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Chelsea have submitted a bid to sign a £70 million striker after manager Enzo Maresca personally welcomed the move, and they've received a reply to their approach.

Chelsea targeting new senior attackers despite busy early summer

The west Londoners have officially confirmed a flurry of early deals, spending around £105 million in total on the signings of defender Tosin Adarabioyo, starlet striker Marc Guiu, youngster Omari Kellyman, midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Brazilian prodigy Estevao Willian.

£210,000-per-week striker compared to Ronaldo really wants Chelsea move

He thinks a switch to Stamford Bridge is the best possible outcome for him.

2

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 5, 2024

Chelsea helped to fund those moves by shaking hands on exits for Hakim Ziyech, Lewis Hall, Omari Hutchinson and Ian Maatsen, who have been sold for around £84 million in total.

Estevao, who is highly-rated but not set to join until 2025, and Guiu could be seen as ones for the future – rather than immediate upgrades to Maresca's first team attacking options.

Therefore, it is believed co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley remain in the market for new senior attackers. Chelsea missed out on a deal for Michael Olise, despite widely reported talks, with the 22-year-old instead joining Vincent Kompany at Bayern Munich.

A new wide player is still possible, though, as Chelsea maintain a rumoured interest in Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams among others. Chelsea are also believed to be in the market for a new striker, with Mauricio Pochettino relying heavily on Cole Palmer for Chelsea's output last term.

Chelsea's top scorers in all competitions last season	Goals
Cole Palmer	25
Nicolas Jackson	17
Raheem Sterling	10
Noni Madueke	8
Conor Gallagher	7

Napoli star Victor Osimhen is among Chelsea's striker targets, with the Nigerian said to favour a move to Stamford Bridge as his best possible option. Chelsea chiefs have held internal discussions over Ivan Toney as well, coming after his heroic extra-time assist for Harry Kane against Slovakia in the Last 16 of Euro 2024.

Another striker to be linked quite recently is Atletico Madrid starlet Samu Omorodion. The 20-year-old has just impressed on a season-long loan at Deportivo, scoring nine goals and registering an assist in 36 appearances.

While these numbers don't appear mind-blowing on paper, he is very highly-rated in Spain and viewed as a player with real potential.

"Omorodion is an imposing centre-forward blessed with great physicality, aerial prowess, speed and agility, a combination which has given many experienced defenders nightmares at the start of his career," wrote reporter Tom Olver in The Metro.

"The Spain U21 international has also been praised for his tenacious work ethic and has a reputation for tirelessly pressing his opponents."

Chelsea submit bid for Omorodion after Maresca green light

The Sun have an update on Chelsea's pursuit of the Spaniard, and it is believed Maresca personally welcomes the prospect of him joining the west Londoners as he green-lights a move.

Chelsea have also submitted a £42 million bid for Omorodion, but Atletico have replied by snubbing their approach as the La Liga side hold out for as much as £70 million.

Maresca has made clear he wants another forward to compete with Nicolas Jackson next season, with co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart identifying Omorodion as the ideal profile suited to his style.

Insists India “not complaining about anything”, but are focused on the SCG Test instead

Sidharth Monga06-Jan-20211:35

Rahane: ‘Being in quarantine definitely has its own challenges’

India are finding it challenging that life outside their hotel in Sydney is “completely normal” but the players are being asked to stay indoors during the SCG Test. That is the crux of India’s discontent, with the break between matches featuring whispers from sources in the Indian camp that they might even boycott the Brisbane Test if the restrictions on their movements remain.On the eve of the SCG Test, captain Ajinkya Rahane talked about the challenge but also said the players were focused only on the upcoming Test. “Being in quarantine definitely has its own challenges, but as a team we are focussing on the game,” Rahane said. “We know that life outside in Sydney is completely normal but players are in quarantine, which is a challenge. But we have to face it. We are not complaining about anything. We are just focussing on tomorrow’s game. And just want to start well tomorrow again.”Life in Sydney, while not completely normal, is less restrictive than the biosecure environment the players have been put in. Parts of Northern Beaches where the latest Covid-19 outbreak occurred remain in lockdown, but people are generally free to move about. However, the players have been kept in stricter restrictions because the border between New South Wales and Queensland, which will host the next Test, has been locked down as Greater Sydney is still a “hotspot”. For the teams to get an exemption to travel to Brisbane, they will have to have stayed in their hotels and the SCG throughout the duration of this Test.Related

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There have also been reports that India might, instead of going to Brisbane, demand two Tests in Sydney if that allows them freer movement while they are in the city. Rahane was asked if that was the case, but he neither confirmed nor denied the reports.”As players we are just focusing on this Test match,” Rahane said. “BCCI and team management will take the other decisions. For us as players, it is all about giving our best on the field. There is a Test starting tomorrow. We are just focusing on that, do well and win the Test match.”Meanwhile, Nick Hockley, CA’s interim CEO, has maintained the BCCI has been supportive of the schedule. “We speak to our counterparts at the BCCI daily,” he said on Monday. “We’ve had nothing formal from the BCCI to suggest anything other than they’re supportive. Both teams have wanted to play the schedule as we’ve set out.”Asked if it was annoying to be subject to fresh restrictions towards the end of a long time away from home – some India players have been in bubbles since mid-August, having played in the IPL before flying to Australia – and after they had served all quarantine requirements upon entry into the country, Rahane said: “We are not at all annoyed. There are some challenges in quarantine. Especially when life in Sydney is completely normal outside. But we are not at all annoyed. We know what our priority here is. We are here to play cricket, and we just want to do that. Starting from tomorrow, start well. As a team we are just focused on that.”However, it might appear that the stand-off has annoyed the host team’s players with Australia’s captain Tim Paine talking about how tensions are likely to rise, making mentions of India being a “power in world cricket” in light of rumblings about the venues and the restrictions on the players. Rahane was asked if he was prepared for a less friendly contest than it has been so far, but he sidestepped the question.”We just want to play some good cricket,” Rahane said. “As I said quarantine life is definitely a challenge when we know that in Australia, especially in Sydney, life is normal. And players are stuck in the room, but it’s okay. We know how to handle it. We are prepared for any kind of situation. As a team we just want to do well starting from tomorrow, be in the moment and play some good cricket.”

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O treino Palmeiras antes da partida contra o Flamengo, no Allianz Parque, às 16h (horário de Brasília), deste domingo, pela 20ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro contou com duas novidades. Segundo apurou o NOSSO PALESTRA, o meia Caio e o atacante Keven, destaques da categoria Sub-16, treinaram com a equipe principal, em atividade realizada na Academia de Futebol, em São Paulo.

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O treino contou com as presenças dos jovens entre os profissionais é uma prática comum dentro do Palmeiras, que serve tanto como aprendizado para os atletas da base, quanto para auxiliar Abel Ferreira no comando da atividade, simulando situações de jogo.

Divisão do Sub-17, o Sub-16 é composto por atletas que ainda vivem seu primeiro ano na categoria e consequentemente estão em fase de transição. Embora estejam à disposição de Orlando Ribeiro, o grupo é dirigido Hamilton Mendes e realiza uma série de partidas amistosas na Academia de Futebol. Em entrevista ao NP, Orlando revelou que deve utilizar alguns desses jogadores na primeira fase do Campeonato Paulista Sub-17.

Visando as cabeças na tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro após o fechamento do primeiro turno, o Palmeiras soma 35 pontos conquistados, quatro a menos do que o Atlético Mineiro, líder da competição. Com duas pelejas a menos, o Flamengo está na quinta posição, com 31 pontos.

continua após a publicidade

Celtic ended their 2023/24 campaign with another trophy last weekend as they won the SFA Cup final at Hampden Park to complete a domestic double.

The Hoops had already won and lifted the Scottish Premiership title under Brendan Rodgers and added the cup to their cabinet with a 1-0 win over their local rivals.

Rodgers returned to Parkhead last summer, after Ange Postecoglou departed to join Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, and enjoyed a relatively strong first season back at Paradise – winning two pieces of silverware.

However, the Northern Irish head coach may want better success on the European front next term, after his team were knocked out of Europe completely by finishing bottom of their Champions League group during the first half of the campaign.

The upcoming summer transfer window will provide the ex-Liverpool boss with another opportunity to make fresh additions to his squad to push on and improve next year, and they are already plotting to sign one player in a deal that could be worth £6m.

Celtic plotting deal for cup final hero

After his winning goal in the SFA Cup final against Rangers at Hampden Park last weekend, Celtic are reportedly eyeing up a swoop to sign Adam Idah on a permanent deal.

According to the Daily Record, Rodgers wants to bring the Ireland international back to Parkhead for a permanent spell and the board are now ready to back him in his pursuit.

The report claims that the Hoops chiefs are committed to making sure that the Northern Irish tactician gets his wish, by lining up a move for the Norwich City loanee.

It states that the Canaries, who brought the 6 foot 3 marksman up through their academy system, are looking for a fee in the region of £6m for the impressive forward.

However, the Daily Record do not reveal whether or not the Scottish giants are prepared to meet the full £6m asking price, or if they will look to haggle it down to a cheaper fee.

Norwich are reportedly closing in on a deal to make Johannes Hoff Thorup their new head coach and it also remains to be seen whether or not the Danish tactician's arrival could affect Celtic's pursuit of Idah.

The incoming boss could have the Irishman as part of his plans or may be willing to cash in on him to fund signings of his own, so the Scottish side may have to wait for his arrival before they can get a deal over the line.

Celtic could, though, land a better option than Kyogo Furuhashi to lead the line for them next season if they can bring the 23-year-old centre-forward back to Parkhead.

Kyogo Furuhashi's struggles this season

The Japan international came into the 2023/24 campaign off the back of a return of 27 goals in 31 Premiership starts under Postecoglou last term.

He had enjoyed an incredibly prolific season in Scotland and looked set to be a crucial figure at the top end of the pitch for the Hoops and Rodgers this time around.

Whilst Kyogo still scored goals, the 29-year-old forward's efficiency in front of goal left a lot to be desired as the attacker let his teammates down with wasteful finishing too often.

Kyogo Furuhashi

18.39

14

-4.39

Daizen Maeda

8.78

6

-2.78

Reo Hatate

4.92

3

-1.92

Luis Palma

8.54

7

-1.54

Hyeon-gyu Oh

6.35

5

-1.35

As you can see in the table above, no Celtic player underperformed more as a finisher than the Japanese dud as he scored at least four goals fewer than expected based on the quality of chances that were created for him.

Kyogo ended the Premiership season with 14 goals and a staggering 24 'big chances' missed in 38 matches, which shows that he did not make the most of the opportunities that came his way.

The 5 foot 7 attacker did not offer much outside of his goals as he only had 16.9 touches of the ball and completed 5.6 passes (67% success rate) per game on average, which shows that the forward did not get involved in the build up and the few touches he did have seemed to end up with big chances being missed.

Why Adam Idah is better than Kyogo Furuhashi

Rodgers could now sign a striker who is better than Kyogo by snapping up Idah on a permanent deal for £6m, based on the loanee's superb performances during the second half of the campaign.

The Hoops snapped him up on loan from Norwich on deadline day at the start of February and the striker, who was lauded for his "incredible" talent by the Bhoys boss, hit the ground running in Scotland.

Appearances

15

38

Minutes per game

41

66

Goals

8

14

Big chances missed

7

24

Minutes per goal

76

179

Aerial duel success rate

64%

26%

As you can see in the table above, Idah scored eight goals in 15 league appearances and averaged a goal every 76 minutes – taking 103 minutes less to score than Kyogo.

The 6 foot 3 marksman, who won Celtic the SFA Cup on Saturday with his strike, also came out on top in 64% of his aerial duels and has the physicality and height to dominate opposition defenders in the air, which makes him a fantastic outlet for the team to utilise when under pressure.

Despite playing 25 minutes less per game on average, Idah had more touches per game (17.9) and completed more passes per match (7.1) than the former Vissel Kobe star.

This shows that the Irishman gets far more involved in the build-up play to provide the team with a focal point in the number nine position, which was on full display in the 5-0 win over Kilmarnock to seal the league title as he scored a goal and held the ball up brilliantly – completing 85% of his passes – up front.

Celtic could sign a "first-class" upgrade on Iwata for Rodgers

The Hoops are reportedly keen to reunite the defensive midfielder with the Northern Irish boss.

ByDan Emery May 28, 2024

Therefore, Idah is a better option for Rodgers as a centre-forward as, based on this season, he has the quality to score far more frequently and efficiently, offer a far greater physical presence, and offers more in possession for the team in general play.

Looking to hand Arne Slot his first signing at the club, Liverpool have reportedly tabled their first offer to sign a star player that Anfield became familiar with last season.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds have the task of putting the finishing touches on Liverpool 2.0 this summer, with the guidance of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes bound to help that in the coming months. It is also down to Slot to pick up where Jurgen Klopp left off after the German guided his Liverpool side into the Premier League's top three whilst picking up the Carabao Cup in an emotional farewell.

What became apparent in Klopp's final summer was the importance of rebuilding Liverpool's midfield. Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch all arrived to replace Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and others in what proved to be a much-needed refresh.

That refresh still showed signs of weaknesses last season that Edwards and Slot must now work to solve, however, making another addition. And there may be no better addition than a player who's already shone at Anfield.

Liverpool now interested in signing "hero" who Slot and Van Dijk know well

He’s already played alongside Van Dijk.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 6, 2024

According to journalist Jorge Nicola, relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool have tabled a €45m (£38m) offer to sign Ederson from Atalanta this summer. The Reds are joined by Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Manchester United in their interest, but it is those in Merseyside who have reportedly made their first offer.

The defensive midfielder got his first taste of victory in his Anfield audition last season of course, as Atalanta swept Liverpool aside 3-0 in the Europa League quarter-final first leg on their way to winning the competition in its entirety.

It was in that game that the Brazilian proved his defensive ability in a dominant performance against South American counterpart Mac Allister. By the end of the game, as per SofaScore, he had helped force the Liverpool man to lose possession 15 times compared to his seven, whilst winning half of his own ground duels and limiting the Argentine to just 76 touches in a statement-making display.

"Strong" Ederson can unleash Mac Allister

Whilst Mac Allister was hardly given room to breathe against Atalanta, Ederson's Liverpool arrival could unleash the World Cup winner in such games. The Brazilian can do the job that Endo has filled in to complete well, but for years to come, hand the Reds a permanent solution. An added bonus too, is the fact that Ederson also has plenty of quality in the final third.

Goals

6

5

Assists

1

5

Tackles Won

49

55

Ball Recoveries

188

195

With two all-rounders at the heart of Slot's side, Liverpool should be ready to step into a new era in search of more silverware this summer if they complete their supposed move for Ederson, of course.

Tim Vickery is among those to have handed the midfielder plenty of praise in the past, describing him as a "strong and well-built central midfielder" when speaking to Sky Sports.

Only time will tell whether Atalanta accept Liverpool's reported offer, but everything is pointing towards a player capable of kicking off the Slot era with a bang this summer.

Aston Villa have been handed a boost as it has emerged that one of their transfer targets has a much cheaper release clause than first reported, presenting even better value for money for the Midlands club should they opt to pull the trigger on a deal.

Villa setting up for Europe

Semi-finalists in the UEFA Conference League this season, Unai Emery's Villa side will be playing Champions League football next season after fourth spot in the Premier League was ensured on Tuesday, courtesy of Tottenham falling to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City.

The Villans have enjoyed an excellent campaign, and will be hoping that it is just the start of a dynasty being built under the former Arsenal and PSG boss, who has dragged them from 17th to 4th in his 18 months in charge.

Unai Emery personally phones £80k-p/w midfielder Aston Villa lead race for

The Spanish coach is looking to improve his side quickly following Champions League qualification.

By
Ben Browning

May 16, 2024

But there are still holes in the squad that need filling ahead of the new season; as per Football Insider, Villa are targeting three positions to strengthen this summer. "Unai Emery wants to bring in a new full-back, who can play at both left and right-back, as well as a striker and a box-to-box midfielder", they claim.

There is also the expectation that they will add another centre-back to replace the on-loan Clement Lenglet, with Mario Hermoso reportedly set to arrive as a free agent with Villa having beaten Inter Milan to his signature. Now, they have been handed a boost in pursuit of one of their other targets.

Striker available for bargain fee

Of course, Villa have already got one of the Premier League's best strikers in Ollie Watkins, but they are also reportedly keen on adding Joshua Zirkzee to their ranks, with reports claiming that Sporting Director Monchi is particularly keen on a move for the Bologna man.

Zirkzee has starred for Bologna this season, with the 22-year-old grabbing 11 goals and 5 assists, leading to interest in his services from across the continent. However, it was thought that he would cost around 60m euros (£51m) to sign permanently.

Now though, a new update has claimed he will be free to go for much less. That is according to Corriere dello Sport, who report that the 40m euro buyback option for Bayern Munich in fact applies to all interested clubs, meaning that Zirkzee is likely to depart Emilio-Romagna for £34m, with AC Milan, Arsenal and Aston Villa all credited with a strong interest.

Zirkzee's fantastic Serie A season
Appearances	34
Goals	11
Assists	5
Minutes per goal contribution	173

That is thanks to the work of super agent Kia Joorabchian, who inserted the clause into the deal when he moved from Bayern to Serie A. The Dutch forward has two years left to run on his £18,000 a week deal at Bologna, making a departure or renewal this summer likely as they look to protect his value.

With strikers few and far between and value for money even less so, this could be a perfect opportunity to snatch up another young star for Aston Villa.

Essex have announced that Peter Siddle’s contract has been deferred to 2021 on account of the coronavirus pandemic.Siddle, 35, had been due to spend a third season as the club’s overseas player in the County Championship and the Royal London Cup, but following the postponement of the campaign and with uncertainty over international travel, it was mutually agreed that his contract should be pushed back a year. He is the latest in a series of player to have had a planned county stint cancelled or deferred as clubs look to cut costs.ALSO READ: Handscomb left frustrated with Middlesex contract ‘on hold’“It’s a shame I won’t be returning to Chelmsford this year as I was really looking forward to the season with the Eagles, but there are plenty of things more important than cricket going on in the world at the moment,” Siddle said.”In light of the current situation, it makes sense for me to come back over for the 2021 season when hopefully we’re back to normal and playing cricket again. It feels like a long way off at the moment, but I’m really excited to see all the boys and play at the County Ground again.”Siddle owed his Test recall to an impressive 2018 season with Essex, when he took 37 Championship wickets at 16.40 across seven games, and starred again in 2019 when his 34 wickets in eight matches earned him a spot in Australia’s Ashes squad.Siddle’s compatriots Adam Zampa and Moises Henriques were due to be Essex’s overseas players for this season’s T20 Blast, but no decision has yet been reached on their contracts. As things stand, the competition is due to be played as scheduled, though it is likely to be postponed. The ECB will discuss contingency plans at Thursday’s board meeting.”The postponed start to the season is going to have an impact on overseas players in the squad,” said Derek Bowden, the club’s chief executive. “We are constantly reviewing the situation with our other overseas players in light of when various competitions will commence, together with their own personal safety and ability to travel.”

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Nesta segunda-feira (05), o técnico Hernán Crespo tem pelo menos um motivo para se alegrar: o argentino completa 46 anos de vida, com uma carreira consagrada como atacante, e um início de uma trajetória promissora como treinador de futebol .

>> ATUAÇÕES: Defesa do São Paulo vai mal após a saída de Miranda

Crespo chegou ao São Paulo no começo desta temporada, em fevereiro, e caiu nas graças da torcida e do elenco, principalmente com o título do Campeonato Paulista.Segundo dados do site Footstats, o Tricolor teve a maior média de posse de bola, com 60%, o maior volume de passes certos, 7142, de finalizações no alvo, 93, de cruzamentos completados, 90, e, consequentemente, de gols, com 38.

CONFIRA A TABELA ATUALIZADA E SIMULE OS JOGOS DO BRASILEIRÃO DE 2021

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Com um estilo de jogo que deu certo na história do São Paulo, utilizando três zagueiros e um ataque rápido, Crespo foi elogiado pela torcida e elenco, mas depois do título estadual, os resultados não foram os esperados. Apesar da classificação às oitavas de final da Libertadores, o time caiu muito de rendimento, principalmente no Brasileirão.

Até aqui, em nove rodadas, o Tricolor ainda não venceu, com cinco empates e quatro derrotas. Nesse intervalo entre os jogos, Crespo foi diagnosticado com Covid-19, sendo afastado da rotina do clube seguindo os protocolos de segurança necessários.

Crespo deve voltar aos trabalhos no CT da Barra Funda justamente nessa segunda-feira, após cumprir o período de isolamento. Ele tem a missão de conseguir a primeira vitória do São Paulo no Brasileiro. A equipe joga diante do Internacional, às 21h30, na próxima quarta-feira (07), no Beira-Rio.

O Tricolor tem somente mais duas partidas para tentar melhorar o astral e o rendimento antes do primeiro jogo das oitavas de final da Libertadores, diante do Racing (ARG), no Morumbi.

Liverpool are narrowing their search for a new manager this summer, and appear to be finalising their options ahead of a pivotal period.

Alonso says no as Klopp successor

Though Liverpool are thriving on the pitch, much of the focus in recent months has been off it. In January, Reds boss Jürgen Klopp announced his intention to depart the club at the end of the current Premier League season, leading to a host of speculation about who could replace the impressive German in the technical area at Anfield.

Jürgen Klopp's time at Liverpool
Games	477
Wins	298
Losses	82
Goals	1,066
Points per game	2.08
Win %	62.5%
Trophies	8

Reports on Thursday evening handed Liverpool and Bayern Munich fans the news they had been dreading. The pair had been battling it out behind the scenes to secure impressive manager and former player, Xabi Alonso, whose Bayer Leverkusen side are currently unbeaten this season and sit ten points clear in the German Bundesliga as things stand.

Spanish media: Liverpool make increased £68m offer to sign Real Madrid star

The Reds have already begun planning their squad for next season.

By
Ben Browning

Mar 28, 2024

However, it has been reported Alonso has now opted to stay put with Leverkusen for at least another year, and though 'Liverpool have been aware for some time' of the situation, it will still come as a blow to the Reds' planning for the post-Klopp era.

It means that they will have to look elsewhere for Klopp's successor and attempt to avoid the road bumps that both Arsenal and Manchester United experienced when trying to replace their successful long-term managers.

One man whose name has been in the conversation for much of the discussion period has been Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim, who has impressed during his time in Portugal and already tasted success against English sides, having knocked Mikel Arteta's Arsenal out of the Europa League last season. But there are other options, too.

De Zerbi in the frame for the job

Now, recent reports have claimed that Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi is another that Liverpool are considering for their vacancy, with the Seagulls chief having impressed plenty with his style of play on the south coast, even with mixed results.

The Italian has drawn praise from all corners, and Pep Guardiola described De Zerbi as "one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years," adding that "it’s one of the teams that I try to learn a lot from, it’s unique."

He has even been linked with the soon-to-be vacant Barcelona job, such has been his impression on those watching Brighton in the last 18 months.

Amid his success in England, De Zerbi is yet to taste defeat against Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp, knocking the Anfield side out of the FA Cup last season while the Premier League has seen them win one and draw two of their three matchups to date.

Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has now claimed that the Seagulls man is 'expected to make' the final shortlist that the Liverpool hierarchy draw up, though the Brighton boss has a release clause in his contract which could complicate matters.

It remains to be seen whether or not the Brighton man is handed the job, but he is certainly in the mix and one to watch this summer.

Opener expected to replace Aiden Markram, according to coach Mark Boucher

Firdose Moonda in Centurion30-Dec-2019

Pieter Malan is part of the South Africa A squad that is touring India•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Pieter Malan is set to become South Africa’s eighth Test debutant in five matches during the New Year’s Test. Malan will replace the injured Aiden Markram, who has been ruled out of the series with a fractured finger, according to South Africa’s head coach Mark Boucher, who is on the selection panel.Boucher, assistant coach Enoch Nkwe, captain Faf du Plessis and independent selector Linda Zondi pick the starting XI and, speaking in the wake of South Africa’s 107-run win in the first Test at Centurion, Boucher indicated Malan is the favourite to step into Markram’s role in Cape Town next week.”Pieter Malan was selected in the squad. For us to go messing around with the opening position wouldn’t be clever,” Boucher said. “Pieter Malan has done a lot of good work over a long period of time. It’s his home ground. At the moment, we are swinging towards having a straight swap for the opening batsman.”Malan has a first-class average of 45.16, has scored a century for the Cobras and two for Western Province this summer, and was included in the original 16-man squad for the first two Tests against England. He did not play the opening match but when Markram was injured, he was considered the next man in.However, after South Africa fielded a team that included only one black African and three other players of colour in the first Test, missing their transformation target by two, the apparent straightforwardness of Malan’s selection became more complicated.More so, now that Keegan Petersen, a No.3 and a player of colour, has been added to the squad. There was some suggestion that Rassie van der Dussen would be promoted to open the batting to make room for Temba Bavuma lower down the order, as a way for South Africa to get closer to the target of two black African players and four other players of colour. But Boucher suggested that they may fall short again because Bavuma, who is recovering from a hip injury, may not be fit.ALSO READ: South Africa embrace struggle to re-embark on road to success”There are challenges because we have got a few injuries,” Boucher said. “Temba still felt pain in his side yesterday, otherwise we were thinking about using him as a catcher because Temba is a very good fielder.” Instead, Rudi Second stepped in for Markram in the field, and came close to running out Rory Burns with some sharp reactions at short leg.Even if Bavuma was fit, Boucher hinted that he would not have a free pass back into the XI, because of van der Dussen’s debut performance. He scored a half-century in South Africa’s second innings and was part of a match-winning fifth-wicket stand of 91 with Anrich Nortje. “It will be tough to leave a guy like Rassie out,” Boucher said.However, Boucher also threw his support behind Bavuma and acknowledged that he will need to be nurtured as he makes his way back from injury.”I understand Temba has been under pressure. I don’t want to throw him to the wolves. Temba is very good and we will work with him,” Boucher said.Without Bavuma in the side, South Africa’s new management will come under even more pressure for their missed targets, especially after accusations in recent days, from the Black African Cricket Clubs (BACC), that the structure is controlled by white men.Boucher acknowledged that there is work to be done in that department and reaffirmed his commitment to change.”We understand transformation and we understand we need to do a lot of hard work on a lot of players, especially allrounders,” Boucher said. “That’s why Andile [Phehlukwayo] is in the squad.”Both Boucher and du Plessis have made it clear that Phehlukwayo is being mentored to fill an allrounders’ role in the future, though he will have to bide his time behind Pretorius for now.All that said, Boucher will be relieved that the regular black African player in the squad, Kagiso Rabada, has found form after a year in which he struggled.Rabada’s seven wickets at Centurion, including four on the final afternoon, added up to his best haul of the year and was the result of giving him the freedom to cut loose.”It’s just about getting him into the game,” said Boucher. “Sometimes as an individual you worry about your action, where are you putting the ball. Sometimes you just need to forget about your technique or where you are putting the ball and get into a bit of a fight out there. The goal was to try and get him into the game and get his natural instincts to take over.”