Nottingham Forest make their long-awaited comeback to the European stage this season and have a World Cup winner in their sights that they hope will join the party, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest await outcome on Morgan Gibbs-White conundrum

By now, everyone connected with the Tricky Trees will know Morgan Gibbs-White is at the centre of an impasse after Nottingham Forest threatened legal action after Tottenham Hotspur activated his release clause.

Ultimately, it remains to be seen if the England international will stay put. The summer window is far from over, and plenty of twists and turns remain despite his return to training and appearance against AS Monaco in a friendly last weekend.

Addressing his future, Ola Aina confirmed that Gibbs-White is maintaining a professional approach despite rumours surrounding his future at the City Ground.

He stated: “He’s keeping it professional; I don’t know the ins and outs of that. He was here today, playing, and he’s training, keeping fit as normal. At the end of the day, we’re all professionals – we’ve got a job to do and that’s what Morgan is doing right now. He’s keeping it professional.”

Regardless, Nottingham Forest are targeting a move for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, even if West Ham United have already submitted a £34 million offer to bring him to the London Stadium.

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The Tricky Trees are set to net a windfall…

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Nuno Espirito Santo and his side are awaiting the outcome of Crystal Palace’s appeal against Europa League expulsion. That may take a few weeks, though they are preparing for European football regardless, potentially paving the way for additions.

Now, with optimism growing in the East Midlands, there is every chance a World Cup winner could be on their way to join the Tricky Trees’ mission.

Nottingham Forest make contact to sign Nahuel Molina

According to reports in Spain via Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest have initiated contact with Atletico Madrid star Nahuel Molina’s camp, as it has become apparent that he is set to leave the Spanish capital this summer due to his non-EU status.

Marc Pubill has joined Diego Simeone’s men, leaving World Cup winner Molina free to explore a move elsewhere, which could occur in the form of a loan switch to the City Ground.

Nahuel Molina in La Liga – would he be a good signing for Nottingham Forest?

Appearances

93

Goals

6

Assists

8

The prospect of the 27-year-old coming to the East Midlands permanently also hasn’t been ruled out, and Nottingham Forest are at an advantage in their pursuit after Juventus decided to intensify their efforts to sign Porto’s João Mario.

Deemed to be on the ‘exit ramp’ at the Wanda Metropolitano, Molina is firmly in the sights of Espirito Santo and would arrive off the back of 46 outings last season across all competitions.

With the scene set for Nottingham Forest to pounce, it remains to be seen if they can tempt the Argentina international with the prospect of a shot at the Premier League.

Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr have now submitted an offer for a Manchester United star who is not wanted under head coach Ruben Amorim, according to a recent report.

Amorim confident Bruno Fernandes will have help this season

The Red Devils started their tour of the USA in an excellent manner, as they put in a strong display to earn a 2-1 win over West Ham United in what was their first of three games in the Premier League summer series.

United had captain fantastic Bruno Fernandes to thank for the victory, as the Portugal international netted in the opening five minutes from the penalty spot after a foul on Ayden Heaven. Then, Fernandes doubled their lead through a wonderful curled effort from outside the box to claim their first win of preseason 2025.

Fernandes has been heavily relied upon by United to be their creative force, but Amorim is now confident the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo will help the attacking midfielder in the upcoming campaign.

“He will have more help this season.

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“It’s impossible to play all the positions. Last year, I felt sometimes I pushed him back to have more possession in the build-up, and then we missed Bruno near the box. Cunha and Bryan have different characteristics.”

Al-Nassr submit bid to sign £52m Man Utd forward

As Amorim looks to gel Cunha and Mbeumo into the United team, the Red Devils have now been presented an opportunity to sell a player who is no longer needed. According to Foot Mercato, Al-Nassr have made an offer to sign Antony from Manchester United.

The report states that it is unknown how much Al-Nassr have offered, but United are holding out for a fee of €60 million for the Brazil international, which is roughly £52 million. Antony is under contract at Old Trafford until 2027, but he spent the second half of last season on loan at La Liga side Real Betis.

The 25-year-old, who earns a weekly wage of £200,000 at United, scored nine goals and recorded five assists in 26 games for Real Betis, but that form has done nothing to earn him a chance under Amorim. In fact, it was well publicised at the start of the summer transfer window that United are looking to sell Antony alongside other players such as Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, who has now joined Barcelona.

Apps

17

Starts

15

Goals

5

xG

2.87

Shots per game

2.5

Chance conversion

12%

Assists

2

Big chances created

8

Key passes per game

2.2

Antony has been at United since the summer of 2022, when he joined for a hefty price tag from Ajax, as former manager Erik ten Hag wanted to link up with the winger once again. However, the Brazilian failed to make the same impact as he did in the Netherlands, as he scored just 12 goals over three seasons.

The wicketkeeper-batter will continue to play BBL and other franchise T20 tournaments

Andrew McGlashan29-Oct-2024Matthew Wade has announced his retirement from international cricket and will immediately transition into a coaching role with Australia for the T20I series against Pakistan next month.Wade was part of Australia’s side at the T20 World Cup in June and it had been expected that tournament would mark the end of his international career after he was overlooked for the tour of the UK in September. In March he had retired from red-ball cricket after Tasmania’s run to the Sheffield Shield final.Related

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Wade will continue to play in the BBL for Hobart Hurricanes and some franchise tournaments around the world. He will also now work with what is a reasonably youthful Australia T20I squad which will be coached by Andre Borovec while Andrew McDonald and his other assistants preparing for the Test series against India. Wade will also spend time with Australia’s coaching group during the ODI series in an unofficial capacity.”I was fully aware my international days were most likely over at the end of the last T20 World Cup. My international retirement and coaching has been a constant conversation with George [Bailey] and Andrew [McDonald] over the past six months,” Wade said.”Coaching has been on my radar over the last few years and thankfully some great opportunities have come my way, for which I am very grateful and excited.”Overall, Wade played 36 Tests, 97 ODIs and 92 T20Is for Australia between 2011 and 2024. He was a key figure in their T20 World Cup title in the UAE in 2021 where he became a finisher, hitting an unbeaten 41 off 17 balls in the semi-final against Pakistan.Finest hour: Matthew Wade was a star of Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup title•ICC via Getty Images”As my international career closes, I want to thank all of my Australian team-mates, staff and coaches,” he said. “I enjoyed the ride as challenging as it can be at international level. Without good people around me I would have never got as much out of myself as I did.”I also thank my family, mum, dad and sisters for the countless hours they put in over the years getting me to games and training.”Lastly to Julia and the kids. I can’t thank them enough for the sacrifices they have made for me to continue to pursue my dreams. No words can explain how grateful I am to them, none of this would have happened without their support.”Wade’s Test career ended in 2021, during India’s previous tour, after he had made a successful return to the side as a specialist batter for the 2019 Ashes where he scored two centuries. His last ODI also came in 2021 when he briefly returned to the team after a gap of four years during the tour of West Indies in the Covid period.”Congratulations to Matthew on what has been a wonderful international career during which his skill and versatility has made him an outstanding performer across all formats,” Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said.”I’m delighted he will add to his massive contribution by coaching the next generation of stars and also continuing to light up the Big Bash with the Hobart Hurricanes.”

Aston Villa have now made contact with the agents of an “unbelievable” £60m star, in order to assess whether he would be keen on a move to Villa Park this summer, according to a report.

Villa eyeing new striker amid Watkins uncertainty

It is no surprise that Ollie Watkins continues to be linked with a move away from Villa, given that the striker has performed very well for Villa in each of his last five Premier League campaigns.

Season

PL appearances

Goals

Assists

2020-21

37

14

5

2021-22

35

11

2

2022-23

37

15

6

2023-24

37

19

15

2024-25

38

16

8

Arsenal are well-known to be admirers of the England international, but the Gunners are now closing in on the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, which could open the door for the centre-forward to join a different club, and he has now been identified as Manchester United’s top target.

Although United were once again way below par in the 2024-25 campaign, moving to Old Trafford clearly remains an attractive proposition, with Matheus Cunha joining the Red Devils this summer, so there is a possibility that Watkins could be tempted by a move.

Should the 29-year-old depart, it would exacerbate the need for Unai Emery to bring in a new striker this summer, and Aston Villa are now stepping up their pursuit of Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, according to a report from Football Insider.

Having recently opened talks with the Blues, the Villans have now made contact with Jackson’s entourage to assess whether he would be keen on making a move to Villa Park this summer, after an up-and-down year in west London.

Emery is known to be a big admirer of the Chelsea ace, and the Villa boss believes he has the potential to develop into one of the Premier League’s leading forwards.

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ByDominic Lund Jul 15, 2025 "Unbelievable" Jackson could be exciting signing for Villa

Emery knows the ex-Villarreal man very well, having spent time working with him at the La Liga club, and the manager clearly holds his former player in high regard, given his eagerness to bring him to Villa Park.

Trusting Emery has helped transform Aston Villa from a struggling side into European regulars, and there are signs the manager may also be correct about the Chelsea forward, given that he’s averaged over one goal contribution every other game in the Premier League.

Peter Crouch has also been left impressed by the Senegal international, lauding him as “unbelievable”, despite admitting the striker has been a little wasteful at times, having become well-known for missing a lot of chances.

That said, Emery clearly believes he can help turn Jackson into a top striker, so he could be a solid long-term signing for Villa, but a deal is unlikely to be cheap, with Chelsea thought to be holding out for a fee of around £60m.

Ben Manenti has masterminded a 4 for 7 collapse to spin South Australia into a strong position at the halfway stage of their Sheffield Shield match against Victoria at Adelaide Oval.The offspinner was the central figure behind the visitors’ 45-delivery collapse from 59 for 0 to 66 for 4 in the middle session, before wicketkeeper Sam Harper saved his side from embarrassment, joined in the middle late in the evening by Peter Siddle.Related

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Manenti had Jonathan Merlo caught at backward square leg by Lloyd Pope, before bowling Ashley Chandrasinghe, then taking a sharp catch at second slip to dismiss Campbell Kellaway. Manenti dismissed Peter Handscomb, squeezing a catch to Henry Hunt at short leg, and added Tom Rogers to his list, miscuing a pull shot to Pope at backward point.Victoria captain Will Sutherland feathered a catch to wicketkeeper Alex Carey, as did Mitchell Perry, Liam Scott striking immediately with the second new ball.Harper, who has looked in decent touch, remained the key scalp for SA.In the corresponding fixture last summer, Harper thumped nine sixes in an astonishing 151 off 109 balls to lead Victoria to a thrilling, low-scoring victory.”We’ve still got to get these last three wickets,” Manenti said after stumps on Saturday. “Harps is batting nicely and Sids has been around for years – he can obviously chip in as well.”Get these last three, then get to work with the bat and give ourselves a real good shot tomorrow afternoon or early day four to have a crack and put ourselves in a position to win it.”After resuming at 286 for 9 overnight, SA’s stubborn tail frustrated the Victorian attack on the second morning before their innings concluded when No.11 Pope, who scored a personal-best 17, edged Cameron McClure to Harper.Evergreen ex-Test quick Siddle, who turns 40 this month, was the pick of Victoria’s bowlers, capturing 3 for 57.

انطلقت منافسات الجولة السادسة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2025/26، يوم السبت، حيث تعرض مانشستر يونايتد للهزيمة أمام برينتفورد بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف.

وحقق مانشستر سيتي فوزًا على خصمه بيرنلي بثلاثة أهداف لهدف، على ملعب “الاتحاد” في الجولة نفسها.

وتعرض ليفربول لهزيمة قاتلة على يد كريستال بالاس، بهدفين لهدف على ملعب “سيلهرست بارك” في الجولة ذاتها، عصر يوم السبت.

كما عانى تشيلسي من الهزيمة في الجولة المذكورة على يد برايتون بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف، واقتنص توتنهام نقطة التعادل أمام ولفرهامبتون في الوقت القاتل.

وتمكن آرسنال من تحقيق فوز قاتل على خصمه نيوكاسل يونايتد بهدفين لهدف في الجولة ذاتها. ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي

1- ليفربول، 15 نقطة.

2- آرسنال، 13 نقطة.

3- كريستال بالاس، 12 نقطة.

4- توتنهام، 11 نقطة.

5- سندرلاند، 11 نقطة.

6- بورنموث، 11 نقطة.

7- مانشستر سيتي، 10 نقاط.

8- تشيلسي، 8 نقاط.

9- إيفرتون، 8 نقاط.

10- برايتون، 8 نقاط. 

11- فولهام، 8 نقاط.

12- ليدز يونايتد، 8 نقاط.

13- برينتفورد، 7 نقاط.

14- مانشستر يونايتد، 7 نقاط.

15- نيوكاسل يونايتد، 6 نقاط.

16- أستون فيلا، 6 نقاط.

17- نوتينجهام فورست، 5 نقاط.

18- بيرنلي، 4 نقاط.

19- وست هام، 4 نقاط.

20- ولفرهامبتون، نقطة.

ويمكن متابعة ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2025/26، محدث بشكل مستمر من هنا.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has a key decision to make about the future of a big-name player this summer, with Premier League rivals now looking at tempting him with a move away.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jul 31, 2025

Berta’s key priority right now, according to Fabrizio Romano, is sealing some outgoings to balance the books – having already spent over £200 million on new additions this window.

Gyokeres is their latest official capture after he sealed a long-awaited £64 million move from Sporting CP last weekend, joining Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera.

Eze would be a fine addition to this already-impressive crop of exceptional new talent, and Arsenal are believed to have already held initial talks with Crystal Palace. However, going by Romano’s update, exits will be necessary before they can formally bid.

Leandro Trossard faces a reported uncertain future at Arsenal given the Belgian has now entered the final 12 months of his contract. According to recent reports, Arsenal could sell Trossard this summer, rather than lose him for free in 2026.

The winger has offers to leave England with Borussia Dortmund keen (Florian Plettenberg), and Trossard isn’t the only forward who could quit before deadline day.

Reports earlier this month, specifically from talkSPORT, claimed Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr hold a serious interest in Gabriel Martinelli and were considering a £73 million bid, which would double Arsenal’s club-record sale of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool in 2017.

£265,000-per-week striker Gabriel Jesus is another nominee for Berta’s chopping block, especially following Gyokeres’ arrival.

Arsenal poised to accept Gabriel Jesus offer as Premier League rivals line up

Jesus has attracted serious interest from Flamengo, according to recent reports from Brazil, with the 28-year-old also open to leaving the Emirates.

Right now, Jesus is in recovery from a crippling ACL rupture which ended his 2024/2025 season, and that potentially makes finding an outright buyer pretty difficult.

Nevertheless, according to well-connected former chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at Man United during their most successful period, top flight rivals are keen on signing Jesus from Arsenal.

“Arsenal are going to accept an offer for Jesus if their price is met.

“I think his best days are behind him, but he was still a reliable squad player at Arsenal until now. He hasn’t pulled up any trees, but he’s done alright. I think the thing for Arsenal has been that they need better than ‘alright’ and that’s why they’ve now gone out and spent all that money on Gyokeres.

“With him and Havertz there, it’s difficult to see where Jesus would fit in their plans.

“I hear there’s interest from a few teams in the Premier League, so that would be a good option. From his point of view, he’s going to want to go somewhere he can play at a high level but also play regular football, because he won’t get that at Arsenal.

“And from the club’s point of view, if they can make good money from him, they can spend it elsewhere. It’s the type of deal I think could work for all parties.”

The former Man City star signed for around £45 million on a long-term deal back in 2022, but has struggled to become that ’25 goal per season’ striker despite periods of excellent form.

Jesus enjoyed a real purple patch just last season, but that was immediately followed by his long-term injury in what was real bad luck for the ex-Palmeiras sensation. With just two years remaining on his deal, now could be the right time to sell Jesus if any suitor is prepared to take the plunge.

Tottenham are now targeting a Premier League star who’s rejected several attempts from his club to agree a contract extension, according to a fresh report, with the player also very keen to play in the Champions League.

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Spurs have a few key areas of Thomas Frank’s squad they still wish to strengthen before deadline day on September 1.

After missing out on Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White in bizarre fashion, the north Londoners remain in pursuit of fresh attacking options to instill some much-needed creativity.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

According to some reports, Tottenham have held talks with intermediaries over an audacious move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, which would potentially require chairman Daniel Levy to shatter the club’s transfer record (AS).

A new number six is also possible, if Spurs make room in their squad by selling a midfielder (Alasdair Gold), with reliable media sources confirming that Bayern Munich and former Fulham star, Joao Palhinha, is on their list of targets.

Another area to look out for is at centre-half, despite Frank’s current abundance of defenders.

Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Radu Dragusin and Luka Vuskovic are on Tottenham’s books right now, but the latter two may not be solid options to call upon ahead of the new season.

Vuskovic is still raw and could go out on loan again, as is the case with Ashley Phillips after he sealed a return to Stoke City, while Dragusin is still in recovery from a crushing ACL injury.

Tottenham were forced to utilise teenager Archie Gray as a makeshift centre-half amid their injury nightmare under Ange Postecoglou last season, and Frank will be very keen not to suffer the same fate as his predecessor.

Spurs are believed to remain contenders for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi as a result, coming after they had a mammoth £70m offer rejected for the Englishman in January, but he isn’t the only Premier League stalwart on Levy’s agenda.

Tottenham eye Brighton contract rebel Jan Paul van Hecke

According to Voetbal International and reporter Joost Blaauwhof, Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke is attracting interest from N17 too.

The Dutchman’s form last season prompted a call to the Netherlands international team, whilst also winning Brighton’s Player of the Season award following a stellar 2024/2025.

Brighton, for their part, are desperate to agree an extension and have made ‘several’ new deal offers. Fabian Hurzeler’s side were even prepared to table a record-breaking new contract by making van Hecke the highest-paid player in their history.

However, the 25-year-old has no interest in committing his future, and he’s firmly set his sights on a move away.

According to Voetbal, Tottenham are eyeing a move for van Hecke alongside Newcastle, with the former NAC Breda sensation dreaming of moving to a Champions League side.

Tony Bloom and co have priced van Hecke at around £43m, which could be seen as amazing value considering both his age and proven top-level experience. Just two years remain on the player’s current contract, though, so there is scope for Levy to even whittle down this price tag.

Despite only just signing Joao Palhinha, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly back in the market for a midfielder and in pole position to sign a La Liga star this summer.

Frank "surprised" by Palhinha deal

After securing a loan deal with an option to buy worth around £26m, Spurs may have just landed an underrated bargain by signing Palhinha. The Bayern Munich midfielder may have endured a tough year in Germany, but it was only two seasons ago that he thrived under Marco Silva at Fulham. And now, he could be the perfect fit for Thomas Frank.

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Instantly full of praise for his new arrival, Frank admitted his surprise over Bayern’s decision to open the door for Palhinha’s exit just one year after securing his signature.

The Spurs boss told reporters: “Yeah, I was a bit surprised. Bayern went hard for him for two years and for whatever reason, which I actually don’t care about because we can get him, it was an opportunity for us.

“Sometimes everything goes a little bit in circles. Sometimes it is impossible to get a number nine. Sometimes it is impossible to get a number six. Sometimes it is impossible to get a right-back. At this moment in time, there are not many clear number sixes in the market so we are quite lucky to get him.”

“I think he is a top player. He impressed everyone in the Premier League in the two years he was with Fulham. He is a regular for Portugal. Whatever the reason [Bayern let him go maybe] is the coach, the culture, the club, himself. Sometimes it is difficult to say. My concern is that he wanted to come and we wanted him to come.”

That said, the Lilywhites may not be done there with midfield additions. Alongside Palhinha, reports are now suggesting that they could welcome a second familiar face back to the Premier League.

Tottenham willing to submit Gallagher offer

According to reports in Spain, Tottenham are now willing to submit an offer worth €50m (£44m) to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid this summer. The England international is reportedly free to leave the Spanish club this summer and it is those in North London who are in pole position to secure his signature.

Minutes

1,633

673

Goals

3

0

Tackles Won P90

1.77

1.87

Ball Recoveries P90

5.91

2.27

Unlike Palhinha in his first season away from the Premier League, Gallagher received ample game time at Atletico last season. But even after with that game time, he is seemingly destined to suffer the same exit fate as the Portuguese midfielder.

A player who Frank Lampard once dubbed an “amazing character”, Gallagher could now be on his way back to the Premier League and on his way to former London rivals Spurs.

Afridi, Naseem and Rauf restricted the hosts to 140 before Pakistan completed a smooth chase in the decider

Tristan Lavalette10-Nov-2024

Shaheen Shah Afridi returned three wickets despite hurting his hand during Australia’s innings•Getty Images

Completing a remarkable revival, having been engulfed in turmoil ahead of the tour, Pakistan claimed a rare series triumph in Australia after a comprehensive eight-wicket victory on a bouncy Optus Stadium surface in the third and final ODI.Having lost a heartbreaker in the opener at the MCG, Pakistan rebounded brilliantly with almost flawless performances in Adelaide and Perth to completely overwhelm world champions Australia, who have plenty of question marks ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.It was Pakistan’s first series victory in Australia since 2002 and a result made more incredible given white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten quit just a week before the tour amid well-worn Pakistani turmoil.But Pakistan appeared galvanised under Jason Gillespie, their Australian Test coach who is filling the shoes of Kirsten, and were ignited by a rampant four-pronged attack that routed a shorthanded Australia without their Test stars for 140 in just 31.5 overs.There were no infamous wobbles for Pakistan, who romped home in the 27th over.Australia capped a sluggish series with a sloppy performance in the field. Opener Saim Ayub had an early reprieve, while Adam Zampa spilt a sitter at deep square leg to reprieve Abdullah Shafique as Australia faced the humiliating prospect of a first ever 10-wicket ODI loss at home.But Lance Morris, who showcased his trademark pace by hitting speeds in the mid-140 kph, at least saved Australia from an unwanted place in the record books with the wickets of Shafique and Ayub in the 18th over.Lance Morris dismissed the two openers in one over•Getty Images

Interim captain Josh Inglis opted not to use Morris until the 15th over with allrounder Marcus Stoinis surprisingly given the new ball alongside Spencer Johnson.Skipper Mohammed Rizwan and Babar Azam, his predecessor, were nerveless with a flurry of boundaries to complete a match that finished two hours ahead of the scheduled close time.It completed a memorable first series in charge for Rizwan, who had no hesitation to bowl first and his decision was vindicated. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah claimed three wickets apiece, while in-form Haris Rauf finished with 2 for 24 as his sheer speed once again shook up the batters.Numerous batters succumbed to hostile short balls, while allrounder Cooper Connolly had to retire hurt on 7 after copping a blow to his left hand attempting to pull Mohammad Hasnain. He was taken for scans and did not field in Pakistan’s innings.Pakistan’s attack smartly did not get carried away with the bounce on offer as their quicks bowled unrelenting line and lengths to totally smother Australia, who once again would be disappointed with their shot selections on a surface that was not a minefield. No Australia batter scored a half-century across the series.Pakistan entered in the unfamiliar position of favourites in a country where they have endured so much misery over the years.Their optimism was heightened by Australia making five changes after skipper Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Marnus Labuschagne were rested as they start to prepare for the first Test against India.Australia had to rejig their batting-order, but openers Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk remained at the top of the order and desperate to fire having struggled across the opening two games.They appeared intent on backing their ultra-aggressive methods and scored 12 runs in the opening over. But things quickly went downhill with Fraser-McGurk caught at second slip after attempting to drive a good length delivery from Naseem.Josh Inglis gives the team talk on captaincy debut•Getty Images

He failed to move his feet in a dismissal that is common in Perth and his wicket brought to the crease allrounder Aaron Hardie, who was elevated to No. 3 in a role he fulfils with aplomb for Perth Scorchers in the BBL. Even though he was on his home ground, Hardie looked nervous and fell in a moment of indecisiveness and edged to second slip in a reward for Afridi, who conjured beautiful seam movement.The pressure was on Inglis, who was already amid a big day in his captaincy debut having been earlier selected in Australia’s 13-member squad for the Perth Test against India. Inglis has often performed a rescue role for Scorchers in the BBL, but he couldn’t get going and skied a short Naseem delivery to Rizwan.Short managed to get through the early barrage as he set his sights on furthering his bid to become Australia’s permanent ODI opener. But on 22 he picked out square leg to gift a wicket to Rauf, who was feeling giddy at his good fortune.Rauf ramped up his speed and claimed Glenn Maxwell for a duck as Australia stared down the barrel of being routed for under 100. The only momentary concern for Pakistan was Afridi grimacing in agony after being whacked on his left thumb taking a throw at the stumps.But he returned and was faced with a counterattack from Sean Abbott, who top-scored with 30. But Afridi ended Abbott’s resistance and then knocked over Morris to send the large contingent of Pakistan fans in the terraces into raptures and they continued to roar through the afternoon.