Mia Barwick has been added to their squad after Heather Graham’s World Cup call-up

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Oct-2024

Mia Barwick in the dugout for Hobart Hurricanes•Getty Images

Hobart Hurricanes have called up 13-year-old Mia Barwick to their squad for the T20 Spring Challenge to replace Heather Graham who has traveled to the T20 World Cup after Tayla Vlaeminck’s tournament-ending injury.Barwick is a pace bowler who has impressed in the Cricket Tasmania Premier League and has been involved in the Under-16 and Under-19 Female National Championships.She carried the drinks against Perth Scorchers on Monday and has a chance to feature in the closing stages of the new early-season competition which is acting as preparation to the WBBL.”At only 13 years of age, the Hobart Hurricanes are proud to see a Cricket Tasmania pathways athlete given exposure to the professional game early on in Barwick’s career,” Hurricanes said.With leading Australia players involved at the T20 World Cup and WBBL overseas players yet to join, the T20 Spring Challenge has seen opportunities for a number of young players to come into the squads.At Sydney Sixers, 15-year-old allrounder Caoimhe Bray has made her mark following an impressive outing for Australia Under-19s earlier in the month. Bray took 2 for 19 on debut against ACT before claiming the wicket of Laura Harris when facing Brisbane Heat, the day after Harris had flayed a 46-ball centuryThe Spring Challenge was introduced to make up for the reduction of games in the WBBL which will be played across a 40-game regular season. It had initially been envisaged as a state competition but pressure from New South Wales and Victoria led it to being aligned with WBBL clubs.

Having already advanced towards Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool have reportedly been handed another boost towards signing a top target, who is now open to completing a summer switch.

Liverpool advancing in Ekitike deal

It’s been the summer of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes in the transfer market and Liverpool’s double act are now advancing towards their latest blockbuster deal. Not only have they emerged into the race to sign Ekitike this week, but they’ve shoved Newcastle out of the picture entirely.

Reports are now indicating that Liverpool have already received the green light from the forward and are now actively negotiating with Eintracht Frankfurt. Newcastle, meanwhile, have walked away from any potential deal.

Likely to follow Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong on Liverpool’s list of incomings, Ekitike will be solving the biggest problem that Arne Slot had within his title-winning squad last season.

The Dutchman often chose to deploy Luis Diaz as a No.9 over Darwin Nunez as the latter struggled more than ever at Anfield. Now, amid rumours that both South American stars could yet leave this summer, Liverpool are advancing towards an instant upgrade.

Minutes

2,563

2,399

1,133

Goals

15

13

5

Assists

8

5

2

Expected Goals

21.6

12

5.8

Even after Ekitike, however, the Edwards and Hughes show may not be over. Reports are now suggesting that Liverpool have also set their sights on signing a South American megastar in a deal that would arguably be even bigger than Ekitike.

Rodrygo now "open" to Liverpool move

According to Eduardo Burgos, a reporter from Spanish outlet AS, Rodrygo is now “open” to joining Liverpool this summer and the Reds have sent super agent Pini Zahavi to help broker a deal with Real Madrid.

Burgos told The RedmenTV: “It’s genuine. Liverpool already held talks with his camp. They sent an emissary to Madrid to talk to his family, and Rodrygo is happy with the interest.

“He’s open to a move. He always liked the Premier League. Two summers ago, even [Manchester] City tried to sign him. Guardiola called him a few times. He appreciated the gesture but in the end his preference was to stay in Madrid.

“His preference has now changed and now he’s hoping to leave…I think he will leave because he wants to be the star of the team, and [at Real Madrid] it will be very, very difficult, almost impossible. I think it’s not 50-50; it’s maybe 70-30. He’s open to a move and I think Liverpool may make a move.”

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The winger’s arrival would send yet more shockwaves around the transfer market, but it’s one that Liverpool have seemingly set their sights on despite the Brazilian’s hefty £11m-a-year salary.

Still looking to add much-needed depth behind Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool are now reportedly eyeing a move to sign an impressive Serie A teenager.

Liverpool yet to solve centre-back problem

For all of Liverpool’s gargantuan spending this summer, it should concern Arne Slot that his side had just one senior centre-back feature across two friendly games against Athletic Bilbao earlier this week. With Van Dijk absence through illness and Joe Gomez injured, the Reds had just Konate to turn to when it came to recognised central defenders.

It’s an undeniable problem for Liverpool, but one that Slot has insisted that he has versatile options at his disposal to solve his centre-back issue this season.

There’s under a month left until the transfer window slams shut and as positive as Slot has been when speaking about his defensive options, it wouldn’t be absurd to suggest that Liverpool’s focus should be on their weakness rather than pursuing another attacking star.

As much as Alexander Isak would steal endless headlines and send the ultimate statement, a move for Marc Guehi would arguably complete the Premier League champions far more.

To that end, however, reports have indicated that Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are reluctant to meet Crystal Palace’s £50m price tag now that Guehi is into the final year of his deal.

Leaving those at Anfield to consider their options, Liverpool are now reportedly eyeing a Serie A alternative at a cheaper price.

Liverpool eyeing Leoni move

According to The Times’ Paul Joyce, Liverpool are eyeing a move to sign Giovanni Leoni from Parma this summer. Unlike Crystal Palace’s hefty price tag, the Italian side reportedly value their impressive defender at €40m (£35m) in a deal that the Reds may be more tempted by in the coming weeks.

Dubbed “one of the most complete” teenage centre-backs in Europe by scout Jacek Kulig, Leoni would be a perfect replacement for Jarell Quansah, who has similar potential.

With Konate and Van Dijk nailing down the starting roles, having a younger option like Leoni waiting in the wings would hand Liverpool the depth they need without immediately disrupting their backline.

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Whether those at Anfield push on and prioritise the addition of a defender this month remains to be seen, however.

كشفت رابطة الدوري الإسباني عن جائزة رجل مباراة نادي برشلونة أمام نظيره ريال أوفييدو ، والتي لعبت اليوم الخميس ضمن منافسات المسابقة المحلية.

وحل برشلونة ضيفًا على ريال أوفييدو اليوم الخميس، ضمن منافسات الجولة السادسة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

واستطاع برشلونة قلب تأخره بهدف أمام ريال أوفييدو، إلى انتصار مثير بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف واحد، حيث حافظ البلوجرانا على مركز الوصافة في الليجا.

وبات لدى برشلونة 16 نقطة في المركز الثاني على سلم ترتيب الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى، وذلك خلف ريال مدريد بنقطتين فقط والمتصدر ب18 نقطة بالعلامة الكاملة.

أقرأ أيضًا .. فيديو | أراوخو يسجل هدف برشلونة الثالث أمام ريال أوفييدو

وتم اختيار مدافع نادي برشلونة، إريك جارسيا، كرجل مباراة البلوجرانا وريال أوفييدو، بعد مستواه في لقاء اليوم.

جارسيا لعب بشكل جيد للغاية وسجل هدف برشلونة الأول، والذي كان بوابة انتصار الفريق الكتالوني اليوم.

ولعب جارسيا في لقاء اليوم كظهير أيمن، لكن اللاعب أصبح ظهيرًا أيسر في شوط اللقاء الثاني بعد خروج جيرارد مارتن.

ويعول مدرب برشلونة، هانز فليك، على جارسيا بشكل أساسي خلال هذا الموسم، وذلك في ظل مستوى اللاعب المميز.

Liverpool were at the foot of an unscalable mountain when Jurgen Klopp up and left at the end of the 2023/24 season, but Arne Slot has since proved himself a more than worthy successor.

He won the Premier League in his first term at the helm, after all. And the Dutchman did it, having been rewarded with minimal spending in the transfer market, Federico Chiesa the only first-team addition, and starting just once in the top flight all year.

Now, though, Liverpool have built themselves up and are financially able to spend freely this summer, with the evidence lying with the acquisitions of recent months, including the British-record £116m signing of Florian Wirtz.

A move for Alexander Isak remains on the cards.

However, with Luis Diaz on the verge of finalising his move to Bayern Munich, a new left winger may be needed too.

Why Liverpool are selling Luis Diaz

Diaz has been one of the Premier League’s standout wingers over the past few years. His return of 25 goal contributions last year was a haul bettered only by that man, Mohamed Salah, as Liverpool steamrolled their way to the league title.

But the 28-year-old has also entered the penultimate year of his contract, and the relevant parties have been unable to find common ground when discussing the possibility of an extension.

The Colombian had also made it clear to the powers that be that he wanted to leave this summer. Such demands undoubtedly centred around financial desires, and justified ones at that, but the fact remains that Slot would not want an unhappy leading squad member to remain in the ranks.

Diaz is on the cusp of his big move, and though the thought of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is exciting, the Brazilian having been routinely linked with the Reds of late, the finances involved would be too much, especially with a deal for Isak in the works.

Instead, FSG might be convinced to head down a shrewder track.

Liverpool enter race for Rodrygo alternative

As per Spanish reports, Liverpool have entered the race for RB Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa, though the report claims that Rodrygo very much remains on FSG’s shortlist.

Nusa, 20, is early into his professional career but has earned acclaim for his performances, with previous reports this summer detailing Newcastle United’s interest, claiming he would be available for a €45m (£38m) fee.

Given how much cheaper this would be than signing Rodrygo, who is believed to have been priced at an initial £78m by Los Blancos, this might be a rumour FSG want to chase.

Why Liverpool should sign Antonio Nusa

Cody Gakpo will reprise his role as Liverpool’s chief left-sided forward next year, having matched Diaz’s 25 goal involvements last year. Pundit Peter Crouch remarked that he’d “gone up a level” since Slot arrived.

The Netherlands international’s abiding place in Slot’s plans means that Nusa will be able to jump right into the thick of things without being overburdened by responsibility.

Last season, Nusa scored five goals and provided seven assists across 36 matches for Leipzig, only starting 23 of those fixtures across all competitions.

The Norway international joined Leipzig from Club Brugge in Belgium after previously holding talks with both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, with Nusa’s 23/24 campaign underscoring his potential as a “future icon”, as he was described by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Left winger

53

9

9

Right winger

23

1

2

Centre-forward

7

0

0

Attacking midfield

6

1

1

Though his fleet athleticism lends itself to success across a range of positions, it’s clear through the data so far that Nusa’s most productive role comes off the left flank.

Nusa isn’t just a balanced striker in the final third, but an athletic phenomenon with a vicious blend of speed and balance when dribbling. In this way, he has the blueprint to make Liverpool forget all about Rodrygo, with Slot instead fashioning a new elite winger.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has even waxed lyrical about his compatriot’s qualities, saying this: “He’s exceptional. We need to be careful not to put too much pressure on him, even though he’s incredibly talented. His continued development is what matters most.”

Moreover, he’s a hard-working defensive player, giving back to his manager’s faith by fighting for success across the different phases of play. In the Bundesliga last year, Nusa averaged 1.2 tackles and won 4.1 duels per game, as per Sofascore.

FBref underline these points. The data-driven site have revealed he ranked among the top 14% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe last season for successful take-ons and the top 19% for tackles per 90.

After becoming the second-youngest goalscorer in Champions League history two years ago, you might even say he has the potential to emulate someone like Rodrygo and become a superstar on Europe’s elite stage. He’s a ‘future icon’, is he not?

Sure, Rodrygo hit 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions last year, highlighting the fact that Nusa is not at his level yet. But the Norwegian remains a special talent with the ingredients for something spectacular.

Rodrygo is one of the world’s standout wide forwards, of that there is no doubt. But he left plenty to be desired last season, only scoring six league goals.

He’s an immense figure on the major stage, and playing at Liverpool would give him a new lease of life.

But for double the price that Nusa would cost? It doesn’t make sense, for the 20-year-old is destined for the top.

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MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians iniciou, nesta quinta-feira (13), a venda de ingressos para a partida contra o Argentinos Juniors. O duelo, válido pela 2ª rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores, será disputado na quarta-feira (19), às 21h30, na Neo Química Arena.

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Em comparação com o jogo contra o Cruzeiro, pelo Brasileirão, a diretoria alvinegra aumentou o preço dos ingressos em oito setores, menos no setor Norte, onde a entrada pode chegar a custar R$35, com o desconto do Fiel Torcedor. A entrada mais cara para o duelo custará R$660 na Oeste Inferior Central.

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VEJA OS VALORES DOS INGRESSOS (SEM OS DESCONTOS DO FIEL TORCEDOR)
NORTE – R$ 50,00
SUL – R$ 110,00
LESTE SUPERIOR LATERAL – R$ 116,00
LESTE SUPERIOR CENTRAL – R$ 150,00
LESTE INFERIOR LATERAL – R$ 150,00
LESTE INFERIOR CENTRAL – R$ 184,00
OESTE SUPERIOR – R$ 280,00
OESTE INFERIOR CORNER – R$ 490,00
OESTE INFERIOR LATERAL – R$ 530,00
OESTE INFERIOR CENTRAL – R$ 660,00

Para balancear o aumento no preço dos ingressos, o clube ampliou as vantagens para os sócios-torcedores.Os associados do plano Minha Vida, do Fiel Torcedor, terão vantagens de30% a 65% no preço dos ingressos mais baratos, dependendo do setor. Já os que configuram no plano Minha História terão descontos de 35% a 65%.

A venda, como já é de costume, acontece de forma escalonada, de acordo com prioridades estabelecidas pelo clube alvinegro.

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Veja como será a venda de ingressos

13/04 (quinta-feira), às 11h – Abertura para os torcedores membros do Fiel Torcedor com créditos relativos às partidas suspensas pela pandemia (contra Ituano e Palmeiras), que poderão adquirir ingressos conforme disponibilidade dos respectivos setores adquiridos.
– Abertura da venda de estacionamento para os proprietários adimplentes do plano Minha Cadeira, do programa Fiel Torcedor.

13/04 (quinta-feira) às 13h – Abertura para todos os membros adimplentes do Fiel Torcedor que tenham a partir de 60 pontos, independentemente do plano, que poderão adquirir ingressos de todos os setores disponíveis para seu plano e também realizar a compra do estacionamento pelo site www.fieltorcedor.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).

13/04 (quinta-feira) às 15h – Abertura para todos os membros adimplentes do Fiel Torcedor que tenham a partir de 40 pontos, independentemente do plano, que poderão adquirir ingressos de todos os setores disponíveis para seu plano e também realizar a compra do estacionamento pelo site www.fieltorcedor.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).

13/03 (quinta-feira) às 17h – Abertura para todos os membros adimplentes do Fiel Torcedor que tenham a partir de 20 pontos, independentemente do plano, que poderão adquirir ingressos de todos os setores disponíveis para seu plano e também realizar a compra do estacionamento pelo site www.fieltorcedor.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).

14/04 (sexta-feira) às 11h – Abertura para os demais membros adimplentes do Fiel Torcedor, que terão acesso à compra de ingressos e do estacionamento pela plataforma online www.fieltorcedor.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).

15/04 (sábado) às 15h – Abertura para torcedores em geral, que terão acesso à compra de todos os ingressos disponíveis em suas categorias pela plataforma online www.ingressoscorinthians.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).

continua após a publicidade

Instantly turning their focus towards further incomings following Mark Travers’ arrival, Everton are now reportedly set to submit an opening bid to sign a midfield star for David Moyes.

Travers welcomes Pickford battle

Displacing Jordan Pickford at this stage of his Everton career would take some doing, but Travers has instantly welcomed the battle that lies ahead. Following an impressive loan spell at Middlesbrough last season, the shot-stopper has completed a permanent move away from Bournemouth to become Everton’s third signing of the summer.

After putting pen to paper, he told Evertontv when asked about battling Pickford for a starting role: “Jordan [Pickford] is an outstanding goalkeeper for Club and country. I’m looking forward to competing with everyone here and being a Premier League player.

“Being in this environment is huge. We’re going to push each other every day in training and whatever happens on the weekend, we’re going to be there for each other and make the most of every opportunity that comes.

“It’s always really exciting to work with a new group and being able to help the younger lads as well. I’ll give it everything. I’ll take pride in doing the right things on and off the pitch and representing this club with a lot of pride.”

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)	Travers	Pickford
Starts	22	38
Clean Sheets	5	12
Saves Per 90	3.82	3.08
Save Percentage	76.9%	73%

Although Pickford’s place is unlikely to be at risk anytime soon, there’s no denying that Travers recorded some impressive numbers last season – even outperforming the England No.1 in certain areas. His arrival won’t steal every headline, but it will add key depth to Moyes’ side in the coming season.

The former Bournemouth man is unlikely to be the last to arrive at The Hill Dickinson Stadium, either, with another name now firmly on Everton’s summer radar.

Everton set to submit imminent Soucek bid

According to TeamTalk, Everton are now set to submit an imminent £12m bid to sign Tomas Soucek from West Ham United. Other clubs have shown interest in the midfielder this summer, but he is reportedly only interested in reuniting with former Hammers boss Moyes in Merseyside next season.

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For just £12m, the Toffees will be hoping to reach an agreement with West Ham and welcome an experienced Premier League midfielder, who’d be the perfect replacement for Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)	Soucek	Doucoure
Minutes	2,567	2,564
Goals	9	3
Tackles Won	21	28
Ball Recoveries	63	150

With nine goals to his name in the Premier League last season, Soucek could even provide Everton with an unexpected goalscoring boost, whilst also handing Moyes another physical presence at the heart of his side.

The Everton boss was full of praise for the 29-year-old even when he scored against the Toffees for West Ham last season, telling reporters: “Tomas Soucek is a really good goalscorer. We signed him as a goalscoring midfielder. He’s great in both boxes. He’s a top lad as well. I’m pleased for him but not for us.”

Thomas Tuchel has handed an England debut to Elliot Anderson against Andorra, while Marcus Rashford has been recalled to the starting XI.

Forest midfielder Anderson startsRashford also in starting XIWorld Cup qualifier kicks off at 17:00 BSTFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson earnt his first senior England call-up for September's World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia and will take his place in Tuchel's starting XI at Villa Park.

Barcelona loanee Marcus Rashford is also in the XI and will start out wide alongside Noni Madueke, while Anderson will partner Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze in midfield.

Dan Burn and Marc Guehi are the two centre-backs, while Reece James and Myles Lewis-Skelly are handed the nod at full-back. Captain and all-time top goalscorer Harry Kane starts as striker.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Anderson earnt his first call-up following a stand-out first season at the City Ground after a £35 million ($47m) move from Newcastle United in 2024. The 22-year-old shone for Lee Carsley's England Under-21s as they won the European Championship for the second consecutive time this summer and has now earnt his promotion to the senior side, with a full debut set to arrive sooner than anticipated.

Rashford, meanwhile, has made a slow start to life in Barcelona but saw a recall to the international fold by Tuchel. The 27-year-old has an important year ahead of him as he aims to reach the final World Cup squad, having not been selected for Euro 2024.

DID YOU KNOW?

Anderson had the opportunity to play for Scotland due to heritage on his father's side, in fact representing the Tartan Army at all youth levels from U16 through to U21. He was called up to Steve Clarke's senior squad in 2023 but pulled out before making his debut, soon switching his allegiance to England and making his U21 debut a year later. Now, he is set to pull on the Three Lions shirt for the senior side for the first time.

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Tuchel evidently is looking to use his whole squad across the international break and has named a side which gives an opportunity for further experience to rising stars within the set-up including Anderson and Lewis-Skelly. With several big names not within the squad due to injury, this international break could prove a great opportunity for many to stake their claim to being on the plane to the USA, Canada & Mexico next summer.

Smith insisted he had not requested a move back down the order but rather just told Andrew McDonald his preference

Alex Malcolm21-Oct-20241:36

What’s the logic of moving Smith back down the order?

Steven Smith has said Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne “hated” him opening the batting in the Test team, and believes it was a key driver behind his return to No. 4, but has insisted he did not request the move and would have continued to open if asked to.Australia’s chair selectors George Bailey confirmed last week that Smith would not be opening against India saying Smith “had expressed a desire to move back down from that opening position” and that captain Pat Cummins and Andrew McDonald had made the decision.McDonald stated on ABC Radio at the weekend that he and Cummins were the key decision-makers in the move, playing down Smith’s influence.Related

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Australia's selection race: who is in the running to face India?

Smith wanted it on the record that he had not explicitly requested to move back to No. 4 but had rather been asked by McDonald what his preferred batting spot was. He also added that Khawaja and Labuschagne had both expressed their discontent at him opening.”I got asked where I’d prefer to bat, and I said four. I didn’t ask [to move] though,” Smith said. “I also said I’m happy batting wherever. I’m not really too fussed. I got asked where my preference would be, and I said four. I saw a few things last week saying that I’ve requested to bat at four. That wasn’t the case. I said I’m happy to bat wherever you’d like me to bat but, yeah, four would be my ideal position.”Asked what had changed since earlier this year, he said: “Obviously there’s a spot there now with Greeny [Cameron Green] out. And I think just conversations we had after New Zealand with particularly Marnus and Uzzie, they hated me up top, to be honest. They wanted me behind them.”They just like the…they call it security behind them, in a way. They were pretty strong on me not batting there. So that was a big part of it. And then obviously, I’ve got a decent record at four.”It was good fun having a crack at something new, batting up top. I still feel like I could do a job there for sure. It was a pretty small sample size. But I’ve done pretty well at four for a number of years now. I feel like it’s probably where I can have my best input for this team at the moment.”Smith was set to move regardless of Green’s injury as the conversations had taken place prior to the limited-overs tour of England.He was asked whether he felt like he could have continued in the role longer term given his average of 28.50 in the four Tests in the job was not that bad as no opener averaged more than 32 across those four Tests.In his own style: Steven Smith leaves the ball alone•Getty Images”Honestly, I’m not that fussed,” Smith said. “I said it when I took that job, I’m not really fussed where I bat. The conversations I had with the other guys, they didn’t like it at all. They wanted some security, I suppose, behind them, where I’ve done really well for a number of years, and I can understand that as well. So it is what it is and I’m not going to be opening this summer. That’s it.”Smith made 3 off 29 balls for New South Wales against Victoria in his first red-ball innings since the New Zealand Test series in March and his first Sheffield Shield match since 2021.On a day when 15 wickets fell at the MCG in difficult batting conditions, Smith was upbeat about the innings despite being caught down the leg side off Fergus O’Neill.”I actually felt pretty good out there, to be honest, for the three that I scored strangely enough,” Smith said. “I felt like I was moving well. I was leaving well, and got a little bit unlucky with the one that sort of took off a little bit down the leg side. And that can happen. But I actually felt like I was getting in nice positions. My bat path was good and felt pretty good. So happy with that.”Meanwhile, Smith has been impressed with his limited time watching 19-year-old Sam Konstas who was lbw after 10 balls on the second day at the MCG”He got a bit unlucky there I reckon,” Smith said. “It looked like it might have been just darting down leg a little bit. I haven’t seen a lot of him. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of him out here in the middle for sure. But from what I have seen in the nets, he’s got a lot of time.Steven Smith threw in Nic Maddinson’s name as a potential opening option•Getty Images”He’s very organised. He plays fast bowling and spin well from what I’ve seen in the brief couple of times I’ve seen him bat, it’s looked really good. He’s a bright prospect. We’ve got to remember he’s only 19 as well so you he’s got plenty of time. But what I’ve seen so far, it looks promising”He’s got all the makings to definitely be a really good Test player. That’s for sure. Whether it’s now or in the future, time will tell.”Smith also threw Nic Maddinson’s name in the mix as a possible candidate to open the batting for Australia against India given he is a similar type of player to David Warner.”There’s a few really good candidates, guys that have, done really well the last few years,” Smith said. “[Cameron] Bancroft and the usual suspects that have been talked about. Maddo I think is also another really good candidate. He’s had a good couple of years. If you’re looking for someone similar to a Davey replacement, he gets after the ball and can score really quickly.”So he’s someone who probably hasn’t been spoken about a great deal from all you guys in the last little bit, but I think he’s someone that could definitely play test cricket and have a similar impact to what Davey sort of had at the top, the way he plays. So plenty of options. We’ll wait and see.”

Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the ODI series against New Zealand, having sustained an injury to his left hamstring while bowling, in the second T20I, on Sunday. Hasaranga was seen hobbling through his later overs, and was also limping between the wickets while running.He has been replaced in the ODI squad by Dushan Hemantha, another legspin-bowling allrounder. Hemantha has played five ODIs and has recently been among the wickets for the Sri Lanka A team.Hasaranga’s absence will be significant for Sri Lanka, particularly as he had been Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler in the T20Is, taking 2 for 20 in the first match, then 4 for 17 in the second, while also producing an important 22 off 23 in the first T20I.Related

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Sri Lanka already had another legspinner in the squad, however, in Jeffrey Vandersay, with Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage the other frontline spinners.Hasaranga becomes the second player to be ruled out of the series owing to injuries sustained in that second T20I, with New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson also unavailable due to a calf injury.The series begins on Wednesday, with the first match to be played in Dambulla, and the remaining two games in Pallekele.