All posts by h716a5.icu

It's been a summer of change in the Premier League, especially at Chelsea, as those in charge attempt to clear up the mess of last season's chaos, by welcoming Mauricio Pochettino.

Since the Argentine's arrival, the Blues have waved goodbye to a staggering 14 players in total, with some big names leaving, such as Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, and Mason Mount, all to Premier League rivals.

They have still splashed the cash too, most notably welcoming Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, whilst also completing a deal to sign AS Monaco's Axel Disasi, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Pochettino, among the chaos of the summer transfer window, must still find a new captain at Stamford Bridge, though, following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta.

Reece James may have dropped a pretty major hint as to who that new captain will be, however.

Will Reece James be the next Chelsea captain?

Taking to TikTok, James posted a compilation of his time at Chelsea, from the academy to the first-team, with the video seemingly centred around the captain's armband, and times that the defender has taken up the role for the London club. While he also added the caption "We only getting started".

Given the fact that he's been given the armband throughout pre-season, even lifting the Premier League Summer Series alongside Thiago Silva, it would come as little surprise if it was, indeed, James who was named the new Chelsea captain.

It would be a proud moment for all involved, with the right-back coming all the way through the academy and into the first team, before becoming one of the best players in his position in the world.

In such a young squad, Pochettino will be keen to identify some clear leaders ahead of what will be an important first season in charge of the club. If James is to receive the armband, then his new manager will hope to see the England international hit the ground running.

How have Chelsea performed in pre-season?

Becoming the first-ever team to win the Premier League Summer Series, against Brentford, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Fulham, it's fair to say that Chelsea's pre-season has been a success so far.

In the three games that they played during the series, Chelsea defeated Brighton 4-3, drew against Newcastle 1-1, and defeated Fulham 2-0. New arrivals Jackson and Nkunku netted two goals apiece in an impressive start to life in a Chelsea shirt.

To finish an impressive pre-season, the Blues will square off against Borussia Dortmund on 3 August, before getting their Premier League campaign underway with a tough test against Liverpool on 13 August.

If Pochettino's side can get off to a perfect start against the Reds, then they will set themselves up to enjoy a solid start to life under their new manager. It will certainly be a difficult opening game, but Chelsea's pre-season form has been more than encouraging enough to warrant hope.

The London club may well be one of the most interesting sides to watch in the coming campaign, with few knowing quite what to predict from a new, and much younger, Chelsea side in the coming months.

The bowling attacks of both teams have done well in the series so far but the difference has been Australia’s failure to execute with the bat

The Preview by Nikhil Kalro23-Sep-20171:19

Tait: Handscomb should be played in the middle order

Big PictureIn 11 completed innings during Australia’s previous ODI tour of India in 2013, 3569 runs were scored, at an average of 324.45 runs per innings. On this tour, 872 runs have been scored in two matches, including a 21-over innings in Chennai, an average of 218 per innings. If ODIs were a stock market, projected on a year-on-year graph, the batting standards would be the bull market and bowling, the not-so-scary bear. With the advent of T20s, that trend is changing. Bowlers are honing and executing their defensive skills better than ever before, and the balance between bat and ball is slowly being restored.An example is India’s bowling attack. All five bowlers are capable of bowling at any stage of an innings and can adapt their roles – holding an end up or attacking – to the situation of the match, the IPL contributing to this development. And Australia’s batsmen have failed to raise their own game, particularly against wristspin. They have scored 339 runs against pace and spin in this series for 19 wickets, an average of 17.84 per wicket.The same can be said of Australia’s bowlers, who have not allowed a strong Indian batting line-up to cross 300 – a benchmark modern-day ODI total – in either game. In Chennai, they dominated the first half of their bowling innings, and in Kolkata, the second half. Both teams’ bowling line-ups have delivered in tough bowling conditions, but the difference has only been Australia’s failure to execute with the bat. A flat surface in Indore may help. A win for India, meanwhile, in addition to clinching the series, can help them climb to No. 1 on the ICC rankings for ODI teams.Form guideIndia WWWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Australia LLLLLIn the spotlightHardik Pandya may be having the best year of his life: another terrific IPL season, a sensational debut Test series and now an indispensable cog in India’s limited-overs set-up. He has the attributes to be the seam-bowling allrounder India are yearning for. He is already one of the cleanest hitters in world cricket, he can hit 140 kmph and use the bouncer effectively. All those elements have already been seen in this series so far. Can he just build on that confidence?While the rest have been plagued by inconsistency, Steven Smith and David Warner have carried Australia’s batting on their backs over the past few years. Smith struck a measured half-century in Kolkata, while Warner has failed twice. Australia need them firing in Indore, not just for their runs, but also for the boost in morale they desperately need.Team newsAfter another failure in Kolkata, will India persist with Manish Pandey? If not, KL Rahul may come in at No. 4.India (probable): 1 Ajinkya Rahane, 2 Rohit Sharma, 3 Virat Kohli (capt), 4 Manish Pandey/KL Rahul, 5 Kedar Jadhav, 6 MS Dhoni (wk), 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Jasprit BumrahOn Saturday, Aaron Finch, recovering from a calf injury, batted in the nets for 20 minutes, testing shots off both feet, and running twos and threes between the wickets. Peter Handscomb also took the gloves during training. Both could come in at the expense of Hilton Cartwright and Matthew Wade, strengthening Australia’s weaker suit, their batting. They may also consider bringing back wristspinner Adam Zampa for fingerspinner Ashton Agar on a batting-friendly surface.Australia (probable): 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch, 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 Travis Head, 5 Peter Handscomb, 6 Glenn Maxwell, 7 Marcus Stoinis, 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Nathan Coulter-Nile, 10 Kane Richardson, 11 Adam Zampa/ Ashton AgarPitch and conditionsShort boundaries and a flat surface, that’s how ODIs have been played in India for the last few years. The Holkar Cricket Stadium may provide the first 300-plus score of the series, maybe even two. Also in a first for the series, rain is not expected to intervene.Stats and trivia In the last year, since September 2016, India’s top-seven batsmen have averaged 58.13 runs per wicket in ODIs, the best for any team. In contrast, Australia’s top seven average 33.26 runs per wicket Since the 2015 World Cup, India have used 11 batsmen at No. 4Quotes”It’s about that middle period, against the spinners, we have to look to rotate the strike, minimise damage and that’s what you try and do in any one-day format, doesn’t matter who is bowling.”
“When you end up winning matches even after scoring 240-ish totals, you establish yourself as the No. 1 team.”

Arsenal are in talks to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya and sell USA international shot-stopper Matt Turner to Nottingham Forest, according to reports.

Who will Arsenal sign?

Mikel Arteta has been seriously backed in this summer transfer window, with Arsenal spending over £200 million on three major signings so far.

The big one is England international star Declan Rice, who swapped West Ham for the Emirates Stadium in a deal worth a club-record £105 million (including £5 million in add-ons).

He joins both winger Kai Havertz, who signed for £65m from Chelsea, and versatile Netherlands international defender Jurrien Timber following his £38m Ajax transfer.

Despite their huge outlay, reports have suggested that the possibility of further signings is very likely, and it is believed sporting director Edu is looking firm up Arsenal's goalkeeping options.

Reliable media sources, like transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, have claimed that Brenford's Raya has already reached an agreement with Arsenal on personal terms.

Fellow reporter Pete O'Rourke, writing for Football Insider, echoes Romano's point that the Gunners are in talks to sign the Spaniard.

However, it appears Arsenal are plotting a one in, one out double transfer, as they're also in simultaneous negotiations to offload Turner to Nottingham Forest.

"Arsenal are in talks to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya and sell backup shot-stopper Matt Turner to Nottingham Forest," wrote O'Rourke.

"It is believed the framework of each deal is close to being agreed."

The report adds that Brentford have placed a £40 million price tag on Raya's head, while Turner comes as a Forest alternative target to Dean Henderson.

Despite being the USA's number one, Turner has been exclusively used as a backup option to Ramsdale, meaning Arsenal are happy to let him depart for the City Ground.

What's been said about David Raya?

Brentford boss Thomas Frank, commenting on Raya's first ever Spain call up last year, revered his keeper's "very aggressive" style of play and mentality.

"I think that mentality we all know, or mental state in the game, the mindset is so important," said Frank.

"So that's one thing you know you're only building stronger with your setbacks. You can't have a strong mentality if you don't have any setbacks.

"He's been on the radar from the Federation of Spain, I'm pleased to see him there. I think it shows definitely a lot of credit to him because there's a lot of good goalkeepers for Spain."

According to WhoScored, the "exceptional" Raya stood out as one of Brentford's best-performing players per 90, all while playing more league minutes than any other Bees player.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was also full of praise for the keeper's distribution in late 2021, coming after Raya wreaked havoc with some of his balls in behind the Reds.

“The goalkeeper could have the shirt with No 10,” the Liverpool manager said.

“He played a few incredible balls but it was the right thing to do against us today.”

Kenya’s win took them to fourth on the points table while Netherlands maintained first place

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Oct-2017
ICCCollins Obuya’s steady half-century shepherded Kenya to a two-wicket win against Netherlands in a chase that turned a bit shaky towards the end, courtesy Peter Borren’s two wickets late in the chase. The win moved Kenya to fourth on the tournament’s points table.A middling target of 225 was not the real challenge for Kenya as much as the regular wickets that fell in their chase. They began the last 10 overs needing 49 runs with five wickets in hand and the settled sixth-wicket pair of Obuya and Nelson Odhiambo, went about taking Kenya gradually closer. However, Netherlands had a glimmer when they dismissed Nelson and Gurdeep Singh in the space of a few overs. Obuya, however, thwarted those hopes with his second consecutive List A half-century against Netherlands. Obuya’s innings built on a stabilizing half-century from Dhiren Gondaria (69), who also made his second-successive List A fifty against Netherlands.Netherlands’ position at the top of the WCL Championship table was unaffected by the loss but they would rue the batting slump that prevented them from setting a higher target for Kenya. The openers, Stephan Myburgh and Wesley Barresi, had put together 120 runs in a little over 20 overs but Netherlands slumped once Barresi was out for a 74-ball 69: they went from 120 for 0 to 134 for 4 in a span of five overs, Shem Ngoche and Rakep Patel taking two each. Myburgh was also dismissed in that period for a 58-ball 50.Michael Rippon, who had a fifty in a win against Kenya two days back, fashioned a rescue act. His 75-ball 51 helped Netherlands eventually reach 224 for 9. Ngoche took his second List A five-for for returns of 4 for 33.The final matches of this round of the WCL Championship, between Hong Kong and Nepal, will be played on October 13 and 15 in Mong Kok.

Nottingham Forest have submitted a bid to Galatasaray for defender Victor Nelsson, according to reports, as Steve Cooper looks to bolster his defensive options ahead of the Premier League season.

The Midlands club haven't been afraid to splash the cash so far this summer, welcoming Antony Elanga, Ola Aina, and Matt Turner, as well as turning Chris Wood's initial loan deal permanent.

What's the latest on Victor Nelsson to Nottingham Forest?

The Premier League side have submitted a bid worth €18m (£16m), with bonuses seeing it potentially rise to €22m (£19m), according to Aksam, via Sport Witness, who have reported that Galatasaray are ready to accept the offer to fend off any future Financial Fair Play issues.

The Turkish side initially wanted the defender's €25m (£22m) release clause to be triggered, according to reports, but have seemingly been forced to settle for Forest's offer.

With the Premier League season getting underway, Steve Cooper will be keen to welcome Nelsson as soon as possible, in order to find his best starting line-up quickly and avoid a relegation battle.

Forest have, of course, been helped by the fact that the defender is willing to accept the move, with a reported desire to play in a bigger league such as England's top flight.

With that said, the deal is certainly one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.

Should Nottingham Forest sign Victor Nelsson?

Desperately hoping to avoid a dreaded case of second season syndrome, Nottingham Forest must welcome all the quality that they can get. And, whilst the focus has mainly been on attacking reinforcements this summer, with the arrival of Elanga particularly exciting, now could be the best time to reinforce their backline.

Last season, Forest conceded 68 goals – the fifth most in the league – highlighting just how much they could do with a central defender this summer, which is where Nelsson would come in.

For Galatasaray last season, the central defender made 35 appearances in all competitions, playing a crucial part as his side won the Turkish Super Lig in dominant fashion, securing the title by eight points. It perhaps sums up the power of the Premier League that Forest are in a position to target such players, after facing a relegation battle last season.

If they can secure the signature of the defender, Forest fans may breathe a sigh of relief, with their campaign getting underway with a trip to Arsenal in a difficult start. Whilst their attack is impressive, Forest's survival status could come down to whether the can remain firm defensively, something that Nelsson would certainly help.

Speaking on his side's summer business so far, Cooper told TalkSport, via Nottinghamshire Live: "We need more players, to be honest. We have to be open enough to talk about signings. I think quite rightly there was a feeling that we just signed a load of players. It was unique what happened last summer, and something that hasn't happened before.

"It ended up serving as a big motivation to me to make sure we succeeded where there was a feeling that we couldn't. We now are going through that normal process of having a squad and wanting to do better than last year."

Tim Paine, Cameron Bancroft and Shaun Marsh will replace Matthew Wade, Matt Renshaw and Glen Maxwell in Australia’s Ashes Test team to face England at the Gabba

Daniel Brettig16-Nov-2017Wicketkeeper Tim Paine, and batsmen Cameron Bancroft and Shaun Marsh have replaced Matthew Wade, Matt Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell in Australia’s Test team to face England at the Gabba. The squad for the first Ashes Test has raised plenty of eyebrows but bears the captain Steven Smith’s stamp of approval.Having been dropped himself as a younger player, Smith said he understood why the selectors did not feel they could risk choosing Renshaw in the midst of an early-season slump, while at the same time Bancroft had emerged from the pack by piling up 407 runs for twice out in his four most recent Sheffield Shield innings.Australia squad for first two Tests

Steven Smith (capt), David Warner (vice-capt), Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird, Chadd Sayers.

“I spoke to him last night actually and he was obviously disappointed to not be included in the squad, as you should be, you always want to be playing for Australia,” Smith said of Renshaw. “So for him it’s about going back and scoring as many runs as he can. I think he’s an incredibly talented player and I think he’s got a big future for Australia.”But he unfortunately hasn’t been able to get the runs on the board that the selectors wanted, and the Ashes isn’t a place where you need to be trying to find your form. I think it’s great what the selectors have done, they’ve gone with the guys that are in-form and if the top six are getting big runs for us, I’m confident our bowlers can do the job.”As for Bancroft, Smith said a double of 76 not out (when he carried his bat) and 86 against the Test attack for Western Australia against New South Wales at Hurstville had convinced him the 24-year-old was ready. “He’s been looked at for some time,” Smith said. “He was included on the tour to Bangladesh a couple of years go which didn’t go ahead, and I guess the selectors said at the start of the Sheffield Shield that there’s a bit of pressure on for some spots and guys that can put their hand up are going to be considered.”He’s one who I thought played particularly well against a Test attack, particularly the first innings, there was grass on the wicket and it was doing a bit. He’s got a lot of time as a batsman, he’s composed, probably tightened his technique up a lot since I saw him last and if he goes in with that same mindset in Test cricket then hopefully he can score some big runs for us at the top of the order.”Smith was also eager to resume a long-dormant partnership with Paine, who made his Test debut alongside none other than Smith in a match against Pakistan at Lord’s in 2010. “I’ve known Tim for a very long time,” he said. “He’s a guy with an incredible knowledge of the game, he has a great presence on the field and is a terrific gloveman. His inclusion may have come as a surprise to a lot of people but I’m excited what he brings to the team. I’m sure he’ll do a terrific job for us.”Smith had noted the intense lobbying of the WA coach Justin Langer, who vouched for Marsh being “in the form of his life” despite not averaging over 40 in the Shield over three matches. Marcus Stoinis was also considered in strong contention for the No. 6 position, but the death of his father this week after a long illness has taken the allrounder away from the game for the time being.”He’s been opening the batting, so No. 6 is a spot where you could potentially face the second new ball and he’s been doing that,” Smith said of Marsh. “He scored some good runs against us in Hurstville and he’s hitting the ball really well. I think Justin Langer’s saying for some time he’s been in the form of his life and it looked like he was batting incredibly well, so I’m confident in the six batters we’ve picked that they can do a terrific job.”The panel have also included the South Australian seam and swing bowler Chadd Sayers in a 13-man group, which will now assemble in Brisbane to prepare. Paine’s selection for his first Test match in more than seven years – and after he played as a batsman alongside Wade this week for Tasmania – is the headline move, while the decisions to reinstate Marsh and drop Renshaw will also generate heated debate.”Tim was identified as an international player a long time ago and has always been renowned as a very good gloveman, also performing well for us whenever he has represented Australia in any format,” selection chairman Trevor Hohns said. “His batting form in recent outings for the Cricket Australia XI and Tasmania has been good.”Matt Wade has been left out of the squad following some inconsistent performances with the gloves and lack of form with the bat. Unfortunately, his run of performances did not improve in the early rounds of Sheffield Shield and we have opted to make a change.”We still view Matthew [Renshaw] as a player of immense talent, but he is out of form at the moment and we don’t feel an Ashes Test match is the best place for him to find form. We would like him to go back to first-class cricket and push his name forward with the selection panel through big runs.”Hohns said that Bancroft had demanded his spot through weight of runs in recent weeks. “Cameron has been a player of interest to us for some time now, having been unlucky to miss out on the Test tour to Bangladesh that was cancelled in 2015,” Hohns said. “He is a very talented and tough cricketer who shows a good temperament for Test cricket.”He has thoroughly earned and deserves his call-up following some outstanding performances in the early rounds of the Sheffield Shield competition this season. Shaun is playing very well at the moment, having scored consistently in the One-Day Cup and first three rounds of the Sheffield Shield competition. He is a versatile player who can slot in anywhere in the batting order and will add valuable experience to the batting line-up.”Sayers, meanwhile, looks a likely inclusion for the second Test of the series in Adelaide, where he is a noted exponent of moving the pink ball under lights. “Chadd’s inclusion in the squad is with a view to the Adelaide Test and the conditions that we may see there,” Hohns said. “He swings the ball with good control and knows the conditions well at his home ground. He gives us this bowling option if required.”

Nottingham Forest are still on the search for new additions who can add much-needed quality to the squad this season, and now a fresh update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

Who do Nottingham Forest want to sign?

According to La Stampa (via TuttoJuve), Nottingham Forest are interested in signing star from Juventus this summer.

The player in question is Filip Kostic but Garibaldi chiefs are yet to make a concrete offer.

As per the report, the Serie A giants are willing to part ways with their player this summer to bolster funds and are commanding a €15m (£13m) fee to part ways with the Serbian.

What is Filip Kostic's play style?

The Juventus ace is an extremely versatile and dynamic left-sided player who can play as a left-back, left-winger or a flying left-wing back, with the latter being the most likely role he would be required to play at the City Ground.

Steve Cooper has a number of roles that he is looking to fill over the remaining weeks of the transfer window to ensure Forest can comfortably compete in the Premier League season and the pressure will be mounting after taking their first defeat of the campaign against Arsenal on Saturday.

As a result, the signing of Kostic would add huge quality and a wealth of experience to the team, providing Cooper with a strong creative outlet and dominant presence to work with this season.

The Serbia international – once hailed "extraordinary" by former Frankfurt sporting director Fredi Bobic – is one of the most underrated progressive and prolific wing-backs in the top five European leagues – ranking in the top 10% of positional peers for shots on goal, assists, shot-creating actions, progressive carries and progressive passes received.

As such, the Tricky Trees boss could even land his very own Ivan Perisic as the Tottenham Hotspur wing-back is named as one of the most comparable players to Kostic over the last 12 months, as per FBref.

When comparing Kostic's output to Perisic's last season, the Juve machine shared many similarities with the Spurs star including assists registered (8 v 8), shots on target rate (28.9% v 27.6%), pass completion (68.1% v 63.6%), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.21 v 3.20), goal-creating actions (0.41 v 0.47), successful take-ons (43.6% v 45%) and aerial duels won (50% v 50.8%).

It paints the picture that both are confident in possession with the ability to surge forward at will down the flanks.

Three-time Serie A winner Massimo Bonini waxed lyrical about Kostic in an interview, summarising his best qualities aptly:

“(Kostic) is a great player. He is good in one-v-ones. He creates a lot of assists, and is now also managing to score goals. He is always able to find the right time to cross the ball, despite the presence of defenders."

Meanwhile, former Frankfurt coach Oliver Glasner revealed the Serbian's strongest quality:

"Filip has the outstanding ability to see the free man in the middle under the highest pressure. And the technical quality to find him."

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Forest to secure Kostic's signature this summer as he could be the huge game-changer needed in the attacking threat on Trentside and could be the difference in competing in the top-flight or suffering another relegation scrap this season.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Julian Draxler has been a renowned player across Europe for some time now and Crystal Palace could be set to make a move for him, with a new update dropping news on talks between the clubs.

How old is Julian Draxler?

The German has enjoyed an excellent career for club and country, even though injuries have ultimately played a part in him not quite reaching his vast potential. That being said, he has still won 58 caps for Germany, scoring seven goals at international level, not to mention winning the 2014 World Cup.

Now 29 years of age, Draxler has been plying his trade at PSG since arriving from VfL Wolfsburg in 2017, making a total of 198 appearances for the Ligue 1 giants. Last season, he was sent out on loan to Benfica, however, and he was restricted to just ten games in the Primeira Liga.

The midfielder is out of contract at his current club next summer, meaning they could be keen to cash in on him before deadline day arrives next Friday night. If not, it means they will likely lose him on a free transfer in 2024, with an extension not expected to come his way, hence his loan move in 2023/24.

With Palace eyeing up some late business in the current transfer window, a potential move for Draxler looks to be on the cards, following an intriguing update.

Will Crystal Palace sign Julian Draxler?

Taking to Twitter, RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins claimed that Draxler is a summer target for Palace, as they eye up an audacious piece of business:

"Crystal Palace is interested in Julian Draxler. First contacts have taken place between Paris and the English club. The German, who has one year left on his contract, is enthusiastic about the idea of ​​​​going to London."

Granted, Draxler's career has gone the way he would have hoped, in terms of the injury layoffs and not becoming a genuine world-beater, but he could still be a really exciting signing by Palace this summer.

His talent is undeniable, having registered 41 assists and scored 26 goals for PSG, not to mention being called "world-class" by Jens Keller, and he could raise the level of everyone around him at Selhurst Park.

Draxler's contract situation means that Palace could also be able to snap him up for a cut-price amount, with PSG not in a particularly strong bargaining position, so it wouldn't necessarily be a financial risk, even given his injury record.

The fact that the player himself is keen on a move to the Eagles certainly bodes well, as he looks for a fresh challenge away from being a fringe player at PSG, and he could add that sprinkling of magic in attacking midfield, possessing the ability to open up defences and also chip in with goals of his own.

Draxler has scored 66 goals and got 80 assists in his professional career to date – that figure would be higher if he had been available more often – and that level of end product could make Palace a greater attacker force, at a time when goals can come at a premium.

Late blows from Steve O’Keefe and Ben Dwarshuis left Sydney Sixers needing eight off three balls, but Michael Neser sealed Adelaide Strikers’ second win with three yorkers

The Report by Alex Malcolm28-Dec-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsAdelaide Strikers belied expectations after holding their nerve against Sydney Sixers at the SCG.The Strikers were in control after high-quality innings from Alex Carey and Jonathan Wells and excellent Power-play bowling upfront left the Sixers needing 61 from 30 balls will no recognised batsmen left. But Steve O’Keefe, Johan Botha and Ben Dwarshuis found a way to reduce the equation to 22 off seven before O’Keefe and Dwarshuis hit consecutive sixes off Ben Laughlin and Michael Neser. Another well-run two made it eight runs off three balls but Neser responded with three pinpoint yorkers to secure the Strikers second straight win.Conversely, the talent-laden Sixers slumped to their third straight loss after their batting line-up failed to fire again.Lefties galore
The Strikers’ new-look top four is made up exclusively of left-handers. It allowed the Sixers to set up their attack specifically to counter them. The Sixers made several changes to the side that lost their first two matches. Moises Henriques was ill, with Botha standing-in as captain. Dwarshuis came in for Doug Bollinger as a like-for-like but the Sixers picked the extra right-arm off-spinner in Will Somerville specifically to counter the left-handers. Jake Weatherald has a poor record against left-arm quicks in the BBL and the trend continued after he skied a Dwarshuis short ball in the first over. Botha and Somerville were able to bowl six of the first 12 overs at Carey and Travis Head, conceding 40 runs between them and picking up Head. By the time Colin Ingram fell to Dwarshuis for a run-a-ball 15 the Strikers had only managed to score 7.23 per over through 13 overs and were headed towards a below-par total at the SCG.O’Keefe not used, Carey and Wells cash in
According to , Steve O’Keefe has the third-best economy rate at the SCG in the last three BBL seasons. Botha, understandably, did not use the left-arm spinner in the first 13 overs against the four left-handers. But when the right-handed Wells walked out, with one boundary significantly larger than the other, it seemed a perfect time to bring O’Keefe on. Instead, Botha opted for Somerville again. Wells nailed a sweep, with the turn, for four to get himself going. Wells and Carey put together an unbroken 74-run stand in the last seven overs to get the total up to 167 without facing a single delivery from O’Keefe.Carey displayed power and placement early to get to his maiden BBL half-century. But despite losing his timing late in the innings, his supreme fitness saw him sprint four twos and one three. He finished with an unbeaten 83 from 59 balls. Wells’ cameo was outstanding too. He hit two fours and a massive 104m six onto the roof of the Bill O’Reilly stand in the last four balls of the innings to finish with 33 not out from 19 balls.Strikers strike early again
Taking early wickets in the Powerplay has been Perth Scorchers’ modus operandi for years when defending totals. The Strikers look to have copied the blueprint, attacking with their seamers upfront. Billy Stanlake conceded just two runs in the first over. Jason Roy flicked him for a huge six in the third over, but Stanlake set the trap for Daniel Hughes tucking him up with two men back and Hughes picked out one of them on the boundary. Neser had Nic Maddinson nicking off with Carey completing an outstanding one-handed catch. Roy, who looked to be fighting his way out of a form slump, did not do his homework on Ben Laughlin, lofting a predictable slower ball first-up high to mid-off. The Sixers were 3 for 42 at the end of the Powerplay before spin was needed.Silk road too long
Jordan Silk did his best to make the chase interesting. In his first appearance for the season as a replacement for Henriques, he struck ball as sweetly as any batsman all night. He raced to 50 off 31 balls with seven classy boundaries. But when he chopped Rashid Khan onto his stumps all hope seemed lost.Rashid had earlier bowled the Sixers’ last recognised batsman in Sam Billings. Botha and O’Keefe kept hopes alive with a 17-run over off Neser. O’Keefe and Dwarshuis then raised heart-rates with two massive blows inside the last seven deliveries after Laughlin and Neser missed their lengths. But Neser found the mark with his last three to wrap up the Strikers’ win.

Tottenham Hotspur have made an offer to sign FC Porto attacker Pepe, with a report sharing how much a bid was worth and if it has been accepted.

What’s the latest Spurs transfer news?

Daniel Levy and Ange Postecoglou have been productive in the window so far, bringing in money after selling Harry Kane to Bayern Munich and spending around £165m on James Maddison, Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven, Dejan Kulusevski, Guglielmo Vicario, Alejo Veliz, Ashley Phillips and Manor Solomon.

However, Spurs’ incomings could hit double figures by the deadline, with Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge admitting the club want a new attacker and another defender before September 1.

“Yeah, I think Spurs could have a busy final week. I still think maybe two – I think three is probably pushing it.

“I know they would still like another defender and a forward, whether that’s a winger/forward, like I’ve said throughout the months, you don’t replace Harry Kane like for like and I don’t think Ange Postecoglou has any intention of replacing Harry Kane like for like as you simply can’t.

“So we’ll see what the forward options will be, but as I say for now, outgoings are very important.”

It looks as if one player of interest in the final third is Pepe, with an update claiming a bid has been made.

According to A Bola in the last 48 hours, Spurs made a proposal for Pepe worth €60m (£51.4m) broken down into a €45m (£38.6m) fee plus €15m (£12.8m) worth of add-ons.

However, the Portuguese side have turned down the offer from north London and will only let the player go if his €75m (£64.3m) release clause is met.

Spurs aren’t the only English side keen on Pepe, though, with rivals Arsenal also showing an interest this summer but right now, it appears as if the player will remain with Porto unless Spurs pay around £13m more.

Who is Pepe?

Pepe, lauded an “important” member of Porto’s first-team squad by journalist Fernando Campos, is primarily a left-winger but is extremely versatile.

The 25-year-old, valued at a career-high €25m by Transfermarkt, has played in eight different positions during his career so far, ranging from a centre-forward to a right-back.

The Brazilian made 145 appearances for former side Gremio in his native country, contributing to 52 goals before joining Porto in 2021. He is under contract in Portugal until 2027 and has featured on 100 occasions in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and registering 16 assists.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Despite a bid being turned down, a move to Tottenham for Pepe could still be one to keep an eye on, however, he isn’t the only attacking target on the north London radar.

Gent’s Gift Orban, Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson and Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun have all been linked with moves of their own to Spurs, as well as Lille’s Jonathan David and Brentford’s Ivan Toney.

It does look as if the club will push hard to secure a new attacker following this news on Pepe, but who that will be remains to be seen.