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Leeds United could be offered Ollie Watkins before deadline day on September 1st…

What’s the word?

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who commented on the future of the England international to GIVEMESPORT this week.

There have been reports suggesting that Aston Villa would be willing to sell the 26-year-old as he and manager Steven Gerrard ‘do not see eye-to-eye’ and with Leeds thought to be on the lookout for a new striker, Watkins could well be offered to them by his agents.

“What would happen in a situation like this is, typically, intermediaries start targeting obvious clubs when a player is made to feel like they don’t have much of a future,” the journalist claimed.

“So, if that is the case with Watkins, like it’s been reported, then I would expect Leeds, Crystal Palace, Everton also be offered his services in the next week or so just to gauge how much interest there is out there.”

Better than Bamford?

Villa paid £28m for Watkins back in 2020 and it very much remains to be seen how much it would cost to sign him this month, though if that opportunity becomes available, then it’s one that director of football Victor Orta must consider.

As we saw on Saturday, Patrick Bamford’s injury troubles will just not go away as he was withdrawn before half-time in their 2-2 draw with Southampton. He was only able to play nine times in the Premier League last season, so the frontline is certainly a cause for concern heading into the rest of the campaign.

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Leeds boss Jesse Marsch cannot afford to be without a reliable alternative and he could find that in Watkins, who in fewer games has provided more goals in the English top-flight than his fellow countryman.

Indeed, across 74 appearances, Watkins has found the net 20 goals in 76 matches.

Not only is he younger but the Villa frontman has rarely missed time through injury, so it would make sense for him to become a target. This weekend, he showed off more creative exploits as he assisted both of Villa’s goals in their 2-1 win over Everton, whilst the Leeds star is yet to score or assist in 2022/23.

His style of play could be an ideal fit for Marsch’s attacking, high-press system at Elland Road, too.

“I really think he’s making a big difference actually, to Villa, I think that he’s given them a new dimension and his hold-up play is great, he creates space for others and that’s helping the midfielders flourish,” claimed The Athletic’s Gregg Evans not long after he arrived at Villa Park.

Meanwhile, the £75k-per-week talisman has also been dubbed a “machine” by Brentford programme editor Chris Deacon.

On the above evidence, it could be therefore wise for Orta and co to make their move for Watkins. Ultimately, he’s a proven striker in the top-flight, one that appears fitter and more prolific than Bamford.

The pair would be the perfect two to battle for that starting place under Marsch, so Leeds must take this opportunity if the aforementioned reports are true.

AND in other news, Leeds could now miss out on £25m “amazing signing”, it would be an Orta blunder…

Everton have been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Burnley star Maxwel Cornet, as the race to secure the Ivorian’s signature hots up.

What’s the word?

As per talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook – in his transfer notebook – the Toffees have seen a loan offer ‘rejected’ by the Turf Moor outfit, amid interest from a host of other Premier League clubs.

The report suggests that uber-rich Newcastle United are set to trigger the 25-year-old’s £17.5m release clause, with the impressive forward looking likely to leave his current side just a year on from arriving in Lancashire on a £12.9m deal.

The report also suggests that newly-promoted Nottingham Forest have ‘failed to agree personal terms’ with the former Lyon man, while Chelsea were also said to be showing interest in a possible swoop earlier in the window.

Thelwell must act

The Merseysiders have already brought in two players from the Clarets so far this summer, with centre-back James Tarkowski joining on a free transfer in what was the first arrival of the window for the club, before he was joined at Goodison Park by highly-rated youngster Dwight McNeil earlier this week – the 22-year-old signing for a reported fee of around £20m.

It would seemingly make sense to raid Vincent Kompany’s side for a third time to secure a deal for the aforementioned Cornet, with sporting director Kevin Thelwell needing to act to sign the 25-cap menace in the coming weeks.

The nature of the club’s offer will seemingly frustrate supporters, with there no doubt those who are scratching their heads at why Everton won’t just pay the required £17.5m fee rather an attempt a loan swoop, with such a figure a relative bargain considering the versatile gem’s impact last season.

The £44k-per-week star scored nine goals and provided one assist in 26 Premier League games in the 2021/22 campaign – 21 of which came from the start – in what was a fine season on an individual note despite the collective disappointment of relegation.

That impressive tally included a goal and assist when the two sides met in what at the time appeared a pivotal scrap for survival back in April, the £13.5m-rated man netting late on to secure all three points for then-boss Sean Dyche.

That display would have allowed manager Frank Lampard to see first-hand just what a destructive presence Cornet is, with the former England international needing to push Thelwell to get a deal done swiftly, in order to fend off rival interest.

If Everton don’t act now, they could well be tormented by the electric forward again next season for whichever club he inevitably ends up at.

AND in other news: “Still keen..”: Journo drops big Everton transfer update that’ll worry supporters

Tottenham Hotspur reporter Charlie Eccleshare has now made a very intriguing behind-the-scenes claim after defender Djed Spence’s confirmed arrival from Middlesbrough.

The Lowdown: Spurs finally seal Spence deal…

Following what seemed like weeks upon weeks of talks, chairman Daniel Levy and Boro counterpart Steve Gibson reached a compromise over the signing of Spence.

Spurs confirmed his capture on Tuesday morning as manager Antonio Conte, at long last, gets an exciting and capable right-wing-back option through the door at Hotspur Way.

Spence’s arrival not only adds that degree of quality, but it also goes some way to balancing the books when it comes to the Lilywhites’ homegrown quota – which has been a real point talking point over this window.

Interestingly, as explained by The Athletic’s Eccleshare, this transfer has been a real possibility since the winter window.

The Latest: Eccleshare makes intriguing Spence claim…

According to his sources, it is believed that the 21-year-old has had his eye on a move to north London ‘as early as January’ – even telling Nottingham Forest teammates that was his intention all along.

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Eccleshare explained:

“As early as January, Djed Spence told his Forest team-mates that he would be heading to #THFC. Yesterday he finally made the move.”

The journalist also goes on to call the Englishman a ‘very exciting’ signing, even if it does carry a degree of risk.

“Anyway a very exciting signing but as ever with buying a player from the Championship a bit of risk.

Jack Clarke and Joe Rodon haven’t been massive hits, but there are plenty that have been in the PL.

And I guess any signing carries degree of risk. Let’s see.”

The Verdict: Big boost…

Lauded as the ‘perfect player’ for Conte by members of the media, Spence’s real desire to join Tottenham really sums up just how far they’ve come under the Italian boss.

Their pull is far stronger than this time last year under ex-boss Nuno Espirito Santo and the fact Spence has wanted to join since January of course means it isn’t all about Champions League football either.

Conte may be building something special at Spurs and the 2022/2023 Premier League season will certainly be very interesting.

Manchester City will be welcoming two new attacking players to their ranks in the coming weeks in the shape of Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland.

With the summer transfer window set to open in a matter of days, the Citizens have the chance to make it a hat-trick of attacking recruitments.

Last month, one journalist revealed on Twitter that City had started talks with Jorge Mendes, the agent of AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, some weeks ago over a potential summer switch to the Etihad Stadium.

The recently crowned Serie A champions signed the winger from French club Lille for a fee of £32m.

Since then, the 22-year-old has gone on to score 27 goals and deliver 21 assists in 115 appearances across all competitions.

Labelled as a “diamond” by Paolo Maldini, the £45m-rated youngster has also been praised for his “spectacular” performances on the international stage by Rolando Bianchi.

In 34 league appearances this season, the Portuguese attacker scored 11 goals and provided eight assists for his teammates, leaving him with more goal contributions than any other Milan player including Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

To further highlight his attacking talent, no other player at his current club managed to make as many successful dribbles (95), shot-creating actions (105), goal-creating actions (21), shots at goal (97) and shots on target (38) as the youngster.

His overall performances earned him an impressive season rating of 7.37 from WhoScored, making him the highest-rated player at his current team and the second-highest rated player in the entire Italian top flight.

The winger has also been likened to Brazil’s legendary striker Ronaldo in terms of his “pace, technique and the quality of his finishing,” according to Leao’s former youth coach Tiago Fernandes.

Taking all of this into account, the prospect of giving Pep Guardiola his own version of Ronaldo alongside the likes of Haaland and Alvarez could be a frightening prospect for City’s opponents in the future.

While it would be safe to assume that the Serie A champions would rather keep hold of their star winger, City should do all they can to convince Milan to sell Leao and give him the chance to shine in the Premier League.

In other news: Pep can replicate Walker masterclass as Man City plot bid for £18m-rated “class act”

Phil Hay has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Calvin Ramsay.

What’s the talk?

In a recent article for The Athletic, the Leeds United correspondent revealed that, alongside a deal for RB Salzburg attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson, Victor Orta has also been working on a move to bring the Aberdeen right-back to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

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In his piece, Hay wrote: “The club have agreed a fee for Aaronson from RB Salzburg, and have also been working on Aberdeen defender Calvin Ramsay.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how talented a prospect Ramsay quite clearly is, the news that Orta and his Leeds United transfer team have been working on the transfer of the defender behind the scenes is sure to be an update that will have left the Whites faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 24 Scottish Premiership appearances this term, the £540k-rated talent enjoyed a spectacular breakthrough season for Aberdeen, bagging one goal, providing five assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 1.8 key passes, 0.8 interceptions, 0.8 tackles and winning 3.4 duels – at a success rate of 51% – per game.

These returns saw the £880-per-week 18-year-old average a quite extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as Jim Goodwin’s joint fifth-best player in the Scottish top flight.

And, with Luke Ayling looking as if he will be ruled out of the start of the Whites’ 2022/23 campaign after undergoing knee surgery, the argument that Jesse Marsch and Orta could do with signing a new right-back this summer is an easy one to make.

As such, considering his age, undoubted ability and huge potential for future growth, it would appear an extremely wise move for the Spanish sporting director to do everything he can to secure a deal for the Dons teenager in the coming weeks, as Ramsay could quite easily prove to be the next big thing to come out of Scottish football.

AND in other news: Forget Raphinha: Radz now set for LUFC disaster on £20m talent, he’s “one of the best”

Also, was the stand between Ben Stokes and Jack Leach the highest to win any match by one wicket?

Steven Lynch08-Oct-2019Who holds the record for the longest innings gap between Test hundreds? asked Krishna Reddy from India

This record is held by the New Zealand wicketkeeper Adam Parore, who had 92 innings – and 57 Tests – between Test centuries. He scored his first one in his 28th innings, in his 16th match – 100 not out against West Indies in Christchurch in 1994-95 – and had to wait till his 121st innings (73rd Test) to score another – 110 against Australia in Perth in 2001-02. These were Parore’s only two Test hundreds.Another wicketkeeper, South Africa’s Mark Boucher, scored his fourth Test century in his 95th innings in his 70th Test, and did not score another (his last one) till his 169th innings, in his 120th match.What’s the highest score by a batsman who also made a duck in the same Test? asked Jerry Hayes from England

The current record was set in October 2015, when Shoaib Malik scored 245 and 0 for Pakistan against England in Abu Dhabi. It was previously held by Ricky Ponting, with 242 and 0 against India in Adelaide in 2003-04, in a match Australia lost (Ponting’s innings was the highest individual score by someone who ended up on the losing side).Five other players have made a double-century and a duck in the same Test: Dudley Nourse followed 0 with 231 for South Africa against Australia in Johannesburg in 1935-36; Shakib Al Hasan made 217 and 0 for Bangladesh v New Zealand in Wellington in 2016-17; Imtiaz Ahmed 209 and 0 for Pakistan against New Zealand in Lahore in 1955-56; Viv Richards 208 and 0 for West Indies v Australia in Melbourne in 1984-85; and another West Indian, Seymour Nurse, 201 and 0 against Australia in Bridgetown in 1964-65.In all there have been 168 instances of a player making a century and a duck in the same Test.Was the stand between Ben Stokes and Jack Leach the highest to win any match by one wicket? asked Praful Mukherjee from India

That remarkable partnership of 76, which somehow won the third Ashes Test at Headingley in August, would have been a new Test record – if the mark hadn’t been broken earlier in 2019. In Durban in February, Kusal Perera (who made 153 not out) and No. 11 Vishwa Fernando (6 not out) put on 78 as Sri Lanka shocked South Africa to win by one wicket.That stand by Perera and Fernando was actually the biggest tenth-wicket partnership to win any first-class match, beating by one the 77 of Tom Leather and 44-year-old Ron Oxenham for an Australian touring team against Madras in 1935-36. The highest in Tests prior to 2019 was 57, by Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mushtaq Ahmed for Pakistan against Australia in Karachi in 1994-95.Ben Stokes and Jack Leach’s last-wicket stand of 76 would have been a Test record had it not been broken earlier in the year by Kusal Perera and Vishwa Fernando’s 78•Getty ImagesDavid Miller took his 50th catch in T20Is last month. Is he the first fielder to reach this milestone? asked Tanmay Gupta from South Africa

South Africa’s David Miller reached the milestone of 50 catches in the field in T20Is when he caught Hardik Pandya in Bengaluru on September 22 (he’s also taken a catch and a stumping while keeping wicket). He’s actually the second fielder to reach 50: Shoaib Malik of Pakistan completed his half-century in his most recent match, against South Africa in Centurion in February 2019.Three women have taken more catches in the field in T20Is: England’s Jenny Gunn has 58, while her England team-mate Lydia Greenway and New Zealand’s Suzie Bates both have 54.Who has been out lbw most often in Tests? asked Jim Radcliffe from England

Not entirely surprisingly, the man who had the most Test innings is the one who was lbw most often: Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed leg before wicket in 63 of his 329 Test innings (33 of which were not out). Next on the list is Shivnarine Chanderpaul, with 55, then the Essex and England pair of Alastair Cook (54) and Graham Gooch (50).Probably a better measurement is the percentage of lbw dismissals. Given a minimum of 25 completed innings, the current Zimbabwean batsman Craig Ervine leads the way here: 11 of his 28 Test dismissals (39.29%) have been lbw. The West Indian wicketkeeper Junior Murray comes next with 39.02% (16 of 41), then Hannan Sarkar (36.36%), Maninder Singh (34.62%), and Bob Woolmer, JP Duminy and Ed Cowan (all 34.38%).At the other end of the scale, in the “Golden Age” years leading up to the First World War the Australian Joe Darling had 60 Test innings without ever being out lbw, while his contemporary Clem Hill was leg-before just once in his 89 innings.Use our
feedback form or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

Plays of the day from the fourth ODI between New Zealand and South Africa played at Hamilton’s Seddon Park

Andrew McGlashan in Hamilton01-Mar-2017The landmark – but of a different kindQuinton de Kock was one innings away from setting a South Africa record. Instead, he gave himself a different landmark. He came into the game with five consecutive 50-plus scores in ODIs and a sixth would have been the best by a South Africa batsman (although Kepler Wessels scored one representing Australia). Instead, the run ended in abrupt fashion. Trying to open the face against his first ball from Jeetan Patel, he provided a thin nick for the wicketkeeper. It was his first golden duck in international cricket and only the second of his career in any cricket at professional level.The lost grip that didn’t cost muchMartin Guptill’s comeback was talked up in terms of his batting (more on that later) but he is also a terrific fielder. He almost showed it in 20th over when JP Duminy flicked a ball in the air towards midwicket. Guptill flung himself low to his right, clutched the ball but in the process of landing it bounced out. It was not overly costly for New Zealand as Duminy again struggled for fluency and dragged on against Tim Southee for 25.The batting adjustmentIt really shouldn’t surprise when AB de Villiers brings something brilliant out of his locker. However, the shot he played in the 49th over was stunning for the awareness it showed. He was keen to exploit third man being inside the circle and was prepared to reverse ramp or scoop anything full from Trent Boult, but the bowler also realised this and dropped the ball in short. But that didn’t stop de Villiers. Instead, he stood tall, flicked the bat around and got the ball away by playing a reverse scoop between the keeper and short third man from a standing position.The returnGuptill has batted twice this year due to his dodgy hamstrings. He scored 112 for Auckland and 61 for New Zealand. He has been able to net during his rehab but, still, a month without being in the middle, coming back against South Africa, would surely test him. Well, he slotted back in seamlessly and was racking up sixes as early as the fourth over when he cracked a blistering pull off Wayne Parnell which landed on the grass banks at deep midwicket.And the reprieveGuptill was racing along on 62 off 49 balls when he was given lbw to Dwaine Pretorius. It was a crunch moment of the game, with an uncertain clutch of allrounders to come for New Zealand. Guptill pondered for a moment then called for the review. He was spot on. Guptill was out of his crease, the ball had struck him above the pad flap and would comfortably have carried over leg stump.

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Oct-2015But Kaushal Silva’s woes at the top continued as he edged Kemar Roach to the wicketkeeper in the 18th over for 17•AFPLahiru Thirimanne was dropped by Darren Bravo in the 38th over, but fell two overs later to Bishoo•AFPThe hosts didn’t lose any more wickets during the day though as Dinesh Chandimal and Dimuth Karunaratne slowly but steadily negated the spin on a low, slow Galle pitch•AFPA back-tracking Jerome Taylor parried an easy catch that could have seen the back of Chandimal•Associated PressIt proved costly, as Chandimal went of to make his fifth half-century of the year•Associated PressKarunaratne got to his century with a six over cow corner, as the duo upped the scoring rate towards in final session of the day to finish strongly on 250 for 2 by stumps•Associated Press

The new format for England’s T20 competition represents an invaluable chance to inspire a new generation of supporters and players

George Dobell15-May-201412:54

The County Show: Prepare for Blast-off

“It’s the economy, stupid.” Bill Clinton was almost certainly not thinking about the re-launch of the English domestic T20 tournament when he adopted that slogan for the 1992 US presidential elections but it remains pertinent, nevertheless.The launch of the NatWest T20 Blast on Friday provides counties with an opportunity not just to boost their finances in the short-term, but reassert their relevance to communities in the long. Which county wins is largely irrelevant. It is about the county game winning as a whole.For many years the counties have been accused – unfairly, given the development role they fulfil – of surviving on hand-outs earned by the England side. While the launch of the original one-day competition, the Gillette Cup, in 1963 and the T20 Cup in 2003 provided welcome revenue, the value of such events has been diluted over the years. There have been times in the last few seasons when some of the T20 cricket seen in England – attritional, percentage cricket featuring flat spinners and begrudging medium-pacers on damp Tuesday afternoons in largely deserted stadiums – has been almost everything it was set-up to avoid.Packed out crowds and inspiration for the next generation: these are key ingredients for the NatWest T20 Blast•Getty ImagesNow, with a regular, predictable place in the schedule, the casual cricket watcher – and that is exactly the sort this competition is designed to attract – can attend games without needing to check and double-check fixture lists. They can budget their finances and their time so they can attend a game every couple of weeks across the summer, rather than face a glut of three games in six days as has, at times, been the case in recent years.It is essential the counties buy into the re-launch. It is essential that they understand the primary aim of the competition is to attract a new generation of supporters. So it is essential that tickets prices remain accessible to a mass-market audience that is just finding its feet after recession and that the visitor experience is, in every way, welcoming.Players must sign autographs until their arms ache, the grim-faced stewards who have presided in some grounds for far too long must be banished. Members, too, must appreciate the requirement for some of the more populist marketing ploys – the cheerleaders, the music, the talk of Andrew Flintoff’s return – that they might find trying. Cricket in England has to realise that it cannot afford to be exclusive.And, crucially, it is vital the counties provide the appropriate pitches. Seasoned cricket lovers may celebrate the absorbing battle of low-scoring games; the uninitiated will not. This tournament requires good-paced pitches that encourage free hitting and fast bowling. Those counties that prepare slow, low surfaces they think will benefit their slow bowlers have to understand the long-term damage they will inflict on the game. This has been spelt out to them by the ECB.Warwickshire’s decision to rebrand themselves ‘Birmingham Bears’ has proved one of the more controversial marketing initiatives of the re-launch. But there is nothing to be feared by such an experiment. The club reasoned that its somewhat austere image – again, a largely outdated image – had failed to engage the inner-city spectators that live within easy reach of Edgbaston. Specifically, the club has failed to attract the Asian spectators that attend in such numbers when their favoured international teams play at the ground. Warwickshire’s attempt to reach out to this audience is laudable and should not be mistaken for a move towards a city-based mentality.A city-based franchise league in England would be a mistake. While such leagues may work in Australia or India, the landscape in the UK is vastly different. Cricket, in England, is a niche sport. It cannot rely on the passionate support that exists in India to draw people from the shires to the cities. It will always live in the shadow of football. If cricket does not go to the people, the people in market towns around the nation, it will be in danger of becoming irrelevant to vast swathes of the country.The counties, especially in an era when cricket is so rarely seen on free-to-air television, do not exist simply to entertain their members or produce England cricketers – worthy aims though they are. They also exist to keep the game alive by inspiring, identifying and developing players. They offer, for many people, the only realistic chance to witness professional cricket and have a role to play in inspiring young people and then going into clubs and schools in their local community to develop their skills. The Blast is their shop window and their opportunity to earn the resources required to afford the development schemes and the wages demanded of the best players.

A city-based franchise league in England would be a mistake. While such leagues may work in Australia or India, the landscape in the UK is vastly different

And that must be the longer-term aim of this re-launch. It must engage and inspire a new generation of players. For as the identity of the next generation of England’s Test team has taken shape over recent weeks, it has become apparent that, once again, a disproportionate number of the new members – the likes of Sam Robson, Chris Jordan and Gary Ballance – will have been, to a greater or lesser extent, products of foreign systems.To a large extent, that is to be celebrated. Not only does it reaffirm the attraction of county cricket to aspiring young players across the world, but it helps England field a team that reflects the mobile, multicultural society that it represents; a team that reflects a nation with a unique history of commonwealth and empire.But it does beg the question: how good could England be if they utilised the hugely untapped pool of talent that must exist in their own backyard? With competitive cricket now hardly played in state schools, England is obliged to draw its side largely from those who attended private school and those who were given their first exposure to the sport abroad. Those breeding grounds will always be valuable, but it makes sense to also try to utilise the vast, underdeveloped resources of the state system. T20 offers a chance to reach that resource.In the long-term, the ECB may well decide that the benefit of returning some cricket to free-to-air TV outweighs any relatively short-term financial gain. Just as the Sunday League proved the ‘gateway drug’ to several generations of cricket lovers, so could a knockout T20 event incorporating, perhaps, the minor counties. With a little imagination, this free-to-air coverage could be provided by Sky. No amount of coaching clinics, Chance to Shine visits, inner city facilities or autograph sessions – excellent though all those things may be – can replace the simple thrill of stumbling upon the sport on TV and falling in love with it.There will always be challenges. Not least, there is the suspicion that the competition’s success hinges to a large extent on a factor beyond the control of governing bodies or marketing companies: the weather. Several counties are concerned that the tournament begins a week or two early and that a later start might provide a better chance of good weather and increase the chances of the event building early momentum.The Caribbean Premier League offers further competition for players and attention from the cricket-watching public. While the county game has long since grown resigned to losing players to the IPL, the likes of Shahid Afridi (who declined an approach from Warwickshire in the hope of securing a deal in the Caribbean) and Kevin Pietersen plans to commute between Blast and CPL commitments. Various football tournaments and the Olympics will compete for attention, too.So it is into a crowded marketplace that the NatWest Blast must venture. But with a sensible schedule, a few more appearances from the England players and some good weather, it has at least given itself a chance to prosper. County cricket is always involved in a fight for its survival; the T20 Blast represents a significant battleground.

Ahead of the meeting of the national selection panel, which coincides with the final day of the ongoing Irani Cup, a look at what’s on offer for the selectors for the upcoming Australia series

Siddhartha Talya in Mumbai09-Feb-2013Rohit Sharma’s careless dismissal in the Irani Cup could dampen his chances of being selected for the Australia series•West Indies Cricket BoardOpeners Virender Sehwag was ruled out of the match due to a stomach upset, when he perhaps needed a stint in the middle before the Australia Tests since being dropped from the ODI side. M Vijay did his case no harm with a century in the first innings, but played a loose drive, not for the first time, to be dismissed in the second. Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir could still be likely starters, so Vijay, who had a poor Ranji season but has been a Test opener, could be in contention as a back-up option. Likewise with Wasim Jaffer. With an average of 76 this domestic season, and a fluent 80 in the first innings of the Irani Cup, he’s in better nick than most. Shikhar Dhawan missed out on a good chance to score a century in the first innings, having played a solid innings, and was dismissed cheaply in the second while trying to pull Dhawal Kulkarni in the first over. He is part of the India A squad for the warm-up game against Australia, but that’s after the selectors have picked the 15 for the Tests. Middle order Ajinkya Rahane has been part of India’s Test squads in the past, and he strengthened his case during his 83 against Rest of India. He looked set for another ton, but was at the receiving end of a poor lbw decision. The selectors, in the past, have said he is a middle-order option, and he is a strong candidate for the No.6 slot. Rohit Sharma played a reckless shot against Harbhajan Singh to be dismissed for a duck. He played out 11 dot balls before trying to slog-sweep Harbhajan, and got a top edge. He has been long tipped for a Test place, but that dismissal is unlikely to sit well with selectors. Suresh Raina, together with Rahane, will be a contender for a No. 6 slot. He made an attacking century in the first innings, coming in to the Irani Cup with runs in the ODI series against England. Ravindra Jadeja, who is not playing the Irani Cup, could still be favoured over his competitors; he made his debut in the Nagpur Test against England. Manoj Tiwary had trouble against Abhishek Nayar, but reached a fifty in the second innings. Ambati Rayudu batted positively in both innings, making an attractive century in the second, but he and Tiwary are still down in the pecking order for a middle-order position. Pace Dhawal Kulkarni, leading an inexperienced attack, didn’t put the batsmen under enough pressure. He picked up nine wickets in the Ranji Trophy final but faces stiff competition. Parwinder Awana and Ashok Dinda were part of the squad for the Nagpur Test, but are not part of the Irani Cup. Sreesanth bowled some testing bouncers, but Rest of India’s seamers hardly got any movement and were low on pace. Abhimanyu Mithun and Ishwar Pandey picked up wickets but didn’t make a compelling case. Like Sreesanth, they, too, had problems with overstepping, were taken for runs during a seventh-wicket stand between Sachin Tendulkar and Ankeet Chavan, and rarely beat the bat. Shami Ahmed bowled well in the nets on the eve of the game, but wasn’t picked in the XI. He’s part of the India A squad, but it’s unclear if he’s done enough to break through for the Tests. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who made his international debut this home season, is also in contention. Spin Pragyan Ojha had a poor game, unable to impart much spin on the ball, and was toyed with by Tendulkar. But he and R Ashwin, away playing the Corporate Trophy, are almost certain to be picked. Harbhajan Singh is keen to return to India colours; he’s one game away from playing his 100th Test and has a good record against Australia. He was the better of the two Rest of India spinners in Mumbai but was a beneficiary of some poor shot selection and an umpiring error. That the selectors are looking at Harbhajan again says much about the lack of spin options emerging from the domestic circuit.