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The January transfer window officially slammed shut on Monday night and Leeds United went through the winter market without splashing any cash on new recruits.

Ultimately, they decided that there were no available players who suited what they wanted, or any players who could come in to realistically improve the playing squad.

Daniel Farke has an incredibly strong group at the moment, as evidenced by their place at the top of the Championship table, and they showcased that with a 7-0 win over Cardiff City at the weekend.

The Whites ran riot at Elland Road to smash the Bluebirds and ensure that they remained at the top of the table, with Sheffield United, Burnley, and Sunderland in hot pursuit.

Leeds are once again back in action in the second tier this evening as they prepare to travel to the CBS Arena to take on Frank Lampard’s Coventry City side.

The last time the two teams met was back in September, when Mark Robins was in charge of the Sky Blues, and it was a comfortable win for Farke’s men on the day.

What happened when Leeds last beat Coventry

The West Yorkshire outfit secured a 3-0 win over Coventry when they clashed at Elland Road earlier this season, in what was a fairly routine afternoon for Leeds.

Robins’ side ended the match with just 0.41 xG and zero ‘big chances’ created, despite having 52% of the ball, which shows that they struggled to break down the Whites defence.

Meanwhile, Leeds created 1.66 xG and two ‘big chances’, with eight shots on target in total, and that allowed them to stroll to the victory on the day.

The hosts took the lead after just 16 minutes when Italian forward Wilfried Gnonto latched onto a cross from Junior Firpo to rifle an effort into the roof of the net from just inside of the box.

They found their second goal just four minutes into the second half when Jayden Bogle opened his account for Leeds by side-footing a shot past Ben Wilson after Largie Ramazani slipped a ball through to him.

The third and final goal came in the 79th minute as substitute Joel Piroe kept his shot, from Gnonto’s cross, on target and benefitted from some weak goalkeeping from the Coventry stopper.

Leeds face a different test this evening, however, as they now have a new manager, Lampard, in the dugout, and they have won each of their last four matches in the Championship.

Coventry are, therefore, an in-form team and Farke could look to make some changes to his team, from the one that beat Cardiff 7-0, to ensure that his players are fresh, with Brenden Aaronson one star who could be rested.

Why Brenden Aaronson could be rested

The USA international, who returned to the club after a loan spell with Union Berlin last summer, has been leaned on by the German head coach week-in-week-out so far this season.

He has started 28 of the club’s 30 Championship matches and averaged 79 minutes played per match. Out of the outfield players at the club, only Joe Rodon (2,696) and Jayden Bogle (2,427) have played more minutes than the American midfielder (2,386), which illustrates how much workload he has had this term.

The 24-year-old ace found the back of the net in the 7-0 win over Cardiff, firing past defenders on the line after Dan James had the presence of mind to pick him out, but had gone five matches without a goal contribution before that rout.

24/25 Championship

Brenden Aaronson

Appearances

30

xG

8.58

Goals

8

Big chances created

6

Assists

2

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Aaronson has been a solid, but unspectacular, contributor in the final third for Leeds in the Championship this season.

He has slightly underperformed against his xG and a return of six ‘big chances’ created in 28 starts as an attacking midfielder in a dominant Farke team is a bit underwhelming.

Aaronson could benefit from finally being rested, though, as it could allow him to be fresher for future fixtures, to improve his output at the top end of the pitch, and that is why Farke should finally rest him for this clash with Coventry by unleashing a Leeds star in a new role.

The new role Wilfried Gnonto could play

Wilfried Gnonto starred in the 3-0 win, with a goal and an assist, over Coventry back in September and the manager should consider bringing him back into the starting XI for this clash, after he came off the bench against Cardiff.

The Italy U21 international, who scored as a substitute against the Welsh outfit, has made all of his appearances for the Whites this season on the left or right flank, with eight starts on the left and 13 starts on the right in all competitions.

Farke should, now, unleash the £30k-per-week star in a new role as an attacking midfielder to take Aaronson’s place in the central position behind Joel Piroe. It is a position that he has started in on 16 occasions throughout his career, so it is not entirely unfamiliar to him, but it would be a fresh experience in the current campaign.

Gnonto, who Statman Dave once described as “electric”, has the quality to make an impact at the top end of the pitch and could thrive as a number ten, as it could allow him to operate closer to the box than he usually does out wide.

24/25 Championship

Wilfried Gnonto

Starts

20

xG

4.78

Goals

5

Big chances created

9

Assists

5

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Italian sensation has offered plenty to the team in the final third this term, with a return of 14 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in 20 appearances.

Unlike Aaronson, Gnonto has outperformed against his xG and has almost created a ‘big chance’ every other start on average, which shows that he can offer relatively consistent creativity.

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These statistics suggest that the potential is there for him to provide even more than the American midfielder in a number ten role, which is why Farke should unleash him in that new position this evening.

حسم النادي الأهلي بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز لموسم 2024-2025 رسميًا، بعد فوزه الكبير على فاركو بنتيجة 6-0 في اللقاء الذي جمعهما مساء اليوم على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثامنة من مرحلة الحسم.

وواصل المهاجم الدولي الفلسطيني وسام أبو علي تألقه اللافت، بعدما سجل “سوبر هاتريك” تاريخي في شباك فاركو، ليقود المارد الأحمر نحو منصة التتويج بأقدامه، ويخطف الأضواء كواحد من أبرز نجوم المرحلة الأخيرة من المسابقة.

افتتح وسام أبو علي التسجيل مبكرًا في الدقيقة 10، مستغلًا تمريرة متقنة داخل منطقة الجزاء، قبل أن يضيف الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 33 بعد تحرك ذكي وانفراد صريح بالمرمى.

وفي الشوط الثاني، استكمل تألقه بهدفين متتاليين في الدقيقتين 61 و66، أنهى بهما آمال فاركو تمامًا في العودة للمباراة.

وفي الدقيقة 75 أطلق حسين الشحات قذيفة مدوية بعد هجمة منظمة مسجلًا الهدف الخامس في اللقاء.

وفي الدقيقة 93 ظهر إمام عاشور هداف الدوري ليسجل الهدف السادس للأهلي والثالث عشر له هذا الموسم، بعد هجمة رائعة للكتيبة الحمراء.

وشهد اللقاء حالة طرد مؤثرة لصالح فاركو، بعدما أشهر الحكم أمين عمر البطاقة الحمراء في وجه محمد سعيد شيكا عند الدقيقة 56، عقب تدخّل قوي ومراجعة تقنية الفيديو “VAR”، مما زاد من صعوبة مهمة الفريق السكندري أمام طوفان الأهلي الهجومي.

طرد مباشر لـ حارس فاركو أمام الأهلي في الدوري المصري

بهذا الانتصار، رفع الأهلي رصيده إلى 58 نقطة، حاسمًا لقب الدوري، بفارق نقطتين عن بيراميدز صاحب المركز الثاني، والذي كان يترقب تعثر حامل اللقب.

وتُوّج الأهلي بدرع الدوري رقم 45 في تاريخه، ليواصل تعزيز رقمه القياسي كأكثر الأندية تتويجًا باللقب في مصر، ويضيف بطولة جديدة لخزائنه بعد موسم شهد تقلبات فنية وتحديات في جدول المباريات والمنافسة مع بيراميدز والزمالك.

الجدير بالذكر أن الموسم الحالي من الدوري المصري أقيم بنظام استثنائي، حيث تم تقسيم الفرق إلى مجموعتين في الدور الثاني؛ مجموعة لحسم اللقب وأخرى للصراع على البقاء، وذلك بهدف ضغط الجدول وتقليل عدد المباريات بسبب الارتباطات المحلية والقارية.

ويُعد هذا التتويج تتويجًا لموسم شهد صبرًا وتطورًا واضحًا في أداء الفريق، مع بروز أكثر من اسم لامع في تشكيل الأهلي، يتصدرهم المهاجم الفلسطيني وسام أبو علي، الذي حفر اسمه بأربعة أهداف حاسمة في ليلة تتويج لا تُنسى.

It would be fair to say that, so far, this season has not gone to plan for Arsenal.

After coming painfully close to winning the Premier League in their two prior campaigns, Mikel Arteta’s side came into this year with the sole intention of going one step further, and when Rodri was ruled out in September, it looked like it might happen.

Unfortunately, in the months since, the Gunners have had to deal with a considerable number of injuries themselves, some questionable decisions from officials, and simply put, some lacklustre form from some of their star players.

Arsenal’s form this season

Competition

League

UCL

EFL Cup

FA Cup

Games

25

8

5

1

Wins

15

6

3

0

Draws

8

1

0

0

Losses

2

1

2

1

Goals For

51

16

11

0

Goals Against

22

3

7

0

All Stats via Transfermarkt

However, it’s not all doom and gloom for the men in red and white, as a few players have stepped up this season, including one already being compared to some highly valued stars.

Arsenal's top performers compared to last season

While there have been several players who have taken a step back for Arsenal in terms of their attacking output this season, it’s worth starting things on a positive – well, sort of – as, prior to his injury in December, Bukayo Saka was on track to have the best campaign of his career.

Last year, the Hale End icon was utterly sublime for the Gunners, racking up a haul of 20 goals and 14 assists in just 47 appearances, totalling 3865 minutes, which comes to an average of a goal involvement every 1.38 games, or every 113.67 minutes.

Yet, as incredible as that was, the 23-year-old was doing even better this year, racking up nine goals and 13 assists in 24 appearances, totalling 1828 minutes, which means he was averaging a goal involvement every 1.09 games, or every 83.09 minutes, which is frankly incredible.

Saka’s recent form

Season

23/24

24/25

Appearances

47

24

Minutes

3865′

1828′

Goals

20

9

Assists

14

13

Goal Involvements per Match

0.72

0.91

Minutes per Goal Involvement

113.67′

83.09′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Unfortunately, while the Ealin-born superstar stepped up this season, many of his teammates, like Leandro Trossard, did not.

The Belgian international was a force of nature at points last year and, in 46 first-team appearances, totalling 2263 minutes, produced a brilliant tally of 17 goals and two assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.42 games, or every 119.10 minutes.

However, so far this season, the former Brighton & Hove Albion star has only been able to score five goals and produce seven assists in 37 appearances, totalling 2190 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.08 games, or every 182.5 minutes.

The good news is that while some of the senior players have let the side down this year, another gem has broken into the first team and is now being compared to some highly valued attackers on the continent.

Market Movers

Expand Collapse The £85m Arsenal star in the making

When Saka injured his hamstring in December, and then Gabriel Jesus injured his ACL just a few weeks later, there was a genuine concern over who Arsenal would play off the right.

Fortunately, Ethan Nwaneri stepped up and, since returning from his own minor knock, has looked like a nailed-on starter.

The “incredible” 17-year-old phenomenon, as talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, was one of only a few bright sparks for the Gunners against Leicester City last week.

It was his cross that led to Mikel Merino’s opener, and on top of that, he hit the woodwork twice and was a constant threat throughout the encounter.

It was the sort of performance that shouldn’t come as a shock anymore because, as the campaign has progressed and Arteta has continued to give him more game time, the Hale Ender has continuously and increasingly impressed.

For example, in 24 appearances this season, totalling just 790 minutes, the Enfield-born wonderkid has scored seven goals and provided one assist, which means he’s currently averaging a goal involvement every three games, or more impressively, every 98.75 minutes.

On top of this, he has also been likened to Jamie Gittins by FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and, in this instance, has concluded that the Borussia Dortmund star is the second most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Arsenal dynamo.

Nwaneri & Gittens

Statistics per 90

Nwaneri

Gittens

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.33

0.31

Assists

0.24

0.18

Shots on Target

1.42

1.20

Passing Accuracy

78.9%

76.1%

Expected Assists

0.24

0.22

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.24

0.18

Goal-Creating Actions

0.47

0.60

Clearances

0.24

0.24

Carries into the Final Third

2.62

2.87

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, non-penalty expected goals plus assists, shots on target, expected assists, crosses into the penalty area, goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Now, being compared to one of the most exciting players in Germany with 15 goal involvements to his name this season is encouraging enough, but it also bodes well for the Arsenal ace’s future valuation.

For example, according to a recent report from the German publication Bild, as relayed by the BBC, Dortmund are demanding around £85m for their young star, so given their statistical similarities and the financial strength of the Gunners, who to say that the Hale End gem won’t be worth just as much in the near future.

Ultimately, things haven’t necessarily gone to plan for the North Londoners this season, but in Nwaneri, it looks like they have yet another superstar attacker in the making and one who could have a massive part to play for the rest of the campaign.

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MatériaMais Notícias

Após ser derrotado pela Chapecoense dentro de casa, o elenco do Bahia terá uma folga no calendário para ajustar a equipe.

– VEJA A TABELA DA SÉRIE B

Com o fim de semana sem compromissos, o técnico Guto Ferreira ganha tempo para treinar e pensar no Athletico, adversário da Copa do Brasil.

O primeiro duelo, que será em Salvador, acontece na próxima quarta-feira, no dia 22 de junho.

Série B

O próximo confronto da Segunda Divisão está agendado apenas para o dia 25 de junho, quando o Tricolor recebe o Novorizontino.

RelacionadasCRBVeja a provável escalação do CRB para encarar o ItuanoCRB16/06/2022GuaraniGuarani tenta quebrar série negativa como mandanteGuarani16/06/2022Futebol NacionalAlberto Valentim é oficializado como técnico do CSAFutebol Nacional16/06/2022

Allrounder will play four games for Renegades, as a replacement player for Liam Livingstone after being overlooked in the BBL draft

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Nov-2022

Andre Russell previously played for Renegades in 2014-15•CPL T20/Getty Images

Andre Russell will play in the BBL’s 2022-23 season despite being overlooked at the overseas draft in August, after signing with Melbourne Renegades as a short-term replacement for platinum signing Liam Livingstone.Russell will play in Renegades’ first four matches after Livingstone was ruled out of the early part of the tournament, having been a surprise selection in England’s Test squad to tour Pakistan in December.Russell previously played seven games in for Renegades in 2014-15, which was his first stint at the BBL.”I can’t wait to be part of the Big Bash League again this summer,” Russell said. “I’m excited to be back in red, and will be doing everything I can to help the Melbourne Renegades start the tournament with a bang.”Livingstone was taken as the No.1 pick in the inaugural overseas draft back in August as a platinum player, but was anyway not going to be available for the whole tournament after signing with MI Cape Town in the inaugural SA20 league to be held in January.Related

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BBL overseas draft: Livingstone to Renegades; Boult to Stars; Russell unpicked

Russell, who was courted by the BBL to be one of the headline picks in the draft having previously played for Renegades, Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars as recently as last season, was overlooked by all of the clubs mainly due to his limited availability. His stint with Stars only lasted five games last season due to commitments in other leagues.Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten said Russell had been in their initial draft plans, and they did not hesitate to get him in as a replacement player.”We are thrilled to have Andre Russell returning to the Renegades this summer,” Rosengarten said. “Andre is one of the best T20 players in the world; he’s a proven match-winner and exactly the type of player we need. He adds to our team in all three facets of the game – his ability to clear the boundary, take wickets, and make things happen in the field.”We had positive discussions with Andre throughout the draft process, and were always keen to try to get him back in red. With Liam’s availability changing after the draft, there was an opportunity to add Andre to our group, and we jumped at it.”Melbourne Renegades squad: Nic Maddinson (capt), Zak Evans, Aaron Finch, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Akeal Hosein (overseas), Ruwantha Kellapotha (overseas), Liam Livingstone (overseas), Shaun Marsh, Jack Prestwidge, Kane Richardson, Corey Rocchiccioli, Tom Rogers, Andre Russell (overseas), Will Sutherland, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (overseas), Jon Wells

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians chegou a um acordo com o Zenit, da Rússia, pela contratação por empréstimo do atacante Yuri Alberto até junho do ano que vem. Em compensação, o goleiro Ivan e o atacante Gustavo Mantuan serão cedidos ao time russo pelo mesmo período.

continua após a publicidade

+ Saiba quais os atletas da base que mais integram os profissionais do Corinthians com Vítor Pereira

O negócio deve ser anunciado entre as partes ainda neste fim de semana.

Yuri terá o valor fixado em 20 milhões de euros (R$ 110,6 mi, na cotação atual), caso o Timão queira comprá-lo ao fim do vínculo.

Foi discutida a possibilidade de uma compra em definitivo, com o atacante assinando até 2025, mas por questões financeiras essa situação não evoluiu.

+ Confira a tabela do Brasileirão e simule os próximos jogos

Yuri Alberto reduzirá praticamente a metade do seu salário para defender o Corinthians. O jogador aceitou se enquadrar ao teto salarial corintiano, que gira em torno de R$ 1 e 1,5 milhão, por mais. No futebol russo, os vencimentos do atleta eram de cerca de R$ 2 milhões mensais.

Em relação aos atletas que o Corinthians cederá, o clube alvinegro perdeu um braço de ferro com o Zenit, pois o clube alvinegro não gostaria de fixar valor pela sua dupla, pois não consegue prever a situação financeira da Rússia até o ano que vem, por conta da guerra com a Ucrânia. Porém, os russos não aceitaram fazer o negócio sem a fixação dos valores, que foram estipulados em 5 milhões de euros (R$ 27,6 mi na cotação atual) por Ivan, e 15 milhões de euros (R$ 83 mi, na cotação atual)

A informação dos valores pela opção de compra foi publicada inicialmente pela ‘Gazeta Esportiva’ e confirmada pelo LANCE!.

Ivan foi relacionado para o clássico contra o Santos, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, neste sábado (25), ficando na reserva de Cássio. O goleiro será liberado após a partida para se apresentar ao Zenit.

Já Mantuan será utilizado pelo Timão até o dia 13 de julho, quando o clube alvinegro encara o Santos, pelo jogo de volta das oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil, também contra o Peixe.

A permanência do atacante no período foi solicitada pelo técnico Vítor Pereira, já que nas duas próximas semanas o Timão encara o Boca Juniors, da Argentina, pelos jogos das oitavas de final da Libertadores. Mesmocom o acerto com Yuri, o Timão não contará com o jogador para os jogos contra o Boca, já que o período de inscrições de atletas no Brasil iniciará no dia 18 de julho.

Vítor não gostaria de perder Mantuan neste momento de evolução que o jogador se encontra, mas deu o aval para a saída do atacante, pois entende a importância de ter um centroavante como Yuri Alberto no elenco.

O Zenit aceitou receber Gustavo Mantuan apenas em duas semanas.

كشف الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم “يويفا” عن الفائز بجائزة أفضل لاعب شاب في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا 2024-2025.

وتوج باريس سان جيرمان بطلاً لدوري أبطال أوروبا لأول مرة في تاريخه، على حساب نظيره إنتر ميلان الإيطالي.

واكتسح باريس سان جيرمان خصمه إنتر ميلان، بخمسة أهداف دون مقابل، على ملعب “آليانز آرينا” في ميونخ.

وتم اختيار ديزيري دوي لاعب باريس سان جيرمان، كأفضل لاعب شاب في دوري أبطال أوروبا 2024-2025.

اقرأ أيضًا | يويفا يعلن أفضل لاعب في دوري أبطال أوروبا 2024-2025

وأوضحت مجموعة المراقبين الفنيين بالاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم: “كان دوي بمثابة اكتشافٍ مذهل هذا الموسم”.

وأضافت: “لقد حقق إنجازًا مذهلاً في الأدوار الإقصائية، حيث وصل إلى النهائي وقدّم أداءً رائعًا في المباراة ليلة السبت، ليصبح أول لاعب مراهق يسجل هدفين في مباراة نهائية، من الرائع أن يكون لدينا قدوة تُشجع اللاعبين الشباب الآخرين على التألق في المستقبل”.

وقال دوي: “لا أصدق ما حدث، لقد صنعنا تاريخًا للنادي في كرة القدم الفرنسية، وفي كرة القدم الأوروبية، لقد كان موسمًا رائعًا، نحن فريق رائع جماعيًا، وقد أثبتنا ذلك، لا يزال عليّ أن أدرك أننا فزنا بدوري أبطال أوروبا وأعدنا كتابة تاريخ هذا النادي، إنه لأمر رائع حقًا”.

🏆 Désiré Doué named 2024/25 UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season 💫#UCL | @PSG_inside pic.twitter.com/WiKBQvPkzb

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 1, 2025

Manchester City are in pole position to sign a “sensational” defender who has a gentleman’s agreement with his club that he can leave, according to a new report.

Man City transfer news

The Blues were one of the busiest sides in Europe when it came to transfers in January, and given how things haven’t quite gone to plan since the arrivals, there could be more comings and goings when the summer transfer window opens in a few months time.

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There are a few City players whose futures are starting to come into question, as Kevin de Bruyne has yet to agree a new contract at the Etihad. Bernardo Silva is also being linked with a move away come the summer, and that may mean City need to bring in a new number 10. It’s been reported that City are seriously interested in signing Charles De Ketelaere from Atalanta, given his excellent form in Italy this season, but face competition from Manchester United.

Ederson’s long-term future at the Etihad is also under some fresh doubts, as he’s been at fault for a few goals they have conceded this season, none more so than against Real Madrid last week.

The Blues could be ready to part ways with the Brazilian as Pep Guardiola believes Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia could be a great addition for his squad. The 23-year-old has tremendous ability with the ball, which is an important quality under Guardiola.

Man City in pole position to sign "sensational" full-back

As well as a new goalkeeper and midfielder on the list, the Blues are also looking to find a long-term replacement for Kyle Walker, and according to TEAMtalk, Man City are leading the race to sign Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

The report states that Frimpong is keen on a move to the Premier League and has interest from City as well as Liverpool, but the Premier League champions are in pole position. The Blues are keen to re-sign a player they once let go, and a deal is there to be done, as Frimpong has an agreement with Leverkusen meaning that he can leave in the summer if a bid is made of around £33 million.

The 24-year-old, who has been dubbed “sensational” by The Guardian columnist Dominik Diamond, was so important for Leverkusen last season as they sealed an unexpected league and cup double. The Dutch international scored nine goals and recorded nine assists in the league, as well as three goals in the Europa League, where they reached the final.

Jeremie Frimpong’s 24/25 Bundesliga stats

Apps

22

Starts

16

Goals

3

xG

3.32

Shots per game

1.0

Assists

4

xAG

3.10

Big chances created

4

Key passes per game

1.0

Interceptions per game

0.3

Tackles per game

1.1

Frimpong is not only a right-back, but under Xabi Alonso he has become more of a right wing-back or even right-winger at times. So, if City were to sign Frimpong, it would be interesting to see where Guardiola plans to play him, as given his pace and attacking threat, he could be wasted playing just as a right-back in a four.

NSW declared 117 behind in pursuit of victory, but could go winless through first four rounds first time since 2011-12

AAP14-Nov-2022

Tim Ward ended unbeaten on 90 from only 71 balls•Getty Images

New South Wales (NSW) are on the verge of their worst start to a Sheffield Shield season in 11 years after Riley Meredith’s wickets and an all-out assault from Tim Ward put Tasmania in control in Hobart.Tasmania went to stumps on day three at 2 for 176 from 24 overs in their second innings, and with a lead of 293, with Ward leading the charge with an unbeaten 90 from 71 balls.It came after NSW declared 117 runs behind on their first innings in a desperate pursuit of victory that is now looking nigh impossible. It means that NSW will need a miracle on Tuesday to avoid going winless through their first four rounds of a season for the first time since 2011-12.On a dominant day for Tasmania, Meredith claimed four wickets in his first four overs of the day to leave Blues reeling at 5 for 74 in reply to Tasmania’s first-innings 333.The paceman had Kurtis Patterson, Moises Henriques and Matthew Gilkes all out edging before lunch, while Blake Nikitaras found fine leg while trying to hook. Meredith was unlucky not to claim five, when a ball bounced off Baxter Holt’s body and hit the stumps but the bails remained in place just before tea.Jason Sangha and Sean Abbott offered the only real fightback for Blues, both scoring 53 as they put on an 86-run partnership for the sixth wicket. But when they both fell, NSW made the call to forego a shot at any meaningful first-innings bonus points and chase the six points on offer for an unlikely win by declaring after tea. It did not pay off.Tasmania’s opener Ward crunched a 32-ball half-century, regularly cutting and cover-driving NSW’s quicks to the off-side boundary. The left-hander hit five fours through the off side in one Ben Dwarshuis over, while 15 came in another off Abbott as part of an opening stand of 84 from 57 balls with Caleb Jewell.Jewell also hit 34 off 25, and when he was bowled by Sangha, Matthew Wade took over with 41 off 34. It helped Tasmania set up for a possible early declaration with a big lead on Tuesday, with a real chance of their second win of the season.

Stand-in captain says India are not out to settle any scores with Sri Lanka after the Asia Cup loss last year

Vishal Dikshit02-Jan-20233:08

‘No bigger new year resolution than winning the World Cup’

Looking ahead to the 2024 World Cup and standing in as T20I captain for three games against Sri Lanka for now, Hardik Pandya’s message to his young team is clear: “go out there and express [yourself], we’re going to back you to the core.”Hardik takes over captaincy in the absence of regular leader Rohit Sharma, who will take back captaincy for the ODIs. Even though it’s not clear yet who India’s captain at the next T20 World Cup will be, Hardik assessed India’s situation in T20s by saying that there was nothing wrong with their approach in the lead-up to the tournament.India had adopted a new approach in the format when Rohit took over captaincy and Rahul Dravid became the new head coach: they started getting much quicker off the blocks in the powerplay, Rohit himself changed his approach at the top, and most of India’s batters were batting with an intent of scoring faster. Except that in Australia, the bounce and pace was not to India’s liking, and they went back to their old template of setting a base and then building on it.Related

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“You see, I think before the [T20] World Cup, I don’t think we did anything wrong,” Hardik said in Mumbai, a day before the series opener against Sri Lanka. “Our template, approach, everything was the same. Yes, in the World Cup, things did not go how we wanted. And I think our approach was not the same – what it was before the World Cup. What we have noticed and told the boys is that just go out there and express [yourself], which they will do. And it’s up to us that how we back them.”What we have said is that we’re going to back you to the core. All the players have that support from my side that I’m going to back them to the core. Who are here, these are the best cricketers in the country, that’s the reason they are here. So, I have to make them believe that, which is a fact as well. For me, it’s important that how can I make them feel that they’re the best of their business. And if I can get that thing done, and can get that confidence in them, then I don’t think that they will have any problem in international cricket. I think they will flourish and have amazing careers ahead.”Hardik echoed Rohit’s words from a year before the 2022 World Cup when he and Dravid had given their players “assurance of going out and expressing” themselves. With the next T20 World Cup only a year and a half away, Hardik did not go into the team’s plans in detail but said there was not much time to experiment for now as there are only six T20Is before IPL 2023.Watch on ESPN Player in the UK

WATCH the first India vs Sri Lanka T20I LIVE

“Obviously, the plans are set. We are looking to play in a certain way, which we will,” Hardik said without elaborating. “Before IPL only six games are there, so we don’t have much time to do a lot of things but going forward we will keep creating new plans and see which are the plans which are working for us. And going forward just make sure everyone gets ample opportunities and just that on the right time when needed just see what we need to do.”Being the hosts and 3-0 winners of the last time these two teams played a bilateral T20I series – in early 2022 in India – Hardik implied they had an upper hand in home conditions, and wasn’t looking to settle any kind of score after their loss to eventual champions Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup.”No, we’re not looking to settle anything [after the Asia Cup loss],” Hardik said with a smile. “We want to play good cricket. Yes, we will make them feel like we’re in India, don’t worry about that, I assure and promise you they will feel that they’re playing an international team and that too India in India. So from my boys and my side, we’re going to be clear. We don’t need to go and sledge them, our body language is enough for them to feel a little intimidated which we will do, I promise you.”India will field a new-look squad with Suryakumar Yadav the vice-captain in T20Is, and several senior players either unavailable or rested. Three uncapped players – Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Mavi and Mukesh Kumar – also have a chance to make their international debuts.