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The allrounder smashed the season’s second-fastest half-century in a century stand with Fletcher to set up big win

The Report by Shashank Kishore13-Sep-2019

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Chris Gayle and Andre Russell in the opposition, the local side, Jamaica Tallawahs. What were the chances of St Lucia Zouks making a match of this one? As it turned out, Sabina Park had to rise and celebrate Rahkeem Cornwall, who biffed the season’s second-fastest half-century, off 19 balls, and then converted that to a 30-ball 75, as Zouks recorded their first win of the season on Thursday night after a brief wobble.Gayle zero, Phillips fiftyLeft-arm seamer Obed McCoy struggled with no-ball issues, but managed to strike gold early when he had Gayle fending a lifter to the wicketkeeper off the fourth ball of the match to set the tone. But the Zouks were under fire as Glenn Phillips, the New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman, and Rovman Powell set the stage on fire with some exhilarating hitting.Phillips likes to stay leg side and get beside the line, not behind. His stance resembles that of a baseball slogger, the bat moving behind his back in little arcs as he meets the ball with tremendous bat speed. His batting can at times border on the unorthodox, but when they come off, it looks mighty impressive. Like it did on Thursday. His 34-ball 58, courtesy eight fours and a six, and a third-wicket stand of 87 with Powell that took just 43 balls set Tallawahs up for a big total.CPL via Getty Images

The Russell blow that tilted the scalesAt the halfway mark, Tallawahs were superbly placed at 108 for 2. Zouks looked out of depth until the quick wickets of Powell and Phillips got them back into the game. Credit for that should go to Australian legspinner Fawad Ahmed, who cleverly varied his lengths and used his gentle drift to build pressure with dot balls that led to both of them falling to big strokes.It also helped that the catching was top notch. Powell was out to a screamer when Colin de Grandhomme stuck his right hand upwards to get his hands on the ball at long-off and then lobbed it up as momentum took him beyond the ropes. Then he regained composure to nonchalantly come back into the field of play to complete the catch.When they made 242 two nights ago against Patriots, Tallawahs raised their hundred in just 12 overs. Here, they got there in the tenth over. The stage was set for the Russell show, but it looked like Zouks had a plan, and that was to target him with short balls at the body, a tactic many IPL sides have tried with a fair degree of success. Hardus Viljoen bowled a heavy ball – back of length and into the body – as Russell looked to hook. In doing so, he took his eyes off and was hit just below the right ear. A dazed Russell took a while to stand up and was stretchered off the field to hospital for scans, which later cleared him of serious injury.That robbed the Tallawahs of momentum, and George Worker and Shamar Springer only managed a run-a-ball 33. They only managed 38 off the last six overs to give the Zouks the momentum at the halfway mark.Tallawahs’ fielding shockerThe hosts didn’t cover themselves in glory on the field. In the space of three deliveries, they dropped Cornwall and Andre Fletcher. First, Springer dropped a steepler running back from square leg to reprieve Cornwall on 18 after he mishit a Jerome Taylor slower delivery. Two balls later, in the fourth over, Oshane Thomas made a royal mess of a straightforward catch at third man with Fletcher on 15. In the next over, Chadwick Walton dropped a sitter at backward point to reprieve Cornwall for a second time, and then watched Fletcher club ten off his next two deliveries in the over as the strike turned. By then, Zouks had raced to 64 in five overs.Cornwall’s game isn’t conventional by any means. But it also isn’t true that his game is only about wild slogging. Amid the occasional backing away to smash the ball, there’s plenty of cricket sense and an air of disdain about his batting. The leg-side boundary was his favoured area as he cleared the ropes quite comfortably playing the pull shot. Up early against late swing, he struggled a touch, but Taylor erred in length by trying to bowl into his body, only to see Cornwall back away and flick or pull. Against Worker’s left-arm spin, Cornwall used his reach to hit straight and clear the ground, a sequence of 6,6,1 getting him to his third CPL fifty.At the other end, Fletcher was in the mood for destruction. The flicks for six over deep square off Taylor having an air of disdain – looking straight on, head down and simply allowing his hand-eye coordination to twirl his wrists and pick the ball for six. He started like a bullet train, but quickly slipped into the role of second fiddle as Cornwall unleashed himself in the 111-run opening stand off just 8.4 overs.Zouks collapse but Fletcher sees them homeThomas returned after his shocker in the field to pick up three quick wickets after a blazing start – Zouks slipped from 146 for 2 to 157 for 5, but the early damage that skyrocketed their run rate meant there was little trouble in getting home despite the wobble. Fletcher remained unbeaten on 47 when Thisara Perera muscled a six and four in his five-ball 11 to hit the winning runs and give them their first win.

Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have apparently held internal discussions as a Mauricio Pochettino update surfaces involving the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.

Pochettino apologises after 4-2 defeat to Wolves

The Blues' 4-2 defeat to Wolves at home last weekend left a bitter taste in the mouths of supporters, with Pochettino's side being subject to boos at both half-time and full-time whistles.

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The loss is Chelsea's second bad defeat on the trot and now relegates them to the bottom half of the Premier League table. Every single side above them have conceded fewer goals than Pochettino's side, and their lack of a potent goalscorer is evident by the fact that only West Ham, Wolves and Man United have scored less than them out of the division's top teams.

Lesley Ugochukwu

6.20

Noni Madueke

6.47

Malo Gusto

6.50

Mykhailo Mudryk

6.55

Axel Disasi

6.63

This comes after Boehly and the board sought to back Pochettino by spending nearly £400 million last summer, and as pressure mounts on the Argentine, there have been reports that Chelsea have been looking at replacements for their manager. Pochettino, speaking after his side's 4-2 loss to Wolves, issued a public apology to fans for Chelsea's abject display.

"I am so disappointed, we need to change this feeling, and I apologise to the fans. I say thank you to the fans who kept going to the end helping the team and supporting the team," said Pochettino to club media.

"The main problem was that we felt the pressure and the stress to win, to play well, to perform. We didn’t have time when Palmer scored to build our momentum in the game and to dominate and play easy and feel confident.

"At the moment we are not matching the history of the club and we need to accept that. We need to be critical but we cannot give up. Of course we are going to keep working really hard to try to change the results. If it is not working in this way maybe we need to move on and try to find different solutions.

"What we can say is we apologise to the fans. The most important thing we can do now is to feel the responsibility. To understand the fans is really important and we want to apologise and say sorry."

Pochettino also admitted his job is not safe after this humbling loss to Wolves, with journalist Graeme Bailey and HITC now sharing an update.

Boehly and Eghbali hold internal talks as Chelsea weigh Pochettino action

According to their information, both Eghbali and Boehly have discussed the club's current fortunes, with Chelsea's hierarchy considering action may have to be taken in regards to Pochettino this season.

However, this would be reserved for the summer, and it is not currently believed that the former Spurs boss is in danger of the axe before their Carabao Cup final with Liverpool. Eghbali in particular is pushing for improvement, though, so pressure remains on Pochettino to steer the Chelsea ship back on course.

أوضح المدير الفني السابق لفريق تشيلسي، جراهام بوتر، حقيقة تواصله مع نادي مانشستر يونايتد، لخلافة الهولندي إريك تين هاج في منصبه.

وأصبح جراهام بوتر عاطلًا عن العمل منذ رحيله عن تشيلسي، قبل 17 شهرًا.

واكتفى بوتر بـ7 أشهر من العمل في تشيلسي، قبل أن تقرر الإدارة الإطاحة به من منصبه، في تخبط واضح.

ومنذ ذلك الحين، أصبح جراهام بوتر بلا عمل على الرغم من ارتباطه المستمر بأكثر من نادِ، من ضمنهم مانشستر يونايتد.

وكان جراهام بوتر ضمن المرشحين لخلافة تين هاج، نهاية الموسم الماضي، قبل أن يقرر مانشستر يونايتد تجديد عقد الهولندي.

وظهر جراهام بوتر في الاستوديو التحليلي لشبكة “سكاي سبورتس” حيث سُئل عن الأمر، وطبيعة محادثاته مع مانشستر يونايتد في الصيف، قبل منح عقد جديد لـ تين هاج.

وقال بوتر، في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “مترو” الإنجليزية: “أعتقد أن ما قرأته حتى الآن في وسائل الإعلام، كثير منه غير صحيح وكاذب”.

وأضاف: “أظن أنني المدرب الوحيد في كرة القدم العالمية الذي ارتبط اسمه بـ ستوك سيتي ونابولي في نفس الأسبوع! لذا فأنا آخذ ما تقوله وسائل الإعلام بحذر”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. تليجراف توضح موقف مانشستر يونايتد من الإطاحة بـ تين هاج بعد السقوط أمام توتنهام

وواصل: “لقد أجريت الكثير من المحادثات مع الكثير من الناس، ومن الأفضل الإبقاء على تلك المحادثات خاصة من أجل احترام الجميع”.

ويواجه تين هاج انتقادات موسعة في الفترة الحالية، في ظل سوء نتائج مانشستر يونايتد في الموسم الحالي.

وعندما سُئل عما إذا كان يشعر أن تدريب مانشستر يونايتد يمثل “الوظيفة المستحيلة”، أجاب بوتر: “لا أعتقد أن أي شيء مستحيل، ولكن من الواضح أن الوظائف صعبة، هذه هي حقيقة الحياة في الدوري الإنجليزي”.

وأوضح: “إذا كنت نادٍ كبيرًا مثل مانشستر يونايتد ولم تكن ضمن المراكز الستة الأولى، فسيكون هناك تدقيق بشكل دائم”.

واستمر: “في بعض الأحيان عليك أن تنظر إلى ما هو أبعد من النتائج والأداء، لقد أضاعوا الكثير من الفرص، ربما لم يحصلوا على النقاط التي يعتقدون حصولهم عليها”.

وأكد: “أحيانًا تمر الفرق بهذا، تعتقد أنك قادر على تحقيق أهدافك المتوقعة ولكنك لا تفعل ذلك، ثم تواجه يومًا سيئًا كما حدث بالأمس (السقوط بثلاثية أمام توتنهام) وفجأة تمر الأمور بسرعة كبيرة، وهذا ما يتعين عليهم مواجهته”.

England captain Harry Kane is hopeful a recent back injury has worked in his favour ahead of Euro 2024, scoring on his first appearance in a month.

• Kane returns from back injury
• Scores England's third goal against Bosnia
• Optimistic about his fitness

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Kane scored England's third goal of Monday night's 3-0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina off the bench, the first of two Euro 2024 warm-up friendlies, having replaced Ollie Watkins for the final 28 minutes plus stoppage time at St James' Park.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It was Kane's first opportunity to get on the pitch since Bayern Munich's 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final second leg on May 8. A back injury forced him to miss the final two games of the Bundesliga season, but he's confident that a few weeks off playing actually came at the right time.

• WHAT KANE SAID

  "I'm feeling good," Kane told "A lot of the end of season was precaution. It was a good chance to get a good break at the end of the season. I feel fine. I'm sure I'll get some minutes on Friday [against Iceland]. It's always worked in my favour, it's about getting minutes. I'm not someone who takes too long to get sharp."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR KANE & ENGLAND?

  Iceland visit Wembley on June 7 for England's farewell before flying to Germany. After naming a heavily rotated side to face Bosnia, manager Gareth Southgate would be hoping to pick something more like the team he will expect to start against Serbia on June 16, with the squad also needing to be cut by seven players. Jude Bellingham is yet to report for duty after the Champions League final, while Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, Harry Maguire and John Stones are all working on their fitness. Declan Rice remained unused against Bosnia, and Phil Foden wasn't on the bench.

Steven Croft chimes in with half century as Lancashire end day on 347 for 7

Paul Edwards03-Jun-2019

Liam Livingstone stands tall to drive•Getty Images

Scorecards blow away on the skittish river-borne breeze; spectators fill the temporary stands early and arrange their belongings with temporary neatness; uniformed staff scurry hither and yon; familiar players gaze suspiciously at unfamiliar earth; early fours are appreciated more than is usual; it all feels as though a village fete has been opened; even John Gwynne, the public address announcer, is cracking jokes; beyond the Beechwood Road boundary, Larkin’s castles thresh riotously; Aigburth is a place of chill winds and warm hearts; of tents and enthusiasm; of outground cricket.Yet it is also a place where 250 can be a competitive total. For every Beckenham there are three other outgrounds where the newish ball will nip around like an enraged terrier. It takes a rather special batsman to make light of such conditions but Liam Livingstone’s cricket has always scorned categorization. Perhaps, therefore, it was well-suited to the hazards of this morning; and perhaps the surprise of this afternoon’s play should not have surprised us at all.For Livingstone’s first century since August 2017 was filled with the type of shots hardly anyone else in England can replicate and by the time his attempted drive off Neil Dexter’s medium pace skied a catch to Mark Cosgrove at mid-on Lancashire’s score was 264 for 6. By the close, the quiet enterprise of Josh Bohannon and Tom Bailey had taken their team to within one good hit of four batting bonus points. Four hours earlier they had been 128 for 5.As ever with Livingstone, there had been risk as the bat described unlikely arcs and the Barrovian played shots beyond fantasy. Arriving in the middle with his side on 46 for two, he played a fur-coat-and-no-knickers drive to his second ball before threading his third to the backward point boundary. Next over there was that rare outground event, an all-run four, although since the ball was chased by mighty Cosgrove who had to dive to stop it, some thought four runs to be conservative: a bid of one spade when three diamonds were possible.Eventually Livingstone replaced his more exotic strokes with relative orthodoxy and his patience in waiting for the ball to hit was a particular feature of his innings. The fall of wickets encouraged daring but not recklessness. After all, Lancashire had lost Keaton Jennings to the third ball of the morning when nothing but the momentum of a forward defensive shot dragged him out of his ground and he was run out by Hassan Azad’s eye-deceiving pick-up and throw from short leg. Haseeb Hameed and Jake Lehmann then put on 46 in next door to a run a minute until both fell to Dieter Klein who had replaced Mohammad Abbas at the River End. Lehmann played a skew-whiff shot to a ball which kept low but Hameed was beaten by one which nipped off the pitch and took the edge en route to Harry Swindells. This was a particular shame given that the opener had looked in good touch for his 30 runs.Just before lunch Abbas drew Rob Jones forward and Swindells once again did the needful. Lancashire took their lunch on 102 for four and Dane Vilas’s flurry of boundaries on the resumption was followed by his dismissal for 34 in similar fashion to that of Jones. Steven Croft, ever the man for a tough battle in dark times, joined Vilas. Gradually they changed the shape of the day and, who knows, the match. Whenever Livingstone attacked he did so without restraint; whenever he defended, the stroke had an almost scholarly attention to detail. His slapped four off Dexter had the air of a man who wanted to punish the ball for some misdemeanour or other. His defence against Abbas, who was, with Klein, Leicestershire’s main threat, had something of Threadneedle Street about it.Inevitably with Livingstone, there were eccentric moments; the lad’s from Barrow and it goes with his territory. When a ball slipped from Klein’s grip and became a slow, looping beamer, Livingstone played an overhead smash of which Rafael Nadal might have been proud. Nonetheless, Livingstone reached his fifty off 106 balls which reflected something of his patience. However after Callum Parkinson dropped him on 71 – it was a horrid skier off Ackermann -Lancashire’s former skipper exacted punishment on both participants, first by slog-sweeping Ackermann for a gigantic six and then by driving Parkinson for another. He was 96 not out when Parkinson bowled the last two balls before tea. Livingstone defended the both with exaggerated orthodoxy. He might have been winking to the crowd.Livingstone reached his hundred immediately after the resumption and had extended his partnership with Croft to 136 when he was dismissed by Dexter. By then the ball was old and the day was ageing, too. The balance of affairs had shifted and they had done so because a 25-year-old with great potential had taken the match into his own hands. Steven Croft batted well, too, but there were times when he did not so much play second fiddle to his partner as turn his sheet music.To ask Livingstone to eliminate risk from his cricket is to ask him to be somebody else. It is unfair to delight in the shots he plays and then berate him for irresponsibility. Bohannon and Bailey’s unbroken 64-run stand was only possible because Livingstone had reshaped the day’s cricket. So much was recognised by the crowd in the stands even as they kept in touch with the World Cup and prepared to leave a sunlit Aigburth.

Leeds United look to be on an upward trajectory following a difficult campaign last year and Daniel Farke has now received some "excellent news" that will boost his side in the hunt for promotion, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Leeds United look for new arrivals…

New arrivals are usually the appeal of any transfer window for supporters, who will undoubtedly be excited to see which players are on the market and in search of a new challenge. Leeds haven't managed to add anyone to the ranks this month as of yet; nevertheless, this hasn't stopped rumours circulating from far and wide concerning the Championship outfit.

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West Ham United defender Ben Johnson continues to be linked with a move to Yorkshire and journalist Dean Jones has indicated that there could be some substance to recent claims stating Farke is keen to bring him in, as he told GIVEMESPORT: "From a Leeds perspective, it really does seem like they are going after a few players that have specific experience and traits. Ben Johnson, from West Ham, is attainable and could be the one."

Bournemouth attacking midfielder David Brooks is a name doing the rounds in media circles and could be an additional reinforcement for the Whites as they look to find star quality this month, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook. In all likelihood, the Wales international could move over the next few weeks on a loan basis as he aims to get back to full stride following his incredible road to recovery from illness.

Now, transfer guru Romano has issued an exciting update involving an existing Leeds player in a massive boost for everyone connected with the club.

Fabrizio Romano buzzes over Archie Gray update

Taking to social media platform X, Romano has shared and reacted to some "excellent news" that youngster Archie Gray has put pen to paper on a new deal at the club that will see him remain at Elland Road until the summer of 2028.

Previously tied to the club he came through at until 2025, the 17-year-old has given Farke and company some much-needed security regarding his future following prolonged interest in his services last year from the likes of Liverpool, Everton and Crystal Palace.

Making a sustained breakthrough at Leeds United this campaign, the Durham-born midfielder has made 28 appearances in all competitions, registering one assist in his time on the pitch (Gray statistics – Transfermarkt).

Archie Gray's key statistics in 2023/24 – Championship (Sofascore)

Accurate passes per game

29.9 (84%)

Balls recovered per game

5.4

Tackles per game

2.1

Expected assists

0.71

Average match rating

6.78/10

Thorp Arch has produced some brilliant talent over the years so Gray looks to be the next one off the conveyor belt, and the club can now demand a massive fee if any suitors come calling.

MatériaMais Notícias

No término da preparação para a partida de ida da final da Copa do Brasil, o Palmeiras realizou, na manhã deste sábado (27), na Academia de Futebol, o último treino antes da decisão contra o Grêmio, que será neste domingo (28), às 21h, na Arena do Grêmio, em Porto Alegre. O técnico Abel Ferreira comandou uma atividade tática e ensaiou algumas jogadas específicas.

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>>Saiba o valor pago para cada clube por sua posição no Brasileirão

No treino, o técnico dividiu o grupo em duas equipes para um coletivo, passou orientações e conversou individualmente com alguns jogadores, como Scarpa e Gabriel Menino. Na segunda parte do trabalho, a comissão focou no posicionamento das bolas paradas ofensivas e defensivas. Alguns atletas praticaram ainda cobranças de falta.

Sem Patrick de Paula, que testou positivo para Covid-19 no último dia 23, e Breno Lopes, que não pode ser inscrito devido ao fato de já ter jogado a competição pelo Juventude-RS, a provável escalação do Palmeiras é a seguinte: Weverton, Marcos Rocha, Luan, Gustavo Gómez e Matías Viña; Felipe Melo, Danilo, Raphael Veiga e Gabriel Menino (Zé Rafael); Rony e Luiz Adriano.

Após o treino, a delegação alviverde embarcou no período da tarde para a capital gaúcha e recebeu apoio de torcedores na saída da Academia de Futebol. A partida de volta, com mando alviverde, será disputada no domingo seguinte (7), às 18h, no Allianz Parque.

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Tottenham Hotspur's season sank to a new low as West Ham United became the latest side to come from behind to defeat Ange Postecoglou's side in the Premier League.

Buoyed by the return of Cristian Romero after the tough-tackling defender's three-match suspension, the Argentine emphatically announced his return with a pinpoint header from Pedro Porro's corner to open the scoring and get the home crowd cheering.

But after the break Spurs dwindled, with Jarrod Bowen capitalising on a fortuitous deflection to bypass Guglielmo Vicario's goal before Destiny Udogie's calamitous backpass allowed James Ward-Prowse to score his third goal for the Hammers after slotting into an open net, having hit the post with his initial effort.

Destiny Udogie's game in numbers

It's a massive shame for the young Italian to have started so well and seen strides taken crumble in an instant after such a mess of a pass back to his keeper.

Such a mistake is a reminder (granted, a poignant one) that he is very young and very inexperienced in the English game.

However, this should not detract from the exemplary start to life under Postecoglou that has left the likes Hunter Godson claim that he "gets into nearly every team in the world already."

Against West Ham, as per Sofascore, he won eight duels and made four clearances and interceptions apiece but indeed saw his efforts marred by such a detrimental error, also taking 73 touches and completing 86% of his passes.

While his defensive mishap cost Postecoglou, the real blame should lie with those of an attacking persuasion, with Dejan Kulusevski flattering to deceive after an ineffectual – if spirited – display.

Dejan Kulusevski's performance vs West Ham

Kulusevski has been immense for Tottenham this term and he is comfortably one of the most important and influential players in the squad, but having been entrusted with a starting berth across every Premier League fixture this season, the 23-year-old winger will be disappointed to have made little use of his efforts.

Having branded the 35-cap Sweden international with a 4/10 match rating, football.london's Alasdair Gold said this: 'Plenty of hustle and bustle but like the rest of the front three very little at the end of it.'

Indeed, he was a constant threat down the right channel but failed to fashion promising openings, with this notion perhaps epitomised in the closing seconds as he broke free down the wing only to lose his footing and fail to cross the ball into the box.

To illustrate this, Kuluevski succeeded with just two of his nine attempted dribbles, failed with all four crosses, won just five of his 21 contested ground duels, and lost possession 26 times. Damning numbers indeed as the Lilywhites' slump continued against the Hammers.

That being said, he was always attempting to craft success, but it just wasn't to be and he will be left rueing his lack of incisiveness on the night.

Liverpool are believed to be keen on securing a double swoop for two talents from the same team, but they are far from alone in showing an interest.

Liverpool eyeing January moves

The Reds are flying high after making significant additions to their squad during the summer transfer window, allowing Jurgen Klopp's side to become Premier League title challengers again. January signings could further boost Liverpool's chances of going all the way this season, with a number of players linked with moves to Anfield in recent months, with various areas of the pitch potentially being looked at.

One individual who has been backed to become a Reds player is highly-rated Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio, with the Portuguese a player who is capable of thriving as both a centre-back and left-back. Another midfielder also isn't out of the question, with Fluminenese midfielder Andre possibly on the move after helping his side to Copa Libertadores glory last month. A "verbal agreement" with the Brazil international has even been mooted. Inter Milan free-kick maestro Hakan Calhanoglu is reportedly seen as an option, too, although at 29, there could be question marks over whether he would be the right choice.

Liverpool keen on signing Yoro and Santos

According to a fresh transfer update from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are interested in signing Lille pair Leny Yori and Tiago Santos, but other Premier League clubs are also in the mix for the defenders, who have caught the eye of Reds scouts.

"A pair of Lille defenders are courting heavyweight interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham, TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal.

"Yoro is understood to be viewed slightly more favourably than Santos despite being the younger of the pair, though both players have received glowing reports from the scouts of the interested English sides."

Both Yoro and Santos could be players who come in as the future of Liverpool, rather than signings who could immediately increase their Premier League title chances.

The former is an exciting 18-year-old central defender with so much potential, although the Reds transfer target has still started 12 Ligue 1 games this season. Meanwhile, the latter is a 21-year-old right-back who also has plenty of playing time to his name in 2023/24, enjoying 11 league outings, nine of which have come from the start.

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At some point, Liverpool are going to need to bring in young defensive reinforcements, and both Yoro and Santos could represent eye-catching exciting options, proving to be eventual mainstays of the team. Both Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip are both now 32 years of age, so they won't necessarily be around forever, while Andy Robertson also turns 30 next year.

Planning for the future is so important, ensuring that the Reds remain a force long after Klopp has left as manager, and acquiring the signature of two such big talents could be ideal ahead of their rivals, with Santos possibly seen as a right-back who could allow Trent Alexander-Arnold to become an out-and-out midfielder.

The Hobart Hurricanes easily accounted for the Perth Scorchers in Launceston, after a destructive first innings opening spell followed by a controlled hand from D’Arcy Short and Alex Doolan condemned the visitors to their poorest start in BBL history.Sent in after losing the flip, and at one stage slumping to 4 for 19, the Scorchers huffed and puffed and spluttered their way to 8 for 107 from their 20 overs on a slow Aurora Stadium track. At no point were the Scorchers able to impose their will on the Hurricanes bowlers, ably led by speedster Riley Meredith, who regularly pushed the 150kmh mark and finished with 3 for 15.The hosts ultimately made short work of their chase. Guided by Doolan, Short and Matthew Wade, the Hurricanes found early momentum in the second innings, and didn’t relent. Their comfortable win sees them retain their unbeaten start to the competition, and ensures they extend their lead atop the BBL standings.Scorchers top order devastated in PowerplayThe Hurricanes made the perfect start, with James Faulkner achieving significant hoop to trap William Bosisto lbw with the first ball of the match.The Scorchers laboured to eight runs from their opening two overs, before the introduction of Clive Rose in the third over brought another wicket; Michael Klinger slice-driving on the up to Johan Botha at cover point. It was an uncharacteristically casual shot from the Scorchers anchor, whose solidity so often provides the launch pad for his team-mates to capitalise upon. The shot suggested a slow track, which proved broadly true, with most batsmen struggling to consistently middle the ball at Launceston’s UTAS Stadium hosting only its second ever BBL match.Following Klinger’s dismissal, the visitors’ malaise continued. Ashton Turner chopped a sharp Meredith delivery on to his stumps, and three balls later, Cameron Bancroft followed.It devastated the Scorchers top order, leaving Hilton Cartwright and Ashton Agar to consolidate. Both were happy to milk Botha, picking up ones and twos in the process. Short’s mercurial offerings were eventually brought on, and still the singles ensued. Finally, a half-tracker brought some action, and it wasn’t good news for the Scorchers. Cartwright, with eyes lit up, heaved it straight into deep midwicket’s pouch. It brought David Willey to the crease at 5 for 65 in the 13th overLater, Short dealt Agar a waist-high full toss – he slapped it straight to long-off. Despite some late-order hitting from Nathan Coulter-Nile, the Scorchers innings never found rhythm, leaving the hosts with a modest target.Bancroft’s short stayAfter the Hurricanes elected to bowl, all eyes focused on the returning Bancroft. Fresh from his highly publicised nine-month suspension, he was called into the fray early after the early dismissals of Bosisto, Klinger and Turner. There was a hint of a mixed reception upon his arrival at the crease, but the Western Australian started brightly enough, confidently turning his second ball off his pads for two.It was at this point Channel Seven commentator and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting shared Bancroft’s tongue-in-cheek fear of facing express pace, after a number of months in the relatively tame confines of Perth Premier Cricket. Indeed, Bancroft’s deep breaths were palpable after a bouncer from the bustling Meredith, which suggested Ponting’s mail was probably correct, as usual.On his third ball, Bancroft fell to Meredith, nicking behind to Wade after hanging his bat well outside his body. In one of the more unforgiving returns to cricket, the ball was clocked at 149.3kmh. Welcome back to professional cricket, Cameron.Hurricanes do it with easeOnce Short took nine from Jason Behrendorff’s first over in the chase, it was always going to be an uphill climb for the visitors. While the Scorchers had struggled for timing throughout their innings, Hurricanes’ openers had no such trouble. A succession of drives from both Wade and Short had the hosts off to an excellent start, and from there they didn’t look back.Once the openers laid the platform, Doolan provided the anchor job. He capably negotiated the duel speedsters Jhye Richardson and Coulter-Nile, steering the Hurricanes to victory with plenty of breathing space remaining.