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After another successful weekend of Premier League action, Arsenal will have shifted their focus to the Champions League.

Mikel Arteta’s side have been faultless in the competition so far this season, beating Athletic Bilbao, Olympiacos and Atlético Madrid by an aggregate score of 8-0.

The North Londoners will be faced with a fresh challenge on Tuesday night, though, as they take on the fiery Slavia Prague away from home, likely without Viktor Gyokeres.

However, while the Swedish international will be a miss, Arteta could replace him with a youngster who has won some flattering comparisons to Liverpool’s star strikers.

Gyokeres' start to life at Arsenal

To say that there was a lot of pressure on Gyokeres to hit the ground running at Arsenal would be an understatement.

Yes, he didn’t cost anywhere near as much as some other strikers, but he was incredibly prolific for Sporting CP, and the narrative around the Gunners last year was that they were a forward short of winning the Premier League.

So there was a lot of pressure on his shoulders, and while he has had some underwhelming performances and looked a little clunky here and there, it would be fair to say he’s had a reasonable start to life in North London.

For example, while he has not been as lethal as some hoped he would, the Stockholm-born ace has now got six goals to his name, two of which came against a top team in Atlético last time out in the Champions League.

Moreover, against Burnley on Saturday afternoon, the 27-year-old put in what many have described as his best performance in an Arsenal shirt.

Not only did he open the scoring in the 14th minute, but he also helped create the second goal and could have had two assists if Bukayo Saka had his shooting boots on.

Unfortunately, he did come off at halftime, with Arteta later claiming he had a muscular problem.

Since then, Arsenal writer Charles Watts has confirmed that he did not participate in the last training session, and therefore, it appears he won’t be available to play against Slavia.

While this is far from ideal, Arteta does have a solution available to him, and no, it’s not Mikel Merino.

The Arsenal player Arteta should start instead of Gyokeres

With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus still out injured, Merino feels like the obvious solution to Gyokeres’ absence.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, Arteta turned to the Spaniard on Saturday, and the team suddenly became a lot less threatening and fluid.

Therefore, he should be brave and hand yet another start to one of Hale End’s most exciting stars: Andre Harriman-Annous.

It would be a bold move, but the 17-year-old looked lively against Brighton & Hove Albion in the League Cup, and while he didn’t score a goal against the Seagulls, Saka’s goal came from his saved effort.

Moreover, while Merino has more experience, the youngster is far more mobile, and as one analyst points out, “has shades of Isak and Ekitiké” in his game, particularly in the way he can float out wide and come back in.

Another reason he should be given this chance is that he has already proven he can score at the junior level.

For example, in 35 appearances across the u18s and U21s last year, the 17-year-old racked up an impressive tally of 15 goals and three assists.

Appearances

35

Minutes

2559′

Goals

15

Assists

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.51

Minutes per Goal Involvement

142.16′

Finally, while it would perhaps be foolish of Arteta to start the Hale Ender in the league due to the level of competition, handing him this opportunity in a relatively low-stakes European game against weaker opposition could be the perfect chance to get him more experience.

It would also stop him from risking the only other senior back-up he currently has for Gyokeres.

Ultimately, starting Harriman-Annous would be a gamble, but based on his performances in the academy and last week, it’s one Arteta should take in light of Gyokeres’ injury.

Better than Rice: Arsenal "colossus" is having a Ballon d'Or level season

Just like Declan Rice, the incredible Arsenal star is having an unreal season under Mikel Arteta.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 3, 2025

كشف اتحاد الكرة عن سبب استقدام طاقم حكام أجانب لمباراة نهائي كأس السوبر المصري 2025 المقام في الإمارات.

وتقام مباراة نهائي كأس السوبر المصري بين الأهلي والزمالك غدًا الأحد على ملعب هزاع بن زايد في الساعة الخامسة والنصف مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة.

وأوضح مصدر باتحاد الكرة لـبطولات أن سبب استقدام طاقم أجنبي لنهائي السوبر هو طلب الأندية قبل البطولة، وأيضًا اتحاد الكرة اتفق معهم على هذا الأمر.

وقال المصدر: “الجانب الإماراتي رغب في استقدام طاقم أجنبي على أعلى مستوى، وهو ما تم بالفعل في اختيار طاقم المباراة النهائية”.

وأضاف: “الجانب الإماراتي هو الذي سيتحمل تكلفة استقدام الطاقم الأجنبي، وتبلغ التكلفة حوالي 70 ألف دولار”.

طالع.. تعرض للضرب بسبب قراراته.. من هو خليل أوموت حكم مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في نهائي السوبر؟

وكان فريق الزمالك قد تأهل إلى نهائي السوبر المصري، عقب الفوز على بيراميدز، في المباراة الماضية بركلات الترجيح.

وعلى الجانب الآخر، تأهل فريق النادي الأهلي للنهائي عقب تخطيه عقبة سيراميكا كليوباترا بهدفين مقابل هدف.

يذكر، أن بطولة كأس السوبر المصري، تقام في دولة الإمارات، خلال الفترة من 6 إلى 9 نوفمبر، بمشاركة الأهلي والزمالك وبيراميدز وسيراميكا كليوباترا.

Paris Saint-Germain were dealt a lethal blow on Wednesday evening during a Ligue 1 encounter against Lorient, as star attacker Desire Doue suffered an injury. The youngster had to be stretchered off in tears and new reports suggest the former Rennes prodigy will be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, deepening the crisis at Parc des Princes amid a mounting injury list.

Doue injury piles on to PSG's misery

PSG turned in a lacklustre display against Lorient on Wednesday, missing the chance to extend their slim lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table, which now stands at just one point. Despite dominating possession with 79 per cent of the ball and largely keeping the hosts pinned back, Luis Enrique’s side had to settle for a frustrating draw – and their evening was further exacerbated with an injury to star forward Doue.

Around the hour mark, as he prepared to be substituted, Doue suddenly collapsed on the touchline after delivering a final cross, clutching his right thigh in visible pain. His anguished expression and muffled cry immediately prompted concern, with medical staff rushing to his aid amid fears of a serious setback. For a player who had only recently returned from a muscle injury, this latest misfortune struck like a bolt from the blue. 

The medics rushed him off the pitch on a stretcher, implying that the 20-year-old will be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. reported that Doue left the Stade du Moustoir on crutches – a heartbreaking setback for the young attacker, who picked up a calf injury during international duty with France in September. After the match, a downcast Enrique appeared visibly affected by the blow to his player.

AdvertisementAFPForward facing a long absence ahead

According to initial reports, PSG could be dealt a huge blow as Doue is facing a serious injury. The daily newspaper reports a tear, the most severe type of muscle injury. This means several weeks away from the pitch. And with the Champions League stretching until mid-December, Doue's hopes of returning to European competition this year are already fading. The coaching staff will not take any risks. Repeated muscle problems call for caution and patience, especially for such a promising player. Les Parisiens' attack loses a player capable of bringing impact, freshness and solutions to an already busy schedule.

"I don't know, I'm not the doctor, but it's not good news. I didn't see the images, it was on the other side of the pitch." Enrique told reporters after the game, unable to hide his concern and disappointment. "It's always bad news when there are injuries. It's a strange injury; I don't know exactly his condition. I hope it's not a serious injury."

PSG concerned about Doue's injury woes

The young French international still has physical reserves to build up, but PSG are concerned about this string of setbacks. In September, Doue had already missed four weeks after suffering a right calf injury while playing for Les Bleus against Ukraine. He returned on October 17 against Strasbourg. Less than a fortnight later, he has been sidelined once again.

Two consecutive setbacks to the same leg are raising questions. PSG will have to monitor the player closely, strengthen his muscle preparation and protect his future. The club has high hopes for him, especially with 2026 approaching and its big goals, including the race for the Ligue 1 title and the ambition to retain the Champions League. Not to mention the World Cup in the United States, which awaits him at the end of next season.

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AFPPSG hoping Doue can be back to his best in 2026

This injury complicates Luis Enrique's plans. Already facing absences in attack, the manager must now cope without Doue for more than a month. The team loses variety and depth on the wings, while matches follow one another at a frenetic pace.

Despite everything, the Champions League holders are used to overcoming this type of challenge. The coaching staff is counting on the depth of the squad and the rise of other young players. But this injury also serves as a reminder of a simple truth that is sometimes forgotten in the euphoria of great victories. The bodies of these young talents are forged in adversity and are not immune to human limitations.

Doue will now have to rebuild himself, regain his confidence and come back even stronger. His absence will be felt, but the club believes in him. The goal now is to see him back at his best for the coming year, when PSG will once again be aiming for the top. The evening in Lorient was supposed to be uneventful. It ended up being a turning point, and PSG hope that this setback will not dampen the momentum of a player who is destined for a bright future.

The highest praise that anyone in the Premier League can receive is a comparison with Thierry Henry. The Arsenal legend is one of, if not the greatest players in the competition’s history. He arrived in North London as a young player who initially found it tough against the physicality of English football. Years later, however, he left as an Invincible icon.

Appearances

258

Goals

175

Assists

73

Even in the era of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, it’s difficult to place anyone above Henry.

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This Liverpool star could certainly leave a legacy for the ages in the Premier League.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 16, 2025

The former striker is, of course, so often the talk of North London, but what makes him so special is how rival clubs also speak about his greatness.

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been among those to speak so highly about Henry over the years, once telling reporters: “He’s the kind of player that you need forever, especially in the Premier League where he was more than any other place.

“He was okay in Barcelona and the (France) national team, but the real Thierry Henry, the player that we are all going to miss forever, is the one that made unbelievable seasons and incredible history in the Premier League.”

There have been plenty of players to receive comparisons with the former Gunner, too. Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isak is often likened to the Frenchman in style, but it remains to be seen whether the Swede can match his legacy when all is said and done.

That said, it’s not Isak that Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher decided to compare with the Arsenal legend. Instead, he named another player who he believes is the Henry of his position.

Carragher: Van Dijk is the "Henry of centre-backs"

Speaking on CBS’ coverage of the Champions League following Liverpool’s late victory against Atletico Madrid, Carragher claimed that Virgil van Dijk is the “Henry of centre-backs” in what is the highest praise that he could offer the Dutchman. Fresh from a winning goal against Atletico, it’s clear to see why the Reds skipper has been compared to a player of Henry’s class.

With two Premier League titles, a Champions League medal and everything in between, it’s hard to argue with Carragher’s statement. Van Dijk is imperious and is arguably ageing like fine wine at the heart of Arne Slot’s backline.

For all of Liverpool’s impressive spending in the summer, their best deal may well have been their captain’s new contract. Renewing alongside Mohamed Salah, Van Dijk set the tone of what was to come and may now reap the rewards for doing so. One more league title would of course take the Dutchman one above Henry.

In-form striker Erling Haaland is on his way back to Manchester City after the Norwegian Football Association announced he has been released from international duty. Fresh from scoring a hat-trick to help his country take a major step towards qualifying for next summer's World Cup, the 25-year-old will not feature when Stale Solbakken’s men take on New Zealand in an international friendly.

Haaland's hat-trick puts Norway on brink of 2026 World Cup

Haaland carried his remarkable club form with City onto the international stage as he played a starring role in Norway’s 5-0 victory over Israel on Saturday. The forward scored a hat-trick to put his nation on the brink of qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998, having also been denied twice from the penalty spot by goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. It was the 10th game in a row for club and country in which Haaland has scored, having found the net in all but one of his 12 appearances for City and Norway in 2025-26.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportCity striker is currently the Premier League's top goalscorer

Haaland has also been in excellent goalscoring form for City this term. The former Borussia Dortmund man has scored 12 goals in nine games for Pep Guardiola’s side, with nine of them coming in the Premier League. He is currently the leading goalscorer in the English top flight – three ahead of second-placed Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who has netted six times.

Norwegian FA issue statement saying Haaland has been released

However, Haaland will play no part in Norway’s international friendly with New Zealand on Tuesday, 14 October after being released earlier than expected. The Norwegian FA said in a statement: "Sebastian Sebulonsen is in the Norwegian national team squad, he and Sverre Nypan are participating in today's training.

"Players with particularly tight match schedules are returning home: Alexander Sorloth, Julian Ryerson, Erling Braut Haaland and Fredrik Bjorkan. Felix Horn Myhre is leaving the squad due to a sore ankle.”

The news comes as a boost to City as they look to Haaland to maintain their fine form when the Premier League returns next weekend. Guardiola’s side are currently unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions, securing league victories over Manchester United, Burnley and Brentford. City also took four points from their first two Champions League games after defeating Napoli before drawing with Monaco.

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Ex-Dortmund man credits birth of his son as giving him extra motivation

When asked to put his finger on why he has been in such strong goalscoring form in 2025-26, Haaland credited the birth of his son as giving him extra motivation on the pitch. Asked if he is currently in the best form of his career following City’s win over Brentford, Haaland told “You can say so, I’ve never felt better than I do now. I think it’s about preparation first of all, getting ready for the games and I spoke so many times about it before, you can be physically ready but you need to be mentally ready as well.

“To be honest with a kid I think it makes me even better because I actually disconnect more than ever, I don’t think about football at all. Sometimes when you’re younger you think of this and that and maybe worry a little bit about things. But now when I go home I relax even more so I think I need to give a shout out to my son.”

KKR were without an unwell Sunil Narine but still dominated enough to not need Andre Russell with ball or bat

Deivarayan Muthu26-Mar-2025No Sunil Narine, no problem for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). KKR’s new recruit Moeen Ali, who took the unwell Narine’s place, dovetailed beautifully with old face Varun Chakravarthy on a dry, sluggish Guwahati surface to limit Rajasthan Royals (RR) to 151 for 9. The two spinners were so good – they claimed combined figures of 8-0-40-4 – that KKR didn’t even need Andre Russell with the ball.Then another new recruit, Quinton de Kock, came good at the top, and KKR didn’t need Russell with the bat either. De Kock’s unbeaten 97 off 61 balls got KKR on the points table and handed RR their second successive defeat this season.Parag’s unhappy homecomingSanju Samson fell for 13 off 11 balls when he stepped out a bit too early and yorked himself against Vaibhav Arora, but Guwahati’s very own Riyan Parag, who was captaining RR, brought the crowd alive when he crashed the third ball he faced, from Harshit Rana, for a one-handed six. His next six, a lofted checked-drive off Arora over his head in the last over of the powerplay, was even better.Parag even launched Varun for a six over midwicket when the mystery spinner erred too short. However, Varun remedied his length two balls later, having Parag sky a catch to de Kock, the keeper, with a 113kph dart that veered away from the batter.Parag also did his bit in the field later in the evening, coming away with 4-0-25-0 and running Moeen out, but his homecoming wasn’t a happy one.1:20

What went wrong for Theekshana and Hasaranga?

Varun, Moeen mess with RR’s plansMoeen might not even played had Narine been available. After having received his maiden KKR cap from team mentor Dwayne Bravo, Moeen struck in his second over when he had an advancing Yashasvi Jaiswal holing out to long-on for 29 off 24 balls. It was only Jaiswal’s second dismissal against spin in the IPL since 2023 across 197 balls while scoring 289 runs.RR tried to use Wanindu Hasaranga the way they had R Ashwin in the past. They promoted Hasaranga up to No. 5 as a pinch-blocker or pinch-hitter, but the experiment didn’t work. He faced just one ball from Moeen, the offspinner, and ended up miscuing Varun to mid-off for a run-a-ball 4.The slide triggered by the spinners – RR went from 67 for 1 to 82 for 5 – messed with the hosts’ plans. Shubham Dubey, who wasn’t originally in RR’s bat-first XI, had to be brought in at No. 7, which denied them the option of bringing in a frontline bowler in the form of Kumar Kartikeya or Akash Madhwal during the chase.Varun and Moeen conceded just a six and a four between them. In contrast, RR’s spinners, including part-timers Parag and Nitish Rana, leaked 11 boundaries between them.That RR crossed 150 was down to late blows from Dhruv Jurel, who top-scored for them with 33 off 28 balls, and Jofra Archer.1:08

Rayudu: De Kock’s ‘batsmanship’ made the difference

De Kock finishes the job for KKRMoeen was going nowhere with the bat in the chase. He was on five off 11 balls, having been discomfited by Archer’s high pace and bounce. Then, when he tried to steal a double off Parag, he had a mix-up with de Kock and was run out for five off 12.This might have been a match-losing innings on another day, but on this one, Moeen’s own effort with the ball and de Kock’s big hits at the other end meant KKR could offset it. The dew that set in later in the evening made KKR’s job that much easier.De Kock had attacked the hard, new ball, claiming 34 of the 40 runs KKR scored in the powerplay. After bashing Archer for a brace of boundaries in the third over, he went after Maheesh Theekshana and Parag.When Hasaranga, who was picked in place of Fazalhaq Farooqi, removed Ajinkya Rahane for 18 off 15 balls, RR might have felt that they had an opening. But de Kock and 20-year-old Angkrish Raghuvanshi slammed the doors shut on them with an unbroken 83-run partnership off 44 balls.De Kock brought up his half-century off 36 balls when he hoicked Hasaranga for six over wide long-on. He then celebrated the landmark with a six of Parag in the following over. De Kock might have off a century had KKR had more runs to chase.RR’s 151 for 9, the lowest total this season, stuck out like a sore thumb amid the big hitting from various other teams in this IPL.

As they close in on Jacob Ramsey, Newcastle United are now reportedly ready to match the price tag of another Premier League rival who Eddie Howe has become convinced by.

Newcastle closing in on Ramsey deal

It’s been a disastrous summer for Newcastle and one that looked unlikely to turn around up until the last few days. They’ve missed out on several top targets, faced the ultimate fight to keep Alexander Isak, who is doing everything to leave the club, and have a matter of days before their Premier League campaign kicks off. But, at long last, things are finally looking up.

The arrival of Malick Thiaw from AC Milan finally put an end to their transfer drought and should solve Howe’s centre-back problem just in time for the new campaign. In a week of good news, however, he’s unlikely to be the final name through the door.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle have now reached a verbal agreement to sign Ramsey from Aston Villa in an imminent £40m deal. The midfielder looks set to arrive to replace Sean Longstaff in the Magpies’ midfield following his move to Leeds United earlier this summer.

Whether Ramsey officially arrives in time to face his former club in a dramatic debut remains to be seen, but Howe will certainly welcome the midfield star with open arms at St James’ Park.

That said, although they’ve now solved their midfield and centre-back problem, Newcastle remain without a striker. It’s been a summer-long search, but ultimately one that PIF have been unable to conclude. Now, with just two weeks until the transfer window slams shut, they may be forced to turn towards a Premier League rival.

Newcastle ready to spend big on Nicolas Jackson

According to TeamTalk, Newcastle are now ready to match Nicolas Jackson’s £60m price tag to end their search for a striker. The forward has been shown the door by Chelsea, who have reportedly lowered their valuation from £80m by around 25 per cent to a far more affordable £60m fee, which the Magpies are now reportedly willing to reach.

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2

By
Will Miller

Aug 14, 2025

What’s more, Howe is also reportedly becoming increasingly convinced that Jackson has the qualities to replace Isak should the Swede get his desired move to Liverpool this month. The immediate numbers suggest that the Chelsea man would need to step things up if he was tasked with doing exactly that, however.

PL stats 24/25	Jackson	Isak
Minutes	2,200	2,756
Goals	10	23
Assists	5	6
Expected Goals	12.3	20.3

What should instantly concern Newcastle is how Jackson failed to match or outperform his expected goals last season – instead underperforming by just over two goals.

Whilst their options are now few and far between, Newcastle can’t afford to get things wrong when replacing Isak this month. Jackson has plenty of Premier League experience to his name, but the stats highlight how he is a step below the Swede’s world-class level.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix stole the show with braces as Al-Nassr put five past Al-Riyadh in a thumping Saudi Pro League win. The hosts barely needed to break sweat before tearing Al-Riyadh apart on Saturday night at Al-Awwal Park. Jorge Jesus' men fresh from thrashing Istiklol 5-0 in the AFC Champions League, carried that ruthless edge into the Saudi Pro League, and Felix set the tone within minutes.

• AFP
  

  Nassr dominant

  Just six minutes were on the clock when Kingsley Coman darted down the left flank and whipped in a wicked low cross. Felix, calm as ice, stroked the ball past the keeper to break the deadlock. Al-Riyadh looked shell-shocked, struggling to find rhythm as Al-Nassr bossed possession. And when the visitors tried to play out from the back, disaster struck. A wayward pass dropped straight into Coman’s path just past the centre circle. The Frenchman didn’t hesitate. He sprinted forward with devastating pace before slotting the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper. From a gift-wrapped error to a world-class finish, Coman made it 2-0, and the home crowd erupted.

  By now, Al-Nassr smelled blood. Felix, buzzing with confidence, slid a delicious through ball that cut Al-Riyadh’s defence to ribbons. Waiting on the other end was Cristiano Ronaldo. One touch, one strike, and one inevitable roar: 3-0. With half-time looming, Al-Riyadh already looked like a side praying for the whistle.

  Any hopes of a fightback evaporated almost instantly after the restart. Within three minutes, Ronaldo turned provider with a delicate chipped pass over the top. Felix latched on to the ball, controlled, and dispatched with ruthless composure. It was his second of the evening and Al-Nassr’s fourth. The Felix-Ronaldo double act was pulling Al-Riyadh apart. 

  Against the run of play, Al-Riyadh finally had something to cheer. Teddy Okou swung in a pinpoint cross from the right, and Mamadou Sylla rose above his marker to glance a header beyond the goalkeeper. It was 4-1, and for a brief moment the away side thought they had a way back. But the joy lasted barely a heartbeat, because the hosts weren’t finished.

  The final nail was hammered in on the 76th minute. A drop-ball situation led to Felix launching a direct pass toward Coman, who cushioned it with elegance before squaring across goal. Ronaldo was waiting, unmarked and hungry, and smashed it home with trademark ruthlessness. That made it his 29th goal of the calendar year, a staggering tally for a man many thought was winding down.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  MVP: Joao Felix steals Ronaldo's thunder

  While Ronaldo’s brace naturally drew headlines, Felix was the heartbeat of the performance. Two goals, one assist, and countless moments of flair marked him out as the clear MVP. Once derided as a misfit at Chelsea, Felix is relishing his rebirth in Riyadh, where his chemistry with Ronaldo looks frightening. 

• The loser: Mane frustrated

  Not everyone in yellow had a night to remember. Sadio Mane, usually so clinical, endured a frustrating evening. The Senegalese forward found himself in promising positions but lacked composure when it mattered most. His wastefulness was masked by the brilliance of Ronaldo and Felix, but the fans will expect sharper edges from him going forward.

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• What's next?

  This emphatic 5-1 triumph marked Al-Nassr’s fourth consecutive league win, keeping their perfect start intact as they chase down Saudi Pro League glory. Attention now swings to the King Cup of Champions, with Jeddah arriving on Tuesday. Momentum is firmly with Al-Nassr, who will aim to carry this five-star swagger into knockout football.

He was Australia’s reserve batter in their last two series but had drifted down the pack early this season

AAP17-Nov-2024

Matt Renshaw celebrates his century•Getty Images

Queensland opener Matt Renshaw reminded Test selectors that he is no spent force with a vital century to frustrate Tasmania’s quest for a Sheffield Shield victory.The 28-year-old had been the forgotten man in the debate over who should open for Australia in the India series before Nathan McSweeney ultimately got the nod but his unbeaten 120 for Queensland has sent a message about his class.Related

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Bird's 11-wicket haul powers New South Wales to innings win over South Australia

Queensland finished day three on 274 for 7 and need 37 runs to avoid the follow-on with a day remaining.A lack of Shield runs had been Renshaw’s problem in recent times but his approach on the third day at Allan Border Field was one of confidence as he led a Queensland fightback.His first boundary, a delightful whip through mid-on, came after he walked out of his crease to meet the ball with purpose. He continued in that vein and brought up his 22nd first-class century with a punch through cover to the boundary.Renshaw said he had taken steps to block out the hype around Australia’s opening slot.”Deleting a lot of apps and not reading any news has been a big one,” he told AAP. “It feels like every summer there is a circus about something and it is usually about the openers because Australian cricket wants another opener.”I am really happy for Nathan. I think he is going to do a terrific job but for us openers I think [the decision] last week might have hurt a lot of us.”We know how tough opening is and the satisfaction of batting for a long period of time is why we do the job, facing the toughest bowlers with a brand new ball at their freshest.”Renshaw said he had ultimate belief he would add to his 14 Tests for Australia.”Definitely. I feel like I am not too far away,” he said. “Obviously timing is huge in cricket. I missed my time on this occasion but there will be another time in the future when I have to be ready.”This is my 10th season now and it feels like I have been through it seven or eight times about this Test spot. I feel like I am getting better and I am happy with where my game is at.”I felt really good the last few games but every time I have got to the spot where I wanted to I got out, so today once I got in I wanted to make sure I committed to the way I want to play.”Having good intent really helped me today. I have been drilling into myself that I am a player able do the job in any conditions against any team. I had been trusting that something magic was around the corner and today was that magic.”Renshaw had willing allies in Ben McDermott,  the ever-reliable Jimmy Peirson and 19-year-old seamer Tom Straker.Most of day two was washed out but Tasmania elected to continue from their overnight 394 for 5 in pursuit of quick runs and were bowled out for 461. Allrounder Beau Webster upped the ante as wickets tumbled.

Former Sri Lanka international Dulip Samaraweera has received a 20-year ban from Cricket Australia for conduct that has been described as “utterly reprehensible” and he will not be allowed to hold any position within CA, the state associations, BBL or WBBL clubs during that time.Samaraweera, 52, was found to have committed a serious breach of CA’s Code of Conduct during his time as a Cricket Victoria employee with a CA Code of Conduct commission banning him for 20 years following an investigation from CA’s Integrity Department after complaints about his conduct had been made.Samaraweera, who played seven Tests and five ODIs for Sri Lanka between 1993 and 1995, was a long-time Victoria women’s and Melbourne Stars WBBL assistant coach before being elevated to the Victoria women’s senior coaching role earlier this year, only for him to resign just two weeks into the role after being denied an appointment he wanted to make to his staff due to the state’s policies.The serious code of conduct breach was separate from that issue. CA’s Commission found Samaraweera had engaged in inappropriate behaviour that breached section 2.23 of CA’s Code of Conduct. The behaviour is alleged to have been involving a player.Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins released a statement condemning Samaraweera’s behaviour.”We strongly support the decision taken by the Code of Conduct Commission today, banning Dulip Samaraweera for 20 years,” Cummins said. “It is our view that the conduct was utterly reprehensible and a betrayal of everything we stand for at Cricket Victoria.”The victim in this case has demonstrated incredible strength of character and courage in speaking up. She will continue to receive our ongoing support to allow her to achieve her goals on and off the field.”From an organisation perspective, the safety and wellbeing of everyone at Cricket Victoria is paramount. We will not tolerate any behaviour which compromises that position, or our people, and will always support our culture of speaking up.”CA also stated that they are “committed to providing a safe environment for all players and employees and the welfare of those subjected to mistreatment is paramount.”