Quarantine restrictions to force South Africa to use separate T20I and Test squads

The red-ball players will leave Pakistan early to quarantine before the home series against Australia

Firdose Moonda22-Jan-2021Both the South African and Australian Test squads will quarantine ahead of their yet-to-be-confirmed three-Test series in March, in what will be the strictest biosecure bubble yet in South Africa. Unlike for the England and Sri Lanka series, where training could begin after the squads had taken their first Covid-19 tests – though social interaction was not allowed until after the third test – for the Australia series, players on both sides will be confined to their rooms for a longer period of time.For that reason, South Africa’s Test squad will leave Pakistan on February 9 to begin their quarantine period at home. A separate squad will play the three T20Is in Pakistan on February 11, 13, and 14 in what CSA director of cricket Graeme Smith sees as an inevitable consequence of the times and something member boards will have to work together to ensure the cricket calendar is as unaffected as possible.Related

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“When you work on biosecure environment protocols for Covid-19, you work with other member nations and if member nations don’t support each other and play cricket, cricket’s going to find itself in a very challenging space,” Smith said. “Your objective is to find the protocols that work for both. In working with Cricket Australia (CA), we’ve come to a lot of those medical conclusions and how that’s going to look. There will be an initial quarantine period before that series. Unfortunately, we would have to play two different squads at the time.”While the dates for the Australia series are expected within the next week, ESPNcricinfo understands they are at an advanced stage and will see Australia playing Tests at SuperSport Park and the Wanderers in March. Although Smith told Australian media late last year that he would like to have fans at the grounds for the matches, with South Africa battling through a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, that is highly unlikely. Currently, the country is on Level 3 Lockdown (of five levels, with five being the strictest) and no spectators are allowed into stadiums, while all sports events have to finish by 8pm. The lockdown status will be reviewed before February 15 but even if it changes, it is unlikely to make provision for crowds. Insiders have confirmed that CA has already asked for more extreme measures than either the ECB or SLC required, and CSA is doing all it can to make it happen.The series is the marquee event of this South African summer which has already seen a T20 series against England (but the ODIs that were to follow were postponed following concerns about the bubble in Cape Town) and festive season Tests against Sri Lanka. The men’s team are currently on their first tour to Pakistan since 2007 while the women’s team are hosting Pakistan, with more fixtures in the pipeline. But for CSA, the Australia series is a money-making opportunity through television rights, and a key series because of the historic needle between the two sides.”We would love to get our home summer completed, and Australia are a big part of that home summer. Not only do we want to get it played, we want to compete in that series,” Smith said. “We saw from the Australia-India series the hype around Test cricket. I think it’s going to be a great test of where we are as a squad. We are motivated. The last time a Test series with Australia happened in South Africa it was very heated and we all know what went on. We are very excited to be able to host Australia, but that comes with certain restrictions and medical protocols.”The same is likely to apply to another other cricket played in South Africa this summer, and possibly beyond. The domestic franchise one-day cup is currently being played in a biobubble in Potchefstroom, which was organised late last year after it became clear that having teams travel to various venues around the country would not work. That was the case for the franchise first-class competition, in which two games were affected by Covid-19 in the penultimate round of 2020, and the final round was postponed.All indications are that any other domestic cricket that takes place, including the remaining first-class fixtures, a franchise T20 cup and semi-professional cricket, which has been dormant since before the pandemic hit, will have to take place in biosecure environments as well. “I’m quite positive that with all the Covid-19 issues we’ve been able to get cricket played. There’s going to be a focus on trying to get semi-pro underway,” Smith said.With South African domestic cricket’s impending restructure to 15 provincial teams and no franchises, this season’s semi-professional matches are important for players who are pushing to be contracted next season. At least 75 cricketers across the current franchise and provincial structures will find themselves out of a job, so competing for places is their work this summer.Just as it is for the national men’s team. After slipping as low as eighth on the Test rankings last summer, and winning just one of the five trophies on offer, they are in a period of rebuilding and although Smith would like to see results, he believes this season is one of patience instead. “We want our team to win as much as possible but I wouldn’t say that’s the defining thing for me this season. I would like to answer a few questions in my own head. I think the selectors and the coaching staff would want to do the same,” he said. “(Because of the pandemic) there are going to be more opportunities for players than in the past. I’m really excited to see who puts their hand up and who are the people we can back into the future.”

Free transfer: Man Utd close to signing "world-class" ace alongside Ugarte

Manchester United are "getting closer" to completing the signing of a "world-class" player this summer, according to an update from journalist Romain Collett-Gaudin.

Man Utd transfer news

There is a feeling that the Red Devils are really making moves in the current transfer window, with Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro already joining from Bologna and Lille respectively, and many other exciting players linked with summer moves to Old Trafford.

Xavi Simons is one such figure, coming fresh off the back of a good Euro 2024 campaign with the Netherlands – one that saw him open the scoring with a brilliant goal against England in the semi-finals. The 21-year-old is currently at Paris Saint-Germain, having spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig, but there is hope that United could seal a £75m deal.

The centre of Erik ten Hag's midfield is also a vital area to focus on, following issues there with Casemiro last season, and it looks as though PSG ace Manuel Ugarte has been earmarked as a standout player to come in and provide more legs in that role. The Uruguay international is in talks with United currently, with things seemingly progressing well.

The Premier League giants have also reportedly entered the race to sign Spain star Dani Olmo, whose stock has risen significantly after an excellent Euros. Manchester City are also strong candidates to snap up the 26-year-old, though, so it won't be easy for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS to get their man.

Man Utd closing in on signing "world-class" player

Taking to X, Collett-Gaudin claimed that Manchester United are "getting closer" to signing Adrien Rabiot alongside Ugarte, with the former now a free agent after leaving Juventus when his contract expired earlier this summer:

"Adrien Rabiot is getting closer to Manchester United! Free from any contract since 06/30, the player prefers Man Utd to Liverpool. The entourage in discussions with the 2 English clubs."

As mentioned, midfield reinforcements are a must for United ahead of next season, and while Ugarte coming in could be vital, signing Rabiot on top of him may also be some shrewd business. The fact that the France international would sign on a free transfer immediately takes out a certain amount of risk, rather than snapping him up for big money, and it allows the Red Devils to offer him generous wages.

Granted, he isn't getting any younger, but he should remain in and around his peak for the foreseeable future, and David Trezeguet once said of him: "He is world-class, an extraordinary player. Now he will evaluate his options and will go back to being the important player he always was."

Man Utd now open to selling "great" £250,000-p/w flop after internal talks

Ruthless from Ratcliffe…

1 ByTom Cunningham Jul 21, 2024

Rabiot would add experience, class and both attacking and defensive quality in the middle of the park, with five goals and three assists registered in Serie A last season, as well as an average of 1.9 tackles per game across 31 appearances.

Prithvi Shaw smashes 227* to become India's eighth List A double-centurion

This is his second century in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Feb-2021Dropped from the Test team to sort out his technique, Prithvi Shaw, leading the Mumbai senior team for the first time in place of the rested Shreyas Iyer, struck form in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy.On Thursday, he converted his fifth List A century into a magnificent unbeaten 227 as Mumbai amassed 457 for 4 against Puducherry in a Group D fixture in Jaipur. The total is currently the fourth-highest List A score, just short of India A’s 458 for 4 against Leicester in 2018. Incidentally, Shaw featured in that game too, where he made 132 during the course of a 221-run opening stand with Mayank Agarwal.This makes Shaw just the eighth Indian after Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma (three double-hundreds), Karn Kaushal, Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal to make a List A double century.This was Shaw’s second century in the tournament; the previous one, an unbeaten 105, coming four days earlier in a successful chase against Delhi.Shaw was equally well complemented by Suryakumar Yadav, who struck a 58-ball 133 during the course of a quickfire third-wicket stand of 201 that came off just 103 deliveries. Shaw batted through the innings, hitting 31 fours and five sixes. In response, Puducherry were bowled out for 224 in 38.1 overs with debutant legspinner Prashant Solanki picking five wickets.Mumbai, who went winless in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s, currently top Group D with three wins in as many matches. Each of the group toppers qualify directly for the knockouts. Puducherry are already out of the reckoning, having lost each of their three games so far.

Southampton ready formal bid to sign "excellent" England U-20 international

With Ben Brereton Diaz becoming the latest player to join Southampton this summer, it appears as if the Saints are showing little signs of slowing down as they now make a move for a highly-rated young player.

Brereton Diaz becomes the Saints' latest summer arrival

The latest news out of St Mary's is the confirmation of Brereton Diaz's £7 million move to the South Coast from Spanish outfit Villarreal. The Chilean forward has penned a four-year deal with Southampton as he makes his return to the Premier League after spending the latter half of last season on loan at Sheffield United.

Southampton to make new offer for "phenomenal" £14k-a-week star this week

Russell Martin isn’t messing around.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 30, 2024

Despite already bringing a dozen players to Southampton this summer, it appears that Russell Martin still has his sights on fresh faces as the Saints continue to be linked with a number of players. The latest rumour has suggested that Southampton are chasing a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko.

The German striker is eager to depart Dortmund this summer after struggling for game time at the Signal Iduna Park. Whilst it is not yet known as to whether the striker will be allowed to leave permanently this summer or just on loan, bringing the 19-year-old to St Mary's this summer would still be a major coup for Southampton.

youssouffa-moukoko

With the Saints' recruitment department clearly keeping their eyes on young talents, it appears that the club are set to make a move for a player who has already made his mark on the South Coast.

Southampton ready bid for Norwich gem

As first reported by Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Southampton are readying a formal offer for Norwich City winger Abu Kamara. O'Rourke claims that the Saints are in the market for new attacking talents this summer and view Kamara as a potential solution to their problem.

The 21-year-old, who has broken into England's Under-20 set-up this year, impressed last season out on loan at Southampton's arch rivals Portsmouth. During his 52 game spell at Fratton Park, the winger contributed 10 goals and 11 assists and played a massive role in Pompey's promotion to the Championship.

Speaking on the Kamara's quality, Portsmouth coach John Mousinho was quick to praise the player: "Abs is a player we’ve been excited about having this season. He’s been excellent every single game he’s played,

"When he adds that composure, because he’s got the quality, he’s a fantastic player. One of my things with Abs is that he stays positive and keeps getting at his player. If he’s not having the best day he still needs to do it again, again and again."

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho.

Whilst the report by Football Insider claims that Norwich are reluctant to sell Kamara this summer, the promise of Premier League football and a handsome transfer fee could be enough to force the Canaries' hand before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.

Regardless of his previous history, Kamara is still no doubt a player with huge potential who could go on to become a fan favourite at St Mary's.

Another Alphonso Davies twist as Manchester United 'bid hard' to sign full-back from Bayern Munich, days after agent denied agreement with Real Madrid

The Alphonso Davies story is set to take another twist as it has been revealed that 'mainly' Manchester United are 'bidding hard' for the left-back.

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New twist in Davies' transfer story Man Utd 'bidding hard' for Davies Real Madrid won't fight other clubsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Davies' future has been the talk of the town since the start of the season as the Canadian's contract with Bayern Munich is set to run out in the summer of 2025. The Bavarians are attempting to renew the deal as a priority so as to keep their first-choice left-back at the club past this season, however, have seen a number of offers turned down by the left-back. Several clubs have shown interest in signing Davies as a free agent next summer with Real Madrid and Manchester United leading the pack.

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Earlier this week, Davies' agent Nedal Huoseh shot down reports that the Bayern Munich star had already agreed terms with Real Madrid over a move next summer. As per Spanish publication AS [via SportsWitness], it’s ‘mainly Manchester United’, who are ‘bidding hard’ for Davies as Real Madrid are not looking to make rash moves for the Canadian.

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According to AS, Real Madrid have already made their last offer to the agent and have decided not to compete with other teams for the signing of Davies. This may give Manchester United the advantage because they need a top-tier left-back more than nearly everybody else as they continue to operate without the injured Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, their only two left-backs.

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WHAT NEXT FOR DAVIES?

Regardless of what happens in the summer, Davies will have to continue fighting to prove a point with Bayern Munich until the of the season as the Bavarians look to reclaim their Bundesliga title from Bayer Leverkusen and make a bigger dent in the Champions League proceedings.

No squads yet, but India, South Africa women go into quarantine

WV Raman and support staff contracts extended, possibility of crowds at 40-50% being explored

Annesha Ghosh26-Feb-2021Nine days out from the start of India Women’s first assignment in a year, against South Africa at home, the squads for the five-match ODI series or the three T20Is, the venue or the tour itinerary itself, have not been publicly announced yet by the BCCI, the hosts. CSA, too, has not announced the South African squads yet. The only official statement so far confirming the scheduling of the series has come from the host state body, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), which said in a recent release that all eight matches will be held at the Ekana International Stadium in Lucknow, starting March 7.Related

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Army recruitment drive forces India Women's series against South Africa to move out of Kerala

While official word from the Indian board remains elusive, the Indian contingent assembled in Lucknow on Thursday. ESPNcricinfo understands that they are currently serving a five-day quarantine and all members of the Indian touring party will have to clear two Covid-19 tests during this period before they can begin training. South Africa, meanwhile, who are due to enter India via Mumbai late Friday evening, will undergo a six-day quarantine upon arrival in Lucknow in the early hours of Saturday. South Africa will take part in their first training session on March 5, two days before the ODI series gets underway.ESPNcricinfo has also learnt that the UPCA is in talks with the BCCI to explore the possibility of allowing crowds up to 40-50% capacity for the best part of India’s eight-match assignment. A final decision is likely to be arrived at during the weekend. This is the first time a women’s international fixture will be played at the Ekana International Stadium, which has a capacity of 50,000. The stadium, built in 2017, hosted its first international match in 2018, when India took on West Indies in a T20I. The Afghanistan men’s team used it as their third home ground in India, after Dehradun and Greater Noida, playing a series apiece across formats against West Indies in 2019.In another development ESPNcricinfo is privy to, it is understood that India head coach WV Raman’s contract, the two-year term of which ended in December last year, has been extended. Long-time team manager Trupti Bhattacharya and physio Tracy Fernandes, whose contracts had expired at the end of the T20 World Cup in March last year and not been renewed during the one-year hiatus, are also back in the fold.As for the make-up of the Indian squads for both the ODIs and T20Is, it is learnt that are a number of experienced regulars do not feature in them. Several new faces, some of whom had travelled to the UAE in November last year for the three-team Women’s T20 Challenge, have received maiden national call-ups.South Africa will enter a six-day quarantine when they arrive in Lucknow•Getty ImagesThe ODI series opener against South Africa will mark India’s return to action after a year. They last played international cricket on March 8, 2020, going down to Australia in the T20 World Cup final at the MCG. The only competitive cricket that the Indian players took part in during this period was the Women’s T20 Challenge held in the final week of IPL 2020, in Sharjah in November 2020. In the past year, a tour of England scheduled in July 2020 was cancelled, while a tour of Australia scheduled for January 2021 was deferred.Both South Africa and India have earned direct qualification for the rescheduled 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup in New Zealand, and will look to use the bilateral series to kick-start their preparations for a busy next year, which will also see women’s cricket make its debut in the Commonwealth Games, in Birmingham, in the shortest format. In 2023, South Africa will host the T20 World Cup, which was deferred by a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.The India vs South Africa series were originally supposed to be held in Thiruvananthapuram, but the Kerala Cricket Association informed the BCCI about its inability to host the games as the ground has been “made available to the Indian military for a recruitment drive, without the KCA’s prior knowledge”, and it doesn’t have a venue with “appropriate broadcast facilities”.International cricket in India resumed on February 5, with the Test series against England, of which the first two Tests were in Chennai. Crowds up to 50% capacity of the MA Chidambaram Stadium were allowed for the second Test last week. Up to 55,000 spectators could attend the third Test at the newly renovated Sardar Patel International Stadium (renamed Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday) in Ahmedabad.The Indian government last month revised its guidelines pertaining to spectators at outdoor sports in the country. “For outdoor sports events spectators will be allowed to full seating capacity,” the Indian ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said in a circular updated on January 29. The circular, titled ‘Standard Operating Procedures for opening up of Stadia for sports events’, revised the ministry’s previous guidelines issued on December 26, which had stated spectators can be allowed at 50% capacity for outdoor sports.

Man Utd moving to sign "dominant" future star in second Real Madrid blow

After beating Real Madrid in the race to sign Leny Yoro earlier this summer, Manchester United are now reportedly moving in an attempt to lure another young central defender away from the La Liga giants' grasp.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils proved they mean business by signing Yoro, offering Lille and the defender money that Real Madrid were ultimately unwilling to match. With Noussair Mazraoui also reportedly on his way, those at Old Trafford are set to round off the summer transfer window on a high just as the new Premier League campaign rolls around.

Agents of £150,000-a-week star likened to Luis Suarez in talks with Man Utd

The Red Devils could land an attacking reinforcement…

ByTom Cunningham Aug 3, 2024

Aiming to avoid a repeat of their deal to sign Casemiro in 2022 by focusing more on stars for the future, United could yet form the beginning of a future centre-back partnership in the coming weeks. Yoro, still just 18 years old, is on a one-way course to the heart of Erik ten Hag's backline, but he will need a player of a similar calibre to work alongside, which is where a Real Madrid gem could come in.

Leny Yoro for Man Utd.

According to AS, Manchester United are now moving to sign Joan Martinez from Real Madrid. The defender is certainly one for the future, but the fact he idolises Madrid legend Sergio Ramos may make it difficult to tempt him into a Premier League switch. Coming through the ranks since 2023, those at the Bernabeu would be losing a young defender at the same time they've just failed to sign another gem in the form of Yoro.

As for Manchester United, who are racing to sign Martinez alongside Chelsea, they may well deal a second blow in the same summer to the European champions in what would be quite the statement. As the season approaches, the young centre-back is one to watch.

"Dominant" Martinez is destined for the top

Still just 16 years old and attracting interest from Manchester United whilst already coming through the ranks at Madrid, Martinez seems destined to play among the very best for years to come. Earning plenty of high praise in the early stages of his career, analyst Ben Mattinson described the United target as "dominant with excellent timed aggression".

From a club often accused of poor planning, United have already shown signs of becoming a side that looks ahead to the future when it comes to incomings this summer, highlighting the solid work of Dan Ashworth since taking the sporting director role.

Luring a talented youngster away from a club of Madrid's stature would be the ultimate statement that the Red Devils are ready to finally begin their journey back to the top of European and English football, making the pursuit of Martinez one to watch.

Bayern Munich consider bids for three attackers as Jonathan David joins Florian Wirtz and Xavi Simons on German giants' shortlist

Bayern Munich have reportedly drawn up a shortlist of three superstars with Jonathan David joining the likes of Florian Wirtz and Xavi Simons.

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Bayern prepare for summer transfer windowHave eyes on a host of young talentsDavid is latest entrant as he nears free agencyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

David, 24, has been in scintillating form for Lille this season, scoring 13 goals and delivering two assists across 19 competitive appearances. However, as per in Germanythe forward has decided against renewing his contract, which expires next summer. This decision makes him an attractive option for Bayern, as they could secure his services without a transfer fee.

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Although David’s performances have already drawn interest from several top European clubs, Bayern appear particularly keen on the Canadian star, especially amid uncertainty surrounding Mathys Tel’s future. The 18-year-old Bayern striker has caught the attention of Nottingham Forest, with the Premier League side reportedly initiating contact regarding a potential loan move in the winter transfer window. However, Tel is reportedly reluctant to leave Bayern at this stage. If Tel were to reconsider and opt for a loan, it may elevate Bayern’s interest in David as they seek to reinforce their attack.

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Bayern have also been linked with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres. However, the Swedish forward’s transfer would come at a steep price, estimated at £61 million ($77m). In contrast, David’s potential availability on a free transfer could make him a more appealing and cost-effective alternative. Beyond David, the Bavarians are also pursuing Bayer Leverkusen’s Wirtz and RB Leipzig’s Simons, both of whom could add creative depth to Bayern’s midfield. The intention is to secure one of the two highly-rated playmakers by next summer. Additionally, Burnley winger Luca Koleosho has appeared on Bayern’s radar as they continue to identify emerging talent to strengthen their squad.

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With David’s track record and his potential availability on a free transfer, the Lille forward could prove to be a key signing for Bayern, especially if other pieces of their transfer puzzle fall into place. The German giants will be back in action against Augsburg on November 23 in the Bundesliga.

Matthew Mott on starting XI in New Zealand: 'Going to be one or two very disappointed players'

Picking the final XI will be a tough task although the returning Tayla Vlaeminck won’t play every game

Andrew McGlashan17-Mar-2021Australia coach Matthew Mott knows that he will have to manage the disappointment of players who fail to make the starting XI against New Zealand later this month, with the return of Tayla Vlaeminck and Ellyse Perry further strengthening their squad.Fast bowler Vlaeminck will be carefully handled on her comeback to international cricket and will not be part of every match of the tour [of three T20Is and three ODIs]. She has not played for Australia since the tri-series before last year’s T20 World Cup, which she then missed with a stress fracture of her foot. She also sat out this season’s WBBL.Vlaeminck returned to action in the WNCL last month and picked up six wickets in four games for Victoria, including 4 for 16 against ACT.Perry is also available again, for the first since the World Cup after having missed the home series against New Zealand at the start of the season as she continued he recovery from a severe hamstring injury.Related

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It means some tough selection decisions loom when narrowing down the final XI for the T20I series, which starts on March 28 once Australia complete their two weeks of managed isolation.”There’s going to be one or two very disappointed players that deserve to be in that team, but that’s the byproduct of having success and having players who have been out of the team coming back in,” Mott said. “We aren’t exactly settled on that [final] XI. There are people at difference stages. In Tayla’s case, we won’t be looking to play her in every game over here.”She’s aware of that so we’ll have to manage her through her return to play.”Tayla Vlaeminck will continue to be carefully managed•Getty ImagesHaving watched a lot of cricket from the sidelines, Vlaeminck is confident about her form and fitness heading into the series. “I gradually got to expose my foot and my body to the feeling of hitting the crease, so I wasn’t going from zero to a hundred really quick,” she told RSN Radio. “Took me probably a couple of games to find my rhythm again but feel like I’m back to that now.”It was a long time between games but makes it so much more enjoyable when you get back out there.”From the last T20I Australia played, against New Zealand in late September, there is one certain absentee, with Delissa Kimmince having taken a break from the game. Allrounder Annabel Sutherland, who was part of the ODI side, was also ruled out of this tour because of a stress fracture.”Ellyse has come off some really good cricket and is a world-class player so she’ll have to get in there somewhere then it’s about managing a couple of really unlucky players who will miss out,” Mott said.The only slight fresh injury concern heading into tour was around Beth Mooney, who missed a WNCL game with a thigh strain after making 163 against Western Australia. But she is expected to be fit.”It was a smart [decision] from her, she nipped it in the bud,” Mott said of Mooney skipping the game. “Kate Beerworth, our physio, is assessing everyone today and we’ll know a bit more tomorrow but Beth seems to be moving around well.”Australia will train for the first time on Thursday in Christchurch and over the course of the next ten days, they will go through various match-based scenarios as they only leave managed isolation the day before the opening T20I in Hamilton.”That’s probably the most critical sessions we’ll have,” Mott said. “Our players have been playing a bit of cricket so we aren’t worried about it, but just that spatial awareness for batters and bowlers to get out there in the middle, it’s very different to the nets, they are craving that contest-type stuff. We’ll put players in positions they’ll likely be in during games.”

Chelsea leave host of first-team stars including Enzo Fernandez & Pedro Neto behind for Conference League trip to struggling Bundesliga side Heidenheim

Enzo Maresca has left out several Chelsea first-team stars including Enzo Fernandez & Pedro Neto for the Conference League trip to Heidenheim.

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Maresca takes a second-string squad to GermanySeveral academy graduates have been selected Reece James has also stayed back in CobhamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Italian manager continues to rest key players in the Conference League as he aims to manage minutes in a bid to tackle an unforgiving schedule. Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Malo Gusto, Nicolas Jackson, Reece James, Fernandez and Neto are among the players who have been registered but left out of the 21-strong squad that will fly to Germany.

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Neto, one of the notable absentees, sustained an injury during Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match against Poland. The 24-year-old forward was forced to sit out Chelsea's Premier League fixture against Leicester City last weekend and Maresca is not willing to risk the player midweek.

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Maresca has included several academy prospects in the squad for the trip to Germany. Goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom is joined by midfielders Kiano Dyer and Samuel Rak-Sakyi, while winger Tyrique George and teenage striker Shumaira Mheuka add an attacking flair.

Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Lucas Bergstrom

Defenders: Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Renato Veiga

Midfielders: Cesare Casadei, Carney Chukwuemeka, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Kiano Dyer, Samuel Rak-Sakyi

Forwards: Tyrique George, Noni Madueke, Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk, Jadon Sancho, Marc Guiu, Shumaira Mheuka, Christopher Nkunku

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Chelsea has enjoyed a strong start in the UEFA Conference League, winning all three of their previous group-stage matches against Gent, Panathinaikos, and Noah. The manager will hope that the blend of seasoned players and emerging talents can secure another victory to further solidify their lead in the competition.

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