All posts by h79snht.top

The allrounder has produced an impressive WPL campaign for Delhi Capitals after losing her Australia spot

Andrew McGlashan14-Mar-2024Leaving Jess Jonassen out of Australia’s squad to tour Bangladesh was the toughest selection call head coach Shelley Nitschke had been a part of, but the allrounder’s subsequent success at the WPL has been exactly the type of response she expected.Jonassen’s omission for the upcoming tour was the first time she had been left out of a squad when fit since her debut in 2012. It came at the end of a season where she lost her place across formats and puts her in doubt for the T20 World Cup in October which will be staged in Bangladesh.Related

WPL final: Of hope, inspiration and the prospect of a new champion

Mature Mandhana rides the WPL storm in two contrasting seasons

'Want to play the 2024 T20 World Cup' – Vlaeminck ready to relaunch injury-hit career

Jonassen omitted for Bangladesh tour, Vlaeminck recalled

However, since then Jonassen has claimed 11 wickets for Delhi Capitals to be joint-leading wicket-taker in the competition and help them into the final. She was Player of the Match in her second outing against Gujarat Giants where her 3 for 22 was made up of Australia team-mates Beth Mooney, Phoebe Litchfield and Ash Gardner. The following match against Mumbai Indians she removed Hayley Matthews whose record-breaking onslaught at North Sydney Oval in early October was the last T20I Jonassen featured in.”It was a tough decision and she was very disappointed. To see how she’s responded in the WPL, to me it’s no surprise she’s done that,” Nitschke told ESPNcricinfo. “She’s a real fighter. Certainly not surprised with how she’s going about that and making a statement which is exactly what we like to see.”It’s really tough to leave out a player like JJ who has been around for a long time. She has been a great servant for us. But she’s certainly not out of the mix. She’s showing exactly what she is capable of over in the WPL which has been fantastic to watch.”Stating her case: Jess Jonassen is trying to force her way back into Australia’s plans•BCCI

Australia’s spin options for the Bangladesh tour are Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Alana King and Sophie Molineux. King has not featured in T20Is since the last World Cup in South Africa so there may be one spin-bowling spot up for grabs depending on the balance of the final 15 later this year.”We’ve got a few things to look at and make decisions on, there’s a little bit of time to go between now and then,” Nitschke said.The Bangladesh tour, Australia’s first bilateral series against them, offers a valuable pre-World Cup scouting mission of conditions in Mirpur particularly when it comes to the three T20Is. Nitschke said there is a chance the team will try a few different combinations in those matches to ensure they have covered as many bases as possible.”We want to win every game we play,” Nitschke said, “but there’s an element that we are coming back to Bangladesh in six months for a World Cup so we need to get as much information from the conditions and about our team as well and how we play those conditions so when we get back over there for the World Cup we are really clear on what it looks like for us.”We probably need to use that opportunity to find a few things out. There could be some things we look at that aren’t Plan A. We aren’t going to turn the order upside down but feel like there could be a few things in there where we need to provide opportunities.”Australia have not played Bangladesh outside of world events•ICC/Getty Images

However, they won’t be taking Bangladesh lightly. At the 2022 ODI World Cup, Australia were 41 for 4 chasing 136 with Salma Khatun threatening a huge upset before Mooney got them over the line. This year Bangladesh have beaten India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South Africa to mark themselves down as a rapidly developing team.”We are going in knowing they’ll be a real good challenge,” Nitschke said. “We certainly know they are going to present some different sorts of challenges for us in conditions they are familiar with. We’ll have to adapt to the wickets and the way they play.”The tour caps a busy season for Australia who faced West Indies and South Africa at home with a visit to India in the middle. Several players have also gone to the WPL and will travel straight to Bangladesh.”It’s the end of what’s been a long season. That will be our challenge, and at some point, people will have to dig a little bit deeper,” Nitschke said. “They’ll have to help out their mates as well. If we can do that it puts us in really good stead for the future, to find something else when you feel like you are on empty.”Australia fly out to Bangladesh on Saturday with the ODIs taking place on March 21, 24 and 27 followed by the T20Is on March 31, April 2 and April 4.

Both teams are coming off home series defeats to Australia, and will look to fine-tune their plans for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in September-October

Srinidhi Ramanujam27-Apr-2024

It was rather ill-tempered the last time these two sides met in Bangladesh, with Harmanpreet Kaur smashing the stumps and slamming umpires for “pathetic decisions”, and the home captain Nigar Sultana criticising her “manners”. Nine months later, the bigger picture is the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh this September-October, as India and Bangladesh begin their preparations with a five-T20I series in Sylhet, starting Sunday.Building towards T20 World CupBangladesh were thrashed 3-0 at home by Australia a few weeks ago, and despite that drubbing they haven’t changed their squad much for this series. India’s last T20I series was also a 2-1 defeat at home to Australia in December-January, where seniors such as Harmanpreet and Smriti Mandhana had underwhelming performances. However, several of India’s international players got back to form in the 2024 WPL, and with some new names in the mix, they will hope to carry that momentum into international cricket as well. Both teams will be keen to experiment and find their ideal combinations in these five T20Is before they travel to Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup in July, ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year.Bangladesh’s batting strugglesBangladesh need improvement in their batting if they want to give India a fight. In the recent series against Australia, they scored totals of 126 for 4, 103 for 9 and 78 all out. Only their captain Sultana was consistent with 96 runs in three innings, including a fifty, though it came at a strike rate of 91.42. The second-best batter for Bangladesh was Fahima Khatun, with 53 runs. From the squad that played Australia, Bangladesh made just one change, bringing in wicketkeeper-batter Rubya Haider, who played the three-T20I series against Sri Lanka last year, in place of uncapped Farzana Akter. The hosts will need top-order batters such as Fargana Hoque, Sobhana Mostary and Rubya to provide a solid foundation before Sultana can take off. Can India’s top order flourish in Sylhet?The last time India toured Bangladesh in July 2023, their top three had a disappointing series. In three matches, Shafali Verma scored a total of 30, Smriti Mandhana 52, and Jemimah Rodrigues 47. Rodrigues will miss this series due to back niggle. As far as recent form goes, both openers had an excellent WPL, with Shafali finishing as the third highest run-scorer with 309 in nine matches at a strike rate of 156.85 and Mandhana just behind her with 300 in ten games at 133.92. With Richa Ghosh preferred as the team’s first-choice keeper, Yastika Bhatia might play as a pure batter at No.3; she scored 204 runs in eight games at 121.42 as an opener for Mumbai Indians in the WPL. India will believe their top three are better prepared this time.S Asha was a revelation for RCB in WPL 2024•BCCI

WPL stars and a problem of plentyIndia potentially have a problem of plenty. Legspinner S Asha and spin-bowling allrounder S Sajana have earned maiden international call-ups on the back of their WPL performance after years of toil in the domestic circuit. Asha, 33, became the first Indian to take a five-for in the WPL and she finished as the second highest wicket-taker (12) of the season, playing a crucial part in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s title-winning run. Sajana was one of Mumbai’s breakout stars with her big-hitting ability. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav has returned to India’s squad after a year, following an impressive outing for Delhi Capitals, picking up ten wickets in nine games at an economy rate of 7.48. With Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil being the first-choice spinners, how India squeeze in Asha, Radha and Saika Ishaque in the XI remains to be seen. To accommodate Sajana in the lower-middle order, India might even have to bench Amanjot Kaur.Pitch and conditions in SylhetThe last T20I series between the two sides was played entirely in Dhaka. India went in with three spinners and two seamers, with Shafali and Rodrigues chipping with more overs of spin as part-timers. Bangladesh played a spin-heavy attack with just one seamer in Marufa Akther. This time, all the five T20Is are in Sylhet, from 3.30pm local time. The venue recently hosted a men’s three-T20I series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in March, where the average score was 177 and four of the top five bowlers were fast bowlers. Some assistance for the seamers can be expected initially but both teams might still bank on spinners for wickets. India have played two T20Is against Bangladesh at this venue, and both times, they scored 150-plus and restricted the hosts to 100 or below.

Nottingham Forest have now been presented with an opportunity to beat Inter Milan and Bayern Munich to the signing of an “explosive” forward, but they will have to act quickly, according to a report.

Forest set to bolster attacking options

Despite the 2-1 loss away at Aston Villa last time out, Forest remain in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League next season, which means they should be able to compete for the signatures of some of Europe’s top forwards.

Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is one of the most high-profile targets, and the Tricky Trees are now willing to offer winger Jota Silva as part of an exchange deal for the Sweden international, who is attracting widespread interest ahead of the summer window.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have also identified targets from within the Premier League, with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha and Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez of interest, having reportedly submitted a £50m bid for the Uruguayan striker, who looks set to leave the Reds.

Related £25m release clause: Nottingham Forest join hectic race for "superb" star

They could trigger his release clause.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Apr 7, 2025

Not only is Nuno keen to bring in a new striker, but the manager is also looking at signing a new winger, and a report from Italy has revealed Nottingham Forest have an opportunity to beat Bayern Munich and Inter Milan to the signature of Marseille’s Luis Henrique (via Sport Witness).

Inter are in contact over a deal for Henrique, but they are unwilling to match Marseille’s valuation, deeming a fee of €25m (£21m) to be fair, while the French club are looking to receive €30m – €35m (£26m – £30m)

As such, either Forest or Premier League rivals Newcastle United could move ahead in the race for the Brazilian, should they be willing to table a bid of at least £26m, but they will need to move swiftly, with Inter trying to get a deal done before the end of May.

"Explosive" Henrique could suit Nuno's system

Much of the Tricky Trees’ success this season can be put down to Nuno’s style of play, which relies on hitting their opponents with pace on the counter-attack, as confirmed by Anthony Elanga after the recent 1-0 victory against Manchester United.

“It is about attacking the space and getting to the opposite goal as quick as I can. I saw the space and I believe I’m one of the fastest players in the league.”

Elanga has been a key player for Forest this season, and there are clear signs Henrique would also be a perfect fit in Nuno’s system, having been lauded as “explosive” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also praises the winger for his pace.

The 23-year-old’s attacking output has also been impressive this season, with seven goals and five assists to his name in Ligue 1, so Forest should do their utmost to ensure they win the race for his signature.

Liverpool have now made contact to sign a “world-class” striker ahead of Premier League rivals Arsenal, who are also vying for his signature, according to a report.

Reds pursuing new forwards this summer

It would be fair to say Darwin Nunez has failed to justify his club-record £85m price tag ever since arriving at Anfield, with the striker particularly struggling this season, netting just five Premier League goals.

Amid widespread reports Nunez could be heading for the exit door, the Reds have started to step up their pursuit of a new striker, and they have some very exciting targets in mind.

Arne Slot’s side seem willing to spend big on a top striker, with a report stating they could fork out £142m for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, who could be brought in if Mohamed Salah decides not to extend his stay at Anfield.

Related Liverpool learn price for Van Dijk successor after "worried" contract claim

Van Dijk’s Liverpool future remains up in the air.

Posts ByBarney Lane Mar 31, 2025

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike are also among the targets for the Merseyside club, with a move for the latter striker perhaps more likely, given that the Magpies are determined to keep hold of their talisman.

There is no shortage of options for the summer window, and Liverpool have now taken the first step towards signing a Premier League star, having made contact over a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states the Reds have enquired about the conditions of a potential deal, while they are also trying to gauge whether the move would be of interest to Cunha.

Arsenal and Nottingham Forest are also in the race for the Brazilian, with Slot’s side now making the first move to potentially move ahead of their Premier League rivals despite the Gunners doing “work” on the deal.

The Wolves star has a £62m release clause in his contract, which applies to any club in the Champions League, meaning Liverpool should be well-positioned to complete a cut-price deal.

"World-class" Cunha could be Nunez upgrade

The 25-year-old has played a major role in Wolves’ push for Premier League safety, having amassed 13 goals and four assists this season, outscoring Nunez by a considerable margin.

The “world-class” striker has also now managed to make a name for himself at international level, bagging his first goal for Brazil in a World Cup qualification tie against Argentina last week.

In another boost to Liverpool’s chances of getting a deal done, the former Atletico Madrid man has now admitted he wants to compete for the top honours, which he would be well-positioned to do at Anfield.

The only slight concern about signing Cunha will be the fact that, much like Nunez, there are concerns over his discipline, having been charged by the FA for a headbutt on fellow target Milos Kerkez earlier this season, but his ability cannot be questioned.

Everton’s winless run against Manchester City continues as Pep Guardiola’s side scored twice in the final ten minutes to secure victory.

Not since a 4-0 victory during the 2016/17 season have the Toffees tasted success against the Etihad side, although they did come close to sealing a draw at Goodison this afternoon.

David Moyes’ men held out resolutely throughout the match, but in the end, City’s quality shone through as goals from Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic stole the three points.

With Premier League survival sealed, Moyes can now experiment over the final few matches of the campaign.

Against City, several players starred, whereas others struggled to make much of an impact.

Everton’s best and worst players against Man City

Before coming off with an injury, James Tarkowski enjoyed a solid display. He won 100% of his total duels contested, along with losing possession just four times. Would Everton have lost if he had still been on the pitch? Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Elsewhere, Abdoulaye Doucoure looked solid after netting a late winner last week. He succeeded with all four of his dribble attempts while winning 50% of his total duels during the game.

These two were the standouts, but a few of the starting XI struggled to contribute much. Jack Harrison delivered yet another poor performance on the right wing. He failed to deliver a single accurate cross from five attempts, lost possession 13 times and made just one key pass.

Everton vs Manchester City – Key Statistics

Metric

Highest-Ranked

Accurate passes

Ruben Dias (97)

Key passes

İlkay Gündoğan and Omar Marmoush (2)

Tackles

James Garner (6)

Ground duels won

James Garner (7)

Successful dribble attempts

Omar Marmoush (5)

Via Sofascore

Armando Broja was by far the worst performer in an Everton shirt at Goodison today, however, that’s for sure.

Why Armando Broja must be axed by David Moyes

The on-loan striker had made just nine Premier League appearances prior to the City clash as he has been hampered by injury issues.

Indeed, he was making only his third start for the Toffees at Goodison today, but he failed to offer much threat in the final third.

Throughout his 63 minutes on the pitch, Broja completed just four passes while taking 22 touches, 30 fewer than Jordan Pickford in goal. The Albanian even failed to register a single shot at goal while winning just a single ground duel and losing the ball 14 times.

Moyes must axe the striker, as he offers no major threat when chosen to start as a centre-forward.

Journalist Chris Beesley of the Liverpool Echo gave the striker a match rating of 5/10, stating that he ‘worked hard to try and make an impression but needed to be stronger as little stuck before he was hooked again’, yet this simply wasn’t good enough for Moyes.

His loan deal expires at the end of the current season, and given his current form, he will return to Chelsea ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Expand Collapse

Beto replaced him during the City clash, and going forward, he should be the one to start games under Moyes. That’s a certainty.

Related Moyes tells Everton to sign both Delap and a new "superstar" top target

Moyes wants both in the door.

Posts 2 BySean Markus Clifford Apr 18, 2025