looking at pursuing a deal for another Foxes star, versatile full-back James Justin. The Whites are said to be ‘assessing a move’ for the 27-year-old who has just one year left on his contract at the King Power Stadium.

However, the Yorkshire side are not the only Premier League club in for Justin this summer, with Everton also considering a late move for the defender. As for how much the deal would cost, it was reported earlier in the window that Justin could be available for a cut-price fee of just £6m.

Why Justin would be a good signing for Leeds

Despite struggling with major injury issues at times during his career, England international Justin would bring a plethora of experience to a Leeds side looking to stay in the Premier League.

Last season was not easy for Leicester, with the Foxes suffering from yet another top-flight relegation. He played all but two games in the Premier League, chipping in with two goals, including a stunner against Arsenal, and two assists, showing his attacking output from full-back.

In the top flight, he has regularly chipped in with goal contributions, with last season’s four the best of his career.

The stats show just how strongly he has performed in the Premier League. His all-round contributions have always been consistent, and at his best, he averaged 1.2 key passes per game in 2019/20, and 4.2 tackles and interceptions in the same season.

2019/20

1.2

4.2

2020/21

0.9

4

2021/22

0.8

3.5

2022/23

0.5

2.5

2024/25

0.4

3.2

If Leeds acquire Justin this summer, he could well be the dream signing for Okafor. The Switzerland star has struggled for consistency, spending the second half of last season on loan at Napoli, but barely featuring, making just four appearances.

Yet, at his very best, the attacker can be lethal. In the 2021/22 campaign for former club RB Salzburg, he scored 14 goals and assisted 11 in 34 appearances. That season, he operated as a striker more often than not, but also featured off the left.

Well, Justin has proven he can be a consistent chance creator in the Premier League. If he can start getting those chances flowing for Okafor, then the forward could explode in the Premier League.

Each player’s versatility is also key. Leeds’ prospective new attacker can play on either flank, just as Justin can. This offers interesting tactical flexibility for Farke; he can perhaps switch his winger and full-back pairing at will to build their relationship on the pitch, whilst maximising the strengths of other players on the pitch.

A strong creative option and a “colossal” defender, according to Statman Dave, Justin could be an excellent addition for Leeds. With the versatility and creativity he offers in the final third, this could make him a dream signing for Okafor. At just £6m, this seems to be a steal for Leeds.

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