Selectors opt for additional cover while medical team assesses fast-bowling group
ESPNcricinfo staff21-Dec-2021
Scott Boland has been in good form at the start of the season•Getty Images
Australia have added fast-bowling cover to their squad for the third Ashes Test, with Scott Boland called up.Boland had been training with the Australian team in Adelaide, being brought into the squad after Pat Cummins’ close contact with a Covid-19 positive person. Australia were captained by Steven Smith during the second Test with Cummins forced to be ruled out. They also missed Josh Hazlewood, out with a side strain, as Jhye Richardson and Michael Neser got a go. Additionally, Mitchell Starc also appeared to twinge his back while batting in the second innings at Adelaide.Related
Starc expected to be fit for Boxing Day but Hazlewood remains unlikely
Cummins out of second Test after Covid close contact
Ashes bolter: Scott Boland strengthens his case for Australia call-up
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Australia won the Test by 275 runs to go 2-0 up in the series, and while both Cummins and Hazlewood were part of the squad for the third Test, Boland has been added “while the medical team assesses the fast bowling group”.Boland has been in good form for Victoria this year in the Sheffield Shield, picking up 15 wickets in two matches – both against New South Wales – at an average of just 10.80.Boland also played for Australia A against the England Lions side this month, taking 1 for 16 and 1 for 64 in Brisbane, before joining the Australia squad in Adelaide.The third Ashes Test will begin at the MCG in Melbourne on Boxing Day.Australia squad for third Ashes Test: Pat Cummins (capt), Steve Smith (vice-capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.
A temporada de 2022 começou para Vitinho como 2021: dando assistência. No caso, nesta quarta-feira, o meia-atacante deu logo os três passes decisivos para os gols de Marinho, Pedro e Gabigol na vitória do Flamengo por 3 a 0 sobre o Boavista, no Raulino de Oliveira. Na saída de campo, o camisa 11 explicou quais foram as orientações de Paulo Sousa que o levaram a ter tal desempenho nesta noite.
RelacionadasFlamengoVÍDEO: shows de Marinho e Vitinho! Veja os gols da vitória do Flamengo sobre o BoavistaFlamengo02/02/2022FlamengoApós estreia com gol pelo Flamengo, Marinho brinca sobre concorrência: ‘Vamos dar dor de cabeça ao técnico’Flamengo02/02/2022BrasileirãoCBF divulga tabela com as 38 rodadas do Brasileirão; veja os jogos!Brasileirão02/02/2022
-Explorar as costas do volante, foi o que ele pediu, e fazer isso também indo ao fundo. Explorei bem, feliz de fazer essa partida, dia muito especial para mim, que é aniversário do meu pai, então dedico isso para ele – afirmou o camisa 11 Vitinho, em entrevista ao Cariocão Play, dedicando a atuação ao Seu Rinaldo.
Ainda não é assinante do Cariocão-2022? Acesse www.cariocaoplay.com.br, preencha o cadastro e ganhe 5% de desconto com o cupom especial do LANCE!: GE-JK-FF-ZSW
Em 2021, Vitinho fez sua melhor temporada pelo Flamengo, com 14 gols e 15 assistências, sendo um dos jogadores mais decisivos do time e o maior garçom do ano. No dia 7 de dezembro do ano passado, o camisa 11 realizou uma artroscopia no joelho direito e recuperou-se durante as férias, reapresentando-se para fazer a pré-temporada junto aos companheiros, no dia 10 de janeiro.
Big things were expected from Joshua Zirkzee this season following his arrival at Manchester United but he could soon be on the way out of Old Trafford in January.
The Dutchman scored 12 goals and produced seven assists in all competitions for Italian side Bologna last term, prompting United and INEOS to splash no less than £36.5 million to bring him to Manchester and join Erik ten Hag’s growing number of ex-Eredivisie stars.
A winning goal against Fulham on his debut was a promising start, but since then, Zirkzee’s spell in England has been nothing short of a disaster.
In the last eight games, the 23-year-old has failed to register a single goal or assist and has come under heavy scrutiny for his lacklustre performances, including from Dutch football legend Frank de Boer, who, after United’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last month, called him a “champion in losing the ball.”
“He was absolutely shocking. How many times does he make the wrong choices on the pitch?” De Boer said of Zirkzee after the match.
Zirkzee now eyeing Man Utd exit
Following his difficult start to life at Old Trafford, Zirkzee reportedly already wants out of Man Utd. That’s according to Calcio Mercato, who report that the forward, who has thus far cost United just shy of £2,800 a minute for the 526 minutes he’s played, is eyeing a return to Italy as soon as January.
The Italian outlet report that Zirkzee could soon be back on the radar of his former Bologna boss, Thiago Motta, who is now in charge of Juventus. The Old Lady are understood to be looking for a new striker in case Dusan Vlahovic leaves the club when his contract expires in the summer, and Zirkzee’s Serie A pedigree and experience playing under Motta make him a logical option.
It remains to be seen, however, whether United would be open to letting Zirkzee leave Old Trafford so soon after his arrival, with the 2001-born attacker having only penned a £105,000-per-week, five-year deal in July.
Zirkzee out, Kolo Muani in an option for Man Utd
Should Zirkzee indeed leave United, the Red Devils could already have a replacement waiting in line in the form of Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani.
According to a recent report from The Boot Room, Kolo Muani’s agents have reached out to Man Utd over a potential move to the club, ahead of a likely move away from the Ligue 1 giants.
Manager now wants £70m flop sold and agents have reached out to Man Utd
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ByHenry Jackson Oct 20, 2024
Kolo Muani joined PSG for a fee of £70 million from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 but has failed to make his mark in the French capital, scoring just 11 times in 49 games. This season, he’s started just two games for Luis Enrique’s side and was left out of the squad for PSG’s most recent match against Strasbourg.
The Boot Room claim that the Frenchman “has been offered to a number of Premier League clubs ahead of the January transfer window,” one of which is United. Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Newcastle have also been contacted, according to the report, so his situation could be one to watch if Zirkzee leaves in 2025.
Saudi Pro League officials are reportedly readying a world-record €300m transfer bid for Vinicius Junior that will land the Brazilian a €1bn contract.
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The Brazil international forward is currently on the books of Real Madrid, where he has savoured La Liga and Champions League title glory. He has become a Ballon d’Or contender and is yet to reach his peak at 24 years of age.
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Vinicius is, however, being lined up for a move that could see him join Blancos legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia’s CEO, Omar Mugharbel, has told of recruitment plans for 2025: “In the summer we hope to see some interesting signings. So we'll wait and see what happens with that.”
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The same news outlet reports that Vinicius sits at the top of the Saudi wish list. Any approach for the South American superstar will see transfer history made as the fee involved in Neymar’s €222m (£186m/$232m) move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 is eclipsed.
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It is claimed that teams such as Al-Hilal – who are ready to replace Neymar after terminating his contract – and Al-Ahli are ready to splash out €300m (£251m/$313m) on Vinicius. He will also be handed a lucrative contract worth €1 billion (£838m/$1bn) over the next five years.
Already thinking about their 2025 recruitment strategy, Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly eyeing a move to sign a future star in a deal that would see them beat the likes of Arsenal to the youngster’s signature.
Wolves transfer news
Those in the in the Midlands endured a mixed summer. Whilst they lost both Max Kilman and Pedro Neto, the late additions of Andre and Carlos Forbs should prove to be money well spent, though only time will tell whether that is in fact the case.
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Andre is a particularly interesting arrival. The Brazilian previously attracted the interest of Liverpool before a move ultimately never developed. Getting his Premier League chance courtesy of Wolves nonetheless, Andre could now make the Reds regret their hesitant pursuit by becoming a key part of Gary O’Neil’s midfield.
Still just 23 years old and fresh from a standout spell at Fluminense, Andre could prove to be one of the most underrated signings of the summer transfer window in the Premier League. But Wolves aren’t done there when it comes to midfield additions, it seems.
According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Wolves are now keen on signing Souleymane Sidibe from Stoke City in a deal that would see them beat the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Midlands rivals Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest to his signature.
Just 17 years old, the central midfielder is already playing a part for Stoke’s first team in the Championship, grabbing an assist from the bench in his first league appearance of the season as the Potters defeated Plymouth Argyle 1-0.
Now, the teenager could get the chance to make a similar move to the one that Archie Gray completed in the summer, as he swapped Leeds United for Tottenham Hotspur. Potentially following in his footsteps, Sidibe has quite the decision to make in 2025.
"Terrific" Sidibe is one for the future
For a club like Wolves, welcoming young talent before developing them into top prospects should be the way forward and there would be no better way to represent that plan than by signing Sidibe. The teenager looks destined for the Premier League and the idea of such a talent working alongside Andre and Joao Gomes is a mouth-watering one, to say the least.
The current campaign isn’t Sidibe’s first in senior football of course, having earned the praise of former manager Alex Neil last season. Neil told BBC Stoke Radio after handing the midfielder his first senior start in a Carabao Cup win over West Bromwich Albion last season: “I thought his performance justified why he’s been with the first team all pre-season and why I played him in the game.
“I had no concerns over him. He’s a terrific talent but he’s also really mature, for being so young. He did exactly as I expected him to do – he did wonderfully well and he’s played in a Stoke team that won the game, and played the majority of the match.
“I think when you’re 16 years old, most players of that age could only dream of doing something like that.”
It hasn’t come together for West Ham United under Julen Lopetegui. The atmosphere hasn’t quite turned toxic but there’s an undeniable sourness about the London Stadium right now, with limp performances yielding poor results.
This evening, the Irons have a chance to turn such concerns around, though will find a tough test against Liverpool at Anfield in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, who won the trophy last year, swept West Ham aside in the quarter-final with a 5-1 thrashing, though Klopp is now going and Arne Slot’s side have already lost against Nottingham Forest on home soil this year.
1.
Jarrod Bowen
44
20
2.
Mohammed Kudus
45
14
3.
Tomas Soucek
52
10
4.
Lucas Paqueta
53
8
5.
Michail Antonio
32
7
6.
James Ward-Prowse
51
7
Liverpool are not infallible, and Lopetegui has a ferocious frontline that could hurt the hosts. Jarrod Bowen is invariably effective up front, while Mohammed Kudus and Crysencio Summerville offer pace and electric quality to swarm and overpower their opponents’ wide zones.
West Ham team news
West Ham enforced a host of changes for the second-round Carabao Cup victory over Bournemouth at the end of August, and you can expect Lopetegui to do the same after the battering handed by Chelsea on Saturday.
Niclas Füllkrug will be assessed after a period of injury – the £27m summer signing from Borussia Dortmund, aged 31, has yet to score for the Irons and has missed the past two top-flight fixtures with an Achilles injury.
But that aside, there are options aplenty for the club’s Spanish head coach to pick from. Expect some of the most infrequent starting members to receive the nod.
West Ham's last game against Liverpool
Let’s be candid – it’s going to be a tough one. Liverpool might have been beaten on home turf already this season but have looked pretty devastating for the most part, with the squad slotting into their new way of life.
27/04/24
Premier League
London Stadium
2-2 draw
20/12/23
Carabao Cup
Anfield
5-1 loss
24/09/23
Premier League
Anfield
3-1 loss
26/04/23
Premier League
London Stadium
2-1 loss
19/08/22
Premier League
Anfield
1-0 loss
West Ham have not defeated Liverpool in any competition since a thrilling 3-2 victory in the Premier League in 2021, one of the Reds’ two defeats in a season that saw them miss out against Manchester City to the title by a single point – again.
But last time out, David Moyes’ Irons halted a five-match losing streak against the forthcoming opposition, effectively ending Liverpool’s fading hopes of winning the league with a hard-fought 2-2 draw that saw Mohamed Salah and Jurgen Klopp come to a fractious blow.
There were many impressive performances, with Moyes hailing West Ham’s “incredible” performance. There was one player who put in a storming display. He must be unleashed alongside Jean-Clair Todibo, who joined this summer.
Who Lopetegui should unleash against Liverpool
Todibo started against Bournemouth in the previous round but that stands as the sole starting berth that the Frenchman has been awarded since moving from OGC Nice on a loan deal that has a purchase option of around £35m.
Jean-Clair Todibo for West Ham
He struggled to influence the game and was withdrawn by Lopetegui at half-time. Todibo, 24, has not played since, but with West Ham’s defence struggling, this is the time for him to be unleashed and prove that he can become a starring member. But he would do well to find a reliable anchoring midfielder in front of him to help against the Reds’ attacking tidal wave.
Indeed, Edson Alvarez could be key on Wednesday evening. Todibo’s ball-playing quality could ensure the Mexican midfielder, who is so tough and authoritative in the tackle and duel, refinds his feet after flattering to deceive against Chelsea on Saturday.
Minutes played
90′
Touches
58
Shots (on target)
0 (0)
Accurate passes
29/35 (83%)
Key passes
1
Dribbles (completed)
1 (1)
Tackles
4
Interceptions
3
Clearances
4
Total duels (won)
14 (7)
Alvarez was awarded an 8/10 match rating by Hammers site Claret & Hugh after his last effort against Liverpool, with the publication writing: ‘Made same crucial blocks and interceptions one of which started the move which led to the first goal. Slow to close down for the Liverpool equaliser but otherwise back to his best.’
It was an excellent display, and one that saw Luis Diaz and Salah thwarted in their efforts to score and send Liverpool back into title contention.
That kind of relentless duel output will determine West Ham’s success in the midfield battle. Liverpool are purring with a partnership of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in the Premier League but there’s a high chance that both could be rested for this one, and West Ham must capitalise.
Ryan Gravenberch for Liverpool
Alvarez also won ten duels against the Cherries in August, and if he can bring that kind of iron-clad energy to this one, he might just prove to silence Diaz and Salah again.
The 6 foot 1 titan ranks among the top 9% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for tackles, the top 14% for interceptions, the top 2% for blocks and the top 5% for clearances per 90. It’s evident that, when at his best, he is one of the most robust and active defensive midfielders in the game, and this could be vital in ensuring that Todibo succeeds.
Liverpool will present a tough test indeed, but if West Ham can battle and match the physicality of the Anfield side, there’s a good chance that they can inflict some damage. Remember, a draw at 90 minutes will take the match to spot-kicks…
Lopetegui needs to axe West Ham ace who earns more than Soler & Todibo
يشهد اليوم الثلاثاء الموافق 11-2-2025، العديد من المباريات القوية والمرتقبة في مختلف المسابقات المحلية والعالمية، حيث تستأنف مواجهات الدوري المصري، إلى جانب منافسات مُثيرة بدوري أبطال أوروبا ودوري أبطال آسيا.
ويشهد الدوري المصري اليوم انطلاق الجولة الثالثة عشر، بمواجهات من العيار الثقيل، حيث يلتقي الزمالك مع فاركو على ملعب “برج العرب”، بينما يواجه الأهلي نظيره غزل المحلة في استاد “السلام”.
ويحتل فريق الزمالك، المركز الثالث بترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 23 نقطة، إذ فاز في 7 مباريات وتعادل في 2 وخسر في 3 مواجهات، ويرغب الفارس الأبيض في تحقيق الفوز للاستمرار في المنافسة على اللقب، وعدم الابتعاد عن الثنائي بيراميدز المتصدر والأهلي الثاني.
ويحتل الأهلي المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 26 نقطة، إذ حقق الفوز في 7 مباريات وتعادل في 5 ولم يتلق أي هزيمة بعد مرور 12 جولة.
وفي دوري أبطال أوروبا، يستعد فريق مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي لخوض مباراة نارية، ضد خصمه ريال مدريد الإسباني، على ملعب “الاتحاد”، في ذهاب ملحق دور الـ16.
وكان مانشستر سيتي قد أنهى مرحلة الدوري من الموسم الحالي من دوري أبطال أوروبا، بنظامه الجديد، في المركز الثاني والعشرين، في حين أن ريال مدريد تواجد في المركز الحادي عشر، وأسفرت قرعة الملحق عن صدام مكرر بين الفريقين. مواعيد مباريات اليوم الثلاثاء 11-2-2025 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات الدوري المصري اليوم
فاركو ضد الزمالك، الساعة 4 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 5 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “on time sports 2”.
بتروجيت ضد سموحة، الساعة 4 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 5 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “on time sports 2”.
الأهلي ضد غزل المحلة، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 8 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “on time sports 1”. مواعيد مباريات دوري أبطال أوروبا اليوم
بريست ضد باريس سان جيرمان، الساعة 7:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 8:45 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 1”.
سبورتينج لشبونة ضد بوروسيا دورتموند، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 3”.
يوفنتوس ضد آيندهوفن، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 2”.
مانشستر سيتي ضد ريال مدريد، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 1”.
طالع أيضًا | تشكيل ريال مدريد المتوقع أمام مانشستر سيتي اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا مواعيد مباريات دوري أبطال آسيا اليوم
سنترال كوست مارينرز ضد جوهور، الساعة 10 صباحًا بتوقيت مصر، 11 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports AFC HD”.
فيسيل كوبي ضد شانغهاي إيست، الساعة 12 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 1 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports AFC 1 HD”.
بوهانغ ستيلرز ضد كاواساكي، الساعة 12 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 1 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports AFC 2 HD”.
شاندونج لونينج ضد غوانغجو، الساعة 2 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 3 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports AFC HD”. مواعيد مباريات كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي اليوم
إكسترا سيتي ضد نوتينجهام فورست، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “Premier Sports 1 Ireland HD”.
ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــــا
كشف مصدر بـ نادي الزمالك تفاصيل وجود أزمة في ملف لجنة إدارة ملف كرة القدم الخاص بالفريق الأول خلال الفترة الجارية، وكواليس الانقسام داخل إدارة القلعة البيضاء.
ويسعى الزمالك في الفترة الحالية لتعزيز صفوفه بلاعبين ذوي خبرات ومهارات قوية، استعدادًا لاستكمال منافسات الدوري المصري وكأس الكونفدرالية خاصة بعد المشاكل التي يعاني منها الفريق خلال الموسم الحالي.
وقال المصدر في تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات: “هناك انقسام في الزمالك بسبب صلاحيات ملف كرة القدم، وأحمد سليمان تم إبعاده عن الملف ومنصب المشرف العام على فريق الكرة وذلك بعد الخلافات في بعض صفقات الزمالك مع حسين لبيب رئيس النادي”.
طالع | خالد الغندور يكشف كواليس خلاف أعضاء اللجنة الفنية لـ الزمالك بسبب كوروما
وأكمل: “حسين السيد يتولى الإشراف على ملف الكرة ولكن قطاع الناشئين وليس الفريق الأول للزمالك”.
وأضاف: “اللجنة المكونة من ميدو وحازم إمام ومحمد أبو العلا ليست لجنة كرة رسمية ولم يتم اعتمادها ولكن رأيها استشاري فقط”.
واختتم: “حسين لبيب رئيس الزمالك هو المسئول عن ملف الكرة في الوقت الحالي لحين تشكيل لجنة كرة رسمية”.
يذكر أن الزمالك كان قد نجح في التعاقد مع صفقتين خلال الميركاتو الشتوي الحالي، وهما محمود جهاد لاعب فاركو، وأحمد حسام مدافع فريق الجونة.
Player was using one of four training hubs, but had been in close contact with players using other hubs
ESPNcricinfo staff12-Apr-2021
Ireland suspended elite men’s training sessions after a player tested positive for Covid-19•Cricket Ireland
Ireland has temporarily suspended elite men’s training sessions after a player registered a positive test for Covid-19.Cricket Ireland said that the player, who was not named, had only been using one of four training hubs, but he had been in close contact with players using other training hubs and sessions had been halted across the country as a precaution in line with Covid-19 protocols.Richard Holdsworth, Cricket Ireland’s High Performance Director, said the action was taken as soon as the governing body was notified of the result and the player would be re-tested to ensure it was not a false positive.”While the player was only using one of our four training hubs, he had been a close contact with players using other training hubs – so out of an abundance of caution we have stopped training for a few days across all hubs while tests are undertaken” Holdsworth said in a statement.”We have a busy period of cricket in May, and World Cup Super League matches set for early June, so it’s vital that we provide our senior players with as much time outdoors training as we can. However, this will not come at the risk to their health and safety, and that of their families or close contacts. We will provide an update on the player’s condition and training status in due course.”Ireland’s next international fixtures are scheduled for early June with three ODIs in the Netherlands before hosting South Africa for three ODIs and three T20Is in July.
Through necessity Victoria are giving a number of young players a chance this season so the result at the SCG, where they overturned a strong New South Wales side, brought plenty of satisfaction for captain Peter Handscomb.In the off-season experienced quicks Peter Siddle and Chris Tremain departed to new states while Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell have seen their red-ball chances reduced to zero by Australia duty and the impact of Covid-19 bubbles. Added to that, on the resumption of the competition this week Will Pucovski has been ruled out for the season due to a shoulder injury.Over the last three days in Sydney, two players with a combined age of 38 played central roles in a tense four-wicket victory on a tricky surface that offered something for the bowlers throughout with Nathan Lyon a considerable danger in the last innings.Mitch Perry, the 20-year-old seamer, claimed match figures of 5 for 39 which included the scalp of Steven Smith in the first innings (Smith fell to 21-year-old Will Sutherland in the second, although was far from happy with the decision) and then Victoria’s run chase was lifted from a rocky 5 for 87 by an unbeaten 38 from 18-year-old Jake Fraser-McGurk who is regarded as one of the most exciting batting talents in Australia.Related
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Perry makes his mark by removing Smith as Victoria dominate
Fraser-McGurk helps Victoria survive Lyon threat to secure victory
“Playing against a strong New South Wales team, we’ve got a few boys who grew up watching these blokes,” Handscomb said. “So to come out and have the chance to play against them was one thing and to walk away with the win, it’s even better.”.”Mitch, it’s only his third Shield game and we had a couple of things for him after his first two, he was a bit pretty, maybe bowled a bit too wide and didn’t make the batters play enough.”For him to turn that around so quickly and ask questions of some of the best batters in the world was just awesome. He’s come along in leaps and bounds in a couple of months, I’m pretty excited to see what he’s going to do for the rest of the season”Then obviously Rooster [Fraser-McGurk] at the end there, [he had a] pretty calm head, maybe it helped he was young and didn’t have any demons or anything, he just went out and batted the way he batted, he’s an exciting talent. I’m pretty pumped to see what he’s going to do.”While all teams have had challenges thrown at them this season due to the impacts of the pandemic, that has been more acute for Victoria. They had to do two weeks quarantine in Adelaide, with very limited training, before the hub earlier this season and ahead of this game had to abide by stay-at-home orders having flown into Sydney due to the recent outbreak in Melbourne.They have now had their next match, also against New South Wales, relocated to Bankstown in Sydney due to border restrictions in Melbourne but Handscomb was more than happy to take the pragmatic view.”We were quite lucky to play this game,” Handscomb said. “With everything that was going on, Covid playing its role in everything, I think we’re all pretty aware there are going to be mini-outbreaks and they are going to force border closures and whatnot. So to still be able to have this competition running and moving forward is awesome and a great credit to everyone who did that.”We love playing at home, we know our conditions pretty well and in a year where we’ve spent a fair bit of time away from home, it would have been nice to go back. But to keep the competition going and make sure everyone can keep the schedule as planned, we’re pretty happy to stay up here. We’ve got a couple of days off in Bondi so that’s not the worst spot in the world either.”