All posts by h716a5.icu

Southampton fans appear to be astonished by the fee Manchester United are demanding for the loan of left-back Brandon Williams.

The Saints are preparing for the new season, and have already added a couple of new faces in defensive in Romain Perraud (southamptonfc.com) and Danyl Simeu (chelseafc.com).

After all, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side did concede 68 goals in the Premier League last time out – only West Brom shipped more than the St. Mary’s Stadium outfit (Sky Sports).

Hasenhuttl will no doubt be wanting to add more players to his squad before the season is out, and they have been heavily linked with another defender in Williams in recent weeks and months.

However, they have been put off by the fee United want, according to The Telegraph. They say the Red Devils are looking for £3.75m.

The news was shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the Saints supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Williams news below

“3m wages for a bloke that is genuinely dross”

Credit: @Eliassfc2

“Walk away”

Credit: @Golacticos2

“Ridiculous prices and he’s not even that good. Move on”

Credit: @WillsfcMitchell

“Man Utd are being totally unrealistic. They are spending shedloads of money on players, so it’s not as if they need the cash.”

Credit: @Dixon1970Darren

“Football is about to implode financially. Clubs will go under. Big ones. Look at the financial inspired Super League panic last season. The money for this guy is barking mad.”

Credit: @sportsturmoil

“Just forget it he’s not coming here why keep chasing somebody you will not get !”

Credit: @Peter67305335

In other news, Southampton eye a move for this Bundesliga ace.

Mohammad Ashraful, the Bangladesh captain, has denied being the “mastermind” behind 13 players joining the ICL

Cricinfo staff24-Sep-2008
Mohammad Ashraful said he was approached by the ICL but refused © AFP
Mohammad Ashraful, the Bangladesh captain, has denied being the “mastermind” behind 13 players joining the ICL. Ashraful claimed he received an offer of $2.1 million – a claim ICL officials have denied – but refused it once the Bangladesh board told him that accepting the offer would mean he could not play for his country.Habibul Bashar, the former Bangladesh captain, and recent internationals Aftab Ahmed, Alok Kapali, Shahriar Nafees, Farhad Reza, Dhiman Ghosh and Mosharraf Hossain were among those who joined the ICL’s Dhaka Warriors. Some of them have reportedly said they were introduced to the recruiting agent by Ashraful.”That is totally wrong. I have never met that agent and only speak to him over phone,” Ashraful told Tigercricket.com. “He is well known to many Bangladesh players and he has arranged sponsors for a number of local players and has helped them in getting club-cricket contracts in England. I believe he contacted them directly.”I have heard also that I am being projected as the mastermind. People who are saying that should remember that the biggest offer came to me and 150 million Taka ($2.1 million), over a three-year period, is not a matter of joke.”Ashraful said he immediately informed the Bangladesh board about the offer made to him and only learnt of the mass exodus while he was on holiday in England. He also agreed with Mashrafe Mortaza that the ICL issue did not affect their performance in Australia.”The coach [Jamie Siddons] told me that there were mutterings that some players could be signing for the ICL,” Ashraful said. “When we asked the players they all denied interest straightaway. I didn’t see the matter having an impact on the tour. Among the players who later joined the ICL, Dhiman’s wicketkeeping was brilliant throughout the ODI series, Farhad Reza bowled beautifully when he got the chance, and Alok (Kapali) looked okay in the lead-up matches.”The Bangladesh board banned the ICL players from international and domestic cricket for a period of ten years but Ashraful believed the board “would do everything to facilitate them” if they wanted to return.

Plays of the day for the fourth day of the first Test between India and Australia

Cricinfo staff12-Oct-2008
The first ball of the fourth day ensured an exciting start as Brett Lee almost trapped Zaheer Khan lbw © Getty Images
Exciting start of the day
Brett Lee swung the first ball of the fourth day into Zaheer Khan and hit him on the pads. Lee turned around, spread his arms, splayed his legs and roared an appeal. Meanwhile, the ball had bounced towards third man and Anil Kumble had set off from the non-striker’s end for a leg bye. Zaheer, however, was only interested in whether Asad Rauf’s finger would stay down and Kumble had to hurry back from half-way down the pitch.Rehearsal of the day
Lee beat Zaheer several times outside the off stump and in the 108th over Zaheer lost his patience and aimed a wild hit down the ground. He didn’t connect and when Lee went up to the batsman to have a word, Zaheer shadow-practiced the shot as if to say I’ll do it again. The next ball, however, was defended solidly off the front foot.Record of the day
Lee’s no-ball in the 110th over was the 46th extra of the innings. The most Australia had ever conceded against India was 45 in the second innings in Mumbai in 1986. A short while later Mitchell Johnson’s bouncer hit Ishant Sharma on the shoulder and went towards the fine leg boundary to take the tally past 50. Brad Haddin played a crucial part in the tally as he conceded 23 byes.Tense moment of the day
Batsmen get nervous in their 90s so it’s quite understandable that Zaheer was feeling jittery on 49. He dropped the first ball towards point and wanted to get the milestone out of the way. Kumble, however, saw Ponting react quickly and sent Zaheer back. Johnson swung two out of the next three balls past the outside edge. Zaheer took a breather, walked a few paces towards square leg, and seemed to ask umpire Rauf how many balls were left in the over. Rauf said two and Zaheer tucked the next one off his pads to reach his half-century.Waft of the day
Judging by how he played his first delivery, you wouldn’t have thought Matthew Hayden was on a pair. He reached out for a full and wide delivery from Zaheer and got beaten on the drive by the movement away from him. Later in over, Hayden offered no shot to one that cut back in and thudded into his ribs. He finally got off the pair on his seventh delivery by driving Zaheer to cover where Gautam Gambhir fumbled the ball.Rude awakening of the day
Hayden was batting on 13 when a full delivery from Zaheer swung into him late and hit the pad as he tried to play the ball on the leg side. Despite Zaheer’s confident appeal, Hayden immediately turned his back on both the bowler and the umpire, not wanting to see at the decision. The terrific roar from the crowd, however, made him realise it was time to turn around and head towards the dressing room.Contrast of the day
In Australia’s first innings, Ricky Ponting had hit the first delivery he faced from Harbhajan for four. Mahendra Singh Dhoni had fielders crowding the bat for the rematch. Harbhajan bounded in with a slip, silly point, short leg and leg slip and delivered the ball on middle and leg. Ponting moved forward and there was a loud appeal after the ball went straight to Virender Sehwag at leg slip. Rudi Koertzen, however, correctly decided that it had come off the pad.Long wait of the day
Simon Katich had clung to the crease like a barnacle would to a rock. He blocked, nudged and pushed and scored at a strike-rate of below 20 for the majority of his innings. He hit his first boundary off his 97th delivery in the last over before tea, cutting Zaheer to the third man boundary.Suspense of the day
How bad is Kumble’s shoulder injury? Will he take the field? Will he bowl? Will he retire? These were the questions everyone was asking on the fourth day. After scoring 5 off 33 balls, Kumble did take the field when Australia’s second innings began. He came out only after Ponting’s wicket in the 23rd over and finally brought himself on to bowl in the 54th over of the innings during the final session.

Rafael Leao could join Everton as part of AC Milan’s move for James Rodriguez, journalist Sandro Sabatini has told the Calciomercato Show.

The lowdown

Leao was directly involved in 12 goals (six goals, six assists) in 22 Serie A starts for Milan last season. He was predominantly used as a centre forward, but was also frequently deployed on the left flank (via WhoScored).

Milan’s willingness to part with him may be down to their abundance of options. The seven-time European Champions have Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ante Rebic and Olivier Giroud at their disposal.

James only joined Everton ahead of the 2020/21 season but was left considering his future following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti.

Everton have made three signings so far this summer – recruiting Asmir Begovic, Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend – but only spent £1.8million.

The latest

Sabatini says James is keen on the transfer, but now ‘everything depends’ on Leao’s decision.

‘If he accepts’, Milan can greenlight the move for the former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid superstar.

Sabatini adds that ‘the whole situation’ is being orchestrated by Jorge Mendes, who represents both players.

The verdict

If Leao accepts the move, he would provide excellent cover and competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin – and that’s an area Everton have to address this summer.

But it’s a big ‘if’. Leao may justifiably fear that his game-time will be limited as a mere deputy to the Englishman, and perhaps prefer a move to become a recognised number nine.

And while he is versatile enough to play out wide, Rafael Benitez apparently wants to use more traditional wingers who will direct plenty of crosses into Calvert-Lewin.

It’ll be down to Mendes to allay those fears if he’s intent on striking this deal.

In other news, Marcus Bent has tipped Everton cash in on this forward.

According to Turkish journalist Talha Arslan, Glasgow Rangers have made a formal bid for Fenerbahce winger Bright Osayi-Samuel.

The Lowdown: Poor season start for Gers

After a magnificent campaign that saw the Gers win the Premiership for the first time in ten years last time out, the Ibrox outfit have been brought back down to earth with a bang.

A 3-0 opening day victory against Livingston was followed by a 2-1 defeat to Malmo in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round and a 1-0 loss to Dundee United in the Premiership.

Judging by the latest developments, Steven Gerrard, Ross Wilson and co are not resting on their laurels, perhaps spurred into transfer action by those setbacks.

The Latest: Gers make Osayi-Samuel bid

As per Arslan, a trusted reported in Turkey, the 55-time Scottish champions have made an offer for former Queens Park Rangers winger Osayi-Samuel.

It was not established exactly how much that offer was said to be, but the journalist revealed “Glasgow Rangers begin formal bid” two months after first reporting serious interest in the winger from both sides of Glasgow.

The Verdict: Interesting move

Previously called “outstanding” by Mark Warburton (kilburntimes.co.uk), £3.06m-valued Osayi-Samuel has not had the best of times in the Super Liga.

In 19 games in all competitions last time out, he managed just one goal and one assist (Transfermarkt), and 19-time Turkish champions Fener are believed to be open to selling him (Fanatik).

The 23-year-old impressed at QPR, though, scoring five and providing nine assists in the Championship during the 2019/20 campaign. Not only that, he would fill up an important hole for Steven Gerrard – the boss likes to play in a 4-3-3 formation but lacks a natural right winger. This could be an inspired move from Wilson.

In other news, Rangers receive an injury blow.

Michael Hussey’s 146 ensured an impressive total for Australia on the second day

The Bulletin by Brydon Coverdale10-Oct-2008
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out
Michael Hussey, the century-maker, combined with Brad Haddin for an important 91-run stand © Getty Images
There is a wall in Bangalore that celebrates Rahul Dravid’s immovability at the crease. In the city’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, Michael Hussey built an impenetrable barrier of his own with a supremely focused innings of 146 that ensured an impressive total for Australia on the second day. By the close, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir had made the visitors’ 430 look a little less daunting and reduced the deficit to 362.It was a promising start from the openers, particularly the confident Sehwag, but the challenge will come on the third day. India will need to make certain their own wall is reinforced on a pitch that has held up but is threatening to crack like a dry river bed. Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma did what they could to make use of the variable surface but undoubtedly Australia had the best of the conditions by batting first.After Ponting had led the way on the first day, Hussey followed on the second with his ninth Test century, an innings of intense concentration. It ended a record streak of low scores for Hussey, who entered the game fresh from five Test innings without a half-century, the longest such spell in his remarkable career.He has spent the past few months insisting he was unhappy with some minor aspects of his technique but any deficiencies must have been ironed out during the Australian winter. Perhaps his least convincing shot was the one that brought him to triple figures, an inside-edge off Ishant that flew past the stumps for four. Hussey’s landmark – off 188 balls – was a bad sign for India; Australia have won every Test in which Hussey has made a century.His judgment was excellent. A pair of drives sailed through the off side off consecutive deliveries when Zaheer overpitched and a perfectly placed drive against Anil Kumble bisected mid-off and extra cover, who weren’t that far apart. He faced 189 dot balls, patiently waited for chances to find gaps or hit over the top, like when he launched a safe six over midwicket off Harbhajan Singh.He had some assistance from India’s fieldsmen – another four came when his drive went through the legs of a sluggish Sourav Ganguly at mid-off. That was the most conspicuous fielding error but just as maddening for India was the ease with which Hussey and Brad Haddin turned the strike over during an important 91-run partnership, repeatedly pinching singles to fielders who were either flat-footed, placed too deep, or both.The sixth-wicket stand between Hussey and Haddin came at a critical time; Ishant had just picked up Shane Watson cheaply in the fourth over of the day and at 259 for 5 there was a danger Australia would waste Ponting’s strong start. Haddin hasn’t struck a fifty in his short Test career but five times in his four Tests he has helped steady the lower middle-order with half-century partnerships.Smart statsMichael Hussey’s ninth Test century was just his second overseas . So far, Australia have won whenever he’s scored a century.Hussey put on 91 with Brad Haddin, with 45 runs in singles, two and threes; six came by way of extras. They played Zaheer Khan well, scoring 33 off five overs, but struggled against Ishant Sharma, with seven runs off as many overs in the morning session.Zaheer’s 5 for 91 was his sixth five-wicket haul in Tests, and his first in India.Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir’s unbroken 68-run stand was their fifth successive 50-plus stand. The two average 62.54 per partnership, the best among Indian pairs that have opened the innings on more than 10 occasions.Kumble and Harbhajan Singh conceded 232 runs between them, taking just one wicket. This was India’s worst spin performance in matches involving the two, and in which spinners have bowled at least 30 overs.The personal milestone again eluded Haddin, who on 33 fell for Ishant’s slower ball. Haddin was so surprised by the offspin-style delivery from Ishant, who had not used it so far during the day, that he shaped to drive, hesitated, and then went through with the shot, which lobbed to VVS Laxman at short cover. Encouraged by that variation, Ishant lured the debutant Cameron White (6) into a similarly fatal prod to cover from a near identical ball.For most of the first two sessions Ishant looked by far the most dangerous bowler. He steamed in enthusiastically and moved the ball subtly both ways, sometimes dug in a short one and at other times used the two-paced surface to keep balls low. He ended up with 4 for 77 but it was Zaheer who finished with the best figures, 5 for 91, after an unexpectedly vivid spell of reverse-swing bowling just after tea.Zaheer had not been particularly threatening until he suddenly started moving the ball about following the break. He crashed into the stumps of Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson and finally Hussey within the space of seven balls. The wickets had to come from Ishant and Zaheer as the two spinners struggled for impact despite probing for the footmarks. Kumble returned with 0 for 129, the second time this year he has conceded a triple-figure tally without a wicket, while Harbhajan could not add to his first-day removal of Ponting.That the innings ended with a couple of hours of play left was a blessing for India, whose openers enjoyed the time to settle in against a pace attack that was taking time to find its rhythm. The third day will provide an intriguing test for the Fab Four, including Sachin Tendulkar, who needs 77 runs to break Brian Lara’s all-time Test record. On a pitch likely to become more difficult the main thing could be to ensure that Dravid is at his most wall-like.

West Ham boss David Moyes is very much behind all of the club’s summer transfer business, according to a reliable club insider…

What’s the word?

ExWHUemployee delivered an exciting claim during a recent episode of his ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast, where he revealed that the 58-year-old is a major part of all negotiations.

“I think the fans will like this,” he said.

“David Moyes has said that any negotiations with the likes of Will Salthouse, he wants to be directly involved. He wants no negotiations with agents to go on without him having some say in it, which I admire and I think is definitely the right thing to happen.”

A positive sign

This is another hugely encouraging sign that the Irons are becoming a very differently run outfit.

During an interview with the Daily Mail last year, Moyes delivered a warning to the club’s owners, GSB, that they were far behind their rivals in the recruitment department.

“We have a small recruitment department and that has to be addressed because that is not the situation at any other club,” he claimed. “We have to put that in place. We have to have a professional ethic about how we go about our business.”

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-the-latest-gossip-and-much-more-3” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and much more!”]

However, since the end of last season, things have started to change, with the Scot being trusted to build his own scouting and recruitment network, in which he has hired his own son, David Moyes Jnr.

In the past, the Hammers have had some calamitous sporting directors like Mario Hussilos, who has been responsible for signings like Felipe Anderson and Sebastien Haller, whilst there has often been a reliance on GSB’s preferred agents, including clientele, who has a plethora of clientele at the London Stadium.

His agency, Unique Sports Management, has Said Benrahma, Michail Antonio, Aaron Cresswell, Ryan. Fredericks and Darren Randolph on the books, so evidently there has been some questionable decision-making.

But now, it seems as if Moyes has been trusted with complete control and this should give West Ham a massive boost from here on out. And as Ex says, it will leave fans absolutely buzzing.

The 58-year-old signed a three-year contract extension in the summer and has been rewarded with actions on his demands.

With the Irons closing in on the signing of Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina, it’s surely a matter of time before Moyes lands his next target, another player he will have undoubtedly asked for personally.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee reveals exciting West Ham transfer twist, fans will surely be buzzing…

A round-up of the fourth round of matches of the National Cricket League in Bangladesh

Rabeed Imam09-Nov-2008National Four-Day League
Nadif Chowdhury scored 155 runs in Dhaka’s 176-run win over Khulna © TigerCricket.com
A remarkable last-day effort by the bowlers gave Rajshahi an away victory against Sylhet and more importantly helped them edge Barisal, who could only draw against Chittagong, to the top of the chart. Dhaka kept pressure on the leaders with a resounding win at home over a depleted Khulna side.At the Sylhet District Stadium bowlers called all the shots and not a single half-century was hit in the four innings. Fast bowler Subashis Roy created havoc with bounce and seam movement as the visitors crumbled. Roy took 5 for 18 and his new-ball partner Rashedur Rahman took 3 for 52 as Rajshahi were skittled out for 117 before tea. Sylhet managed a slender lead after left-arm spinner Suhrawadi Shuvo (4 for 27) and fast bowler Mohammad Shahzada (3 for 30) restricted them to 172. The 55-run lead had looked handy though by the middle of day three as Rajshahi languished at 165 for 8. But the last three Shahzada, Alambir Kabir and Shafiul Islam pushed them past 250. Legspinner Monir Hossain took 5 for 72. Set 199 to win, Sylhet reached 77 for 2 at stumps on the third day but they slumped to 102 for 5 – losing three wickets inside three overs – the next day. Saqlain and Shafiul Islam picked up three wickets each as Sylhet were all out for 41 short of the target.Barisal’s match against Chittagong at Fatullah petered to a draw as neither side displayed enterprise to force a result. For Barisal, 19-year old opener Rony Talukder was the show-stopper on day one as he put on century stands with dominated the next two partnerships with Nasiruddin Faruque (49) and Imran Ahmed (32. He cut and pulled his way 176 off 224 and on his fall Tariqul Islam (55) took hold of the reins and Barisal finished with 385. Kamrul Islam and Tareq Aziz shared nine wickets between them. Chittagong’s openers gave them a confident start but Nasir Hossain and Islam triggered a collapse which reduced them to 179 for 5. No. 6 Faisal Hossain revived the innings with 127 and Chittagong declared on 392 for 9 on the final day. The draw was inevitable and Nasiruddin helped himself to a century as Barisal’s top order indulged in some batting practiceIn Mirpur Dhaka beat an ICL-depleted Khulna side by 176 runs. However their victory was not assured at the end of day one when despite half-centuries from Shamsur Rahman and Nadif Chowdhury, they got only 251 before declaring. There were hints of a mauling on day two when Khulna collapsed from 63 for 4 to 110 all out. Captain Tushar Imran scored 50 but struggled to launch a rescue effort as wickets tumbled around him. Left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny took 4 for 45 after which Chowdhury bettered his first-innings performance with a century in the second. Set an impossible target of 408, Khulna folded in 83.2 overs despite half-centuries from Imran and Nazmus Sadat. Elias Sunny was the pick of the bowlers this time with 4 for 44.There was more bad news for Khulna after fast bowler Robiul Islam was suspended for a match and fined 75% of his match fees for an altercation with Mahmudullah while batting on the last day. Mahmudullah was also fined for his involvement.Player of the Week: Though he is regarded as one of the most naturally talented cricketers around, Chowdhury had not managed to raise him game to match the first-class level. His 54 and unbeaten 101 against Khulna however was a match-winning effort and bore all the marks of the class batsman he is. Cricket fans are hoping this will be a catalyst for consistency.

Rajshahi Div 42 0 0 2 0 42 Barisal Division 4 1 0 03 0 41 Dhaka Division 42 0 0 2 0 39 Chittagong D 4 0 1 03 0 31 Khulna Division 41 1 0 2 0 26 Sylhet Division 4 0 4 00 0 15

Cricinfo previews the first Test between Australia and New Zealand in Brisbane

Peter English19-Nov-2008
Stuart Clark, who had a quiet tour of India, will be the Australian to benefit most from a lively Gabba surface © AFP
Match factsNovember 20-24, 2008
Start time 10.00am (00.00GMT)Big PictureAfter the 2-0 loss in India, Australia start the first of three series that will show whether they are experiencing a form blip, in a rut or stuck in a trough. New Zealand traditionally aim high against their trans-Tasman rivals and despite being seventh on the ICC rankings, and carrying an under-manned squad, this contest may not be a stroll for the hosts.Any hurt lingering from the India defeat has quickly turned into relief for Australia as they return to their home conditions. The bowlers are especially happy to see a Gabba surface that will not only offer bounce, but also seam and swing, easing the aches created from the flat pitches in India. It’s a tricky situation for them as a dominant win is expected, but any struggles will magnify their recent unfamiliar form. This is warm-up for the home-and-away series against South Africa over the next four months, which will determine how far Australia drop in the official and unofficial rankings.For New Zealand, it is a chance to see whether their new group of players can compete against an outfit that has never had an opportunity to scar them. Australia’s team is less fearsome than it was the last time they visited, but the tourists are almost unrecognisable from four years ago. The bookmakers are not convinced of New Zealand’s hopes, with one Australian outlet offering $9.50 for a win.Form guide (last 5 Tests, most recent first)Australia LDLDW
New Zealand DWLLDWatch out forStuart Clark – In its current condition the Gabba is made for Clark, who was unable to do much but contain in India. Clark was dropped for the final Test in Nagpur, where Jason Krejza was preferred, but Australia will not make that mistake on a green surface that is filled with moisture following days of rain. With Clark’s bounce, seam movement and pace, he will be a huge threat throughout the game. It will be good to see him back.Jesse Ryder – Stocky and attacking, Ryder is the sort of player who Australian fans could like immediately. He picked up a virus in the warm-up loss against New South Wales, but showed he was recovering by batting in the second innings and bowling three overs. “We’re really pleased with him,” the captain Daniel Vettori said. “We understand how talented he is, now we’re just trying to get that experience into him so he can be a good player for a long time.” Ryder, who came in at No. 3, narrowly missed a maiden century in making 91 against Bangladesh last month, but this will be a much bigger assignment.Team newsCameron White is missing from the side that played the previous Test in Nagpur, with Andrew Symonds coming in after his return from a suspension that started when he went fishing in Darwin instead of attending a team meeting. Symonds moves straight back in at No. 6, despite only 70 runs in three Sheffield Shield games for Queensland, leaving Shane Watson to fight with Jason Krejza for a spot. The offspinner Krejza was rightly retained after taking 12 wickets on debut, but his place depends on the state of the pitch on Thursday morning.Australia (probable) 1 Matthew Hayden, 2 Simon Katich, 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Michael Hussey, 5 Michael Clarke, 6 Andrew Symonds, 7 Shane Watson, 8 Brad Haddin (wk), 9 Brett Lee, 10 Mitchell Johnson, 11 Stuart Clark, 12 Jason Krejza.New Zealand called in Peter Fulton and Gareth Hopkins as cover for Brendon McCullum (back and foot) and Jesse Ryder (virus) over the past week, so they have plenty of options. A seam-friendly pitch will lead to a packed pace attack that will have Vettori wondering how he will get a bowl. McCullum is confident he will be fit and the inexperienced team needs his all-round playing and leadership skills.New Zealand (probable) 1 Aaron Redmond, 2 Jamie How, 3 Jesse Ryder, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Brendon McCullum (wk), 6 Daniel Flynn, 7 Grant Elliott, 8 Daniel Vettori (capt), 9 Iain O’Brien, 10 Kyle Mills, 11 Chris Martin, 12 Tim Southee.Pitch and conditionsGabba and greentop usually go together for state games here, but the Test strip is generally weighted evenly between bat and ball. This time it will be more of a lottery and the toss could be as important as it is in India. The covers came off on Wednesday to show a green, but better than expected pitch.”I was a bit worried this morning coming down here at what might have been underneath those covers, but I was pleasantly surprised when I had a look at it,” Ponting said. “Right at the moment you probably think it will play like a day one Sheffield Shield wicket rather than a day one Test wicket, which we’ve been used to playing on for the last ten years up here.”Storms hit the city on Sunday night and the rain has stayed around – although there were sunny patches on the eve of the game – with the wet weather expect to ease by Friday. It would be a brave captain – like Mark Taylor or Steve Waugh – to bat first on Thursday.Stats and TriviaNew Zealand have not won a Test in Australia for 23 years and have had only two successes here. Both those triumphs came in 1985, starting with Richard Hadlee’s 15 wickets at the Gabba in conditions similar to this week’s.The last time Australia went four matches in a row without winning a Test was during the 2005 Ashes.Brett Lee, who took only eight wickets in India, is on 297 Test victims at an average of 30.44.Quotes”The stats they’ve got would suggest that anything outside a flat wicket then the odds would swing to us a little bit more. You never know, they’ve got a fine bowling attack to so it’s hard to put a finger on it.”
“We don’t know how much cricket we’re going to get in yet. I would expect us to win the series, whether that’s 2-0 or 1-0. I have a lot of confidence in this group. Sure, we’re smack bang in the middle of a rebuilding phase, and a lot of our players are still developing and working out ways to be successful at Test level, which I think was highlighted a lot in India. But this is still an exciting period for me as a captain.”

Everton witnessed a wonderful start to the new season on Saturday afternoon as Rafa Benitez’s Goodison Park reign started with a win.

It has been a difficult summer for the Toffees but an opening victory will do the atmosphere wonders after some of the toxic negativity spread throughout Merseyside in the last few months.

What’s the word?

Next on the agenda in the transfer market for Everton is signing a right-back and a central midfielder.

They are close to landing Aurelio Buta from Royal Antwerp but they’re now looking within the Premier League to bolster their ranks.

In an exciting update from Fabrizio Romano, the journalist revealed that the Toffees had an interest in Manchester United’s Andreas Pereira.

He said: “Everton have approached Manchester United for Andreas Pereira. Many clubs are interested in signing Andreas on loan, Man Utd still prioritize permanent sale.”

Pereira is currently valued at just £7.2m via Transfermarkt.

Fans buzzing

Everton have had a difficult summer on the transfer front but this is a report that supporters should be genuinely excited about.

After all, the club have been linked with some rather mediocre midfield players in recent weeks.

Tottenham and England’s Harry Winks has been touted with a switch while Benitez has also cast his eyes towards one of his former players; Sean Longstaff at Newcastle.

However, Pereira is arguably the better player and would offer a wide-ranging set of attributes to Everton.

For instance, during the course of their respective Premier League careers, Winks and Longstaff have only managed four goals between them.

Their numbers from a defensive point of view are also fairly average. The Spurs midfielder completed 1.1 tackles per match last term while Newcastle’s academy product made 1.4 successful challenges a game.

Pereira, however, is adept in offensive situations as well as in the defensive third.

The Brazilian once found the net five times in one season for Granada, providing three assists for teammates in the process.

As well as producing goals, the Man United talent isn’t afraid to get stuck into a physical duel. He won 1.2 tackles per game in that aforementioned season for instance.

Capable of providing more than Winks and Longstaff, Everton supporters should be delighted if they pursue him instead.

AND in other news, Forget Richarlison: £120k-pw Everton beast who won 11 duels had Goodison rocking again…