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The triple century was scored with speed and vitality, supreme fitness, and outstanding concentration

Daniel Brettig in Adelaide30-Nov-2019How remarkable was David Warner’s 335 not out, the highest Test score at Adelaide Oval, and the second-highest score ever by an Australian in Test cricket?It was an innings big enough to take him past the iconic 334s of Sir Donald Bradman, whose name adorns the pavilion into which he walked at its end, and Mark Taylor, who applauded warmly from a radio commentary box at the achievement of his fellow left-handed opening batsman.It was scored with speed and vitality, supreme fitness, and outstanding concentration in conditions that, while not unpleasant for batting, were no picnic. Unpredictable enough that a batsman as well set as Marnus Labuschagne, on 162, was clean bowled between bat and pad, and helpful enough for Australia’s pacemen that Pakistan would slide to 6 for 96 by the close.Most remarkable, though, is the fact that this innings took place at all.ALSO READ: David Warner becomes seventh Australian in triple-ton clubOne of Justin Langer’s first – of innumerable – meetings after his appointment as Australian coach in May last year had a simple, vital premise: to hear all that he could hear about the Newlands scandal, and to ponder how Warner might be readmitted to the Australian team.Steven Smith and Cameron Bancroft were not central subjects of this discussion, for there was little doubt that they would return to the fold once eligible. Warner, as has been the case so often in his career, was the wildcard, after he had been isolated by Cricket Australia as the figure on whom most blame was publicly placed. Fair or not, this focus had made the journey back so much harder, and the public attacks on Warner so much more intense.With time, and perspective, views of Warner have cooled from that pitch of desperation and assumption. Whatever the rights and wrongs of Cape Town, he had so often acquiesced to the Australian team’s demands in the past; he had always batted for team first; he was still one of the most gifted opening batsmen Australia have ever had. So he started on the road to selection and acceptance, keeping quiet when Smith and Bancroft made far more noise in exile, and wearing the fact that, in contrast to the other two, he was banned for life from any leadership role.It was around March 2019 that Warner began seriously preparing for his international return, having observed a summer in which it was patently obvious that Australian cricket was not so chock full of quality batsmen that it could discard him.ESPNcricinfo LtdHe was to arrive via an IPL in which he hammered the world’s best T20 bowlers and looked very much like his old self, only hungrier and leaner. Quite a return to major cricket, this was also something of a false dawn: Warner was unable to dominate the World Cup, though he scored plenty of runs at a more sedate tempo, and he was unable to have any impact at all on the Ashes, repeatedly confounded by Stuart Broad even as Smith turned in the finest series of his career.Worries and questions swirled, not exactly about Warner’s place in the Australian team, but about where his story might go next. Sponsors and broadcasters who had rushed back to Smith still kept their distance; the selection chairman Trevor Hohns openly queried how he might fare when asked questions from around the wicket by other international bowlers; journalists still wondered whether Warner might be received by more boos than cheers on home soil.Adelaide, as it happens, provided the first flash of promise for Warner this summer, as he hustled his way to a first-up century in a T20I against Sri Lanka. The confidence derived from this innings gradually built into a powerful wave of poise and performance as he recalled the sort of dominance he had previously enjoyed on home shores. It was building, steadily, towards something, somewhere. Unfortunately for Pakistan, Warner found the return visit to Adelaide Oval to be to his liking.Moment of history: David Warner brings up his triple century•Getty Images and Cricket AustraliaLike most innings of this magnitude, Warner’s had a background (how he got there) and a foreground (how he did it). The foreground at Adelaide Oval was the way in which he called, ran, backed up and bullied Pakistan’s fielders, unrelentingly. Daring them to run him out, and ultimately defeating their will to do so. Having seen off the early attempts of Mohammad Abbas and Shaheen Afridi to threaten him in similar areas to Broad, Warner grew progressively more confident and pugilistic in his pursuit of boundaries, yet he still scored only 162 of 335 runs by reaching or clearing the rope. Instead, he was all fitness and engine, batting as ironman race.And what could be more fitting than that, given the long and productive relationship with his wife Candice, a former ironwoman. The moment Warner started preparing for an innings of this kind dates back to the very first year of their union. In 2013, not too long after they got together, Warner was hitting balls with his longtime mentor Trent Woodhill.Tired and ready for a break after an hour, Warner and Woodhill started packing up, only to be asked by Candice why the session had been so short. No-one taught Warner more about the value of physical stamina and the diligence required to achieve it than Candice did, and there was every indication that, even in the darkest moments of 2018, this quality helped to keep Langer convinced that he should return to the national team.”I love the way he plays his cricket,” Langer had said back in May 2018. “The way he runs between the wickets, the way he fields, the way he bats – they’re things that for the less-trained eye, you might not respect as much. Has he got areas to get better at? Yep … we’ve all got areas we can get better at.”So it was entirely fitting that Candice would be in the crowd of 33,943 at Adelaide Oval to witness Warner march off towards the Sir Donald Bradman Pavilion with a higher Test score than its namesake, and with every indication that he could have batted long enough to double his 335 not out had Australia not been pressing for victory against an uncertain weather forecast.Warner was fresh enough, in fact, to walk straight back out after a ten-minute changeover with team-mates to take the first catch of Pakistan’s innings, ahead of a passage that underlined that this pitch was far from placid. He had played a remarkable innings all right, remarkable for its existence as much as for its conception.

Manchester United have made “aggressive” £40 million star a top target ahead of this summer but face competition from Chelsea, who are also readying a bid, according to a new report.

Onana calls for Man Utd to stick together as summer window approaches

It was a Manchester derby to forget for both sides on Sunday afternoon, as while the Red Devils will consider themselves unlucky not to score, neither did enough to win the game. United goalkeeper Andre Onana wasn’t called into much action during the 90 minutes, and he believes the club needs to take positives in what is “not an easy situation” at this moment.

“We have to take positives [from the match] as it is not an easy situation at the moment, and we have to stick together,” Onana told BBC Radio Manchester.

The goalkeeper then went on to say that they know the priority is the Europa League and winning that competition. United know winning that competition would not only bring Ruben Amorim his first trophy at Old Trafford, but it would also place them in next season’s Champions League.

Man Utd now submit £64m bid for "powerhouse" who's told Arsenal to sign him

INEOS are looking to beat Arsenal and Chelsea to the signing of a star player this summer.

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By
Brett Worthington

Apr 7, 2025

Man Utd make £40m Ipswich star Delap their top transfer target

As the current United team have their eyes set on victory in the Europa League, the club’s board are slowly turning their attention to the summer and what business they wish to conclude. According to ESPN, Man United have made Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap their preferred target for the centre-forward position this summer.

The report states that United have placed Delap, who bagged his 12th goal in the Premier League over the weekend, over the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko when it comes to signing a new striker this summer.

That is because the Red Devils will be able to sign Delap for around £40-50 million this summer if Ipswich were to be relegated to the Championship. That means he would be a cheaper option than what Sporting CP want for Gyokeres or what Napoli want for Osimhen.

However, United are not alone in the race to sign Delap, as Chelsea are also considered to be interested in the striker, and it’s been reported that the Blues already have a £50 million bid ready ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

Signing a new striker is considered a priority for United, and Delap, who has been dubbed “aggressive” by former United captain Roy Keane, would be a risk for the Premier League side, as he’s not played for a big team before despite coming through the ranks at Man City.

However, he has 12 top flight goals to his name this season, two of which have come in the last two games against AFC Bournemouth and Wolves, and that has been achieved in a side that looks destined for relegation, so Amorim will believe his scoring instinct and ability to be a threat in the air can excel further at Old Trafford.

Liverpool have held discussions for a £50m star who has recently praised both Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool announce new Salah contract with Van Dijk to follow

The Reds officially announced a new contract for Salah on Friday morning, with the Egyptian penning a fresh two-year deal at Anfield.

Talking about staying at the club, Salah said: “Of course I’m very excited – we have a great team now. Before we also had a great team. But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football.

“I have played eight years here, hopefully it’s going to be 10. I’m enjoying my life here, enjoying my football. I have had the best years of my career here.”

The good news looks set to keep on coming away the pitch for Arne Slot, with Van Dijk to follow suit and extend his Liverpool contract for a further two years like Salah.

The news on Salah and Van Dijk will allow Liverpool to put their focus on preparing for the summer transfer market, and it looks as if they have made a move for an in-demand Premier League target who could end up partnering the Dutch defender.

Liverpool in talks for £50m Bournemouth star Huijsen

According to the reliable David Ornstein for The Athletic, Liverpool have held talks with the representatives of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.

Alongside the Reds, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham have also been in touch for the Spain international who is available for £50m this summer.

“Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, Tottenham have all met Dean Huijsen representatives ahead of decision being made on 19yo centre-back’s future. Bournemouth & player want swift outcome. Release clause £50m.”

The 19-year-old only made the move to England from Juventus last summer and has been a regular under Andoni Iraola, making 25 top-flight appearances for the Cherries.

Liverpool now in pole position to sign £80m+ star who dominated Bayern

The Reds could make quite the statement.

By
Tom Cunningham

Apr 11, 2025

Huijsen has come up against Liverpool twice this season and the centre-back has actually called Salah his toughest opponent.

“I think Salah because he has the ability to create stuff but he also has the ability to be in the right spot all the time to get an assist, to get a goal.

“Even against us, he scored two goals but out of nowhere. It was a dribble and he’s just curled it into the top corner. Plus a penalty, obviously, and penalty you have to score it still. But the second goal, he’s just dribbled and put it into the top corner and it’s just so easy. Even if he doesn’t manage to play a great game on the eye, he will still provide. He’s always there.”

Huijsen also praised Van Dijk, saying: “Obviously I wasn’t one-vs-one playing against him, but just seeing him on the pitch… he’s so impressive. He has an aura. He just stands there and he’s so tall, so strong. He’s a great player to be honest.”

Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement to sign a new forward in a similar transfer to the one that brought Paul Pogba to Old Trafford over 15 years ago.

Man Utd prepare for Europa League semi-final with Athletic Club

All of Ruben Amorim’s focus for the remainder of the season will be on the Europa League, with the Red Devils in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

A 1-0 defeat to Wolves at Old Trafford last time out included a side which had 20-year-old Tyler Fredricson and 18-year-old Harry Amass in the starting XI.

Amorim was true to his word by playing some inexperienced Red Devils youngsters from the off in the top flight as they prepare for a semi-final with La Liga side Athletic Club, looking to reach the final in Bilbao.

Following Man Utd’s Europa League quarter-final win over Lyon, Amorim said: “It’s not the best moment or the best season to put some kids to play because they need a strong base to really show what they can do, but in this moment we need to do it.

“And sometimes you have surprises. Ayden just played – and I can be honest, because we had a lot of injuries at that moment – but today I think of Ayden as my player. So when he’s ready – and of course he’s facing competition in the team to do so – he’s ready to play, so you don’t know.

“Amass did really well [against Lyon]. Chido, when he played he played quite well. It’s a difficult moment, it’s not the right moment for the kids to play, but if we have to do it we will do it.”

Top target: Man Utd pushing to sign "incredible" £313k-p/w Barcelona star

The Red Devils are willing to make a huge bid for a Barcelona player this summer.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 23, 2025

The club appear to be planning for the long run with deals for Chido Obi, Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu over the last 12 months, and by the looks of things, they are close to signing another talented teenager.

Man Utd reach agreement to sign forward in transfer similar to Pogba

According to reports from France, Man Utd have reached an agreement with Le Havre striker Enzo Kana-Biyik ahead of a cut-price move to Old Trafford this summer.

Le Parisen state that after ‘very advanced discussions’, Man Utd have ‘obtained the agreement of the player and his family’ to move to England. However, for the 2025/26 season, Kana-Biyik is set to be loaned out to FC Lausanne-Sport, a Swiss club also owned by INEOS.

Kana-Biyik is a centre-forward who, like Pogba, looks set to join Man Utd from Le Havre’s academy. He appears to be a future star, with Man Utd Forever on X stating that the 18-year-old is a ‘Christopher Vivell kind of a signing’, while hailing the forward’s “composure in front of goal”, “instinctive finishing” and “technical skills”.

After overseeing yet another Wrexham promotion – their third in three years – Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have already reportedly set their sights on their first summer signing in preparation for the Championship.

Wrexham continue Hollywood dream

Everything that those in Wales could have dreamed of has so far come true since they decided to roll out the red carpet for Hollywood stars Reynolds and McElhenney. The two Americans haven’t just taken Wrexham back into the EFL, they’ve taken them within one promotion of the Premier League after sealing League One promotion last weekend.

After overseeing history, Reynolds told reporters: “It just seemed like an impossible dream. We’re story-tellers, and when you’re story-tellers you look at the macro view of this history.

“We wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for the history of the club. The Gresford disaster and Mickey Thomas – who is a huge and pivotal point of aspiration for the club, and a goal to reach that feeling again.

“Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer. This coaching staff – the greatest dressing room in sports I think I’ve ever seen before. There are so many beating hearts of this club, but it all comes back to Phil and that leadership in the locker room.”

What once seemed an absurd dream and arguably nothing more than that is now an increasing possibility for Wrexham, who will undoubtedly be among the most interesting sides to watch next season once again.

As the transfer window approaches too, Reynolds and McElhenney may well put their Hollywood fame and riches to good use once again to build a side capable of dreaming bigger than ever.

Wrexham could make Tomas Galvin their first summer signing

According to Football League World, Wrexham are already plotting a summer move to sign Tomas Galvin this summer in what would be their first capture in the Championship. The Dungannon forward has reportedly attracted the interest of Portsmouth and Charlton as well as Wrexham, who will be looking to pull off yet another coup on the transfer front.

At just 20 years old, Galvin has thrived in Northern Ireland – scoring seven goals in all competitions this season to potentially earn a move to English football. Whether he, like many, will give into the temptation of stepping onto Wrexham’s red carpet remains to be seen, however.

Rodney McAree will certainly be keen to keep hold of his talented forward, having been so full of praise for him last season. The Dungannon manager told reporters: “Tomas has been brilliant recently. He’s a great lad and one for the future…he’s a strong boy, is loving his football and has a smile on his face.

“His first one is a great finish and his second is instinctive…I think he wins the header on the first occasion and then he reacts and manages to get it in the back of the net.”

Chelsea booked their place in the Europa Conference League final last night with a routine 1-0 victory over Swedish outfit Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half strike was enough to secure a 5-1 aggregate win, with Enzo Maresca’s side facing Real Betis in the final at the end of the month.

The Blues have reached their eighth major European final, looking to add to their two Champions League and two Europa League triumphs in previous years.

Given their form in the competition, it would be a surprise to no one that Maresca’s men are the favourites to go all the way – topping off a superb first year in the role for the Italian.

Numerous players impressed during the second leg victory, potentially handing the manager a selection headache ahead of the remaining Premier League fixtures.

Chelsea’s star performers against Djurgarden

Alongside scoring the goal that clinched another win, midfielder Dewsbury-Hall enjoyed an evening to remember, producing numerous impressive figures throughout.

The 26-year-old created three chances – the most of any player in the match – whilst also completing 100% of the dribbles he attempted, showcasing the threat he carried in attacking areas.

He wasn’t the only star to impress at the Bridge last night, with 16-year-old academy graduate Reggie Walsh getting the opportunity to start from the off after his cameo last week.

The teenager impressed with the opportunity, completing 91% of the passes he attempted, whilst winning four fouls and posing a serious threat to the opposition despite his tender age.

However, despite the showings by the aforementioned duo, one other Blues star managed to impress, with the boss simply unable to drop him from the side after such a positive showing.

The Chelsea star who now looks undroppable after Djurgarden

The Europa Conference League run has been extremely beneficial for Maresca over the last few months, handing the manager the opportunity to fully evaluate the players at his disposal.

Many players, like Walsh, have taken the chance handed to them with both hands, but the same can’t be said for others, with departures likely over the summer window.

That being said, investment is also to be expected in West London as the club looks to push towards the summit of the Premier League during the 2025/26 campaign.

However, such events shouldn’t affect youngster Josh Acheampong, who’s managed to go from strength to strength after originally being frozen out during the early stages of the Maresca reign.

The 19-year-old featured for the entirety of the clash once again last night, thriving in the side as the Blues booked their place in the final of yet another final.

He registered a staggering 122 touches on the ball, completing 85 passes at a completion rate of 91% – not looking out of place in the first-team ranks despite his youthful years.

Acheampong also managed to make 10 passes into the final third and won two tackles, having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch during the triumph – leading to journalist Nizaar Kinsella labelling him as “Chelsea’s best player”.

To top off his magnificent showing, the teenager was handed a 7/10 match rating by The Express’ Dom Smith, highlighting how impressive he was during the meeting at the Bridge.

After such a display, Maresca can’t drop the academy gem, handing him a selection headache ahead of the weekend’s huge clash with Newcastle United.

The Blues need an excellent end to the campaign if they are to secure Champions League football for next season, with Acheampong deserving of the opportunity to help the club in their quest.

He's better than Gittens: Chelsea in talks to sign "world-class" £64m star

Chelsea are making moves over a deal to land new attacking stars ahead of the summer transfer window.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 8, 2025

A Premier League club are reportedly desperately trying to keep hold of a key player this summer, with Newcastle United linked with a move for him.

Newcastle need a new centre-back this summer

After a disappointing 2023/24 season, the Magpies have roared back into form this term, winning the EFL Cup and on the verge of sealing a return to the Champions League.

The summer transfer window has to be a productive one for Newcastle, as the likes of Paul Mitchell and Eddie Howe look to work their magic without so may restraints from PSR, with at least one new centre-back at the top of their list of priorities.

That’s not to say that Fabian Schar and Dan Burn haven’t performed excellently this season, with the latter scoring in the EFL Cup final win over Liverpool, but both are now in their 30s, as is the case with Jamaal Lascelles. Sven Botman has also had serious injury problems, so he needs to be managed with care.

Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah has been linked with a move to Newcastle, having confirmed that he will leave the Bundesliga club on a free transfer this summer. At 29, he also isn’t getting any younger, but he could still be a strong signing on the cheap. Meanwhile, AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw has also emerged as a potential target in the past month or so.

Bournemouth trying to fend off Newcastle's interest

According to a new update from Give Me Sport, Newcastle “admire” Bournemouth centre-back Illia Zabarnyi, as they eye a summer move for him, in order to bolster their defence.

Newcastle could sign "legendary" Isak replacement for £27m

Newcastle could lose Alexander Isak this summer amid interest from elsewhere.

By
Ross Kilvington

May 18, 2025

Due to recent developments the Cherries are desperately fending off interest in the 22-year-old, however, having just lost fellow centre-back Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid for £50m.

Zabarnyi stands out as an excellent option for Newcastle ahead of the 2025/26 season, considering how impressive he has been at the heart of Bournemouth’s defence. His partnership with Huijsen has been a big reason why the Cherries have impressed, with Joe Partington heaping praise on them as a pairing.

For that reason, it is wholly understandable why Bournemouth are so hesitant to sell Zabarnyi this summer, considering they would have to completely change their centre-back options.

Hopefully, though, Newcastle can still persuade them to accept a potential offer this summer, with the Ukrainian an ideal young target who has proven himself in the Premier League, even winning 4-1 away to the Magpies earlier in the season.

Turning their attention away from title celebrations and towards the summer transfer market, Liverpool are now reportedly preparing a medical for one target who they believe will sign for the club within a matter of days.

Salah reacts to Alexander-Arnold boos

Whilst the focus throughout this week has been on further celebrations within a Liverpool squad who have seemingly not stopped partying since confirming their Premier League title victory, it was only a week ago that Trent Alexander-Arnold was at the centre of headlines for all the wrong reasons.

After coming off the bench for the first time since confirming his Liverpool exit, the scouse-born right-back was met by a chorus of boos with every touch of the ball in a moment that has since caused plenty of debate.

Everyone has seemingly had their say on the controversial moment, including Mohamed Salah, who chose to defend his teammate in a recent interview with Gary Neville.

The Liverpool forward said: “I think somehow the fans were being harsh with him. I think he didn’t deserve it at the time, he deserved the fans to treat him the best way possible because he gave it all to the fans.”

“We shouldn’t act this way with anyone who always appreciates the people, who came here even for six months. Imagine someone who gives you his all for 20 years. It’s shouldn’t be like this. I hope that will change next game, against Brighton or in the last game of the season, because he deserves the farewell.”

He plays a lot like Wirtz: Liverpool plot huge move to sign £85m "magician"

Liverpool are ready to throw the kitchen sink at a marquee attacking signing this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 17, 2025

Away from the headlines, though, Liverpool still have a right-back to replace and whilst the debate has continued, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have reportedly seemingly made a move to do exactly that.

Liverpool preparing medical for Frimpong

With Alexander-Arnold on his way out, those at Anfield have instantly shifted their focus towards a fresh option down their right-hand side. According to GiveMeSport, Liverpool are now preparing a medical for Jeremie Frimpong and believe that they’ll have their deal wrapped up to sign the Bayer Leverkusen star in a matter of days.

The Reds have moved rapidly since the Alexander-Arnold news and are reportedly set to trigger Frimpong’s bargain €35m (£29m) release clause to get their deal over the line. Whilst the Dutchman is a different type of player to Liverpool’s academy graduate, he would arguably offer a larger output down Arne Slot’s right-hand side based on this season’s impressive numbers.

Frimpong is certainly a player who’s rated highly at Leverkusen too, with Real Madrid-bound manager Xabi Alonso telling reporters last season: “Since I got here for the first time, since the first day, Jeremie has been a key player for us and for myself.

“He’s a great guy. His personality… he brings a lot of joy to the locker room. So you need to keep him having this joy. But as well as become more mature.”

Clocked as the fastest player in the Champions League this season by PFF, the Netherlands star will certainly strike fear into opponents when overlapping Salah down the right flank.