Arsenal are enjoying a fantastic start to the Premier League season this year, and following Manchester City's draw over the weekend, they currently find themselves three points clear of the defending champions.

One of the reasons that the north Londoners are once again atop the Premier League table is summer signing Declan Rice. The former West Ham United captain has been a revelation in red and white so far this campaign, and if there ever were such a thing as a £105m bargain, he is as close as you're going to get.

That said, Mikel Arteta has been mixing it up with the 24-year-old this season, playing him as both a left eight and six at different points this season.

However, Fulham's Joao Palhinha could be the perfect addition to allow the Englishman to flourish in that left eight role.

Arsenal transfer news – Joao Palhinha

According to a report from AFC Newsroom founder Connor Humm, Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha has emerged as a "potential target" for the Gunners, either in January or at the end of the season.

Not much has been said in the way of a potential fee for a deal such as this, but considering that the Cottagers turned down a £47m offer from Bayern Munich in the summer before finally accepting a £55m offer suggests that it won't be a cheap deal to complete.

Furthermore, the West Londoners reportedly demanded £60m for their midfield enforcer when West Ham were sniffing around in the summer, so that could potentially be the sort of offer that would see the player move.

Joao Palhinha could unlock Declan Rice's attacking threat

So far this season, Rice has been included in every starting XI that Arteta has put out in the league, starting at the base of midfield ten times and in the left eight four times.

While the England international is clearly a fantastic defensive midfielder, his three goal involvements in those 14 starts indicate he could be even more useful to the team just slightly higher up the pitch.

Unfortunately for Arteta, though, Jorginhio, while a great bench player, lacks the quality to start every week, and Thomas Partey has become increasingly unreliable through injury.

So, how does Palhinha stack up to the Gunners' current crop of defensive midfielders?

Well, the "tackling machine", as described by Fulham teammate Harrison Reed, outshines his competition in practically every crucial defensive stat you can think of.

The former Sporting CP star certainly lives up to his moniker, making 5.39 tackles per 90 this season, compared to Rice's 1.94, Jorginho's 2.56 and Partey's 2.14, while making more blocks, interceptions and winning more aerial duels per 90.

Player

Tackles per 90

Blocks per 90

Interceptions per 90

Aerial Duel win %

Joao Palhinha

5.39

2.06

2.06

48%

Declan Rice

1.94

1.42

1.64

35.3%

Jorginho

2.56

1.86

0.47

25%

Thomas Partey

2.14

0.71

1.43

40%

Stats via FBref

Described as "utterly sensational" by former Fulham star Steve Sidwell and a defender's "dream" by Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, dropping the Lisbon-born "monster" into Arsenal's midfield certainly seems like the best way to involve Rice in the offensive side of games.

Despite starting the vast majority of games in the six role this season, the former Chelsea youth product still sits within the top 1% of midfielders in the Premier League for medium pass completion, the top 5% for passes into the final third, the top 8% for overall pass completion and the top 13% for progressive passes, all per 90, per FBref.

With numbers like this in a primarily defensive role, the prospect of what the 6 foot 1 titan could do from a more progressive starting position should excite the Arsenal faithful.

Ultimately, a midfield three of Rice, Martin Odegaard and Palhinha could be precisely what Arteta needs this season and help the men in red and white finally end their two-decade wait for the title.

نجحت سارة سمير لاعبة مصر لرفع الأثقال، في تحقيق الفوز وحصد ميدالية جديدة للبعثة المصرية المشاركة في دورة الألعاب الأولمبية باريس 2024.

وتقام فعاليات أولمبياد باريس خلال الفترة من 26 يوليو الماضي، وحتى يوم 11 أغسطس الجاري في مدينة باريس عاصمة فرنسا.

وتمكنت سارة سمير من إنهاء محاولاتها برفع 81 كجم بمجموعة 268 كجم، وحصدت الميدالية الفضية.

طالع أيضاً.. تقيأ دم مرتين.. نقل بطل ذهبية طوكيو للمستشفى قبل منافساته في أولمبياد باريس

وتعد هذه الميدالية هي الثانية للبعثة المصرية، حيث فاز بالأولى لاعب منتخب مصر في لعبة سلاح المبارزة، محمد السيد الذي توج بالميدالية البرونزية.

وتشارك البعثة المصرية بأكبر عدد من اللاعبين على مدار تاريخها في الدورات الأولمبية بواقع 148 لاعبًا ولاعبة أساسيين و16 لاعبًا احتياطيًا بإجمالي عدد لاعبين 164 في 22 لعبة، وتعد بعثة الفراعنة الأكبر في مشاركات العرب وإفريقيا.  

MatériaMais Notícias

Na última sexta-feira, o Corinthians foi sentenciado a sofrer um bloqueio de R$ 14,3 milhões em suas contas por determinação da Justiça referente a um processo movido pela CET (Companhia de Engenharia de Tráfego). A informação foi publicada primeiramente pelo GEe confirmada pelo LANCE!.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansCorinthians faz primeiro treino tático em preparação para o DérbiCorinthians16/01/2021CorinthiansDecisiva nos últimos três jogos, dupla ‘Mosquito e Cazares’ aproveita chance no CorinthiansCorinthians15/01/2021CorinthiansChuva forte em SP leva treino do Corinthians para parte interna do CTCorinthians15/01/2021

TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão clicando aqui

GALERIA
>Veja os jogadores que participaram dos gols do Timão na Era Mancini

O despacho foi publicado no Diário Eletrônico da Justiça e sentenciado pelo juizEmílio Migliano Neto, da 7ª Vara de Fazenda Pública. A disputa entre as partes, no entanto, não é recente, tendo começado em 2016. O tema da batalha judicial se dá pelo não pagamento pelo serviços de trânsito prestados pela companhia em dias de jogos do Timão em determinado período.

Segundo a CET, o clube descumpriu a lei municipal de nº 14.072, de 18 de outubro de 2005, que permite a cobrança “dos custos operacionais de serviços prestados em eventos, relativos à operação do sistema viário”. O Corinthians, com base na legislação, deve valores entre março de 2006 e outubro de 2015.

As partes chegaram a um acordo em 2019 no valor de R$ 9,7 milhões, que seriam pagos em 100 parcelas pelo Timão. A companhia, no entanto, afirma ter recebido apenas seis prestações do montante, o que provocou a ida novamente à Justiça cobrando juros e multas, que elevaram a quantia para R$14.344.174,71. Esse é o montante que o juiz ordenou o bloqueio nas contas.

Até setembro do ano passado, o clube tinha mais de R$ 920 milhões em dívidas acumuladas, segundo balancete divulgado. As contas de 2019, que ainda não foram votadas pelo Conselho, tiveram um deficit de R$ 195 milhões. Já o balanço de 2020 ainda foi publicado, o que deve acontecer até o mês de abril.

Arsenal have made contact to express their interest in a deal for a forward who is currently playing his football in the Premier League, according to a fresh report.

Arsenal transfer targets

Edu and Mikel Arteta appear keen on bolstering their midfield ranks and have been heavily linked with a move for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, but should they fail to secure his services, they have seemingly set their sights on an alternative who hasn’t long left the top-flight.

The Gunners have highlighted Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves as a possible candidate, but alongside the centre of the park, the hierarchy are also looking to increase their options in the final third, with a wide player who is pretty close to home as it stands being brought onto their radar.

Barcelona left-winger Ansu Fati put pen to paper on a season-long loan at Brighton and Hove Albion over the summer and he’s made a bright start to life on the south coast during his 13 appearances to date at The Amex. (Transfermarkt – Ansu Fati stats)

The Spain international’s deal doesn’t include an option to buy, meaning that he is set to return to his parent club at the end of the season, but if the following update is to be believed, the 21-year-old is wanted by a trio of clubs who are eager to keep him in England, one of which being those at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal keen on deal for Ansu Fati

According to Football Transfers, Arsenal are considering a move for Fati next summer, but they are set to face stiff competition for his signature from two of their high-profile rivals in the Premier League.

“Liverpool are among a host of Premier League suitors for Ansu Fati, but the player wants to prove himself at Barcelona at the end of his loan spell with Brighton. Ansu could command a significant fee for his cash-strapped parent club, and Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal have all expressed an interest.”

Fati has shades of Messi in his play

During his time at Brighton, Fati has clocked up five contributions (four goals and one assist) in 13 appearances which shows how direct he can be in the final third, and his style of play in the past has seen him dubbed “Messi-esque” by football scout Jacek Kulig when coming through at the Nou Camp.

Sponsored by Nike, Roberto De Zerbi’s £160k-per-week earner (Brighton salaries), is also a versatile operator having been deployed in six various positions over the pitch since bursting onto the professional scene, including three roles across the frontline and the same number in the midfield, meaning that he could provide cover in areas outside of his own should any unexpected injuries occur.

Furthermore, Fati has won four trophies for both club and country over the course of his career so he will possess a winning mentality and will already know what it takes to compete and be successful at a high level, so it may prove to be a real coup should he decide to put pen to paper at Arsenal next summer.

There can't be many more enigmatic figures in the Premier League this season than Arsenal's summer signing Kai Havertz.

When Granit Xhaka surprisingly left the Gunners after a career-best season, plenty of questions were asked as to who would be the Swiss midfielder's replacement.

Would it be Declan Rice playing in a more advanced role? Would Martin Odegaard take up a new position or would Oleksandr Zinchenko even be transitioned back into more of a central role?

Well, the answer was no to all of those queries. Mikel Arteta had a different idea. That was to spend £65m on Havertz, a man who had flattered to deceive in a Chelsea shirt.

Those at Stamford Bridge struggled to identify the German's best position and truth be told, his spell in west London was somewhat of a failure, even if he had scored the winning goal in a Champions League final.

For a player who promised so much at Leverkusen, it hasn't truly worked out for him in England, perhaps until now.

Kai Havertz's recent form

The money spent on the Germany international over the summer was an extortionate amount, even if they did then shell out £100m on Rice.

However, this was a player who had only netted 32 goals and registered 15 assists across 139 outings for his previous employers.

It was in stark contrast to his days in Germany, where the now 25-year-old had once netted 20 times in a solitary season for Leverkusen.

Based on that number, you can begin to see why Arteta envisioned Havertz playing in that left-sided number eight role that Xhaka thrived in.

Arsenal could force Havertz into a new role by signing £52m PL star

Kai Havertz could be deployed in attack if Arsenal make this exciting signing.

ByTom Lever Nov 28, 2023

Until last Sunday, his only goal for the club had been from the spot, however. A pitty penalty perhaps, as Odegaard handed him the ball in an away victory over Bournemouth.

However, since the international break, the attacking midfielder has come alive. Reinvigorated by a spell at left-back for Germany – yes you read that right – Julian Nagelsmann looks to have revived Arsenal's mega-money signing.

Havertz was the man who appeared at the back post in the dying embers to win the game against Brentford. heading home from a fine Bukayo Saka cross.

He was then the man to open the scoring in the 6-0 rout of Lens in midweek. In Xhaka-esque fashion, he arrived late into the penalty area, ghosting between the defenders to prod home from Gabriel Jesus' cushioned-headed assist.

It looks as though finally, Havertz has arrived at the Emirates Stadium.

Havertz could make £27m man suffer

Against Brentford last weekend, Arteta tasked Leandro Trossard with playing in the middle of the park.

This wasn't an unsurprising choice as the Belgian actually featured in a deeper role throughout pre-season, notably starring against the MLS All Stars. Hardly the finest of opposition, no doubt, but it was interesting to see him play such a vital role as a number 8.

Possessing the technical elegance and magical abilities of a certain Santi Cazorla, fielding the former Brighton man in that role does make sense. He can ghost past players with ease, has wonderful vision and can find the net.

Sadly against Brentford, it didn't quite go according to plan. As per Sofascore, Trossard lost the ball a worryingly high 19 times. You could potentially excuse this from a wide player attempting plenty of crosses but for a player in central areas, that was concerning.

To put that number into context, no player in Arsenal colours lost possession on more occasions with fellow midfielders, Rice and Odegaard, ceding the ball on nine and eight occasions respectively.

Furthermore, he registered an awful pass success rate of just 68%, the worst return from any outfield starter in Arteta's side. The £27m signing also managed just one key pass throughout his time on the field.

Of course, Trossard's best role is out on the flanks but this was a wasted opportunity to prove he could become a regular in midfield.

The tricky attacker wasn't selected against Lens in the Champions League but it would not be a surprise if he was benched from the Premier League starting lineup when the Gunners face Wolves. Havertz's form has now become too good to ignore. Isn't it funny how quickly things change in football?

Leeds United could now be without the services of one first-team player for three of their upcoming matches under Daniel Farke, according to latest developments.

Leeds United prepare for Blackburn Rovers…

Consistent results have been key to building Leeds' promotion charge this term and Farke's side secured a seventh home victory on the trot in the Championship last weekend in a 3-2 triumph over Middlesbrough at Elland Road.

Despite a chaotic afternoon in Yorkshire, Farke was delighted with his side's ability to claim three points against a competent opponent, saying in his post-match press conference:

"It was a wild game in the first half and probably every football fan must have enjoyed this game. I loved what we did, but as a manager I liked the second half when we calmed everything down and didn't play with any mistakes."

"We still had big chances and we had just one mistake when we gave a counter attack, but we were able to play it out with a monster block from Joe Rodon. This was the only situation I was a bit unhappy with. For me a priceless three points against a very good opponent."

Fellow top-half side Blackburn Rovers lay in wait at Ewood Park this weekend in another test of the Whites' capabilities as they continue to try and hunt down Ipswich Town in second; however, that will be a tough ask, considering the Tractor Boys hold a seven-point advantage over their nearest challenger to the automatic promotion slots.

Leeds United's last five results – Championship

Opponent and result

Venue

Leeds United 3-2 Middlesbrough

Elland Road

Leeds United 3-1 Swansea City

Elland Road

Rotherham United 1-1 Leeds United

AESSEAL New York Stadium

Leeds United 2-1 Plymouth Argyle

Elland Road

Leicester City 0-1 Leeds United

King Power Stadium

Nevertheless, Farke could now be without one of his first-team squad members for the next three matches due to a fresh development at Elland Road.

Ian Poveda called up for Colombia

According to Leeds Live reporter Beren Cross, Leeds winger Ian Poveda has earned a call-up for Colombia and could now miss the Whites' next three matches following news from Elland Road that Farke approved his potential absence, as he explained below.

In the attached report, it is detailed that Poveda will potentially be involved with Colombia for the first time at any level if he takes to the field in their two upcoming international friendlies against Venezuela and Mexico. As a result, his involvement against Blackburn Rovers is now in doubt and he could also miss upcoming clashes against Sunderland and Coventry City.

Labelled "incredible" by Pep Guardiola, the Southwark-born winger has been a bit-part player under Farke this campaign, making seven appearances in all competitions (Poveda statistics – Transfermarkt).

Despite his availability now being cast into uncertainty, the opportunity for Poveda to gain experience on the international stage can only be a good thing regarding his development as a player, so it's good to see Farke giving te green light to tee player to read abroad, even if it leaves him a little lighter of wide options.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks set to become Manchester United’s minority shareholder after his 25% bid has been accepted by the Glazers.

He has agreed to buy a quarter of the club for £1.3b and this could give Erik ten Hag a new lease of life in charge of the club.

The Old Trafford side have endured a dismal start to the 2023/24 campaign, winning just nine of their opening 18 matches and this sort of form seems unlikely lead them to much success.

They currently occupy sixth place in the Premier League table and while they may only be seven points off the summit, recent performances against the top four suggest they will not be challenging for a title this term.

The Dutchman has not been helped with an injury crisis engulfing his squad, while his summer arrivals have failed to sparkle domestically and these factors have meant United have struggled.

With clashes against Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Liverpool to come in the next few weeks, along with tough Champions League ties against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray, ten Hag will need to see some vast improvement, and fast.

The January transfer window is fast approaching and could the former Ajax boss perhaps delve into the market and bolster his faltering squad?

Man Utd transfer news

Having spent £191.7m during the summer window, it remains to be seen how much money ten Hag will have to spend, and he may need to move a few players on in order to raise funds.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, however, the Red Devils are eyeing up a move for youngster Joao Neves in the upcoming January transfer window.

The club have scouted the player numerous times recently, most notably last weekend where he scored an equaliser for Benfica against Sporting CP before his side netted the winner just a few minutes later.

There is one major problem, however; money. The midfielder has a release clause which currently stands at €120m (£105m) and with a contract at the Portuguese side until 2028, ten Hag is going to have to break the bank to secure a deal for the talented gem.

Ratcliffe's arrival could provide fresh optimism, as could a splash from ten Hag to allow Neves to arrive in Manchester, as he would be the ideal player to replace Casemiro, who has been linked with an exit recently.

Casemiro’s future is in doubt at Man Utd

The midfielder has missed the previous seven games for United having suffered an injury while on international duty with Brazil in October.

He could be in his final furlong with the club, however, as Ratcliffe apparently wants to move him on in order to create space in the squad for other players.

This could suggest they are ready to cash in on the former Real Madrid midfielder, who they only signed in 2022 for a fee in the region of £70m and although he improved their midfield last term, some may question a fee of that size for a player who they are now prepared to move on after 18 months at the club.

There is interest from Saudi Arabia for the Brazilian and considering he still has two-and-a-half-years left on his current contract, ten Hag could be able to recoup some of the cash he spent on him in 2022.

He was instrumental in United winning their first trophy in six years, scoring in the EFL Cup final against Newcastle while helping the side secure third spot in the league.

Due to injury, however, he has only played eight league matches and with the interest from the Middle East apparent, the Dutchman could move him on and use the funds to try and lure Neves to England.

Joao Neves’ career statistics

This time last year, the 19-year-old had yet to make his debut for Benfica, but with the Portuguese club selling Enzo Fernández to Chelsea in January, a slot opened up in the midfield, and he hasn’t looked back since.

He played 20 times for the club during the second half of last season, scoring once, but it has been the previous few months that has seen his performances attract attention from other clubs.

As you can see in the table above, Neves has offered a similar level of defensive protection out of possession whilst being able to offer far more to his team on the ball this season.

Hailed as “highly talented” by talent scout Jacek Kulig alongside other Benfica gems, the midfielder has played a part in every Benfica game already this term, adding a goal and an assist in the process.

Indeed, he currently ranks fourth in the squad for accurate passes per game (53.7), along with ranking third for big chances created (three), fourth for successful dribbles per game (1.4), and third for accurate long passes per game (3.8), certainly proving that he belongs at the elite and is one of Benfica’s best performers across these metrics this season.

The teenager also ranks highly across a range of defensive metrics when compared to his positional peers. According to FBref, Neves ranks in the top 5% for tackles per 90 (3.44) along with ranking in the top 1% for blocks per 90 (2.18) and in the top 11% for aerial duels won per 90 (1.98) which suggests that, alongside his excellent passing abilities and forward-thinking mindset, the youngster is also effective defensively.

These attributes could ensure Neves would become an ideal heir for Casemiro, especially as he would be able to slot straight into the heart of the midfield given his experience in the Portuguese top flight and the Champions League.

The Dutchman may need to rejuvenate what appears to be a squad that is stagnating and injecting some young talent into the engine room could be an excellent way of giving the side a jolt.

Signing Neves could be a costly venture, given his reported release clause but, over time, he has the potential to develop into a midfielder who can shine in the Premier League.

He does not turn 20 until next September, giving the Old Trafford side plenty of time to work with him and build him into a top-class central midfielder.

If Ratcliffe can receive a decent fee for Casemiro in January, then this should enable the club to make a concrete offer for Neves, who could come in as the heir to the Brazilian's position.

Haris Sohail has been ruled out of the remainder of the South Africa tour with knee injury. The middle-order batsman had missed the Boxing Day Test in Centurion, where Shan Masood was named his replacement in the playing XI just 90 minutes ahead of the scheduled start.”Left-handed middle-order batsman Haris Sohail has been ruled out of the on-going tour of South Africa due to a right knee injury,” a PCB statement said. “Haris was not available for selection for the Boxing Day Test in Centurion while he is also out of contention for the remainder of the tour due to the same injury.”PCB will setup Haris’ appointment (if needed) with the best orthopaedic surgeon recommended by the National Cricket Academy’s panel of doctors for further assessment, analysis and treatment. The batsman will return home shortly while a replacement, if any, will be announced later.”This is the second time injury has struck Haris on a tour of South Africa. When Pakistan toured here in 2013, an ankle injury ruled him out of making what would have been his international debut. He has played just 10 Tests, 26 ODIs and nine T20Is since his international debut in 2013.Haris, who has had knee troubles for much of his career, first picked up the injury ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2015. The career-threatening injury forced him onto the sidelines for nearly two years, as he underwent an extensive rehabilitation program at the NCA following surgery in Dubai, which was reportedly unsuccessful.The PCB took over his case and sent him to England for yet another rehabilitation program, allowing him to make a comeback. He replaced Umar Akmal in the 2017 Champions Trophy squad, and was eventually handed a Test cap later that year.ALSO READ: Haris Sohail breaks through with innings of unhurried intelligenceHe was one of the players in good form across the 2018 home summer, scoring two centuries against Australia and New Zealand, accompanied by a string of medium-sized scores.

India’s bowling coach said that consistency was a big issue on previous tours, and the bowling group has responded extremely well to correct that

Sidharth Monga in Perth12-Dec-20181:42

‘Probably the best group of fast bowlers India has ever had’ – Bharat Arun

Bowling coach Bharat Arun believes this current Indian bowling unit is the best they have ever had, and it is the consistency of the fast bowlers that has been the missing link. In the Adelaide Test, the Indian bowlers were made to bowl more overs than Australia in both innings, but they gave up 15 and 16 runs fewer.Arun was asked if this was the best attack India have ever had. “So far yes,” Arun said. “I can say that not only now for what they did in Adelaide, but what they’ve done over a period of time in South Africa, in England and now in Australia. This is probably one of the best group of fast bowlers India has ever had.”It’s a great feeling now from the Indian perspective that the fast bowlers are doing a great job, and it’s not just one or two, there’s a bunch of bowlers who are doing well. It’s not about doing well; it’s the effort and consistency with which we are able to perform over a period of time. That’s very encouraging.”Whatever we have come here for and the gameplan we had, it was about being consistent in the areas we need to bowl. I thought the execution was perfect. I can’t ask for anything better.”Arun took over the job in 2014, coming on board after the Test series loss in England when Ravi Shastri was appointed team director. He has since had a spell out, when Anil Kumble was the head coach, but has come back with Shastri being re-appointed. He has worked hard to get the bowlers to be consistent, which was an issue earlier on, and probably had to do with their fitness too. It showed in how they didn’t go chasing for wickets in Adelaide, but just kept bowling according to a team plan.”Consistency was a big issue [on previous tours], and that’s something we’ve addressed with the bowlers,” Arun said. “It’s something we’ve really worked hard on. There’s one-per cent factors, which we insist on even during practice. The bowlers have responded exceptionally well. That’s showing dividends right now.”Each time they come to the net and they bowl, they need to be aware of their plans and what they need to execute. Each time it’s a little different as to what they need to execute. We just test as to how far they’ve executed each time. That feedback allows them to be more consistent. I would probably put it across to the bowlers and ask what their plans are and as long as it’s in line with what we want to execute in the game, that’s perfectly all right.”It is not all about pace, though. Arun was all praise for the lone spinner in Adelaide, R Ashwin. “Spinners mature a lot with age,” Arun said. “Maybe they’re like wine. Ashwin has been really good, and the last match he helped us to control – he gave us the control, bowling close to 90 overs for 147 runs and six wickets. You can’t ask for anything better. He allowed the fast bowlers to take turns, and he could control from one end. That’s the job he was interested in. I think he did that exceptionally well.”Ashwin has been extremely confident. He’s aware of what he’s doing. I think it’s important that a spinner discovers the things he can do. For that to happen, a coach can give the necessary feedback because most often what the bowlers think they’re doing and what they’re actually doing can be two different things. If you can bridge that gap, that’s when the bowlers can grow.”Shaw, Rohit fitness still uncertainMeanwhile, there is no clarity on the fitness status of Prithvi Shaw and Rohit Sharma, nor has there been an official description of the injuries. Shaw was stretchered off the field after twisting his ankle during the warm-up game, and Rohit hurt his back during the first Test. A team spokesperson said late in the night in Perth on Wednesday, two days before the Test: “Both are undergoing treatment. We will get a better picture only tomorrow morning.”The BCCI’s last update on Shaw said he had suffered a lateral ligament injury, and that he was ruled out from the first Test. About Rohit, the BCCI said he had “jarred his back” when he left the field during the first Test. During the Test, Shastri was quoted by SEN Radio as saying that he was hoping Shaw could return for the second Test, but there has been no update on that. In the expected absence of Shaw, M Vijay and KL Rahul should continue to open. If Rohit doesn’t make it, Hanuma Vihari will be the likely replacement.

Aaron Finch also pitched in with a half-century, helping Australia progress to 6 for 277 at stumps on day one

The Report by Deivarayan Muthu14-Dec-20181:44

Laxman: Bumrah is leading the pace attack in a short span of time

Contrasting half-centuries from local boy Marcus Harris, Aaron Finch and Travis Head helped Australia overcome a mini-collapse of 4 for 36 and made India feel the heat – both literally and figuratively – on a 39-degree day at the new Perth Stadium. Despite the late dismissals of Shaun Marsh (45) and Head (58) on a pitch where one ball exploded and the next rolled at shin height, Australia progressed to 6 for 277 at stumps on day one.After India went into a Test without a frontline spinner for only the third time in their history, Harris and Finch, perhaps, made them rue the decision by putting on a 112-run opening stand. Although part-time offspinner Hanuma Vihari plucked out Harris and Marsh, India’s attack lacked the control a fit R Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja could have provided. Their absence also ramped up the workload on Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami, who had just sealed the Adelaide Test for India on Tuesday. Ishant even left the field in the post-tea session because of an abdominal strain before returning and stretching his body at the edge of the boundary.The scorecard will tell you Ishant conceded only 35 runs in 16 overs, but he had struggled for rhythm with the new ball. His lengths weren’t full enough and his lines didn’t quite threaten the stumps either. That umpire Kumar Dharmasena pulled him up for a front-foot no-ball, when he had a fair margin of his foot behind the crease, perhaps, rattled him.Finch, meanwhile, was rattled by a bevy of inswingers, including Shami’s first ball, which drew an lbw appeal. Despite Finch getting pinged above the knee-roll, India chanced a review and lost it, with ball-tracking confirming that it would have bounced over the stumps.Harris, though, at the other end was simply unflappable. He needed 16 balls to get off the mark, but once he bed in with a variety of strokes, he looked the part. He got cracking with a triptych of drives: back-to-back hits down the ground off Ishant and then one through the covers off Umesh Yadav. He was just as unflustered when Shami sent down a shooter that crept under his defensive bat and bounced twice before Rishabh Pant collected it in the 28th over. The next ball was scythed through cover-point and Harris continued to be severe on anything that was remotely full and wide outside off.1:53

Kartik: Finch needed this innings to resurrect his Test career

He raised his maiden Test fifty with a neat clip through midwicket and elicited warm applause from his coach Justin Langer, who has a stand named after him at this venue, and his father Kim Harris, who was in the grandstand. He could have been dismissed on 60 had KL Rahul latched onto a difficult catch at second slip off Shami.Finch scored a less fluent fifty before Bumrah pinned him with a perfectly pitched inswinger. Bumrah then got on a roll with the old ball and had bouncers snarling at Khawaja’s throat from around the wicket. Khawaja wore blows on his body, stabbed and fended his way to 1 off 25 balls against Bumrah. Something had to give, and that something was Khawaja throwing his hands at a short, wide ball from Umesh and nicking off for an utterly painstaking 5 off 38 balls. Three overs later, this place flew like the curator had promised. A back-of-a-length offbreak from Vihari took off like a NASA rocket and had Harris fending a catch behind to Pant for 70 off 141 balls.Three for 134 then became 4 for 148 when Peter Handscomb slashed Ishant to second slip, where Virat Kohli who had replaced Rahul pulled off a blinding one-handed catch.India’s seamers tested Head and Marsh with extra bounce after the pitch seemed to have quickened up in the final session. They somehow weathered the burst and settled down, adding 84 for the fifth wicket. However, three overs before the second new ball was due, Marsh chased a wide offbreak from Vihari and sent a thick outside edge flying to Ajinkya Rahane for a chest-high grab at first slip.Head pressed on to follow his first-innings 72 in Adelaide with an equally vital fifty here. However, he threw his wicket away when he went after a wide ball from Ishant and carved it to third man in the 83rd over. Tim Paine and Pat Cummins ushered Australia to stumps without any further damage and left India with a teasing thought: what might have been on a pitch where the ball is turning sharply for even a part-time spinner.