Scorecard and ball-by-ball details4:25

Watch: India A bundled out for 230

Australia A’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Swepson and David Moody, restricted India A to 230 with the pink ball after Manish Pandey struck a 76-ball 77 to get his side off to a good start on the first day of the first unofficial Test in Brisbane.After opting to bat, India A began promisingly when openers Faiz Fazal and Akhil Herwadkar added 65 in a wicketless first session. However, Australia A struck back after the lunch break, removing both of them in quick succession.Pandey shared a 70-run, fourth-wicket stand with Karun Nair to stabilise India A after they stumbled to 3 for 118 from 0 for 74. Pandey’s brisk 77, which included 13 fours and a six, helped India A to 3 for 188 at the tea interval.Seamer Chadd Sayers had Pandey caught off the first ball after the break to spark India A’s collapse. Legspinner Swepson removed Nair and Pandya off consecutive overs as India A fell away dramatically.Swepson finished with figures of 4 for 78, while David Moody took the last two wickets in three balls to return 3 for 26. India A lost their last seven wickets for 42 runs.Joe Burns and Cameron Bancroft struck five fours between them in six overs to cut Australia A’s deficit to 205 at stumps.

Manchester United could well be closing in on their first signing of the summer transfer window, following an update in the club's pursuit of Chelsea contract rebel, Mason Mount.

What's the latest on Mount to Man United?

According to journalist Jacob Steinberg, writing on Twitter, the Red Devils are looking "increasingly likely to sign" the England international ahead of next season, with The Athletic's David Ornstein previously reporting that the 24-year-old was "leaning towards" a move to Old Trafford.

Writing in his attached piece for The Guardian, Steinberg revealed that the former Derby County loanee has already agreed personal terms with United regarding a summer switch, with it expected that Erik ten Hag's side will 'win the race' for his signature.

The report suggests that the Carabao Cup winners will have to splash out around £60m if they are to snap up the 36-cap ace in the coming weeks, despite the Portsmouth-born dynamo having just 12 months left to run on his existing deal.

Should Man United sign Mason Mount?

With Ten Hag seemingly eyeing a top-drawer midfield addition this summer, there may be some concern as to whether Mount totally fits the bill, with the Stamford Bridge sensation having typically operated in an attacking midfield role or on the flanks during his time in west London.

That being said, however, the "technical" talent – as recently praised by club legend Gary Neville – does have experience lining up in a number eight berth, having registered 14 goals and ten assists while predominantly featuring in that role during his spell on loan at Eredivisie side, Vitesse Arnhem in 2017/18 – at a time when Ten Hag was reportedly keeping watch at Ajax.

Mount's suitability for that dynamic role can also be shown by the comparisons that have made been between himself and an iconic figure of United's history, with former captain Roy Keane stating in the past that the Three Lions star is "almost like Paul Scholes" as he "plays like a kid on the street' and because "it all comes very easy for him".

That comparison bodes well for the impact that the exciting "game changer" – as hailed by writer Tom Overend – could make at the Theatre of Dreams, with Scholes having been a majestic presence at the heart of the midfield for almost two decades.

Much like Mount, the playmaker-turned-pundit began life in a more advanced role behind the centre-forward, although gradually went on to adopt a more deep-lying role later in his career, going on to be hailed the "the best midfielder of his generation" by Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola.

Also lauded as "untouchable" by French icon, Zinedine Zidane, Scholes would ultimately rack up 155 goals in 718 appearances for United in all competitions, helping Sir Alex Ferguson's side to 11 league titles, four FA Cups and two Champions League triumphs in that time, among other honours.

One notable facet of the Englishman's game was his ability to make that "killer pass" – as lauded by Sir Bobby Charlton – with Mount also sharing that probing, front-foot approach, as he ranks in the top 7% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for progressive passes.

Of course, going on to emulate a figure such as Scholes will prove some task, although the likeness between the pair should well spark much excitement among United supporters as a deal for the Blues ace looks to be ramping up.

Celtic centre-forward Kyogo Furuhashi was honoured with the Scottish Premiership Player of the Season award this week as a reward for his sublime performances in the division this term.

The Japan international has plundered 25 goals in 34 outings in the top-flight and has found the back of the net 14 more times than any of his teammates have, which highlights how much they have relied on him at the top end of the pitch.

Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis had provided support to the 28-year-old prior to his move to the MLS in January. The former Eredivisie star scored six goals in 21 Premiership appearances in the first half of the current campaign after he managed 13 in 21 outings in 2021/22.

Ange Postecoglou brought in centre-forward Hyeon-gyu Oh in a £2.5m deal in January to replace Giakoumakis but the 22-year-old has struggled to find his feet since making the move.

He has scored three goals in 14 matches in the Scottish top-flight and the Australian head coach could brutally ditch the attacker and make him the third-choice option up front by swooping to sign Anastasios Douvikas.

Who is Anastasios Douvikas?

The 23-year-old striker is a prolific marksman who currently plays for FC Utrecht in the Dutch Eredivisie and is a reported transfer target for Celtic this summer, according to reports in the Netherlands (via The Sun).

He is valued at around €12m (£10m) and his form in the 2022/23 campaign explains why his club hold him in such a high regard, and why the Hoops are eyeing a swoop for him.

Douvikas has scored 18 goals and provided four assists in 31 Eredivisie appearances this term. He has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.03 and created seven 'big chances' for his teammates in that time.

This means that the Greek machine has been directly involved in a goal for Utrecht once every 1.40 matches in the league, which shows that the ace is providing quality in front of goal on a regular basis.

Oh, meanwhile, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.66 in his 14 Premiership outings.

The South Korean dud has created one 'big chances' and registered zero assists to go along with his three goals, which works out as a direct goal contribution every 4.66 games – far less frequently than the reported Hoops target.

Writer Martin del Palacio Langer hailed Douvikas' exploits in the Eredivisie this season as "extraordinary" and the aforementioned statistics back that up.

His form has been significantly better than the new Celtic recruit's in Scotland and this suggests that Postecoglou could brutally ditch the ex-Bluewings striker from being back-up to Kyogo by signing the Greek international, who has the potential to offer more goals and creativity, this summer.

Manchester United will have an idea of what they will need to do in order to agree personal terms with Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Mason Mount?

As per Sky Sports, Manchester United are 'expected' to officially approach Chelsea regarding what it would take to enact a move to sign Mount this summer.

Personal terms are not said to be something that may cause a hitch in negotiations while 'internal discussions' over a bid are continuing at Old Trafford.

The Sun claim that Manchester United may look to use club captain Harry Maguire as a makeweight in their offer to sign Mount in a player-plus-cash deal.

Manchester United and Chelsea are some way apart in their valuation of Mount and it is believed that the Blues value the £80k-a-week ace at around £70 million.

According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United will step up their efforts to sign Mount next week following their FA Cup final clash against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium this weekend.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks that Manchester United will have a clear picture of what they need to do regarding reaching an agreement with Mount over personal terms.

Jones said: "My understanding of the Mount situation is that United know what it’ll take to agree personal terms, and that is slightly different to actually agreeing terms. I don’t think there has ever been much doubt that United would be able to satisfy him in a personal sense, though, so if and when it comes to it that should be a formality.

"The big questions here that I think need to be sorted are, one – can Chelsea actually improve their offer to him and look to smooth relations with Mount’s camp to a satisfying level. And secondly – if that cannot be done how long will it take to determine a true transfer fee?

"At the moment their valuations of the player are about £30million apart, and that is not the sort of margin that can be sorted out in one quick meeting."

Would Mason Mount be a good addition to the Manchester United midfield?

Mount is one of those players that always seems to be very highly regarded among elite coaches due to his durability, capacity to press high and creative qualities, which would fit Manchester United's high-octane style of football under Erik Ten Hag nicely heading into 2023/24.

In 2022/23, the England international made 35 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions, registering three goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.

FBRef show that Mount has still managed to be an inventive presence in a season of turmoil for Chelsea and successfully recorded 83 shot-creating actions in total.

The 24-year-old also provided a goal threat for the Blues in the Premier League and averaged 1.4 shots per game in the Premier League, according to WhoScored.

Manchester United want to increase their pool of talent heading into next term and Mount is someone who could become a mainstay at the Red Devils in the coming years at Old Trafford if a deal can be thrashed out for his services.

تحدث ميكيل أرتيتا المدير الفني لفريق آرسنال في تصريحات عقب اكتساح فريقه لبيرنلي في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وتغلب آرسنال على بيرنلي بخمسة أهداف دون رد، في إطار مباريات الجولة الخامسة والعشرين للبريميرليج.

ويتواجد آرسنال في المركز الثاني خلف ليفربول المتصدر بفارق نقطتين في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وقال أرتيتا في تصريحات لـ”بي بي سي”: “نحن سعداء حقًا لأنه مكان صعب المجيء إليه، وكان بيرنلي تنافسيًا للغاية في المباريات الكبيرة التي لعبها حتى الآن هذا الموسم”.

وأضاف: “اليوم نجحنا في اختراقهم في وقت مبكر من المباراة، وجعلنا الأمر يبدو أكثر راحة بعض الشيء، لكنهم فريق يجتهد كثيرًا”.

وعن أداء فريقه، أردف: “على المستوى الفردي والجماعي، الهدف الذي يلعبون به، والمستوى الذي يتمتع به اللاعبون، حتى عند التقدم بنتيجة 3-0، 4-0، يريدون المزيد”.

وأكمل أرتيتا: “الطريقة التي يعودون بها في الدقيقة 96 تخبرك بما يشعرون به، يتعلق الأمر بالحفاظ على الزخم الآن”.

واستطرد: “نحن نخلق المنافسة داخل الفريق، من دواعي سروري العمل معهم، والطريقة التي يتدربون بها كل يوم، وكيف يريدون التحسن، إنهم يريدون المزيد، وهذا هو الشيء الجيد”.

وعن طموحات آرسنال في اللقب، أشار: “في الوقت الحالي، كل ما يمكننا فعله هو الفوز بمبارياتنا، وبعد فوزين كبيرين خارج أرضنا، لدينا مباراة صعبة في دوري أبطال أوروبا أمام بورتو”.

وأتم:”آمل أن نتمكن من تحقيق ذلك (الفوز باللقب) لأننا موجودون هناك في المنافسة، لكن الأمر يتعلق بالثبات ورؤية معايير الفرق الأخرى، نحن نريد ذلك، هذا أمر مؤكد”.

Queensland have named former television executive Max Walters as the state’s new chief executive, replacing the interim CEO, Michael Kasprowicz

Daniel Brettig29-Sep-2016Queensland have named former television executive Max Walters as the state’s new chief executive, replacing the interim CEO, Michael Kasprowicz.Walters, who has served as managing director of Channel Seven in Brisbane for the past 12 years, also played 13 Sheffield Shield matches for Queensland between 1975 and 1979, making one century.The Bulls had been left searching for a new CEO earlier this year following the sudden departure of Geoff Cockerill, well before his contract was due to expire. Kasprowicz stepped away temporarily from his Cricket Australia board directorship to do the job till a permanent replacement was found.”I thoroughly enjoyed my career with Seven and in the television industry, but I am very enthused about joining Queensland Cricket in this role,” Walters said. “Cricket is in an enviable position at the moment and there are many opportunities and ventures that lie ahead which will be exciting to be a part of. Queensland Cricket has transformed over the years into a dynamic business, but it still retains many of the qualities that I recall fondly.”The game has played an important role in my life, both professionally and personally, and so being able to focus on it again will be both challenging and rewarding.”Largely due to difficulties created by its diffuse population spread across many mid-sized communities spanning a wide geographical area, Queensland has been a focus of pointed funding and development work at Cricket Australia, particularly after the move to an independent board of directors and more sophisticated financial distribution model in 2012.Targeted CA funding has been aimed at better identifying and supporting cricket talent across the state, with the current chairman David Peever, a Queenslander, emphasising the importance of grass roots investment. Queensland Cricket was able to announce a modest operating profit at the association’s AGM in Brisbane on Tuesday evening.

Faf du Plessis scored his first century in 17 innings since December 2014 and South Africa’s seamers picked from where they left off in Durban to give the hosts control of the series decider

The Report by Firdose Moonda28-Aug-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details1:31

Moonda: South Africa would regard themselves as favourites to win

Faf du Plessis scored his first century in 17 innings since December 2014 and South Africa’s seamers picked from where they left off in Durban to give the hosts control of the series decider. Du Plessis was one of a quintet of batsmen to cross fifty – only the second time all of South Africa’s top five have done so – as they wore New Zealand out before declaring on a day of toil for the visitors.When they have sent their opponents in, the current New Zealand crop have never been kept in the field for more overs than the 154 they were during South Africa’s innings. As a team, they have spent more time on the park eight times before when they have chosen to bowl first, most recently in 1999. The consolation for them was that Neil Wagner claimed his fourth five-wicket haul on his first Test appearance at his former home ground while the rest of the attack went largely luckless. Trent Boult will be particularly envious of the returns the other seamers enjoyed after he went wicketless despite creating numerous chances, beating the bat, finding movement and several edges.Instead, it was South Africa who reaped reward, as they plucked out New Zealand’s openers early. This time Vernon Philander was in on the action too. He created the first chance when he squared Martin Guptill up with a delivery that straightened from leg stump and took the edge but went over the slips where Stiaan van Zyl was reaching for it. Van Zyl only had to wait until Philander’s next over to make amends. Guptill was fishing outside off again and van Zyl took the catch off the edge.At the other end, Dale Steyn was trying to force the batsmen to drive, and got one to nip back into Tom Latham and appealed for caught behind. Umpire Paul Reiffel gave it not out but Steyn was insistent and South Africa reviewed. Replays suggested the ball had brushed the pocket but a thin spike on Ultra Edge convinced the third umpire Richard Illingworth Latham was out off the inside edge.The decision fired Steyn up even more. He greeted Ross Taylor with a 140kph bouncer that struck him on the shoulder and another, even faster, at 145 kph, on the arm. Taylor weathered the storm but the the pressure got to him. As the first change was made – Kagiso Rabada took over from Philander – he nudged into the leg side set off a single. Temba Bavuma swooped to his left from short leg and his direct hit found Taylor short of his ground and dismissed for the first time on New Zealand’s African tour.Kane Williamson batted to the close but the “oh no,” he uttered when he squandered a review earlier in the day – agreeing to go upstairs when Wagner thought he had Philander out lbw – could have applied to the whole day for New Zealand.They started strongly when Boult continued his blistering new-ball spell and threatened a wicket in almost every over. He could have had one off the first ball of the morning, which nipped back into du Plessis and almost took out off stump. Later he drew an inside-edge, rapped du Plessis on the pads and had him pulling to deep square leg where Henry Nicholls let it slip through his grasp.Fortune was with South Africa as JP Duminy survived too. He could have been caught in the slips but the edge fell short and he was regularly beaten but he fought his way into form. Duminy seemed destined for a first Test hundred in two years but then got a bottom edge off a rash pull to finish 12 short.Wagner used a signature short ball to remove Temba Bavuma, the only batsmen not to get into double figures, but South Africa’s long line-up meant New Zealand were not through. Stiaan van Zyl – now batting in the middle order after an unsuccessful stint at the top – joined du Plessis in circumspection and batted most of the second session while du Plessis patiently played for a century.His strike rate only climbed when he moved from 60 to 80 in 15 deliveries. For the rest of his innings, du Plessis was willing to wait and it was only after van Zyl and Philander were dismissed that he got there. In two emotional overs, Wagner celebrated a five-for in front of friends and family from his hometown and du Plessis was vindicated after being dropped in the last Test series and brought back as stand-in captain for this one. Personal performance aside, du Plessis doubtless ended the day the happier man.

Journalist Paul Brown has backed West Ham to make a move for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse in the summer transfer window.

Is Ward-Prowse leaving Southampton?

The 28-year-old has endured a tough season in the Premier League, being part of a Saints team who will finish bottom of the table. Relegation to the Championship has looked on the cards for some time, and it has become increasingly inevitable as each month has passed.

Ward-Prowse has done his best to keep his team in the division, scoring eight goals and also chipping in with four assists, with a free-kick winner away to Chelsea arguably the best moment of his campaign. There simply hasn't been enough quality around him, however, and Southampton have paid the price.

The £100,000-a-week midfielder has been a great servant at St Mary's, making 408 appearances along the way, but it now seems certain that he will leave this summer, with a player of his calibre not wanting to be playing Championship football.

West Ham are one of the clubs who have been linked with a move for Ward-Prowse and it is a rumour that is refusing to go away, ahead of what is sure to be his final Saints appearance at home to Liverpool on Sunday.

Could West Ham sign Ward-Prowse?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Brown talked up the Hammers' chances of sealing the signing of the Southampton captain at the end of the season:

"I think he's a leader, someone you can rely on, a great trainer, brilliant professional. I think he'd be a great signing for West Ham, and if Rice was to go, that would certainly sugar the pill a little bit."

Granted, the fact that Ward-Prowse is part of a relegated team doesn't necessarily reflect brilliantly on himself, but he could still be an inspired signing by West Ham this summer.

At 28, he is in the career sweet spot of being very experienced but also young enough to be at his best for a number of years to come, and he has been hailed as "world-class" by former Saints manager Nathan Jones during their time together.

Ward-Prowse's all-round quality and bite in midfield could help fill the likely void left by Declan Rice at West Ham, with an average of 1.7 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game coming his way in the Premier League this season, as well as two key passes per match, showing that he can be a force both on and off the ball.

Leeds United fans would have not hoped to be playing Championship football next season, but a return to the second division does propose an interesting opportunity for many at the club.

The academy has been one much-neglected by the various managers, likely unwilling to throw the youth into such a high-stakes and high-pressure situation. However, the quality within Thorp Arch would surely have marked an improvement on some of their failing starters.

Another element that comes with relegation from the Premier League is the mass exodus that often follows, with many feeling they are too good for such a division, and those who actually are, all often departing.

Rodrigo, given he is the club's top scorer, is expected to fall into the latter category.

Football Insider reported in April that a verbal agreement had been made that would allow him to leave should the unthinkable happen. Now that mere possibility has become a stark reality, the need for a new goalscorer has swiftly returned to the top of the priority list heading into next season.

Whoever is chosen as the long-term replacement for Sam Allardyce in the Elland Road dugout needs to look no further than that aforementioned academy, with young talisman Mateo Joseph waiting in the wings.

How good is Mateo Joseph?

After he moved to Yorkshire in 2022, the Spanish-born England U20 international has enjoyed a fine debut term within the youth setup as a prolific asset for Michael Skubala.

In fact, it was he who lauded the work rate of the 19-year-old, as he noted: "He’s in a good place, he’s scoring goals, he’s a character, but he still needs to keep working hard. His finishing ability is top-drawer. He’s been training like a warrior and you can see that in his game."

With 15 goals in 18 Premier League 2 games, it is clear that he is a cut above this particular level.

It was no surprise to see GOAL journalist Tom Maston credit him for such fine form, claiming in November: "Joseph & Perkins have been on fire in front of goal for the U21s this season."

Given he has only been afforded six senior appearances, it is clear that a lack of trust remains despite his domination of the U21 level.

Perhaps in the Championship, where players like him would often be loaned to streamline their development, he could finally earn his chance in the Whites' senior squad to announce himself as the heir to Rodrigo.

With the exit of the 32-year-old a foregone conclusion given he notched 13 league goals for a relegated team, there will be no better chance for Joseph to fire himself into contention to fill such a vacancy.

It could be argued he has done all he can to command such an opportunity, with his lethal touch sure to dominate the Championship if he is just handed a show of faith.

Celtic can round off their season in style on Saturday as a win over Inverness in the Scottish Cup final would secure the domestic treble.

The Hoops have already wrapped up the League Cup and Scottish Premiership title and have the opportunity to add a third to their collection for the year with a victory over the weekend.

Ange Postecoglou, however, may have his eyes on the summer transfer window with a view to improving his squad for the 2023/24 campaign.

One area in which the head coach may look to strengthen is his goalkeeping department after the depth of it was exposed in the recent 4-2 defeat to Hibernian.

Scott Bain was selected to start the match and dropped a Sofascore rating of 6.1 as the veteran conceded four goals and made one error directly leading to a goal and this came after pundit Tam McManus claimed number one Joe Hart is not "good enough" for the Champions League.

There are conflicting reports on Bain's future, as Football Insider claimed that he is set to leave the club and the Scottish Daily Mail have stated that the shot-stopper has signed a new contract, but Postcoglou must brutally ditch the dud from his squad by signing Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher.

What's the latest on Celtic's interest in Caoimhin Kelleher?

Back in March, it was reported that the Hoops are one of a number of sides who are keen on a deal to snap up the Republic of Ireland international this summer.

The 24-year-old, who is valued at £30m by the Premier League team, is said to have asked for a transfer away from Anfield in search of regular game time and the Hoops could provide him with that in a potential loan deal.

Kelleher averaged Sofascore ratings of 7.20 and 7.10 in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 Premier League campaigns respectively, as he made four appearances, and enjoyed a phenomenal season in the EFL Cup last term. The colossus averaged a Sofascore rating of 8.03 across four outings and saved a stunning 84% of the efforts on his goal.

He followed up on that with an average rating of 7.96 in two matches in the competition this season and these statistics show that the titan, who was lauded as "exceptional" by Ireland boss Stephen Kenny, has the quality to produce excellent displays at the top level between the sticks – playing under pressure for a huge team in England.

His arrival could push 36-year-old Hart, who only averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.77 in the Premiership, to the bench and that would leave Bain, who was described as a "cheerleader" by ex-Scotland full-back Alan Hutton, further down the pecking order and either not needed to feature in any games or available to leave the club.

The 31-year-old's woeful showing against Hibernian was a worrying sign of what could be to come in 23/24 if the other goalkeepers at the club suffered a long-term injury lay-off or suspension and that is why Postecoglou must ditch him by signing Kelleher, who has shown incredible promise in his time at Liverpool.