Australia have named an unchanged squad for the T20I series against Sri Lanka but Erin Burns drops out for the ODIs

Andrew McGlashan25-Sep-2019After a 40-hour journey back from the Caribbean and a few days to adjust their body clocks, Australia’s women will be back in action at the weekend with the start of their home season against Sri Lanka, which concludes with the defence of their T20 World Cup title.Following a clean sweep against West Indies, an unchanged squad has been named for the T20Is against Sri Lanka with Erin Burns dropping out of the squad for the ODIs. One of the challenges facing the team the desire to maintain their dominant form – and not take their guard down against Sri Lanka, who they haven’t played since the 2017 50-over World Cup in England – but also ensure enough players are getting time to hone their skills, especially with the bat.The last two T20Is in the West Indies were won by nine wickets and there are a number of players who enter the start of the home summer a little starved of time in the middle. Matthew Mott indicated last week that there might be some tinkering with the batting order in the T20Is, which may give more exposure to some of the middle-order batsmen.Among those is vice-captain Rachael Haynes, who has only batted twice in her last six T20Is, against England and West Indies.”It would be nice to get up the order in T20s, I’ve only batted once or twice across the last two series simply because our top four has been so dominant,” Haynes said. “I think a lot of our batters would like an opportunity at some stage throughout this series. It’s probably a great indication of how well our team is doing and how dominant we have been that some people are a little lean on time in the middle, but on the same token I think they’ll be opportunity throughout this series.”Alyssa Healy, Rachael Haynes and Ash Gardner at the launch of Australia’s home season•Getty Images

While Haynes has been short on time with the bat of late – her three innings in the ODI series against West Indies also brought just 32 runs as she opened the batting – she was required to take on the captaincy at the last moment when a back spasm ruled Meg Lanning out of the second of the ODIs. Australia will be hoping that injuries do not strike during next year’s T20 World Cup, but having the chance to prepare for such scenarios could be valuable.”I was completely unware that Meg was struggling at the time then I got a tap on the shoulder a couple of minutes before the toss saying that I’d better get changed,” Haynes said. “All those types of things are situations you could face in a big tournament and I thought the team dealt with it really well, they just got on with the business of the match. I think it’s a great reflection on where we are as a group where you can have one of the best players in the team have to withdraw at the last minute and they just get on with the whole process.”The three T20Is against Sri Lanka and a tri-series involving India and England at the end of January provide the main preparation for Australia ahead of the big event, but the upcoming standalone Women’s Big Bash League, which begins on October 18, is also being viewed as a key period especially for those whose opportunities in national colours might be limited.”We’ve seen over the last six to eight months that opportunities within our batting and bowling orders have been quite hard to come by so for a number of girls in our squad the WBBL will be a nice break to get in there, get in among the runs and wickets,” Alyssa Healy told ESPNcricinfo. “I think it’s crucial for our squad, there’s 14 who have been selected for this series but there are probably 20 who will be putting their hand up for the World Cup. It’s one of the more competitive competitions around the world and it’s an incredibly high standard so it will be a really good one to warm up for the T20 World Cup.”The three Sri Lanka T20Is take place at North Sydney Oval from September 29 before the tour moves to Brisbane for three ODIs. Sri Lanka will prepare for a match against a Cricket Australia XI on Friday.Australia squad: Meg Lanning (capt), Rachael Haynes, Erin Burns (T20Is only), Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Heather Graham, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia WarehamCricket Australia XI: Tahlia McGrath, Heather Graham, Darcie Brown, Stella Campbell, Hannah Darlington, Josie Dooley, Nicole Faltum, Charli Knott, Phoebe Litchfield, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Annabel Sutherland, Tahlia Wilson

Sheffield Wednesday will aim to make it an unbelievable five wins from six in the Championship this Tuesday night, when Danny Rohl's revitalised Owls face off against Plymouth Argyle.

The whole energy around Hillsborough has been lifted as a result of the German manager's recent heroics in the dug-out, with relegation at one point looking almost certain.

Still, despite performances being largely positive recently, Rohl could be faced with a selection dilemma when it comes to his right-back spot tonight.

Pol Valentin was poor against Rotherham United despite the collective team effort pulling off a big 1-0 win, the Spanish defender in danger of dropping out of the XI as a result.

Pol Valentin's performance vs Rotherham in numbers

The Wednesday number 14 has become a key part of Rohl's improved team at the back, making a total of 25 Championship appearances for the relegation-threatened side.

Still, that doesn't mean that the 27-year-old isn't prone to having off days with the former Sporting Gijon defender having a torrid afternoon at the New York Stadium last match.

Hauled off on the 64th-minute mark, with the game still finely poised at 0-0 before new Owls hero Ike Ugbo broke the deadlock, Valentin was weak and passive in the tight contest.

Pol Valentin's numbers vs Rotherham

Minutes played

64

Touches

31

Duels won

2/6

Possession lost

15x

Accurate passes

12/23 (52%)

Stats by Sofascore

As can be seen in the table above, Valentin only ended up winning two duels when facing off against the likes of Shane Ferguson for the Millers on top of lackadaisically giving the ball away 15 times.

Valentin was handed a 6/10 rating for his efforts in the 1-0 win by Sheffield Star journalist Joe Crann, a low score on a day where the Owls bravely pulled off yet another win despite languishing near the Championship drop-zone.

It's a performance that could well warrant Rohl axing the Spaniard entirely for the huge clash tonight against the Pilgrims, a decision arguably made easier by Valentin's replacement in the slim Rotherham win shining.

The player who could replace Valentin

The most logical switch would see Dominic Iorfa come into the team in place of the below-par ex-Gijon man, with Iorfa teeing up Ugbo for the winner at the New York Stadium just minutes after coming on.

Wednesday's number six bombed forward to then put it on a plate for the prolific Troyes loanee to bag his sixth goal for Rohl's men since joining in January, with Iorfa also standing out doing his defensive duties to keep the clean sheet and win intact.

Winning the same amount of duels as Valentin – but from 38 less minutes – Iorfa also looked composed with the ball at his feet by losing possession just three times.

Rohl could well also fancy giving Liam Palmer a go at right-back over Valentin, but after Iorfa's vital contribution enabled the Owls to clinch a late win at Rotherham, he would be foolish not to start the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers youngster against Plymouth.

Valentin won't be too disheartened if he is dropped for tonight's clash against Ian Foster's men, knowing there's still plenty of action to come in the next few months and that survival is a top priority over sticking by under-performers.

Gareth Southgate came up with a blunt response when asked if the clash against Slovakia will be his last game in charge of England.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Southgate under fire for England's poor show
• Urged fans to back young English players
• Three Lions face Slovakia on Sunday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Three Lions boss is currently under fire for the team's dismal performances in Euro 2024, although they have progressed to the knockout stage as group toppers. Earlier this week, a section of the English fans threw beer cups at the manager following the team's drab goalless draw against Slovenia.

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• GOAL/Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite losing the trust of the fans, Southgate has urged them to back England players as they embark on the Euro 2024 round of 16 journey. He also came up with a straightforward response when asked if he considers the Slovakia clash to be his farewell game.

• WHAT SOUTHGATE SAID

  Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the 53-year-old said, "It’s a young team. It’s a team that can be influenced by the fans in a really positive way so they need that love, they need that support, they need that vocal support they had the other night — particularly in the second half.

  "And it can only help them give more and more so that’s my reason for being here to lead the team and try to give my country the best chance of winning."

  When asked about his future beyond the round of 16 clash, the manager added, "No. I’m enjoying being here. I want to be here for another fortnight. I’ve got nothing to rush back for. I’m looking forward to a few more days here."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

  Harry Kane and Co will aim to shut down all criticism by picking up a convincing win in the round of 16 on Sunday and further progress in Euro 2024.

أكد التونسي سيف الدين الجزيري مهاجم نادي الزمالك، أن مباراة بيراميدز كانت صعبة، لكن روح اللاعبين الموجودة ساعدت على تحقيق الفوز.

وانتصر الزمالك على بيراميدز، بنتيجة 5-4 بركلات الترجيح، بعد انتهاء اللقاء في الوقت الأصلي بالتعادل الإيجابي 1-1، ذلك في دور نصف نهائي بطولة كأس السوبر المصري.

وقال الجزيري خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “الزمالك”: “مباراة كانت صعبة، أرهقتنا، لا أحب الحديث عن الأجواء، لكن درجة الحرارة كانت مرتقعة”.

وأضاف: “كنا مركزين لآخر دقيقة في المباراة، إن شاء الله نسعد الجماهير ونحقق مزيدًا من البطولات”.

طالع | ناصر ماهر: لم أفكر في كرة الهدف.. وسنركز على النهائي

وتابع: “بعد ضياع ركلة جزاء بيراميدز خلال المباراة شعرت أن المباراة تقترب لنا”.

وأكمل: “الروح موجودة بين اللاعبين ولا بد أن نحافظ عليها، (وعلى أد ما نيتك صافية على أد ما ربنا يديك)”.

وأستمر: “أمامنا أشياء كثيرة يجب أن نصلحها وقدمنا أشياء جيدة، ونعمل على نقاط قوتنا لكي نحضر للمباراة المقبلة في النهائي”.

وبسؤاله من تفضل مواجهته في النهائي، الأهلي أم سيراميكا كليوباترا، أجاب: “أي أحد، نحن موجودون، هما يفضلوا مين؟”.

وتأهل فريق الزمالك إلى المباراة النهائية لبطولة كأس السوبر المصري، منتظرًا الفائز من مواجهة الأهلي وسيراميكا كليوباترا لمواجهته يوم الخميس المقبل.

The tournament has provided a stage for a host of players to showcase their talents, and many could be on the move after catching the eye

It is always a risk to sign a player off the back of an impressive international tournament, but that is a gamble a number of clubs will be weighing up as Euro 2024 heads into its final week. A host of names – some lesser-known and some well-established – have been catching the eye in Germany and could be in line for a big move with the transfer window now open.

For some, a switch was an inevitability as they came into the tournament in red-hot form, while others have made a name for themselves at what could be a career-defining European Championship, by seizing the spotlight and shining with the eyes of the footballing world upon them.

But who are those we should look out for in the gossip columns in the coming weeks and months? GOAL looks at the 14 players who have put themselves in the shop window…

GettyJaka Bijol (Slovenia)

Udinese's Jaka Bijol was a defensive rock in Slovenia's unlikely run to the knockout stages in Germany and has placed himself firmly in the shop window with a string of dominant displays at centre-back.

Despite their last-16 penalty shootout exit to Portugal, Slovenia didn't lose a game in normal time at the tournament despite facing England too, as Bijol kept both Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo quiet, winning countless aerial duels and putting his body on the line. He was linked with Roma before the tournament, but will have more suitors now, with Inter and Aston Villa among those now seemingly interested.

AdvertisementGettyRiccardo Calafiori (Italy)

Despite Italy's premature exit, Riccardo Calafiori did enough to make a name for himself at Euro 2024, capturing the imagination with his good looks, throwback long hair and hairband. He was notably absent for the round-of-16 defeat to Switzerland, and the Azzurri will feel it is a case of what might have been had he not been suspended.

A smooth-passing left-footed centre-back, the 22-year-old barely put a foot wrong and has already been linked with several top clubs, including Arsenal – who have forced themselves to the front of the queue – Liverpool and Chelsea. He helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League last term, but their chances of keeping him around are slim at best.

Getty ImagesMarc Guehi (England)

Another defensive star of Euro 2024 so far, Marc Guehi has surprisingly emerged as one of England's best players in Germany. The Three Lions' defensive work has barely come under any scrutiny as they struggle to create chances and score goals at the other end, and that is thanks in no small part to the centre-back.

He has shown a real knack for reading the game intelligently and being in the right place at the right time for his side, though England had to do without him for the quarter-final with Switzerland after he picked up a suspension. This summer is set to get even bigger for him, with the £55 million-rated ($70m) man expected to leave Crystal Palace amid interest from a host of leading Premier League clubs.

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GettyFerdi Kadioglu (Turkey)

Turkey finally lived up to the label of 'dark horses' as they summoned the spirit of 2008 in Germany, reaching the quarter-finalsbefore falling to the Netherlands. It was truly a team effort, but one of their outstanding defensive performers was Ferdi Kadioglu.

The Fenerbahce full-back has caught the eye with his ability up and down the left flank, bombing forward and also contributing defensively. He's versatile, too – capable of playing on the right or at centre-back. He's already being linked with a £29m ($37m) switch to the Premier League, with West Ham, Wolves, Manchester United and Arsenal all linked, with the Gunners having supposedly tabled a bid.

The latest round of Premier League fixtures are right around the corner, and it has been revealed which referees will be officiating each game and who will be in charge in of VAR.

With a thrilling title race shaping up and the battle for survival getting tighter with every passing week, referees will know that their decisions over the next few weeks and months could be season-defining, as the pressure mounts on teams to deliver heading into the business end of the campaign.

Football FanCast has created a handy list of each game, who the referee and VAR officials will be, as well as their statistics for the season so far, per Transfermarkt.

Manchester United

vs

Everton

9th Mar, 12:30pm

Crystal Palace

vs

Luton Town

9th Mar, 3pm

Bournemouth

vs

Sheffield United

9th Mar, 3pm

Wolves

vs

Fulham

9th Mar, 3pm

Arsenal

vs

Brentford

9th Mar, 5:30pm

Aston Villa

vs

Tottenham Hotspur

10th Mar, 1pm

West Ham United

vs

Burnley

10th Mar, 2pm

Brighton

vs

Nottingham Forest

10th Mar, 2pm

Liverpool

vs

Manchester City

10th Mar, 3:45pm

Chelsea

vs

Newcastle United

11th Mar, 8pm

Bournemouth

vs

Luton Town

13th Mar, 7:30pm

Manchester United v Everton Simon Hooper

17

83

2

1

0

We kick off this weekend's action with a lunchtime game between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford.

The referee in charge will be Simon Hooper, with David Coote taking up the reins as the VAR.

Manchester United have won one and lost one with Hooper in charge of their Premier League matches this season, while Everton have just lost one in their only game officiated by him.

Bournemouth v Sheffield United Anthony Taylor

19

95

1

2

10

Two teams in the bottom half come head-to-head on Saturday afternoon as Bournemouth welcome a Sheffield United side who are fresh off the back of a thumping 6-0 defeat against Arsenal.

Anthony Taylor will be in charge of the game, with Michael Salisbury selected to rule over any contentious decisions from Stockley Park.

Out of these two, Sheffield United are the only team who have featured in a game officiated by Taylor, as they drew 1-1 with Aston Villa.

Crystal Palace v Luton Sunny Singh Gill

0

0

0

0

0

Oliver Glasner's Crystal Palace side will welcome a Luton Town side who have proven to be tricky away from home at times this season.

Sunny Singh Gill will be the man in the middle, with Peter Bankes on VAR duty.

This is Sunny's first time refereeing in the Premier League, so best of luck to him.

Wolves v Fulham Tony Harrington

4

14

0

1

0

Gary O'Neil will be desperate for his Wolves side to bounce back this weekend against Fulham, after suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of Newcastle United last time out.

In charge of this one will be Tony Harrington, while the VAR official will be John Brooks.

Due to Harrington only having refereed four Premier League games so far this season, neither side have featured under him.

Arsenal v Brentford Rob Jones

15

68

3

1

3

Arsenal will head into this one full of confidence after a humiliating 6-0 win over Sheffield United, while Brentford could only manage a draw at home to Chelsea.

Rob Jones will be in charge at the Emirates, with Paul Tierney assisting with all VAR matters.

Brentford have one draw and one loss so far this season in games refereed by Rob Jones, while Arsenal have one draw.

Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur Chris Kavanagh

14

64

1

0

7

Sunday kicks off with a tasty fixture in the battle for a Champions League spot, as Aston Villa welcome Tottenham to the Midlands.

Chris Kavanagh is the man in the middle for this clash, while Tim Robinson will be on VAR.

Aston Villa are yet to be refereed in the Premier League by Kavanagh this season, and Spurs secured a thumping 4-1 win over Newcastle United in their only game officiated by him.

Brighton v Nottingham Forest Michael Salisbury

10

38

1

1

9

Two sides who have been struggling a little bit in recent times go head-to-head on Sunday afternoon, as Brighton & Hove Albion welcome Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest to the AMEX.

Michael Salisbury is entrusted with keeping the peace on Sunday, with Craig Pawson on VAR duty.

Neither side have won in a game officiated by Salisbury this season, with Brighton drawing and Forest losing in their only game apiece.

West Ham United v Burnley Darren England

6

32

0

0

1

West Ham United are in a bit of a purple patch at the moment in the Premier League, but the same can't be said about the opposition for this weekend's clash, as Burnley look nailed on for relegation.

Darren England is the man with the cards, while in the VAR room will be Andy Madley.

Due to England only refereeing in six games in the Premier League so far this season, neither side have experienced a match controlled by him.

Liverpool v Manchester City Michael Oliver

18

76

2

2

4

In what is arguably the game of the weekend, Manchester City will travel to Anfield to face Liverpool in a top of the table clash.

Michael Oliver is the man with the cards for this vital clash, while in the VAR room will be Stuart Attwell.

Liverpool are unbeaten in games officiated by Oliver this season, with two wins and one draw. On the other hand, the Citizens don't have an unbeaten record as they've won one but lost to Arsenal.

Chelsea v Newcastle United John Brooks

16

73

2

2

4

This gameweek's Monday night game will feature two of the Premier League's big spenders, as Chelsea welcome Eddie Howe's Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge.

John Brooks is the man with the cards, while in the VAR room will be Jarred Gillett.

Newcastle have won one and lost one in games refereed by Brooks this season, while Chelsea have a losing record of one loss.

Bournemouth v Luton Town Sam Allison

1

5

0

0

0

There's an extra game in this matchday as the likes of Bournemouth and Luton Town are set to meet once again after their clash earlier on in the season was abandoned after Tom Lockyer collapsed on the field.

Sam Allison is the man with the cards, while in the VAR room will be Michael Oliver.

Luton had the pleasure of picking up a win in Allison's only Premier League game to date, as they beat Sheffield United away from home back in December.

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta quarta-feira dois atacantes históricos da Internazionale entraram em contato. Campeão italiano e com números superiores a Ronaldo Fenômeno pelo clube, Romero Lukaku fez uma vídeo-chamada com Adriano Imperador, ídolo da equipe de Milão. Nas redes sociais, ambos compartilharam o momento e o belga aproveitou para reforçar sua idolatria pelo brasileiro.
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Em sua chegada na Inter, Lukaku e Adriano já haviam trocado mensagens carinhosas. O belga, fã do brasileiro, relembrou em sua apresentação a passagem de Adriano pelo clube, e afirmou ter tido uma camisa da equipe com o nome do Imperador na época em que defendeu os italianos da Internazionale.

– Eu queria tanto ser como você! Obrigado pelas ótimas palavras, você é o melhor! – escreveu Lukaku.

Em seguida, Adriano publicou a mesma imagem e parabenizou o atacante campeão do italiano desta temporada.

– Dando parabéns pro meu amigo Romero Lukaku. Que deus te abençoe nessa sua caminhada – disse o brasileiro.

Adriano ficou na Inter entre 2001 e 2008, mas teve passagens por outras equipes durante o período. Seu ápice foi em 2005, quando esteve entre os melhores jogadores do mundo pela FIFA e foi vice-artilheiro da Champions League. Pelo clube, foi campeão da Supercopa da Itália, do Campeonato Italiano e da Copa da Itália.

Arsenal are on the charge and things are looking up for the red half of north London this season.

Six wins from six in the Premier League has seen the Gunners move within a point of Manchester City and two of Liverpool.

Even better, an avalanche of goals has seen Mikel Arteta's side dramatically improve their goal difference, which could prove to be the deciding factor come May.

With Gabriel Jesus missing for four of the six games, much of the goalscoring burden has fallen on Bukayo Saka, a burden he has carried wonderfully well.

In fact, the young Englishman has done so well without the Brazilian beside him that Arsenal could look to fast-track one of their most promising prospects this summer to challenge the former City man for his place and form a deadly partnership with the 22-year-old.

Arsenal's Hale End Jesus replacement

The youngster in question is 21-year-old Mika Biereth, who joined Arsenal's youth setup from Fulham in July 2021.

He had an outstanding record with the Cottagers in west London, scoring 25 goals and providing 15 assists in just 41 appearances, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.02 games.

Appearances

26

41

Goals

12

25

Assists

5

15

Goal Involvements per Match

0.68

0.97

This impressive record saw him jump up the age groups upon his arrival at Hale End, and he was immediately placed in the U23 squad, where he managed to score 12 goals and provide five assists in just 26 games, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.52 matches.

His impressive displays for the youth sides saw him make the bench for a handful of senior games towards the end of the 2021/22 Premier League season.

When asked about his pathway into the first team in an interview with The Athletic, he was reassuringly confident: “Maybe not with strikers as much, but with Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, if you play well you get in the squad. That’s all I’ve got to do.”

Why fans should be excited about Mika Biereth

Since he gave that interview, the Danish forward has been sent out on loan several times.

First, he joined Dutch side RKC Waalwijk, but a season blighted with injuries restricted him to just 357 minutes of first-team action, in which he did manage to bag two goals, mind.

This season, the "proper no.9", as described by data analyst Ben Mattinson, was sent to Scottish Premiership side Motherwell, where, after recovering from a knee injury, he scored six goals and provided five assists in just 15 games.

The powerful striker was so effective north of the border that Arsenal opted to recall him in January and send him out on loan to Austrian side Sturm Graz, where Biereth has already bagged three goals in five games and has a chance of winning the league.

It's clear the London-born forward has an eye for goal then, but his catalogue of assists is what could help him eventually push his way into the first team.

According to Mattinson, Biereth is "not selfish" as a player and "creates a lot of chances for others, whether it's cutbacks, through balls or general link-up play", which, based on the signing of Jesus, is precisely the sort of frontman Arteta wants in his team.

Appearances

99

355

Goals

47

138

Assists

25

66

The 6 foot 2 striker has registered 25 assists in 99 games, which equates to an assist every 3.96 matches, which is slightly better than Jesus' average of 5.37 assists per game, although that is from 355 senior games.

Arsenal should cash in on "monster" who's worth more than Trossard

The talented attacker could net the Gunners a significant payday.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Feb 21, 2024

Ultimately, Biereth isn't going to be breaking into the first team this season, but he looks to have a genuine chance of making it in the long term and with Saka still only 22 himself, there is no reason that the pair couldn't form a deadly partnership in a couple of years.

David Warner spent most of this year’s England tour trying to ignore the verbal bile constantly directed his way. So there was not only relief but also revelation in the experience of a loud, supportive Adelaide Oval crowd on Sunday, as the exhortations of 16,268 spectators helped lift him to a first ever Twenty20 international century on his 33rd birthday.There had been queries as to exactly how Warner could be received in his first home match since the Newlands ban. Unlike Steven Smith, his public reputation hadn’t been bolstered by match-winning turns during the Ashes series. But from the moment he took to the middle, Warner was given plenty of adulation to feed off, and admitted that he had almost forgotten what it was like to get the support at home, his first appearance in more than 18 months.”It’s always fantastic to get that. You sort of sit back and watch highlights of other people’s packages and stuff, you forget how much it actually drives you when you’re out there,” Warner said. “We love the people’s support and we love the Australian crowds coming out and supporting us and we always try and put on a show for them.”But I don’t think they actually realise how much impact it has on us players while we are out there. I remember when I was supporting the [Sydney] Roosters in the Grand Final this year. When you’ve got that support behind the team or when you’re supporting someone else, it’s a massive boost, the confidence for us and for the other people out there playing.””Emotions were great. Another year older. Another game for Australia and coming out here in front of an Adelaide crowd. There’s no better place to play you know. You’ve always got a fantastic wicket, the curators are absolutely fantastic here. It’s a batting paradise. I absolutely love it out here.”The most notable element of Warner’s innings was the fact that in a T20I career dating back to 2009, he had never bettered the 89 he coshed against South Africa at the MCG on his storied international debut. More than a decade later, he was able to scamper a last ball single to go to three figures, a milestone that afforded him some light-hearted banter from Glenn Maxwell at the change of innings.Getty Images

“You don’t even actually realise until you get it. It wasn’t even on my mind. You actually forget that you don’t have one,” Warner said. “Maxi reminded me and said ‘welcome to the club’ which is quite funny. It’s just one of those things to contribute, come out and play you free-flowing game from the start. Obviously the couple of balls where a little bit here and there. You don’t get to face too many deliveries back to back when someone’s going off.”For me it’s about keeping a calm head and making sure that I bide my time a little bit and try and pick the gaps as much as I can and run hard. [Last over] bat on ball and I was thinking obscure field so for me you know what you’re going to get. It’s going to wide and pretty much, I don’t lap or anything like that so whatever comes into my mind I try to get it out of my head.”It was in my head but you’ve got to try and pick your gaps. I think in Australia with those fields, you only have to hit the gap hard and it can beat the fielder and then you can run two. You’re always thinking at the start of the over about what do we need. Obviously we had plenty on the board so you’re just trying to hit gaps.”It wasn’t just Warner who enjoyed his place in the sun. Aaron Finch, Maxwell and Australia’s bowlers all responded with a combination of skill and flair that completely confounded a modest Sri Lanka, suggesting that if the Australians stay focused, they can set-up more pageants of adulation in Brisbane and Melbourne this week.”Very good from us. We all set out to come out and try be positive with the bat,” Warner said. “I think the way forward is exactly that, where we try and set the tone at the top and then Maxi coming in and doing what he does. For once the plan actually came off. Obviously starting well and then Maxi coming in and doing what he does. And yeah, someone batting through. That was all in all a great batting performance and obviously the bowlers finished it off there.”

West Ham are thought to be weighing up a £35 million "leader" as they draw up a shortlist of potential Lucas Paqueta replacements.

Paqueta tipped to leave West Ham this summer

One of the shining lights of their season has been, without doubt, Paqueta and his sublime form at times.

West Ham signing Eddie Nketiah now possible as Arsenal make decision

The Hammers are a serious destination for him.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 17, 2024

The Brazil international was a statement signing from Lyon back in the summer of 2022, and he has since gone on to showcase his sheer quality week in, week out at the London Stadium.

This season, Paqueta has been West Ham's best-performing player per game, averaging a match rating of 7.17/10 according to WhoScored – which is the highest number of any Hammers player, including Jarrod Bowen.

West Ham 3-0 Wolves

8.88

West Ham 3-2 Nottingham Forest

8.20

Luton Town 1-2 West Ham

8.02

West Ham 2-2 Burnley

7.97

Burnley 1-2 West Ham

7.86

Bagging three goals and five assists over 22 league starts this term, things could've been very different if it wasn't for the midfielder's alleged off-field betting scandal. Paqueta was actually nearing a move to Man City last summer, but Pep Guardiola's side pulled the plug on a deal following the player's betting investigation (Fabrizio Romano).

That certainly wasn't the end of it for West Ham, though, as reports suggest a host of top clubs including City could come back in for Paqueta this summer.

The 26-year-old's future remains uncertain, and according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, Tim Steidten is making contingency plans in case their star man does depart later this year.

West Ham eyeing Morgan Gibbs-White to replace Paqueta

According to Crook, Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White is being weighed up behind the scenes. The Englishman, who cost Forest an initial £35 million, boasts three goals and five assists over 28 league appearances as one of Nuno Espirito Santo's star players.

However, the club may have to sell a prized asset of theirs this summer in an effort to comply with PSR and FFP regulations – which could well hand Steidten and co a boost in pursuit of the playmaker.

West Ham are eyeing Gibbs-White as a potential Paqueta successor amid Forest's financial woes, with London rivals Spurs also keeping tabs.

It is unclear what Forest would demand to sell the 24-year-old, but his quality is clear as day.

"I'm a big fan of his. I think he is always positive, he gets on the half-turn and plays defence-splitting passes," said pundit and former Brighton striker Glenn Murray on Match of the Day this month (via BBC Sport).

"He's just always looking to progress the team.

"He's just always positive. He's got another side to his game – he doesn't shirk his responsibilities and fights back. For me, that's why he has become a really positive leader for Nottingham Forest."