Kemar Roach is enjoying his return to West Indies’ Test side. After 11 wickets at 29.81 in his comeback series against England, Roach has responded well to the need to alter his lines and lengths on the slower and drier pitches in Bulawayo as West Indies’ senior seamer. His control with the ball was vital to their success in the first Test, and he was equally disciplined in picking up 3 for 44 in the first innings of the second match.”England obviously has much easier conditions for fast bowling,” Roach said. “Coming here is much harder. You have to be patient and hope the batsman makes a mistake. It’s pretty tough on the mind to be running in for a couple of overs and not beat the bat or cause any problems for the batsmen.”The road back to Test cricket was a long one for Roach. Sidelined by an ankle injury during the Centurion Test in December 2014, he lost pace and penetration and was left out of the home Tests against India last year. His 23 wickets in the 2016-17 edition of West Indies’ domestic four-day competition prompted a recall, and now Roach is making up for lost time.”I’ve been working hard in the nets with Roddy Estwick, I think I’m in some good form now and I’m trying to realise that form as much as possible,” Roach said. “I’m not getting any younger now so I’m trying to get as many wickets as I can while I’m in form.”We had Curtly Ambrose as one of our bowling coaches a few months ago, and he always emphasises a good length and line. I’ve lost some pace, yes, but it’s about using more skill. I’ve been trying to adjust to become better at that.”Without the pace of old, Roach has been putting some of his newfound skills to good use in Zimbabwe. His use of the crease, delivering the ball from unlikely angles, presentation of the seam and a canny slower ball have all brought success. So has his consistency. “The pitch is very slow and there isn’t much carry, so it’s about being consistent and bowling in the right areas with some variations,” Roach explained.West Indies trailed Zimbabwe by 248 runs after the second day of the second Test in Bulawayo, but Roach backed his team’s batsmen to solidify their strong position. “There are a lot of runs in that wicket,” he said. “The new ball hasn’t been doing much, no major bounce or seam movement. I think once the guys settle and put their heads down to bat, I think we’ll be fine.”

A former England wicketkeeper made a brief, unexpected appearance in Townsville

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Nov-2017A blast from England’s past appeared in Townsville on the opening day of their final warm-up match.Early on in the day, listed at No. 6 in England’s line-up was “Prior”. Matt Prior was an integral part of England’s 2010-11 Ashes success Down Under, but the tour three years later had fewer happy memories as injury forced him out after three Tests. His career would only have four more Tests.Noting his surprise at his brief England recall, Prior later tweeted: “I knew I was meant to be doing something today! What I’d give to be out there with those boys now”

Sensational recall for Matt Prior. In a twist he appears to have grown hair – red hair – and look like Jonny Bairstow pic.twitter.com/Q0t3j4uZzX

— George Dobell (@GeorgeDobell1) November 15, 2017

I knew I was meant to be doing something today! What I’d give to be out there with those boys now https://t.co/mFqXjyFh5G

— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) November 15, 2017

England did need a reserve keeper on the opening day against the Cricket Australia XI after Jonny Bairstow provided a brief scare with a damaged finger, but it wasn’t Prior. Ben Foakes was given permission to take the gloves and claimed a catch off Chris Woakes before Bairstow was patched up and returned to the field.

أكد جوزيه جوميز المدير الفني لـ نادي الزمالك صعوبة المنافسة على بطولة الدوري خلال الموسم الجاري، موضحًا رأيه في بقاء أحمد سيد زيزو وشيكابالا مع الأبيض بالفترة المقبلة.

وقال جوزيه جوميز في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة ام بي سي مصر: “لدي مشكلة أنا أتعامل مع كل أهداف النادي، لكي ننافس لا بد أن نعيد تنظيم أشياء في الزمالك، ولا يمكن التفكير في الفوز دون التحضير، ولسنا أفضل فريق في العالم لأننا فزنا بالكونفدرالية”.

وأكمل: “في الوقت الحالي وظروفنا الحالية لا يمكن المنافسة على الدوري، وأنا كمدير فني لا بد أن ألعب لكي أفوز بكل المباريات، يجب أن نحسن تنظيمنا، وإذا أردنا الفوز بالدوري لا بد أن تبدأ بالتنظيم”.

واستطرد: “تتبقى لنا 19 مباراة في الدوري، والمنافس إذا فاز بكل مبارياته نحن لن نفوز باللقب، وأنا أريد أن أكون صادق، الزمالك ممكن يكون أقوى فريق في مصر ولكن لا بد من تنظيم وتصحيح ظروف العمل”.

طالع | جوزيه جوميز يوضح موقفه من مواجهة الأهلي في السوبر الإفريقي

وبسؤاله هل إذا تلقى أحمد سيد زيزو عرضًا للاحتراف ستوافق على رحيله؟، أوضح: “هذا قرار زيزو ومجلس الإدارة، هو لاعب أساسي في الفريق، ولكن في كرة القدم الأمور تحدث، هناك طلبات من فرق أخرى لديهم إمكانيات أعلى وذلك قد يمنع بقاء لاعب في فريقه”.

وأردف: “أنا أحب زيزو كلاعب وإنسان وهو لاعب جاد، ومن أفضل اللاعبين، وزيزو على مستوى أفضل اللاعبين في أوروبا، التغذية والتدريب والعمل ممتاز، إذا كان لديه عرض يعجبه ويفوق إمكانيات الزمالك قد يرحل”.

وبسؤاله لو القرار في يدك تريد استمرار شيكابالا معك في الموسم المقبل؟، أجاب: “إذا أردنا دعم روح الفريق، لا بد أن ندعم باللاعبين الذين يعرفون روح الفريق والنادي، لأنهم ينقلون ذلك للاعبين الصغار، لا بد من الحفاظ عليه، شيكابالا وعمر جابر أمثلة ممتازة، إذا كان الرأي يعتمد علي أرى أنه يجب استمرار شيكابالا مع النادي”.

وواصل: “شيكابالا لن يلعب إلى سن 60 ولكن لا بد أن يستمر في النادي حتى ينتهي ويأخذ بيد الفريق”.

Leeds United have been linked with a move for Joseph Paintsil before the end of the transfer window, and it looks as though a move could still come to fruition.

Are Leeds keen on signing Joseph Paintsil?

The Whites have done some good summer business in recent months, as they look to make a quickfire return to the Premier League after last season's disappointment.

Joe Piroe is arguably the most exciting signing to date, arriving from Swansea City earlier this week, while the likes of Karl Darlow and Ethan Ampadu have also arrived to boost the defensive options at Daniel Farke's disposal, in goal and midfield respectively, although the latter can also play at centre-back.

Another player who has been linked with a move to Leeds this summer is Paintsil, who has been an impressive performer for Genk in recent times, proving to be one of their most effective attacking players. The 25-year-old has scored 32 goals and registered 25 assists in 143 appearances for the Belgian side, also winning nine caps at international level for Ghana.

Now, a new update has emerged regarding the Whites' pursuit of the £9,100-a-week-earning attacker this summer, with time beginning to run out before deadline day arrives next Friday.

What's the latest on Joseph Paintsil to Leeds?

According to Football Insider, Leeds signing Paintsil could still be on the cards, with a fresh claim suggesting new talks are planned after an opening offer was turned down and that the attacker is keen on moving to Yorkshire.

"Leeds United will hold new talks with Genk over a deal to sign forward Joseph Paintsil, sources have told Football Insider. The Championship side have had a bid rejected for the wide attacker, 25, after being convinced they would meet the Belgian club’s asking price.

"It is thought that Paintsil is keen to complete a move to Elland Road. He can play as either a left-sided winger or an attacking midfielder and scored 18 goals in 39 matches for Genk in all competitions last season. Paintsil’s current contract runs until 2026 after he signed an extension last summer."

Leeds are crying out for more options in attacking midfield and wide areas this summer, in order to strengthen their Championship promotion push, and Paintstil could be absolutely perfect, in that respect.

The Ghanaian has already registered two assists in the Jupiler Pro League this season, outlining the end product he possesses, and he has played as a forward and in a wide role in 2023/24 to date, showing that he could even lead the line with Piroe, in a strong-looking strike force.

This versatility is an invaluable asset to have, giving Farke more depth across a number of positions, so there are very few negatives when it comes to Leeds possibly signing Paintsil between now and the end of the current transfer window.

He has been hailed as "superb" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig in the recent past, and considering he still only 25 years of age, there is no reason why he couldn't come in as a key player at Elland Road for the foreseeable future, hopefully playing Premier League football with them next season and beyond.

Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers in history, was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. Raised in a working-class family, he displayed a remarkable talent for football from a young age. His journey began at his local club, Newell's Old Boys, where his incredible dribbling skills and innate understanding of the game were evident.

However, Messi's early life was not without challenges. At the age of 11, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, a condition that would have hindered his growth and potentially ended his football dreams. Yet, his talent caught the eye of Barcelona, who offered to cover his medical expenses and provide a platform for his development, and the Argentine's move to Barcelona changed the course of football history.

His rise through the ranks of the club's famed La Masia youth academy and subsequent integration into the first team marked the beginning of an extraordinary career. Despite his initial struggles adapting to life in Spain, Messi's dedication, work ethic, and natural talent paved the way for a legacy that would transcend the sport and inspire millions worldwide.

Lionel Messi at Barcelona

From his humble beginnings to becoming a global icon, Messi's journey with Barcelona is one of unparalleled success, records and milestones.

Messi's time at Barcelona began in 2000 when, at the age of 13, he joined the club's famed youth academy, La Masia. His tremendous talent quickly became evident as he progressed through the ranks. Messi made his official first-team debut on October 16, 2004, in a league match against Espanyol, and it marked the start of a legendary journey.

The following years saw the Argentine evolve into a footballing phenom. He formed a potent attacking trio with Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o, helping Barcelona secure their first UEFA Champions League title in 2006, as well as capturing the La Liga crown. As the years rolled on, Messi's influence grew, and he became Barcelona's focal point on the pitch.

One of the most defining moments in Messi's career came in 2009. Under the guidance of coach Pep Guardiola, Barcelona achieved a historic treble by winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. The forward's performance throughout the season was nothing short of exceptional, and it led to him being awarded his first FIFA Ballon d'Or in the same year.

Messi went on to collect individual and team accolades at an astonishing pace. He claimed his second, third, fourth, and fifth Ballon d'Or awards in consecutive years, establishing himself as one of the greatest footballers of all time. In 2011, he scored a record-breaking 91 goals in a calendar year, cementing his status as one of the most prolific goalscorers to have ever played the game.

Barcelona and Messi's dominance in both domestic and international competitions continued. They clinched numerous La Liga titles and Champions League trophies, with Messi's on-field brilliance being the catalyst for such successes. In 2014, he signed a contract extension that made him the highest-paid player in the world and solidified his commitment to the club.

But Messi's connection with Barcelona transcended mere statistics. His dribbling, vision, and ability to unlock defences with precision passes made him the focal point of the team's playing style. The famous "tiki-taka" philosophy of quick, intricate passing was epitomized by Messi's tricky link-up play.

In August 2017, Messi scored his 500th career goal for Barcelona, a remarkable feat that further etched his name into the club's history books. His partnership with Luis Suarez and Neymar, forming the famed "MSN" trio, showcased an unparalleled attacking force that led Barcelona to more domestic successes. During this period, the Spanish giants were simply unstoppable.

However, even the most extraordinary chapters must eventually conclude. In August 2021, due to financial and contractual issues faced by Barcelona, Messi's contract with the club was unable to be renewed, leading to his departure. Messi's tearful farewell press conference marked the end of a 21-year journey with the club.

However, Lionel Messi's legacy at Barcelona will forever remain nothing short of monumental. He became the club's all-time leading scorer, notching a staggering 672 goals in 778 appearances. He lifted 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, and four UEFA Champions League titles with the club, among numerous other honours. His impact on the team's playing style, tactics, and success has left an indelible mark.

Lionel Messi's career at Barcelona serves as a saga of records shattered, milestones achieved, and achievements that redefined the standards of football excellence. His journey from a talented teenager to a global icon was marked by moments of brilliance, teamwork, and dedication that will forever be etched in the annals of football history, let alone Barcelona's.

Messi's Honours at Barcelona

Lionel Messi at PSG

Lionel Messi's transition from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) marked a seismic shift in the football landscape. His arrival at the French club brought a wave of excitement, anticipation and a new chapter in his storied career.

After an emotional departure from Barcelona in August 202, Messi found his new home in the French capital. On August 10, 2021, he was officially unveiled as a PSG player, and the football world watched with bated breath as Messi embarked on this new era.

Messi's PSG tenure began with great expectations, and he didn't take long to make his presence felt. On August 29, 2021, he made his debut for the club against Reims in Ligue 1. The sight of Messi in a PSG kit was surreal for fans around the world who had grown accustomed to seeing him in Barcelona colours. His arrival injected a new level of star power into Ligue 1 and added a new layer of competitiveness to PSG's pursuit of domestic and continental dominance.

On September 15, 2021, he scored his first goal for the club in a UEFA Champions League match against Club Brugge. This goal not only opened his PSG account but also added to his incredible tally of goals in the Champions League, a competition he had previously excelled in.

Messi's partnership with fellow superstars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr. captured the imagination of football fans. The trio formed an attacking trio known as the "MNM." Their combination of flair, speed, and creativity posed a frightening threat to opposing defenders.

One of the most significant milestones in Messi's PSG career came on December 8, 2021, when he scored a hat-trick against Club Brugge in the Champions League. This performance made him the first player to score a hat-trick for two different clubs in the competition, adding another feather to his cap of records.

While Messi's time at PSG was relatively short compared to his lengthy Barcelona tenure, his impact was clear. His ability to adapt to a new team, league, and environment showcased his footballing intelligence and versatility. As he integrated himself into the PSG setup, his influence on the field and in the locker room was evident.

Beyond the individual accolades and records, Messi's presence at PSG raised the club's global profile and intensified their pursuit of domestic and European titles. During his two seasons in France, the Argentine helped PSG to two Ligue 1 titles and the Trophee des Champions, adding three more trophies to his bulging cabinet of silverware.

On 3rd June 2023, it was revealed Lionel Messi would be leaving PSG at the culmination of the 2022/2023 campaign, and the Argentine called time on his stint in France with an impressive 32 goals in 75 first-team appearances.

Messi's Honours at PSG

Messi at Inter Miami

Despite links with a return to Barcelona and a big-money switch to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal, Messi opted to sign for MLS side Inter Miami, who are owned by David Beckham.

Messi had confirmed that he would not remain in Europe if he was unable to resign for Barcelona, but continued financial constraints at the Catalan giants meant they were unable to make his dream come true, and paved the way for Inter Miami to secure Messi's signature.

Messi's arrival in the USA was officially announced on 15th July 2023, with the Argentine signing a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Messi with Argentina

Messi made his senior debut for the national team on August 17, 2005, quickly becoming a vital component of Argentina's footballing identity.

Despite his remarkable success at the club level, Messi faced criticism for his perceived inability to replicate that form with the national team. It was a narrative that stuck with Messi for much of his international career, with Argentina regularly falling short in major tournaments.

However, in the 2021 Copa America, held in Brazil, Messi led Argentina to glory against the hosts in the final, clinching his first major international title. His performances earned him the tournament's Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards.

That Copa America victory was a defining moment not only for his career but for the nation as a whole. It shattered the notion that Messi couldn't achieve success on the international stage.

The following year, in what was widely reported to be Lionel Messi's final appearance at a World Cup, the Argentine legend led his country to glory once again, with La Albiceleste lifting their first World Cup since 1986 securing Messi's legacy on the international stage.

Messi's journey with Argentina is full of records and milestones, much like his club career. He is Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing the record held by Gabriel Batistuta (54) in 2016 and then scoring his 100th international goal against Curacao in 2023.

Messi's Honours with Argentina

Lionel Messi's Personal Accolades & Records

Lionel Messi's exceptional football career is underlined with a plethora of personal records and prestigious awards.

He has won the FIFA Ballon d'Or a record seven times, securing his first in 2009. His extraordinary goal-scoring ability has led to numerous milestones, including becoming the all-time top scorer for Barcelona and Argentina.

In 2011, Messi set a new record by scoring 91 goals in a calendar year, while he has consistently topped the goal-scoring charts in various leagues and competitions, showcasing his lethal goal-scoring prowess.

The Argentine's name is synonymous with consistency, evidenced by his multiple seasons as the top scorer in La Liga. His achievements extend to the UEFA Champions League, where he holds records for most goals in a single season and most hat-tricks.

Messi's Personal Honours

Messi's Individual Club & International Records

MatériaMais Notícias

A semana foi agitada para o volante Wellington no Athletico. Capitão da equipe, o meio-campista viu o seu nome ser especulado no Grêmio e por muito pouco não acertou a sua transferência.

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Após a negociação acabar frustrada, ele mostrou personalidade, colocou a faixa de capitão no braço e ajudou o Furacão a derrotar o Coritiba na Arena da Baixada.

Na rede social, Wellington postou uma foto do clássico do último sábado e escreveu um texto onde reafirmou a sua identificação com a camisa do Athletico.

Revelado pelo São Paulo, o meio-campista está no time paranaense desde a temporada 2018, disputou 88 partidas e conquistou os títulos da Sul-Americana e Copa do Brasil.

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An update has emerged on Celtic and their attempts to complete their seventh piece of incoming business before the end of the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Celtic transfer news?

According to Football Insider, the Hoops are set to confirm the signing of Honduras international Luis Palma from Aris FC 'in the next days' ahead of Friday's deadline.

The report claims that the Scottish giants have already agreed a £3.5m deal to sign the forward from the Greek side and he is now poised to join Hyeok-kyu Kwon, Hyun-jun Yang, Maik Nawrocki, Odin Thiago Holm, Gustaf Lagerbielke, and Marco Tilio in arriving at Parkhead this summer.

It states that the 23-year-old ace is due to fly over once he has been given international clearance and will then undergo a medical over the next 24-48 hours.

Football Insider also report that manager Brendan Rodgers could look to make up to four other signings before the window slams shut; including a centre-back, goalkeeper, left-back, and striker.

How good is Luis Palma?

The Aris star's form since the start of the 2022/23 campaign suggests that he could be a sensational signing for Celtic if he is able to translate those performances over to the Scottish Premiership.

Palma is a right-footed left-winger who has the potential to score goals and create chances for his teammates on a regular basis, which could make him Rodgers' next version of former Hoops star Scott Sinclair.

The Honduran phenom racked up 11 goals and four assists in 20 Super League starts for his club last season – an average of one goal contribution every 1.33 starts. This came alongside one goal and three assists in three Europa Conference League qualifier starts.

He showcased his clinical edge in front of goal with only one missed 'big chance' in the Greek top-flight, which shows that the talented ace rarely passed up a good opportunity to find the back of the net.

The £3.5m-rated hotshot has started the current campaign in phenomenal form with two goals and three assists in five starts across the Super League and Europa Conference League qualifiers.

This means that Palma has produced 24 goals and assists combined in 28 starts across the two aforementioned competitions since the start of last term.

The 5 foot 10 magician is, therefore, capable of making a consistent impact at the top end of the pitch as both a scorer and creator, which is why he could be the next Sinclair at Parkhead.

During Rodgers' first spell in Scotland, the former Manchester City winger amassed 60 goals and 41 assists in 148 appearances from a left-wing position for the Bhoys, which worked out as one goal involvement per 1.47 matches on average.

Sinclair was a vital player for the Northern Irish tactician's attack as the English wizard was able to consistently provide quality in the final third with goals and assists.

Palma, who was described as a "huge player" by Aris manager Apostolos Terzis, could do a similar job for Rodgers on the left flank if he is able to carry on the sublime form that has seen the Honduras international catch the eye over the last 12 months or so.

As such, the inbound dynamo could well emerge as Rodgers' next Sinclair-like talent on the wings at Parkhead this season.

Big Picture

Big picture? You want the big picture? Well, here’s a picture so big it makes Rembrandt’s look like a postage stamp. After 135 years of Ashes campaigns, the series tally is currently locked at 32-32. England dominated in the 19th century, but to be fair Australia wasn’t even a country at that point. Once the 20th century and Australian federation arrived, the ledger evened up. Eventually. But it did happen in the 20th century. By 1997, Australia had finally caught up with England and the series tally was 27-27. One of sport’s oldest trophies had at length become one of the most closely contested. And over the next five days in Perth, Australia have the chance to make it 33-32.And speaking of Ashes history, after this match the WACA will be exactly that: Ashes history. A new multi-sport stadium has been built in Perth and will be opened with an ODI next month, and in future the WACA’s only hope of international matches will be when lesser-drawing nations tour Australia. England probably won’t complain. While the WACA has been one of Australia’s worst home venues in recent years – they have won only four of their past nine Tests there – it has never been a good ground for England. In 13 Ashes Tests at the WACA, England have managed only one win – in 1978 during the World Series Cricket schism. It is possible that both teams will be happy to move across the Swan River to the new stadium.But for now, the WACA it is, and the urn is on the line. England must at least salvage a draw to have any hope of retaining the Ashes. Only once in Ashes history has a team come back from 2-0 down to win a series, and that required Australia’s captain Don Bradman to pile up scores of 270, 212 and 169 in the remaining three Tests in 1936-37. Who will be England’s Bradman? No England player has scored a century yet in this series. Bradman also did not have to deal with the scrutiny caused by off-field issues, the likes of which have plagued England’s campaign. Only one thing is certain: if Joe Root wins the toss, he won’t send Australia in.For Steven Smith, this Test is a chance to complete a remarkable cycle. It was at the WACA against England four years ago that Smith spontaneously added a preliminary movement to his batting technique, and his results have been astounding. Prior to that change, Smith had made 825 Test runs at 33.00 including one century. Since the change he has scored 4732 Test runs at 70.62, including 20 centuries. And now, returning to the WACA for an Ashes Test for the first time since then, Smith may find himself captaining Australia to an Ashes series win.

Form guide

Australia WWWLL (last five matches, most recent first)
England LLWLWGetty Images

In the spotlight

Like his brother Shaun, Mitchell Marsh has started his Test career with a few ins and outs, though he also enjoyed a lengthier stretch in the team during 2015 and 2016. Now, Mitchell Marsh looks likely to be recalled as Australia seek an extra bowling option on a WACA pitch that might be good for batting. Marsh played the first two Tests in India this year before being sent home with a shoulder injury, and although he has only returned to bowling for the past two Sheffield Shield matches, his efforts have impressed Australia’s selectors enough to have him return to the squad, and probably to the XI.On Test debut in Adelaide, Craig Overton took the most wickets in Australia’s first innings, top-scored in England’s first innings, and took an excellent catch running and diving from the outfield in Australia’s second innings. It was a highly encouraging all-round effort from Overton, who earned not only a blue cap at Adelaide Oval but also a blue badge of sorts, in the form of a nasty bruise on his ribcage caused by a Pat Cummins short ball. But the delivery that he will remember best surely will be his first Test wicket, that of Steven Smith, bowled by a ball that nipped in a touch but more importantly had Smith caught in two minds due to its perfect length. Joe Root will be hoping Overton can provide further such magic in Perth.

Team news

Australia will not name their XI until the morning of the match, but if the pitch looks remotely flat, it is expected that Mitchell Marsh will replace Peter Handscomb to provide a fifth bowling option.Australia (probable): 1 Cameron Bancroft, 2 David Warner, 3 Usman Khawaja, 4 Steven Smith (capt), 5 Shaun Marsh, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Tim Paine (wk), 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Pat Cummins, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Nathan Lyon.England have named an unchanged XI but Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow have swapped places in the order,England 1 Alastair Cook, 2 Mark Stoneman, 3 James Vince, 4 Joe Root (capt), 5 Dawid Malan, 6 Jonny Bairstow (wk), 7 Moeen Ali, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Craig Overton, 10 Stuart Broad, 11 James AndersonAFP

Pitch and conditions

Will it be the WACA pitch of old? Pace and bounce? These questions have preceded every Perth Test in recent years, and the answer varies from summer to summer. Some years there are hints of the old WACA, other years it is one of the country’s most docile surfaces. Western Australia coach Justin Langer says the past few Sheffield Shield games at the WACA have been played on flat pitches, but curator Matt Page is confident the surface will be quicker than last year. The forecast for Perth is hot, though with a chance of rain on days four and five.

Stats and trivia

• Alastair Cook will become the eighth player in history to appear in 150 Tests
• Stuart Broad is seven wickets away from becoming the second England player (James Anderson is the other) to take 400 in Tests
• Australia have won only one of their past four Tests at the WACA – but it was against England, in 2013-14

Quotes

“It’s probably not as hard as I would have liked it to be a day out, but 24 hours can change a wicket.”
“I want to be concentrating on making sure we get things right on the field. That’s my job as captain. I’m trying to develop a team that over a long period can achieve success and do special things.”

West Ham United are keen on bringing in one of Europe's hottest talents; however, journalist Paul Brown would be 'surprised' if David Moyes could convince him to move to the London Stadium.

What's the latest news on the West Ham United transfer front?

The Irons have finally got their act together in the transfer market, confirming the signings of Edson Alvarez from Ajax and James Ward-Prowse from Southampton to strengthen their midfield following the departure of Declan Rice to Arsenal.

Nevertheless, the proposed deal that looked set to take Manchester United defender Harry Maguire to the London Stadium has now collapsed after West Ham grew tired of waiting for the England international, as per The Guardian.

Maguire is believed to want a £7 million pay-off from Manchester United to leave the club, which is believed to have been a sticking point in negotiating an exit. Despite a £30 million fee being agreed between West Ham and the Red Devils alongside personal terms being shook on, the 30-year-old will now stay in the North West for the time being.

Bayer Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou has emerged as an alternative target to strengthen the Hammers' backline and a £30 million swoop is being lined up to take him to east London. At the same time, a loan deal with an option-to-buy may also be a viable route to land the Ivory Coast international, according to The Sun.

According to talkSPORT, West Ham are also keen on Ajax attacker Mohammed Kudus, who has previously attracted heavy interest from Brighton & Hove Albion this window.

As per The Independent, Chelsea and Arsenal have also courted the Ghana international in the last few weeks and it is said that Ajax could be willing to let Kudus leave for a fee in the region of £40 million.

Kudus played the full 90 minutes for Ajax in their Eredivisie opener against Heracles Almelo last weekend, getting himself on the scoresheet in a 4-1 victory, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Brown has admitted that he would be shocked if West Ham were able to land Kudus this summer.

Brown stated: "I think Kudus is potentially the next big thing, but there are other clubs in for him and I don't think West Ham are high on his list of priorities.

"I would be surprised if that one comes off. I think there are other people they're looking at more seriously than Kudus and he will probably go somewhere else."

Who else could West Ham United look to bring in this summer?

According to Telegraph Sport, West Ham may turn their attention towards Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson to strengthen their offensive options if Lucas Paqueta is to leave the London Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on adding the Wales international as a potential replacement for Harry Kane and it is believed that he could cost around £45 million.

Free agent and former West Ham loanee Jesse Lingard is training with West Ham and the possibility of the 30-year-old earning a 'short-term' contract at the London Stadium hasn't been ruled out, according to Sky Sports News.

Manchester City youngster Cole Palmer is a loan target for the Hammers and could be brought in to strengthen the flanks, as per BBC Sport.

Nottingham Forest are seen as potential suitors for Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson in the summer transfer window and have seemingly made a new offer to sign the player.

Do Nottingham Forest want to sign Victor Nelsson?

The Reds enjoyed a good first season back in the Premier League last time around, finishing 16th in the table, and the aim now is for them to kick on in 2023/24 and not go backwards.

Friday night's late 2-1 victory at home to Sheffield United was a massive result, and while things look positive on the pitch at the moment, it is also important that some new faces still arrive between now and the end of the current transfer window, as the squad keeps improving.

One player who has been seen as a strong option to come in is Nelsson, who has been an impressive performer for Galatasaray for some time now, having joined from FC Copenhagen back in 2021. He has made 85 appearances for the Turkish giants to date, winning the Super Lig title last season.

He has also won 10 caps for Denmark at international level, appearing once at the 2022 World Cup, and it could be that he looks to move away from his current club this summer, even though his current deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2026.

What's the latest on Victor Nelsson to Nottingham Forest?

According to Takvim [via Sport Witness], Galatasaray have rejected a bid for Nelsson from Forest worth an offer of €18m plus €4m in bonuses and are demanding that they make a higher offer for his services.

In fact, the Reds have done just that, upping the amount by €1m (£855,000), although it isn't specified if that has been added to the previous bid or to bonuses. That being said, Galatasaray are still unconvinced that the offer for the 24-year-old is big enough, so they could hold out for more money before allowing him to leave. He has a €25m (£21.3m) release clause in his current contract,

Forest are doing admirably under Steve Cooper, but they could definitely do with shoring things up defensively, having conceded a sizeable 68 goals in their 38 Premier League matches last season.

In Nelsson, the Reds could have an ideal option to bring in and further strengthen them moving forward, given his reputation as an established international football who has tasted title glory at club level. At 24, the Dane is also still relatively young, especially for a centre-back, so Forest would hopefully be signing him for many years, rather than bringing him in as a quick fix.

The fact that Tottenham have reportedly been interested in signing Nelsson this summer could act as a potential blow, however, considering they are chasing European football this season and are in a good place under Ange Postecoglou, following their 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Saturday.

Nelsson would likely come straight in as a regular starter for Forest, though, which may not be the case in north London, something which could hopefully persuade him to head to the City Ground, having been hailed as a "great athlete" by journalist Resit Omer Kukner recently, who has said he is a "Danish lion".