Após algumas decepções como mandante, o torcedor do Ceará compareceu a Arena Castelão para acompanhar o desempenho do time contra a Tombense-MG.
– VEJA A TABELA DA COPA DO BRASIL
Apesar da alegria pela vitória, a arquibancada cobrou o elenco e pediu mais ‘raça’ dentro das quatro linhas como mandante.
Na coletiva de imprensa, o técnico Dorival Junior resolveu apaziguar os ânimos e pediu união entre elenco e torcida.
‘O torcedor do Vozão sempre fez a diferença e não vai ser diferente nesse momento. Precisamos e pedimos que eles estejam ao nosso lado. Se eles não tiverem do nosso lado, as coisas podem ficar pior. É um ano atípico, que muitas coisas acontecem com muitos clubes, a irregularidade é geral e não acontece só com nossa equipe. Sei que os torcedores tiveram dois momentos muito difíceis ao longo do ano, mas se canalizarem isso para cada partida, nós teremos um problema ainda maior sendo gerado no nosso próprio núcleo. Essa diferença precisa ser entendida. Os jogadores querem entregar os melhores resultados possíveis. Peço que tenham um pouco mais de paciência e entendam um pouco mais essa situação, porque tudo que tem sido feito aqui é para entregar resultados’, afirmou.
O próximo desafio em casa do Ceará é no fim de semana, quando a equipe mede forças com o Flamengo, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro.
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The Asia Cup squad could give us an indication of the 15 who will travel to Australia for the T20 World Cup
Sidharth Monga04-Aug-2022Later this week or early next week, India’s selectors will pick the squad for the Asia Cup – their last selection before having to put together the 15 for the T20 World Cup in October. While there are home T20I series against Australia and South Africa after the Asia Cup in September, it is likely that the World Cup squad will have to be named before those matches.India could approach the Asia Cup in two ways: pick their best squad, or use the tournament to further assess options for the World Cup. As things stand, provided everyone is fit, 12 slots are sealed. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik on the batting front. Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja should be the two allrounders. Yuzvendra Chahal should be the wristspinner to go with three fast bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Harshal Patel. That leaves, in ESPNcricinfo’s eyes, three slots open.Whether India pick these 12 and their first choices for back-up roles for the Asia Cup, or give one final chance to other contenders, remains to be seen. The idea could be to cover as many bases as possible with the remaining three players. Here are some of the options for whom the Asia Cup selection will be crucial.ESPNcricinfo LtdDeepak Chahar Not too long ago, Deepak Chahar might have been India’s preferred option as the powerplay wicket-hunter, but in his injury-forced absence, Bhuvneshwar has served a timely reminder of his class. Chahar’s ability to hit sixes will still tempt India, especially to cover for the possibility of Jadeja not succeeding. While Hardik and Jadeja will be India’s first choices as allrounders, Jadeja’s strike rates both with bat and ball have been a concern this year. So if Jadeja’s batting doesn’t quite click, India could look for a more attacking spin option, in which case Chahar can lengthen the batting order. India will surely want to see how he goes at the Asia Cup.R Ashwin A piece of trivia: in 2022, Ashwin has a better batting strike rate than Jadeja in T20s. But batting is not the reason for Ashwin’s resurgence in this format. The offpsinner has emerged as the bankable bowler that teams have gone back to of late: an experienced bowler who can give you four overs of considerable wicket-taking potential and few horrible days. Ashwin has a good chance of playing against teams with several left-hand batters, especially if India can find Jadeja’s runs from elsewhere. But if they’re up against a line-up that is right-hander heavy, then Chahal and Jadeja will probably play as first-choice spinners, and it is hard to imagine a scenario in which India play three spinners.Axar Patel Axar is a like-for-like back-up for Jadeja. The shorter the format gets, the bigger the threat Axar poses to Jadeja’s place. However, it is unlikely India will pick a player who is a back-up in that exact role and not much else. Eventually, it is going to be either Jadeja or Axar in the XI. So if Axar makes the cut for the Asia Cup, it will mean he is still a threat to Jadeja’s place.Deepak Hooda Hooda has taken every opportunity that has come his way in 2022. He has also proved his utility with the ball, should he be required to sneak in an over or two against left-hand batters. While it’s likely that one batter from the first-choice 12 mentioned earlier will already be on the bench, there could still be place for Hooda as a second batting back-up in the squad of 15.Arshdeep Singh Arshdeep’s USP is his ability to nail yorkers at the death and the fact that he is the only left-arm quick in the running. If India pick only one fast-bowling back-up, it could come down to Arshdeep vs Chahar. Arshdeep could lose out on the batting front, because in Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal, India already have two sure starters who aren’t six-hitters. Chances are, India pick both Arshdeep and Chahar for the Asia Cup and see how they go.Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi The two wristspinners have been around the T20I set-up for the last few months, but India’s recent selections suggest they will not play two wristspinners in the same XI, and they might not need back-up for Chahal. However, don’t be surprised if one of Kuldeep and Bishnoi makes the cut for the Asia Cup.If you had to pick three of the following seven players to complete India’s 15-man squad, who would you choose?
West Ham United are now chasing a midfielder after his impressive performances in the Championship this season, according to a report.
West Ham keen to strengthen in January
One of West Ham’s main priorities for the January transfer window is signing a new striker, in light of Michail Antonio being ruled out for the foreseeable future due to his involvement in a car crash.
However, any business is likely to hinge upon offloading Niclas Fullkrug during the early stages of the transfer window, with the German’s move to the London Stadium not panning out as planned.
The Hammers are closely following Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani, who is expected to leave the French club this winter, and talks have also been held over a deal for Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath.
West Ham approach elite club over signing £17m midfielder this week
The Hammers are making moves ahead of January.
By
Emilio Galantini
Jan 1, 2025
Striker is not the only position in which Julen Lopetegui is keen to strengthen, however, having approached Juventus to discuss a potential deal for midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, who is likely to leave the Serie A club this month.
Another target from much closer to home is also now emerging, with The Daily Mail reporting the Irons are now chasing Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, who is currently out on loan at Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.
West Ham have checked on the 21-year-old, who has caught the eye due to his impressive performances in the second tier this season, amassing five goal contributions. Charles moved to Southampton from Manchester City in a deal worth £12m last year, and while he struggled to make an impression at St. Mary’s, his form for the Owls is attracting the attention of a number of clubs.
Atalanta scouts are said to have watched the midfielder last month, while Leicester City are also named as an interested party, so there could be competition for his signature if the Hammers decide to pursue a deal this month.
Charles impressing for Sheffield Wednesday
Former Southampton boss Russell Martin was initially planning for the former Man City man to be an important player, saying: “I know Flynn (Downes) has played in front of him, but when he has come on from the bench he has had a really good impact on the games.
“We have really good competition in the midfield. Shea wants to win. He is aggressive and he breaks up play. He will be a really important player for us.”
However, the youngster’s move to St. Mary’s did not work out, being sent out on loan this season, but he has certainly started to make an impression for Sheffield Wednesday. The Northern Ireland international is a key player for the Owls, starting every game in the Championship, and he recently picked up two assists despite playing in a defensive role in a 3-3 draw against Middlesbrough.
Over the past year, Charles ranks in the 93rd percentile for tackles per 90, showcasing his defensive qualities, and his performances for Wednesday indicate he is ready to move back to the Premier League.
Hansi Flick has dismissed the notion of signing a long-term contract at Barcelona amid reports the club are set to offer him an extension.
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Barca fighting to win treble in Flick's debut seasonReportedly lining up contract offer for German coachEx-Bayern boss has mind on strong finish to campaignFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The German coach has enjoyed a stellar debut season since replacing Xavi at the helm of the Spanish side last summer. They could still end the season with a treble of trophies, sitting four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, through to the Copa del Rey final and have one foot in the Champions League semi-finals thrashing Borussia Dortmund 4-0 on Wednesday.
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Barca's strong performances have sparked reports the club are prepared to offer him a contract extension, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2026. However, Flick has put a dampener on suggestions he will pen a new one any time soon.
WHAT FLICK SAID
"I truly appreciate and enjoy what I have here with a magnificent staff and fantastic experts and doctors," he told reporters. "Very professional players who have the mentality of improving day by day, it’s something unique in my professional career.
"I have a lot of energy and I’m thinking about what I can do to improve, but now we’re just starting the project. I’m not a coach who thinks about the next three years; what I like is working for the best club in the world, and I really appreciate what we have here. The situation at the club isn’t easy, but we’re all doing our best.
"That’s the situation now; I have one year left, and if things go well, another. That’s my way of thinking. Step by step, year by year. I don’t think we’re finished yet; in the end, I don’t know how much time we’ll have left, but I want to finish my work here on a good note. Besides, my assistants are happy. We have to focus on the season because there’s a lot to do."
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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
The Catalan club can take another step towards the Spanish league title when they face struggling Leganes this weekend before they face Dortmund in the second leg of the European tie.
Everything you need to know about Eder Militao's salary at Spanish giants Real Madrid
Eder Militao's time at Real Madrid has been topsy-turvy in recent times due to injury issues. The Brazilian centre-back sustained a devastating ACL injury to his left knee in 2023, sidelining him for the entire season. Not long after his return to the pitch, he suffered another ACL injury, this time to his other knee.
Despite his injury troubles, Militao has played a crucial role in Madrid's success in both Spain and Europe in recent years.
The Brazilian has been generously rewarded by the club for his loyalty and contributions, making him one of the top-earning defenders in the squad.
But exactly how much does Militao earn playing at the Bernabeu?
GOAL delved into the numbers with Capology and found out!
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Eder Militao's wages at Real Madrid in numbers
Under his current contract at the club, Militao earns £234,472 ($306,940) on a weekly basis.
Meanwhile, his annual wages scale up to £12.2 million ($15.9m), making him the highest-paid defender at the club after David Alaba – on par with Antonio Rudiger.
Player
Nationality
Weekly wages in GBP
Weekly wages in USD
Annual wages in GBP
Annual wages in USD
Eder Militao
Brazilian
£234,472
$306,940
£12,192,559
$15,960,881
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Top earners at Real Madrid
Despite his high wages, Militao misses out on a spot in the top five in the Real Madrid wage bill.
Acquiring the top spot is French forward Kylian Mbappe, with David Alaba surprisingly following in second place.
Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. take the third and fourth spots with identical wages, while Federico Valverde rounds off the list at fifth.
Player
Nationality
Weekly wages in GBP
Weekly wages in USD
Annual wages in GBP
Annual wages in USD
Kylian Mbappe
French
£502,556
$657,879
£26,132,886
$34,209,706
David Alaba
Austrian
£361,840
$473,673
£18,815,678
$24,630,988
Jude Bellingham
English
£334,983
$438,516
£17,419,136
$22,802,822
Vinicius Jr.
Brazilian
£334,983
$438,516
£17,419,136
$22,802,822
Fede Valverde
Uruguayan
£268,083
$350,939
£13,940,327
$18,248,826
Top earners in La Liga
When it comes to the top earners in LaLiga, we have Barcelona's veteran striker Robert Lewandowski as the highest-paid player.
Mbappe makes his appearance at second position, once again followed by Alaba.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid's only entrant in the list is goalkeeper Jan Oblak, followed by Bellingham who is on equal wages with Vinicius at number five.
Nationality
Nationality
Weekly wages GBP
Weekly wages USD
Annual wages GBP
Annual Wages USD
Robert Lewandowski
Polish
£536,006
$701,667
£27,872,290
$36,486,704
Kylian Mbappe
French
£502,556
$657,879
£26,132,886
$34,209,706
David Alaba
Austrian
£361,840
$473,673
£18,815,678
$24,630,988
Jan Oblak
Slovenian
£334,983
$438,516
£17,419,136
$22,802,822
Jude Bellingham
English
£334,983
$438,516
£17,419,136
$22,802,822
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Highest paid players in the world
Despite the impressive wages on offer in the league, none of the top LaLiga earners make it to the top-five earners list globally.
Saudi Pro League players heavily dominate the list, with former Real Madrid forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema at first and second spot, respectively.
Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez comes in at number three, followed by Senegalese internationals Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly.
As we enter the second half of the Premier League season, Arsenal are still very much in the race for the title, but Mikel Arteta may feel he has to strengthen his squad this month if they are going to make up the ground on Liverpool.
With Bukayo Saka injured and question marks over Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, the Gunners could look to strengthen in a number of different positions this winter. Let’s take a look at five players who would enhance the current squad.
Imagine him & Nwaneri: Arsenal could sign "unstoppable" Cunha upgrade
Arsenal appear to be targeting attacking reinforcements before the end of the January window.
ByEthan Lamb Jan 6, 2025 1 Nico Williams Athletic Club
Saka is set to be sidelined for more than two months due to a hamstring injury that required surgery, meaning the right-wing position is now a problem one for Arteta.
Ethan Nwaneri was impressive in Saka’s absence, scoring against Brighton & Hove Albion, but Arsenal may be keen to bring in a player already proven at the top level rather than sticking with a hot prospect, particularly in light of the youngster’s own recent injury.
Nico Williams played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph last summer, scoring against England in the final, and he was very impressive in La Liga during the 2023/24 campaign, picking up 14 assists.
The Gunners have reportedly already opened talks with the Spaniard’s agent, and they are ready to trigger his relatively affordable release clause of £48m should he give the green light, so it will be interesting to see if things advance over the next few weeks.
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ByCharlie Smith Dec 28, 2024 2 Randal Kolo Muani PSG
France'sRandalKoloMuanireacts
Although Williams’ release clause should be within Arsenal’s budget, they may be hesitant to commit to such an outlay in the January transfer window, especially considering Saka will be back before the end of the season.
As such, the Gunners could look to bring in a short-term option until the end of the campaign, which makes Randal Kolo Muani an attractive proposition.
The Frenchman is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain this month, potentially on loan, and a move to the Emirates Stadium is very much a possibility.
The 26-year-old is capable of playing on both wings and at centre-forward, making him a versatile option for Arteta in the final third, but signing him would undoubtedly be a gamble.
If the attacker is able to rediscover his form from the 2022/23 season, during which he amassed 29 goal contributions in 32 Bundesliga games for Eintracht Frankfurt, he could be a solid addition to the squad.
However, Kolo Muani has failed to record similar numbers with PSG, and the French club’s willingness to sanction his departure casts doubt over whether he would be a suitable signing this month.
5 players who could leave Arsenal this January
A number of players could be on the move this winter…
ByDominic Lund Jan 17, 2025 3 Matheus Cunha Wolves
Matheus Cunha
Gabriel Jesus has stepped up his game over the past few weeks, bagging five goals in two outings against Crystal Palace and then once more against Brentford, but he wasn’t at his best in Havertz’s absence against Brighton, as Arsenal dropped another two points in the title race.
With that in mind, Arteta may look at bringing in a new striker this month, and one forward who has certainly delivered in the Premier League this season is Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian’s goals keeping Wolverhampton Wanderers above water in the relegation battle.
TalkSport’s Rory Jennings has tipped Cunha to replace the injured Saka this month, having featured often on the wing throughout his career.
The 25-year-old has excelled in a centre-forward role this season, proving himself to be a more reliable goalscorer than his compatriot Jesus, so it would make sense for the Gunners to pursue a move.
The only issue is the deal could amount to as much as £90m based on previous reports, with Wolves unwilling to sell unless they receive an astronomical offer, and the striker is arguably yet to prove he is worthy of an outlay that high.
4 Victor Osimhen Galatasaray/Napoli
Cunha is yet to prove himself over a prolonged period at the top level, but Arsenal have another option in mind who has Champions League experience and played a vital role in Napoli’s Serie A title triumph in 2023.
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen scored 26 league goals in the 2022/23 campaign, as well as five in the Champions League, but his time with the Serie A club came to a bitter end when he completed a loan move to Galatasaray in the summer.
During his time in Turkey, the forward has continued his fine goalscoring form, with former Besiktas man Sergen Yalçın describing him as “undoubtedly the best centre-forward” in the country.
Reports have suggested that the Gunners are plotting a “box-office” deal for the 26-year-old, which would mean paying his release clause of £66m – far less than the £90m it would apparently take to prise Cunha away from Wolves.
Given Osimhen’s experience in the Champions League and title races, he is likely to be a better option than the Wolves star, and his arrival could be a real boost to Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes.
Every set-piece goal Arsenal have scored under Mikel Arteta
Cue the Nicolas Jover celebrations…
ByTom Cunningham Dec 17, 2024 5 Jules Kounde Barcelona
FC Barcelona'sInigoMartinezand Jules Kounde celebrate
It appears as though Arteta’s main objective this month is to bolster his attacking options, but a move for a defender is not out of the question, with Arsenal thought to be preparing a £62m offer for Barcelona’s Jules Kounde.
The Frenchman is said to be interested in a move to the Premier League, and there is a feeling that Barca may be forced to cash in for a lower fee amid their financial issues, with a deal potentially possible for around just €40m (£33m).
The 26-year-old is capable of playing at centre-back and right-back, and given just how vital he has been to Barcelona this season, there is every sign that he could push Ben White for a starting spot.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has previously given an overview of the defender’s abilities, tipping him to be one of the world’s best in his position in the future.
While signing a new defender is not a necessity this January, Kounde could be a quality addition, particularly when considering he may be available for a relatively low fee.
Arsenal remain within arm’s length of Liverpool, but if they are to avoid finishing second for the third year on the spin, it could be wise to bring in some new options this January – and Arteta has a number of top players to choose from.
Arsenal have reportedly offered two fringe members of their squad, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior, in talks to sign a top transfer target for manager Mikel Arteta – as they attempt to reduce the cost of a potential deal.
Mikel Arteta "clear" he wants to improve Arsenal squad in January
The Premier League title chasers took advantage of a slip-up from Liverpool earlier this week to make up some ground in pursuit of their first domestic league crown in over two decades, but injuries to key players threaten to seriously hamper them.
Arsenal willing to make striker 2nd most expensive signing after Declan Rice
He’d be their second largest acquisition.
3 ByEmilio Galantini Jan 17, 2025
Gabriel Jesus, who had scored six goals in his last seven games, was a man in serious form – but the Brazilian won’t be seen again for the rest of 2024/2025 after rupturing his ACL against Man United last weekend.
Arteta remains without star winger Bukayo Saka as well, who is expected to be sidelined until March after undergoing hamstring surgery. The goals and assists these two players bring are pivotal to Arsenal’s title hopes, but it is now up to interim sporting director Jason Ayto to find a solution to their absences.
Aston Villa (home)
Today
Wolves (away)
January 25
Man City (home)
February 2
Leicester City (away)
February 15
West Ham (home)
February 22
Ayto and the Gunners recruitment team are actively scouring the market for a new attacker to bolster Arteta’s squad, and the Spaniard says it is “clear” they need to bring another forward through the door before deadline day on February 3.
“Obviously we have more necessity now because of what happened in the last few weeks. That’s obvious,” said Arteta on January transfers.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetabefore the match
“I think it’s more a question for Jason [Ayto]. I don’t know but I think we have to do what we think is right and what we can do as well. That’s it, and it’s clear that we’d like to improve the squad especially with what happened. Can we do it or not? It depends on a lot of factors.”
One potential incoming they’re believed to be making serious progress on is their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Arsenal offer Tomiyasu and Kiwior in talks to sign Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal are believed to be in advanced talks for Zubimendi, as they attempt to lure the Spaniard to N5 in a pre-ordered deal for this summer.
While the Euro 2024 winner’s contract at Sociedad includes a £51 million release clause, which other media sources state Arsenal plan to trigger (Fabrizio Romano), a new report claims that they’ve put two squad members on the table in an attempt to sign him at a cheaper rate.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi
According to a Spanish media report, Arsenal have offered Sociedad both Kiwior and Tomiyasu in talks for Zubimendi, as Arteta’s side plot a part-exchange bid.
Alongside both men, it is claimed that they’ve put £25 million on the table, and Arteta hopes that Sociedad will agree to taking half of Zubimendi’s release clause by including the two players in negotiations.
It is unclear what Sociedad’s stance is on this, but it’s certainly a very intriguing development. Zubimendi has been called the “perfect” midfielder for Arsenal, and it appears they’re really pushing the boat out to facilitate a move.
أعلن روبرتو مارتينيز، المدير الفني لمنتخب البرتغال الأول لكرة القدم، قائمة معسكر يونيو، من أجل مواجهة نصف نهائي دوري الأمم الأوروبية 2024/25.
ويلاقي منتخب البرتغال خصمه منتخب ألمانيا، ضمن منافسات نصف نهائي دوري الأمم الأوروبية 2024/25، الأربعاء 4 يونيو، على ملعب “أليانز أرينا”.
يذكر أن الفائز من هذه المواجهة، سيضرب موعداُ مع الفائز من مباراة فرنسا وإسبانيا، في نهائي البطولة، والمقرر إقامتها يوم 8 يونيو القادم، في تمام العاشرة إلا ربع مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة ومكة المكرمة.
والخاسر من كلا المواجهتين، سيلتقيان في مواجهة حسم المركز الثالث والرابع، في تمام الرابعة عصراً بتوقيت القاهرة ومكة المكرمة، الأحد الموافق 8 يونيو.
وشهدت قائمة منتخب البرتغال تواجد القائد كرستيانو رونالدو، استعدادًا لمواجهة ألمانيا.
طالع أيضًا | عرض مُغر لـ كريستيانو رونالدو للمشاركة في كأس العالم للأندية قائمة البرتغال لـ نصف نهائي دوري الأمم الأوروبية أمام ألمانيا
The two teams will hope to give their T20 World Cup plans a little more shape in the deciding game in Hyderabad
Alex Malcolm24-Sep-20222:55
What changes should India and Australia make for the third T20I?
Big pictureAn eight-overs-a-side sprint in Nagpur ended with India levelling the T20I series 1-1 thanks to some outstanding bowling from Axar Patel and a supreme display of ball-striking from Rohit Sharma. But it’s difficult for the two sides to gain a lot from the experience on Friday, other than gleaning some insight into how to set up tactically for a rain-shortened game in the World Cup.India selected the extra batter, but Rishabh Pant was not even required, and they only needed four specialist bowlers and Hardik Pandya in an eight-over game, a luxury they can’t afford in a normal 20-overs-a-side contest. The death-overs bowling remains a question mark, although Jasprit Bumrah’s return was a welcome one, and he bowled superbly.Australia are truly experimenting on this tour with so many of their first-choice players missing. They went even further than usual in Nagpur, opting for an extra bowler for the first time since 2021, just to trial something in case the pitch played differently than expected. It did leave them a touch light on batting, though, when Axar ripped through Glenn Maxwell and Tim David.But Matthew Wade’s incredible form and Aaron Finch finding some runs are positive signs. Adam Zampa also bowled an outstanding spell to once again prove himself as one of the best legspinners in T20 cricket.However, like India, Australia have a death-overs problem. Nathan Ellis was injured and missed last night’s game, while Kane Richardson has a minor side niggle and won’t play in the final T20I in Hyderabad. In the absence of Mitchell Starc, Australia haven’t been able to trust their big guns in Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins at the death as often as they would like. They would like to find a solution to that issue ahead of the World Cup.”He’s really grown into that finishing role” – Aaron Finch on Matthew Wade•BCCIForm guideIndia WLWLL (last five completed T20Is, most recent first) Australia LWLWWIn the spotlightHarshal Patel has found the going tough in this series so far after being preferred to bowl some of the tough overs as India search for a solution to their dearth of death specialists. Wade, in particular, has proved a nemesis for Harshal. The dew factor in both games has not helped him execute his slower balls and yorkers under pressure either. That won’t be an issue when he gets to Australia, and slower-ball bouncers and short cutters are usually very effective on the true and dry surfaces there, especially with the large square boundaries at most venues barring Adelaide. But he and India’s management would love a good outing just to elevate the confidence levels and bed down the structure of India’s bowling unit.Whisper it quietly, but is Pat Cummins still a lock-in in Australia’s best T20I bowling unit? Notionally, it seems blasphemous to say it out loud. But his form since the start of the last IPL does pose the question. It is a small sample size of seven games but his economy rate in that time is 10.91 and he has only had one game where he has conceded less than ten runs per over. Australia’s management are confident he can find his groove given he rarely gets an extended run at T20 cricket because of his Test duties. Part of the problem is that his Test-match lengths don’t translate well in T20s, and it takes a while for him to adjust. Opposition batters feel his natural length is the perfect hitting length in T20 cricket. He executed some excellent slower-ball bouncers last night in Nagpur. He will need to sharpen his execution of those and his yorkers ahead of the World Cup.Pat Cummins showed some good slower-ball varations in the second game•BCCITeam newsThe teams should revert to a more normal setup in Hyderabad. Pant will likely make way given he wasn’t required with the bat, and India will need an extra bowler for a full game. Bhuvneshwar Kumar seems the logical choice to return. India could also consider bringing in R Ashwin for Yuzvendra Chahal.India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 KL Rahul, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Hardik Pandya, 6 Dinesh Karthik (wk), 7 Axar Patel, 8 Harshal Patel, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Yuzvendra Chahal/R AshwinAustralia will go back to a seven-batter strategy with Josh Inglis slotting straight back into the middle order. One of Sean Abbott and Daniel Sams will make way. If Ellis is fit, he will come straight back in for the other. Australia may also be very cautious with Cummins and Hazlewood. Three games in six days, albeit one shortened by rain, and several long-haul flights is a recipe for injury. Any hint of soreness in their thoroughbreds and they will be rested. But with Richardson unavailable, they can’t rest both.Australia (probable): 1 Aaron Finch (capt), 2 Cameron Green, 3 Steven Smith, 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Josh Inglis, 6 Tim David, 7 Matthew Wade (wk), 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Nathan Ellis/Daniel Sams/Sean Abbott, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh HazlewoodPitch and conditionsIt’s been three years since a T20 match was held in Hyderabad. There have been no IPL matches there since 2019 and the last match was a run feast between India and West Indies. Our man at the ground says that the pitch has a nice beige tinge to it, with little or no grass in sight. It looks full of runs, so it could be another tough night for the bowlers. Virat Kohli will have fond memories walking through the gates. He averages 53.62 and strikes at 139.73 in ten matches there, including 94 not out off 50 against West Indies.The weather, warm and dry in the build-up to the weekend, has changed a bit, with dark clouds hovering on the eve of the match.3:21
Karthik on his 10 off two: I do a lot of scenario practices
Stats and trivia The toss may not be as important in Hyderabad. In the last 16 T20s dating back to the start of the 2018 IPL, it is eight wins each to the teams batting first and second. In his last four T20Is, Axar has taken eight wickets at an average of 8.62, with a strike rate of 9.7 and an economy rate of 5.3. In his last eight T20I innings dating back to his World Cup semi-final heroics against Pakistan in 2021, Wade has scored 228 runs (only dismissed once) with a strike rate of 178.12. Hazlewood is two short of 50 T20I wickets. If he gets there on Friday, in what will be his 33rd T20I, he will better Starc’s Australian record of 40 matches.Quotes”He can bowl in any phase of the game. That gives me an advantage to use him, especially if I have four overs of his, to use him in the powerplay. That frees up some of our fast bowlers in the middle if I want to use it. So he brings a lot to the table. This guy has been playing cricket for such a long time doing well for his franchise, India, about time he grabs these kinds of opportunity. And in the last two games, what we saw is what Axar Patel is really all about. We are just waiting to see some of his batting skills as well. “ “He’s such a calm customer at the back end of the innings there. He’s really grown into that finishing role. He’s been either at the top of the order or the bottom and I think he’s starting to do a wonderful job down there.”