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The toss has been so important in this series that in the lead-up to the deciding fourth Test the Australians practised their calling. It was a short, light-hearted exercise, like a game of two-up on Anzac Day, and at the end it was revealed that the coin was two-headed. After three guesses Ricky Ponting was one of two guys with a perfect record. He always calls heads, and is desperate for a change in luck on Thursday morning at the Vidarbha Cricket Association’s new stadium.Ponting has lost the past two tosses and quickly watched his team fall behind, and he does not need the bat-first-and-dominate theory to occur as they push to level the series and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. “I went down and had a look at the wicket yesterday, it’s rock hard like concrete and there’s no grass on it,” Ponting said.”With no history to the wicket, we don’t know if it’s going to bounce, or stay low, or what it’s going to do. One thing I know is that it is going to spin, it’s so bare. Hopefully we win the toss.”While Ponting has no control over the fall of the coin, he is also uncertain as to what will happen in the morning when he walks out to the toss. Gautam Gambhir’s appeal against a one-match suspension for elbowing Shane Watson in the third Test in Delhi was turned down by the ICC on Tuesday, but the Indian board has “rejected” the ruling.”It’s going to be an awkward situation for me to be put in tomorrow if I get out there for the toss and the guy that’s been rubbed out has his name on the team sheet,” Ponting said. “I need to be clear, and Cricket Australia needs to be clear, on that.”India, who lead the series 1-0, also have a new captain in Mahendra Singh Dhoni after the exit of the legspinner Anil Kumble on Sunday, while VVS Laxman is playing his 100th Test and Sourav Ganguly will join Kumble in retirement after the game. Ponting hoped all the off-field issues of his opponents would help his side.”One thing it [the Gambhir decision] does do is create a bit of confusion around their team,” Ponting said. “They’ll obviously have a lot of distractions going on. For us, it’s pretty plain sailing, we’ve just got to work out the best way to play in these conditions.”The decision over the final XI will be difficult, but it appears the offspinner Jason Krejza will make his debut. Australia have taken 14, 13 and 12 wickets over the first three games and it is the main reason they are in such an unfamiliar position.”We’ve got to look at our overall balance,” Ponting said. “If we’re going to get Krejza into the side does he come in for White or one of our quicks? It’s the big decision we’ve got to make.

“Mitchell Johnson is our leading wicket-taker and Brett Lee got better and better in the last game. Stuart Clark did an excellent job for us, bowling his 30 overs for 50 or 60 in the first innings, and that is a pretty important role to play in a team over here if you’ve got guys that are striking at the other end.”Lee, Michael Clarke and Doug Bollinger were struggling with upset stomachs on Tuesday but are expected to be available for selection. Ponting has been impressed with Krejza, who he said had got better after going wicket-less and giving up 199 runs in a warm-up game before the first Test.Whatever Australia decide, it will be a risk. If Krejza and White are used in tandem, or if Peter Siddle comes in for his second game, it will steal experience from the fast bowling unit, which has regularly faltered. It is an unenviable choice for such an important contest.To add to Australia’s problems, they know very little about the ground, which is being used for the first time. The squad went to the stadium outside of Nagpur on Wednesday afternoon for a short look at the conditions that will help determine whether they leave India with a prize.”This is probably as big a Test match as a lot of us have played,” Ponting said. “Being 1-0 down with a match to play is a position that a lot of us haven’t been in before. We pride ourselves on playing well in big games and this is certainly a big game for us. There is a great opportunity for us to stand up and play better cricket than we’ve played in the first three Test matches.”

Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield has claimed West Bromwich Albion could make a deadline day move for Andre Gray if they miss out on other targets.

Despite making a promising start to the season – which has including a thumping 4-0 win over Sheffield United – new Baggies head coach Valerien Ismael remains keen on bolstering his strikeforce.

Albion currently boast just three strikers in the form of Callum Robinson, Karlan Grant and Kenneth Zohore, resulting in the club being linked with a host of frontmen throughout the window.

Among those currently on West Brom’s radar is Watford striker Andre Gray, who is also gaining interest from Swansea City.

Gray’s opportunities at Vicarage Road appear to be limited following their promotion to the Premier League and he was not included in Xisco Munoz’s matchday squad for the opening weekend win over Aston Villa.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed success in the Championship, having scored 46 goals in 118 second-tier appearances.

Although Hatfield reveals Gray is not at the top of Ismael’s wishlist, he would not be surprised to see the Jamaica international head to the Hawthorns late in the window.

He told The Transfer Tavern: “West Brom is an option for Andre Gray. It doesn’t look like he’s going to be getting in at Watford any time soon and Albion have been linked with him before.

“It’s one where I don’t think he’s ever been Albion’s chief target and they’ve often managed to sign someone ahead of him.

“If it gets to deadline day and they still haven’t signed a striker then it wouldn’t shock me to see them go in for him.”

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Suspenso, Bruno Silva seria o único desfalque do atual time titular do Botafogo contra o Sport, nesta quarta-feira. Pois bem, ele seria o único se Arnaldo pudesse jogar a Copa do Brasil. Como o lateral-direito foi contratado junto ao Ituano após o prazo de inscrição do torneio mata-mata (24 de abril), não poderá entrar em campo. Por isso, Emerson volta a ganhar chance improvisado na posição.

A formação voltou a ser trabalhada no treino tático fechado à imprensa, nesta terça-feira, no Estádio Nilton Santos. Jair Ventura escalouGatito Fernández, Emerson, Carli, Igor Rabello e Victor Luís; Airton (no lugar de Bruno Silva), Rodrigo Lindoso, João Paulo e Camilo; Rodrigo Pimpão e Roger. E esses devem ser os 11 que iniciarão o duelo na Ilha do Retiro.

Não é exatamente uma novidade para Emerson a participação na lateral direita. Como profissional, o jogo contra o Cruzeiro, fora de casa, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro do ano passado, foi o primeiro. Este ano, mesmo em meio a um imbróglio para renovar, ele vinha sendo aproveitado por conta das lesões dos especialistas.

Luis Ricardo precisou refazer cirurgia no tornozelo esquerdo; Jonas e Marcinho também operaram e não tem previsão de volta. Por isso mesmo é que Arnaldo foi contratado. Quanto a Bruno Silva, o volante vem sofrendo com questões disciplinares dentro de campo. A suspensão desta quarta é por expulsão há quase um mês, na primeira partida contra o Sport, no Nilton Santos.

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Aston Villa fans have been handed an exciting update on their pursuit of Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Dean Smith’s side are lining up a swoop for the Saints star, having already confirmed an early window deal for Norwich’s Emi Buendia.

Then, in an article for The Athletic, David Ornstein appeared to pour cold water over such a move, saying: “The Athletic understands Southampton would be incredibly reluctant to sell their captain to a direct rival and they realise he is their most highly-valued asset. He has just signed a new contract with them.”

But now, The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath has revealed that both Villa, and fellow Premier League side Spurs, are still after Ward-Prowse and are now preparing to make a move for him after the season gets underway.

Dean Smith will be buzzing

While Ward-Prowse may not be the typical holding midfielder that Gregg Evans has said Villa want, he’s certainly got the quality to be a superb deep-lying play-maker for the Midlands club were he to join this summer.

Last season saw him net eight goals and provide another seven assists in the Premier League alone, which would have ranked him in the top three for both categories for Villa.

And, after speculation first emerged over Villa’s interest in the Saints midfielder, Noel Whelan backed a summer move for him.

He said: “I’m not surprised he wants to move. Villa are showing real intent early on. I think the move will materialise, it’s happening. They have already got Buendia through the door so it really is exciting times for Aston Villa fans.

“If they can get James Ward-Prowse as well, another international, they could really reach that next level. He was very unlucky not to be in the England squad for the Euros. He would add serious competition for places.”

Reports have suggested that Smith has made Ward-Prowse a leading midfield target of his, so news that the club haven’t been put off by Southampton’s rumoured stance, and are ready to go in again, will have him absolutely buzzing.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has delivered an Aston Villa transfer update…

Many Everton fans have been left reacting on social media as a transfer update emerged on Andre Gomes.

As per The Liverpool Echo, Benfica have made an enquiry over the possibility of signing the central midfield player in the summer window.

His future remains uncertain at Goodison Park, but he is believed to have made a good impression during the first two weeks of pre-season training.

Gomes came under a lot of criticism from some members of the Merseyside club faithful for some of his poor displays over the course of the 2020/21 season, and the fact that he has only managed to score one goal and make just five assists in 85 games in total for the Toffees over the last three campaigns (Transfermarkt) suggests that he has not contributed enough during his time there.

Thus, it is not a surprise at all to see so many Blues happy to let him go if the right offer comes in.

Everton fans on Gomes transfer update

These EFC supporters gave their reactions as the exit rumour was shared on Twitter:

“I’ll carry that crab to Portugal myself, see ya”

Credit: @mikkeeyy85

“Can’t defend, doesn’t create and doesn’t get around the pitch at any great pace. £10m and bye bye for me”

Credit: @GaryBri29919563

“I’ll carry him there on my back”

Credit: @efcjipster

“Get rid ASAP”

Credit: @Hemms10

“I’d love to get rid of him. Such a bang average player”

Credit: @trueblue265

“It’s a trap, GET HIM OUT!!!”

Credit: @Frankricardjnr

In other news, find out what recent news has Evertonians fuming here!

يدرس مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة برئاسة جمال علام، تقليل عدد اللاعبين الأجانب في قوائم الأندية خلال الموسم الجديد.

ويُخطط اتحاد الكرة إلى تقليص عدد اللاعبين الأجانب المحترفين ليكون 3 أو 4 بدلًا من 5.

طالع أيضا.. اتحاد الكرة يوضح حقيقة فصل 12 موظفًا بسبب اختفاء خطابات استضافة نهائي الأبطال

كما يدرس اتحاد الكرة جديا وضع بعض الشروط للتعاقد مع اللاعبين الأجانب أبرزها أن يكون اللاعب شارك في 10 مباريات دولية على الاقل مع منتخب بلده بجانب وضع فئات مادية للتعاقد.

ويناقش مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة قرارًا آخر بإلغاء مسابقة الناشئين مواليد 2001.

Arsenal are eyeing up a fresh transfer move for Real Madrid’s Martin Odegaard as they look to bolster their creative options this summer.

What’s the story?

The Norway international joined Mikel Arteta’s side on loan back in the January transfer window, but it had since been claimed in recent weeks that he would not be returning to the Emirates Stadium, instead looking to fight for his place at the Bernabeu.

However, Football.London have now claimed that the Gunners haven’t given up on making a late move for Odegaard, with a belief that Madrid would be open to offers for him.

Arsenal’s new Ozil

Described as a “phenomenon” by Norwegian football writer Lars Sivertsen, Odegaard is the kind of creative playmaker who appears to be tailor-made to come in and finally replace Mesut Ozil – another creator who came to the club from Real Madrid – at the Emirates.

Spanish football journalist Alvaro Montero said: “He’s very similar to Mesut Ozil, he’s left-footed, he plays extremely well between the lines and between the striker and the midfielders. Maybe he even has more goal threat than Mesut Ozil, but he travels a little less. He’s an amazing player and I think he’ll be an amazing player for Arsenal and for Mikel Arteta.”

Having seen him impress during his loan spell at the Emirates, Arteta himself lauded Odegaard’s ability and leadership, saying: “Well, he’s showing that I think from week one. The way he steps on the pitch, he always wants the ball, the way he commands the pressing. He’s been really influential.

“I think we’ve all been a bit surprised because he looks really shy and humble, but when he steps on that pitch he’s a real character and he loves to play football.”

While the Norwegian didn’t exactly set the world alight in his first few months with the Gunners, he showed more than enough, both with his creativity and off-the-ball work, to suggest that he could become a real star over a longer period.

As per WhoScored, Odegaard averaged 1.4 key passes per game in the Premier League, which was the joint-highest of any Arsenal player last season along with Emile Smith Rowe. His 0.9 dribbles per match put him in the top five, while his impressive 90.9% pass accuracy was good enough to place him second in the Gunners’ entire squad.

The £36m-rated star could finally arrive on a permanent deal and banish any lingering thoughts about Ozil at the Emirates.

Meanwhile, Arsenal could sign their new Vieira in this star…

An update has emerged on Leeds target Dan James, regarding how much Manchester United want for the forward.

What’s the talk?

According to The Telegraph, Manchester United want £25m for Leeds United transfer target Dan James this summer, which has caused Burnley to exit the race to win his signature.

Leeds have been tracking James for several years and reportedly recently reignited their interest in the attacker as Victor Orta looks to improve the squad ahead of next season.

Imagine him and Bamford

Orta must ensure that he can get a deal over the line for James this summer following this latest update.

He has been a long-term target and they now know exactly how much money they need to pay. The Whites chief should splash out the £25m and bring him to the club, as Marcelo Bielsa would be in dreamland if he could finally get the chance to work with him.

Speaking on The Phil Hay Show, the titular journalist said in regards to Leeds wanting James: “That’s a question for Bielsa because Bielsa is forever interested in Dan James, and you probably remember last summer that before they did the deal for Raphinha, they were looking into the possibility of bringing Dan James in on loan from Manchester United. I don’t think it was ever really a possibility because it didn’t seem as though Solskjaer wanted him to go.”

This shows that Bielsa would love to coach him, having chased him for so long. Whilst they may not have been able to sign James on loan in the summer Hay mentioned, they do now have the opportunity to complete a permanent swoop for the Welsh international.

James’ Manchester United teammate Andreas Pereira once heaped praise on the forward, labelling him as “explosive and so fast” when asked about the quickest player within the squad in a club interview. 

The 23-year-old’s pace could mean that he is able to strike a lethal partnership with Patrick Bamford. James enjoyed an impressive European Championships with Wales this summer, averaging 2.5 key passes and 1.5 dribbles completed per game across four appearances, recording a WhoScored rating of 6.88.

Patrick Bamford scored 17 goals in the Premier League for Leeds and will need quality service from out wide to replicate that again next term.

Check out the latest FIFA 22 news, release dates, pre-order, teasers and leaks.

Imagine James using his scintillating pace to burst down to the byline before clipping a cross to the back post for the ex-Chelsea hitman to head or volley home. This, along with Bielsa’s keen interest in James, is why Orta must secure a deal for the former Swan.

AND in other news, Romano delivers transfer update on £26m “machine”, it’s gutting for Bielsa and Leeds…

Sheffield United look set to be offered a deal to bring Joe Allen to Bramall Lane this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Sheffield Star, who claim that, despite the Stoke City manager Michael O’Neill stating that the 31-year-old is not for sale in the summer transfer window, Slavisa Jokanovic’s side have been informed that they will nevertheless be offered a chance to sign the midfielder ahead of next season.

The report goes on to state that it remains unclear at present whether or not the new Blades boss will be interested in bringing the Wales international to the club this summer, although The Star suggest that the departure of John Lundstram, coupled with Sander Berge being heavily linked with a transfer out of Bramall Lane, will leave the 52-year-old requiring greater depth in the position.

Jokanovic must not move

While Allen is a player who boasts a significant amount of Premier League and Championship experience, there is a very strong argument to make against United making a move for the midfielder this summer.

Firstly, with Allen now being 31 years of age, despite the £1.8m-rated man having highly impressed in the top flight of English football during his spell at Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp dubbing Allen an “unbelievable” player, the midfielder is very much now entering the twilight years of his footballing career, meaning it would be unlikely that Jokanovic would gain any resale value if he were to sign the Welshman this summer.

This leads nicely on to the second drawback of a move for Allen, as the midfielder is thought to be earning a whopping £50k-per-week at the bet356 Stadium.

If United were to bring Allen in on a deal of this size in the summer transfer window, he would immediately become the club’s highest-paid player, with the midfielder simply not appearing to be worth such an amount relative to the rest of the Blades’ squad.

Finally, with the former Swansea City man also having been spent two rather lengthy spells on the sidelines for Stoke last season, due to both an Achilles tendon rupture and a hamstring injury, just how much game time Allen would go on to get after a potential switch to the Blades would seem to be something of a lottery.

As such, a move for Allen this summer would appear to be highly unadvisable for Sheffield United, as there will undoubtedly be cheaper, fitter and younger options available to Jokanovic on the market this summer.

In other news: Sheff Utd dealt transfer blow over “incredible” £43k-p/w gem, Jokanovic will be gutted

Barry Fry believes David Moyes may look to the Championship as he bids to bolster his West Ham United squad ahead of a return to European football.

The Hammers are set to feature in the Europa League for the first time since they lost to Romanian side Astra Giurgiu in the qualifying rounds five years ago.

West Ham booked their place in Europe thanks to breaking their record Premier League points tally last season and Moyes, who is enjoying his second spell in charge of the east Londoners, is keen to add strength in depth ahead of the transfer window slamming shut.

Since returning to the London Stadium, Moyes has moved away from Manuel Pellegrini’s transfer strategy of bringing in the likes of Felipe Anderson and Sebastien Haller from abroad and instead spent his transfer budget on exciting attackers in the Championship.

Jarrod Bowen has shone since switching from Hull City, then of the Championship, in 2020, while Said Benrahma joined from Brentford last summer.

Bowen and Benrahma could be set to play key roles after Jesse Lingard’s loan from Manchester United expired at the end of the season.

Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry, who worked with West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold during their time at Birmingham City, feels Moyes could benefit from looking to English football’s second tier once again.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Fry said: “David Moyes got the two David’s to invest in two players from the Championship.

“I know David Sullivan very well and he’s a shrewd judge but he doesn’t really like going down the leagues if they’re not proven Premier League players.

“The two gambles have all paid off. Bowen and Benrahma have been marvellous.”