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Video analyst Sherullah Afghan and physio Dr. Sifatullah Wardak have returned to Afghanistan, and are set to be reemployed by the board

Umar Farooq16-May-2022Two out of four Afghanistan team members from the 2022 Under-19 World Cup touring party returned to the country three months after staying back in England with a view to seeking asylum in the wake of the Taliban takeover of the country. ESPNcricinfo understands both have been accepted back by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and are likely to be reemployed by the board.Afghanistan finished fourth at the Under-19 World Cup in the Caribbean, three places higher than in 2020. While returning from Antigua, the team had a scheduled stopover in London. While the rest of the Afghanistan squad, including the coaching and support staff, boarded their flight from London, four members of the travelling party decided to stay on at Heathrow with a view to seeking asylum.”There were three officials and one player [who stayed on in London], with video analyst Sherullah Afghan and physio Dr. Sifatullah Wardak among them, but those two have decided to return to Kabul,” ACB chief executive Naseeb Khan told ESPNcricinfo. “It was not the first time that people in our country stayed in other countries in various ways or were smuggled out of the country. I am pleased that our technical staff has returned to the ACB, and I warmly welcome them.”Their presence shows that security in Afghanistan is improving day by day and that the ACB has overcome the challenges it faced in the early days of the regime change. I hope those young people who have left the country return, as there are several possibilities for them to serve their country on various occasions. The doors are open for all Afghans.”Both officials met with the ACB’s top brass at the board headquarters in Kabul as the duo admitted that they preferred to return to serve their cricket. “Afghanistan needs manpower in technical aspects, so we decided to return back and work in our very own country because there is peace and prosperity in the country, so the priority must be given to Afghanistan,” Wardak said in a statement.ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf confirmed that both will be given employment. “The game has spread to all parts of the country,” said Ashraf. “The country is in need of technical staff and capacities, so everyone must strive hard to work for the country.”Immediately after Taliban took over the country last August, hundreds of Afghans including at least one former president, bureaucrats, sportspersons and civilians left. Since the takeover, the cricket board has been reshuffled extensively, and the working structure was revamped. Former allrounder Ashraf was brought in as the new chairman.Despite being a Full Member country, availing visas has become progressively tougher for Afghan cricketers and support staff, especially in the aftermath of the Taliban establishing a government. To alleviate the problem and expedite visas, the ACB has decided to procure UAE residency visas for nearly two dozen players and officials. The residence visas will allow the players and officials to stay in the UAE for longer periods of time while also ensuring they are able to apply for visas without physically needing to be present in Afghanistan.Afghanistan’s next tour is against Ireland in Belfast in August, with the ACB in the process of procuring UK visas.

Liverpool were supposed to collapse when Jurgen Klopp left. Like a house of cards. Rivals wanted the Reds cast back into the depths of mediocrity after their prosperous period. Liverpool had had their heyday, and it was time for some new blood to challenge indomitable Manchester City.

How wrong they were. To be fair, Liverpool’s own fanbase has been flummoxed by the ridiculous football being played under Arne Slot’s management. Four points clear at the pole of the Premier League at Christmas – and with a game in hand too.

Tottenham Hotspur have been hailed for their entertaining football. Ange Postecoglou knows how to raise the volume from the dugout. The problem for those of a Spurs persuasion is he doesn’t really control which area of the crowd that noise will come from.

Liverpool pounced on Tottenham’s chaos and won 6-3 on Sunday afternoon. It was beautiful, beguiling, brilliant. The forwards were in full swing.

Mohamed Salah was the main man – no surprises there – but Luis Diaz returned to Premier League form brilliantly with a two-goal performance down N17.

Luis Diaz's striking success

Diaz, 27, assumed the centre-forward spot at Tottenham with Diogo Jota being managed after a long injury and Darwin Nunez’s inconsistency convincing Slot that he needed to be benched.

Diaz isn’t a natural striker but his movements and trickiness make him a slippery customer with Cody Gakpo and Salah flanking. If you can only say one thing for Slot, you’d have to praise his tactical brilliance.

As per Sofascore, Diaz complemented his two-goal return with two key passes and success in his one attempted dribble. He’s dynamic and difficult to defend against, but not the solution at number nine in the long run.

Liverpool eyeing new forward

Liverpool will need to consider a new striker in several months, for Nunez has only scored four goals across 22 outings in 2024/25 and Jota, as stated, cannot be trusted on the fitness front.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

As per Football Insider, FSG have found their dream solution in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro. The 23-year-old has been excellent since arriving on the south coast in 2023 and is also catching Arsenal’s eye.

Liverpool’s recruitment team are understood to have discussed Joao Pedro in recent transfer conversations, and it may well be that he is right at the top of the shopping list, with a bid now being plotted.

However, the Seagulls are no pushovers and will look to collect £60m for their talisman’s departure, but on the basis of the evidence, his arrival would be worth the financial blow.

Why Joao Pedro could be better than Luis Diaz

Diaz is wonderfully electric, but the problem with his energy is that it can’t be channelled into something fluent and even. Instead, it’s bumpy and slanted, leaving Liverpool with a world-class talent prone to lapses.

Before his north London brace, the Colombian had gone three months – ten fixtures – since a top-flight goal, but then with 11 strikes from 23 matches across all competitions, he’s hardly flattering to deceive.

Even so, Brighton’s South American star has the quality to take his place when the time comes. Indeed, Diaz’s tentative contract discussions with Liverpool over a new contract have reportedly provided no fruit so far, with the respective parties believed to have ‘disagreements’.

Barcelona are long-time admirers and it feels like next summer could be the perfect time to cash in while the 27-year-old’s stock is high.

Joao Pedro must be his replacement, already a potent force. As per FBref, Joao Pedro ranks among the top 11% of Premier League forwards this season for goals scored, the top 16% for assists and the top 12% for aerial battles won per 90, emphasising not only his potency but his physicality too.

He’s scored four goals and assisted three more from just 11 Premier League games (nine starts). Last season, he notched 20 strikes from 44 matches across all competitions, impressing after his £30m transfer from Watford.

Diaz is a showman, one of the league’s great entertainers, but Pedro also carries that special something that raises roofs. He has recently been described as a “really magical” player by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard.

Matches (starts)

16 (11)

11 (9)

Goals

7

4

Assists

2

3

Touches*

32.9

40.1

Shots (on target)

1.9 (0.9)

1.6 (0.6)

Pass completion

86%

76%

Key passes*

1.3

1.2

Dribble (success)*

1.3 (47%)

1.3 (47%)

Tackles + interceptions*

1.0

1.1

Total duels (won)*

3.3 (38%)

5.0 (52%)

The fact is that Pedro is already producing performances that carry underlying data that outdoes that of Diaz. Liverpool’s winger slash forward doesn’t actually produce the highest output concerning his ball-carrying and ball-playing, hitting a similar vein of creativity and failing to match Brighton’s man in terms of combativeness and defensive strength.

Let’s not forget that the Brighton attacker is only 23, and while he would cost a pretty penny to bring to Anfield, Liverpool would be investing in a talent capable of hitting stratospheric heights across the seasons to come.

Ultimately, Liverpool are going to need to address their problem at number nine, with Nunez unable to prove his composure and clinical edge thus far and Diaz probably not the long-term solution.

Diaz is a first-rate player, but he’s prone to blips and is most naturally effective as a left winger anyway.

In Pedro, Liverpool would secure an upgrade in the striker’s seat while bolstering their left flank too, given that the Brazilian has played ample football on the wing.

Slot has taken Klopp’s gifted group of players and sharpened them to a fine attacking point. Brighton’s main man would only go from strength to strength on Merseyside, and FSG need to make it happen.

Liverpool lining up "monster" £178k-p/w Robertson upgrade

Arne Slot’s high-flying Liverpool side will need to make some repairs in 2025.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 21, 2024

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has been urged to replace Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the 2026 World Cup to give his side the best chance of winning.

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Ronaldo still involved on international stageScoring goals but having less impact in big gamesMartinez urged to replace talisman for World CupFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ronaldo has led his country to Euros and Nations League titles during his international career but the World Cup remains the one big trophy to elude him. However, at 40, the Al-Nassr star is running out of time and his ability to compete at the top level appears to be decreasing by the day. Many ex-players and pundits, including former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann, believe it is time for someone else to have a go as Portugal's leading forward.

AdvertisementAFPWHAT HAMANN SAID

Speaking to CardPlayer.com, the former Germany international said: "Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence was very limited at the last Euros and I think you have to keep in mind at this World Cup, he is another year older.

"He still scores goals but they have good forwards like Goncalo Ramos who can’t get a game, I think it’s time for someone else to have a chance to shine in the team. If we see him at the World Cup, I’d be very surprised if he had a big impact."

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Some believe that Ronaldo's continued involvement in the national team set-up is hindering the involvement and progress of many young talents, including Goncalo Ramos and Francisco Trincao. Martinez has a big decision to make if he is going to give Portugal the best chance of winning the World Cup in 2026, when Ronaldo will be 41.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

The football icon has left no hint of hanging up his boots in the next 12 months and he may even be re-energised after being handed a Guinness World Record award for the most international wins with 132, surpassing former Real Madrid team-mate Sergio Ramos. Ronaldo was on the scoresheet as Portugal beat Denmark 5-2 after extra time in their latest Nations League outing, but he also missed a penalty.

Tottenham Hotspur are now exploring a move for a “superb” Premier League ace to replace Fraser Forster, according to a report.

Fraser Forster failing to impress

After Guglielmo Vicario was ruled out with a long-term injury back in November, Ange Postecoglou made it clear in no uncertain terms that he had no plans to sign a goalkeeper during the January transfer window.

However, it would be fair to say that Fraser Forster has flattered to deceive in Vicario’s absence, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher highly critical of the goalkeeper after his performance in the 4-3 EFL Cup victory against Manchester United, saying: “Has there been a worse performance from two goalkeepers in the same game ever?”

As such, it appears as though Postecoglou has made a U-turn and will now look to bring in a new goalkeeper to replace Forster this January, and The Boot Room have now provided an update on one of the players Tottenham could target.

According to a report, Spurs are now interested in signing Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Sam Johnstone this month, given that Forster’s introduction to the team has coincided with some poor results.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 3, 2025

The Lilywhites are now exploring a loan deal for the Wolves goalkeeper, who is expected to be allowed to leave Molineux this month, given that Jose Sa has emerged as the Old Gold’s number one this season.

The opportunity to sign the 31-year-old, who was wanted by Antonio Conte in 2022, on an initial loan deal appeals to Tottenham, seemingly as a stop-gap until Vicario returns from his ankle injury.

Paul O Keefe has since reported that Johnstone is “one of the leading contenders” to strengthen the goalkeeper area this winter.

Johnstone also struggling between the sticks

In truth, both players have not been at their best over the past year, ranking in very low percentiles across a number of key metrics for goalkeepers.

Statistic

Sam Johnstone

Fraser Forster

Save percentage

60.8% (4th percentile)

71.2% (58th percentile)

Goals against per 90

2.0 (10th percentile)

1.91 (12th percentile)

Clean Sheet Percentage

9.1% (7th percentile)

18.2% (27th percentile)

As shown, Forster is performing slightly better across the three statistics, although it must be taken into account that he has played for a stronger team, who are expected to dominate certain games and therefore face fewer shots.

There is no doubt that Johnstone is talented, given his previous involvement with the England squad, winning four caps, and he has been lauded as “superb” by members of the media.

However, there is little evidence that the Englishman would be much of an upgrade on Forster for Tottenham in the second half of the season, so it may be worth Postecoglou looking at other targets.

Clatter of wickets at Hove gives hosts a chance but 341 target is already steep

ECB Reporters Network28-Jun-2022Derbyshire’s surprising decision not to enforce the follow-on against Sussex reduced their chances of winning a match they had dominated – and even gave their opponents an outside chance of pulling off an astonishing victory.When Sussex were bowled out for 337 in this LV= Insurance County Championship match, losing their last five wickets for 38 runs and their last three in the space of four Hayden Kerr deliveries to concede a first innings advantage of 214, they looked down and out and not relishing the prospect of being put back in.But Derbyshire decided to bat again and when they slumped to 54 for five, with Jack Brooks putting in a four-wicket burst, Sussex sensed the chance to pinch an outrageous win. Billy Godleman was well caught by Tom Alsop at first slip off Sean Hunt in the second over. That means the Derbyshire captain has 213 championship runs in 13 innings this season for an average of 16.38.Then Brooks stepped up. He had Brooke Guest lbw for eight before dismissing the first-innings hero Wayne Madsen first ball, caught behind. In his next over Brooks dismissed Leus du Plooy, who mis-cued to midwicket, and in his next over Shan Masood dragged a wide ball onto his stumps.Anuj Dal and Kerr fell near the close and Derbyshire closed on 127 for seven, a lead of 341. They are still favourites to win the game but Sussex can now see an escape route.Sussex had started the third day on 142 for three, chasing a target of 402 to avoid the follow-on, with Mohammad Rizwan unbeaten on 54 and the in-form Oli Carter 14. Carter was dropped at first slip by Madsen off Sam Connors when he had made 26. Madsen should be forgiven, even by the most impatient of Derbyshire supporters. In all forms of cricket he has taken 313 catches for the county, placing 13th in Derbyshire’s history – and seven of the 12 ahead of him were wicketkeepers.Carter, who had scored a career-best 185 and 83 in the county’s previous championship fixture against Glamorgan in Cardiff, went on to reach his half-century from 88 deliveries, with six fours. But then he was bowled going back when he might have been forward to one from the impressive Mark Watt, who was signed as a t20 player but who now appears to be the side’s number one red ball spinner.The spotlight on Rizwan was getting brighter with the fall of each wicket at the other end. And, making the most of the short boundary at the east side of the ground, he went on to reach his first championship century for Sussex from 172 balls, with 18 fours.Sussex lost their fifth wicket at 242 when Danial Ibrahim, half forward to one that turned from Watt, was bowled for six. Delray Rawlins is a lavishly talented player who has not always shown shown enough discipline for the red-ball game. But he scored a half-century in Cardiff and here, against the spinners, he sensibly mixed aggression with patience. However, when Derbyshire took the new ball at 295 for five he was undone almost immediately, bowled through the gate by Dal as he played a loose drive. His 37 from 57 balls, with six fours and a six, was not what Sussex required.Rizwan was lbw to Dal for a fine 130, with 22 fours, but the Sussex tail didn’t wag, as Steve Finn fell second ball and Hunt to his first delivery.

After missing the international break due to injury, the Herons' talisman is expected to be available for selection Saturday

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Lionel Messi missed international break due to injuryMiami star trained Friday, now expected to be available SaturdayArgentine has only played two MLS matches in 2025Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Lionel Messi is expected to return to the pitch for Inter Miami for the first time since March 16, coach Javier Mascherano said Friday. The Argentine suffered a muscle strain in a victory over Atlanta United that day, playing 90 minutes while scoring the opening goal in the match.

He missed the international break with Argentina as a result of the knock, but trained fully on Friday, and is now available for selection Saturday night in Miami's MLS match against the Philadelphia Union.

"Leo is good, God willing and if nothing weird happens, he will be named to the matchday roster," Mascherano said, adding that they've taken a progressive approach to his rehabilitation.

"Well, we've been taking it progressively. Leo is a very special player in that sense, a player who, well, obviously sometimes needs to be restrained so he doesn't take risks, but he also knows his body very well, and the reality is that he's been training progressively more and more. He's been doing more training sessions with us, and today, god willing, he'll do the entire training session."

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Midfielder Yannick Bright confirmed Messi has trained separately from the squad throughout the week, but hopes he will play with them against the Union.

"He trained with us for the first 15 minutes but he didn't do much so that's up to the coaches and trainers," Bright said.

Messi participated in the opening 15 minutes of Friday's session with the media in attendance.

DID YOU KNOW?

The last time Miami played Philadelphia was in September 2024 – and Messi returned from a different injury in that game and scored the Goal of the Matchday.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

The clash with the Union Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV in a match between the top two teams in the East heading into Matchday 6 of the season.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has explained what has triggered Mohamed Salah's surprise goal drought in recent weeks.

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Salah suffers Liverpool goal droughtSees his Ballon d'Or dream slip awaySlot opens up on strugglesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Salah started off the season as a strong contender to win the Ballon d'Or as he led Liverpool to an early lead in the Premier League title race and also helped them end the Champions League league stage atop the standings. However, the Reds have since been knocked out of Europe and the FA Cup, while they were beaten in the final of the Carabao Cup.

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Salah's previous standing as the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or has fallen as Barcelona duo Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, plus Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, have all continued to perform deep into the season. Additionally, Salah has failed to score in his last four games and has not scored a goal from open play since February 24. Slot has now explained Salah's goal drought of late.

GettyWHAT SLOT SAID

Speaking to the media, Slot said: "Sometimes the fixture list is more difficult than at other periods. PSG are one of the best teams in Europe at the moment. Newcastle were all over us in the Carabao final and Everton were so difficult with 10 people in their own 18-yard box all the time.

"I know Mo, he lives for goals. It would be weird if he was happy not scoring but probably his biggest quality is he can play a poor game and still score so his head is not all over the place. That is why he scores so many, because he wants it so much. Yes, there were probably periods this season he smiled a bit more but that's not just him, it's all the players."

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WHAT NEXT FOR SALAH?

Salah is still in line to win the Premier League with Liverpool this season, while the Golden Boot is also in sight with the Egyptian only six goals behind Erling Haaland, who has been ruled out for several weeks and may not return before the end of the domestic campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is not short of options in midfield. Despite injuries having a major impact on his squad this term, he still has a plethora of options in the middle of the park.

The more attacking of those players include young Lucas Bergvall, who has made an excellent impression of late. James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevkis bring experience in attacking midfield for Postecoglou.

Slightly deeper in midfield, the Australian can pick from the likes of Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma. Youngster Archie Gray is very versatile and can play at right-back but is a midfielder by trade.

With all this considered, it is an exciting prospect for Lilywhites fans that the club are eying up another midfield addition.

Spurs target new midfielder

The player in question here is American defensive midfielder Johnny Cardoso. The Real Betis star has really impressed for the Spanish club this season, and could now make a move in the January transfer window.

According to an exclusive report from GiveMeSport, the North London side ‘could conduct a move’ for the American star this winter. They are believed to have ‘serious interest’ in signing him and there is thought to be a ‘big chance’ he leaves La Liga in this window.

There are believed to be other sides from both La Liga and the Premier League interested in signing Cardoso. However, Spurs have the upper hand in any potential deal. When loaning out Giovani Lo Celso to the Spanish club this season, the Lilywhites agreed a clause for a £25.5m deal for Cardoso, which they can trigger if they wish to sign him.

Why Cardoso could be a good signing

The 23-year-old American star has been superb in midfield for Betis this season. He has played 20 times across all competitions, sitting at the base of their midfield as a metronome, keeping things ticking over and shielding the defence.

The midfielder, who was born in Denville, New Jersey, was described as a “composed deep-lying playmaker” by football analyst Ben Mattinson.

He certainly likes to pull the strings from a deeper position, with an assist against Celta Vigo a prime example of that.

Not only would the 23-year-old add to the excellent depth in midfield, but he could be a big upgrade on Bissouma.

There has been a fair bit of criticism for the Malian midfielder this term, who has played 24 times in all competitions. Earlier in the season, Stephen Warnock said he thought Bissouma “didn’t have the desire” to run in midfield.

If there is one thing that Cardoso could bring to the Spurs midfield that Bissouma doesn’t, it is a high volume of defensive actions. This is reflected in the stats on FBref, and there is a clear gap in the number of defensive actions between the pair.

This season in La Liga, the Betis star averages 6.39 ball recoveries and 4.82 tackles and interceptions per game. Comparatively, Bissouma averages 5.15 ball recoveries and 4.27 tackles and interceptions each game.

On the ball, Cardoso is still a fantastic player from deep, averaging 3.61 progressive passes, although that is less than Bissouma’s 6.21 progressive passes per 90 minutes. That is perhaps because he plays for a team with less average possession than Spurs, as per FBref.

Stat (per 90)

Cardoso

Bissouma

Ball recoveries

6.39

5.15

Tackles and interceptions

4.82

4.27

Blocks

1.2

0.58

Progressive passes

3.61

6.21

Key passes

0.48

0.39

Not only would Cardoso be an upgrade on Bissouma, but he could be the perfect long-term partner for Bergvall. The Swede has been making waves recently and has played 22 times this season. He scored his first goal for the Lilywhites against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.

With Cardoso’s defensive ability and progressive nature, he is the perfect foil for someone like Bergvall who can get forward and impact the final third without having to worry about leaving the defence open.

For just £25.5m, Cardoso could be a great addition for Spurs. Not only would he upgrade their midfield, but also be a long-term partner for Bergvall who could get the best out of the youngster.

Tottenham have been in talks to sign another PSG player with Kolo Muani

The France international is being heavily linked with a move to N17.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jan 10, 2025

Marcus Stoinis, Sean Abbott back after injuries; Travis Head on paternity leave

Alex Malcolm18-Jul-2022Legspinner Adam Zampa will be returning from paternity leave for Australia’s back-to-back ODI series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand in late August and early September, while Test captain Pat Cummins will be rested from both ahead of a monster home summer.Australia face Zimbabwe in a three-match ODI series on August 28, 31 and September 3, with all three games to be played at the Riverway Stadium in Townsville. That will be followed by three ODIs against New Zealand on September 6, 8, and 11 at the Cazalys Stadium in Cairns.Zampa missed the entire Sri Lanka tour due to the birth of his first child, and returns to bolster Australia’s spin ranks. Ashton Agar will also be back after a side strain that kept him out of the last four ODIs in Sri Lanka.Cummins played four of the five ODIs in Sri Lanka after resting from the T20I series. But Australia’s national selection panel made the decision to rest him from the upcoming series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand in order for him to freshen up ahead of a home T20 World Cup and a huge Test summer that comprises five home Tests against West Indies and South Africa, before a four-Test trip to India early next year.ESPNcricinfo LtdTravis Head will also miss both ODI series as he is expecting the birth of his first child during that period.Sean Abbott returns to the ODI squad in place of Cummins after missing the entire tour of Sri Lanka due a broken finger he suffered in the nets in Colombo on the eve of the opening T20I.Marcus Stoinis will also be back after a side strain that saw him fly home from Sri Lanka early. Australia have named a trimmed-down squad of 14 for the six ODIs against Zimbabwe and New Zealand, with Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Inglis and Jhye Richardson all dropping out of the group that played in Sri Lanka.The timing of the series has ramifications for four Hundred squads, with Glenn Maxwell (London Spirit), Zampa (Welsh Fire), Stoinis (Southern Brave), and Abbott (Manchester Originals) all set to be unavailable for the back end of the tournament as they are likely to return to Australia a week out from the first ODI on August 28.Meanwhile, bowling coach Daniel Vettori will be staying at the Hundred as coach of Birmingham Phoenix, thus missing both of Australia’s assignments.

Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Jack Grealish after seeing the Manchester City star dedicate a Premier League goal to his late brother.

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England international handed rare start by CityRegistered first Premier League goal since December 2023Netted on 25th anniversary of brother's passingFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The England international lined up for City against Leicester as he was handed just a seventh top-flight start of the season. Grealish needed less than two minutes to get on the scoresheet.

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Said effort was Grealish’s first in the Premier League since December 2023 and came on the 25th anniversary of his brother Keelan’s passing. Grealish was just four when losing his sibling in April 2000.

WHAT JACK GREALISH & PEP GUARDIOLA SAID

He pointed to the sky after finding the target against the Foxes, in an emotional celebration, and posted on social media afterwards: "With me always, especially this day. That was for you, Keelan."

Guardiola said: "Jack is an incredible human being. I didn't know [about the anniversary]. I can't imagine how tough it can be for mum and dad, his sister and all the family. It's good that this day he remembers him. I'm pretty sure they remember every single day. He scored a goal and made a good game."

AFPDID YOU KNOW?

Grealish was moved into a playmaking No.10 berth against Leicester, rather than being asked to line up on the flanks, and Guardiola added on the 29-year-old’s performance: "He likes to play in the middle. He's a guy who used to play free. He's comfortable playing on the side. Always between the lines he has ability. I'm happy for him. I know it's not easy when you don't play regularly. Last game in the FA Cup he played really good."