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Liverpool fans fear Virgil van Dijk will move on in the summer after he was spotted chatting with PSG chiefs Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Luis Campos.

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Van Dijk into last few months of Liverpool contractHad chat with PSG chiefs after Champions League defeatFans worried he could be set to leaveFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Van Dijk's future remains uncertain as the Liverpool defender is out of contract in the summer and yet to agree an extension. The Dutchman has now sent Liverpool fans into a panic after being spotted chatting with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Luis Campos after Tuesday's Champions League defeat at the hands of the Ligue 1 champions.

AdvertisementWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

Liverpool supporter @iggymaz posted on X: "It's OVER!"

And @YG_Tha_gOD thinks Van Dijk is now heading to France, as he added: "He’s joining this summer. bookmark this."

Another fan @CarlWhite83, felt Liverpool may be to blame, adding: "If we don’t want to give these guys contracts somebody else will."

And @Pxtrlk posted: "Are we supposed to be shocked an soon to be out of contract is talking to the team that’s just knocked us out."

Finally, @RKO4AL thinks it's time for Van Dijk to go and took aim at the club's owners FSG: "He should leave man. He deserves better. He deserves owners with ambition."

WHAT VAN DIJK SAID

The Liverpool star was quick to congratulate PSG after the match. He told Canal Plus: "Congrats to PSG, they’ve been the best team we faced this season so far. Credit to Luis Enrique, he built a very good squad."

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Van Dijk has spoken about his future recently and confirmed he still does not know where he will be playing his football next season. The Dutchman is not the only Liverpool star coming to the end of his contract, with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold also now just months away from free agency as things stand.

أثنى برناردو سيلفا، لاعب فريق مانشستر سيتي، على أحد زملائه بقوة بعد مباراة الأمس ضد بورنموث في بطولة كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي.

وواجه مانشستر سيتي خصمه بورنموث، في ربع نهائي كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، حيث فاز بهدفين لهدف على ملعب “الاتحاد”.

وتمكن إيرلينج هالاند من تسجيل هدف التعادل لصالح مانشستر سيتي، قبل أن يسجل النجم المصري عمر مرموش هدف الفوز بعد دقيقتين من نزوله كبديل.

ويُعد نيكو أوريلي هو العامل المشترك في الهدفين، حيث صنع كليهما.

وقال برناردو سيلفا، في تصريحات نشرها الموقع الرسمي للنادي: “أعتقد أن الحافز الذي دفعنا من أجل الفوز هو الأمل الوحيد للحصول على لقب (لا ينافس الفريق على أي بطولة هذا الموسم سوى كأس الاتحاد)”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. مانشستر سيتي يفقد خدمات جوارديولا أمام ليستر سيتي في الدوري الإنجليزي

وأضاف البرتغالي في تصريحاته: “قدم الفريق مباراة جيدة وحماسية للغاية، نحن سعداء بشدة”.

وواصل: “كان أداء أوريلي لا يُصدق، لقد أظهر أمام بليموث (في دور الـ16) تأثيره الكبير على المباراة، والحيوية التي أظهرها ضد بورنموث غيرت مجرى اللقاء، هذا ما نحتاجه”.

وعن مواجهة نوتينجهام فورست في نصف نهائي الكأس، قال: “إنها قرعة صعبة أخرى بالنسبة لنا، إنه نصف النهائي وسنلعب في ويمبلي، نحن سعداء للغاية”.

The Ashes’ past have been defined by the first ball of the series at the Gabba. Think Michael Slater clattering Phil DeFreitas for four in 1994-95 or Steve Harmison bowling the first ball to second slip in 2006-07.The 2021-22 Ashes series may well be defined by Rory Burns being bowled around his legs first ball from Mitchell Starc as England collapsed to be all out for 147 at tea on the opening day of the first Test, with Australia captain Pat Cummins claiming 5 for 38 after Joe Root won the toss and elected to bat.Related

• England's Ashes horror shows in Brisbane

• Anderson sits out first Test with an eye on Adelaide pink-ball contest

A thunderstorm then washed out the early part of the final session to pour salt into a gaping wound, as England were given no chance at redemption with the ball. A wet outfield and bad light combined to end the day’s play.Root won’t be lambasted for life for the decision at the toss in the manner that Len Hutton and Nasser Hussain have in Ashes Tests of the past at the Gabba. Cummins admitted he might have batted too despite a distinct green tinge to the surface and some moisture both in the pitch and in the atmosphere.But he would have been regretting it after he joined Andrew Flintoff and Andrew Strauss as England captains to make first-innings ducks in Ashes Tests at the Gabba. Root fell victim to a superb piece of bowling from Josh Hazlewood, who now has a stranglehold on the England skipper having claimed him eight times in Test cricket.He also may regret leaving both James Anderson and Stuart Broad out of the side for the first time in five years and the first time in an Ashes Test since 2006, as England’s top order capitulated on a surface that gave the bowlers plenty of assistance. But some played their own part in the procession of wickets that fell in the first hour after slumping to 26 for 4.Burns lost all bearings of where his stumps were stepping way outside off to expose leg stump to Starc who did shape the ball back down the line after it looked to be veering down leg. But Burns will rue the day as his error could be replayed for decades to come. He also claimed two regrettable records, becoming the second man in history to fall first ball of an Ashes series while registering his sixth duck of the calendar year, the most of any Test opener.Hazlewood then went to work testing the defence of England’s top order and they were found wanting. Dawid Malan nicked a ball he could have easily left alone on length handing Alex Carey his first Test catch, while Root wasn’t allowed to breathe for eight unwavering deliveries before one straightened off the seam to catch his outside edge.Joe Root fell to leave England three down inside half an hour•Getty Images

Ben Stokes entered at 3 for 11 needing to produce another Ashes miracle. He was undone after the drinks break by Cummins from around the wicket, squared up by a ball that climbed from a length and Marnus Labuschagne held a very sharp chance diving to his left at third slip.Haseeb Hameed fought impressively in the face of some outstanding fast bowling. Hameed and Ollie Pope steadied the ship momentarily prior to lunch to prevent any further loss. Hameed was obdurate in defence while Pope was busy, pushing balls into the off side with positive footwork and weight transfer to rotate the strike well.But neither could lay a glove on Hazlewood who bowled seven overs in the first session and conceded just three singles while collecting the scalps of Malan and Root.The lunch break did Hameed no favours as Cummins struck again. He went wide of the crease and angled into off stump forcing Hameed to play, a hint of seam movement away caught the edge and again it was well held at slip, this time by vice-captain Steven Smith.England’s only moment of joy for the day came with the arrival of Jos Buttler. Having pledged pre-series to play fearless cricket he followed through on his promise and counter-attacked in typical fashion. While England could barely defend Hazlewood before lunch, Buttler took the long handle to him launching him through and over the offside with control. Buttler and Pope’s positivity changed the atmosphere briefly as Australia turned Nathan Lyon for containment.The pair shared a 52-run stand and Pope passed 1000 Test runs in the process becoming the sixth-youngest English player to do so.But Starc returned and dismissed Buttler with a superb delivery that threatened to shape in but left him off the seam to catch the outside edge. Cameron Green then claimed his first Test wicket to raucous celebrations after going wicketless all last summer. Pope failed to control a hook shot and Hazlewood ran in from fine leg to complete an outstanding diving catch. It was the first of two for him in the deep as he took another to help Cummins complete his five-wicket haul. Cummins returned to take the last three wickets of the innings as England lost their last five for just 32 runs.Cummins became the first Australian captain to take a five-wicket haul in an Ashes Test since Richie Benaud in 1962 and the first captain of either nation to do so since Bob Willis at the Gabba in 1982. It was a day he could not have dreamt up if he tried, as England added another chapter to their horror history at the Gabba.

They say that standings are meaningless before the Christmas period in football, and there’s more than just a grain of truth in that.

Nonetheless, Liverpool will be delighted with their progress under Arne Slot this season, having defied expectations to win 12 of their first 14 matches across all competitions, first in both the Premier League and newly-formatted Champions League group stage.

Things couldn’t be going better. However, despite the cast-iron defensive resolve, the free-scoring attacking exploits and the slick and stylish football on show, the midfield at times lacks physicality and command.

Is that nitpicking? Perhaps, but even though Ryan Gravenberch has raised his game by several flights, bringing in a bit of competition wouldn’t be amiss.

Liverpool transfer news

The next transfer window is drawing closer, and that means the habitual Aurelien Tchouameni to Liverpool rumours are starting back up.

According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Real Madrid superstar’s representatives have engaged in talks with the Anfield side, who are trying to ascertain whether a move could be on the cards, with Los Blancos no longer viewing him as ‘untouchable’.

A separate report – from Spain – has suggested that Carlo Ancelotti’s side would consider offers that fall into the ballpark of €80m (£67m), which means they would take a loss on the £85m sum paid to AS Monaco for his signature in 2022, winning such a race against… Liverpool.

How Aurelien Tchouameni compares to Gravenberch

This would be a stunning capture for FSG, who have previously held a vested interest in Tchouameni and could now pounce, for Real Madrid are bloated with high-class quality and might need to make some sacrifices.

The France international is no doubt among the pantheon of contemporary midfielders, hailed for his “world-class” performances by Transfermarkt’s Stefan Bienkowski.

His efforts across Real’s highly successful 2023/24 campaign were marred by injury, and though he’s returned with vigour this term, the balance is all wrong at the Spanish club right now and they are toiling.

Transfer Focus

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Even so, Tchouameni’s muscular profile and first-class technical game mark him as a cut above the lion’s share of his peers, and he really could be the one to make the number six position his own at Liverpool over the coming years, jockeying for position with Gravenberch.

Ryan Gravenberch vs Martin Zubimendi vs Aurelien Tchouameni (24/25)

Stats (*per game)

Gravenberch

Tchouameni

Matches (starts)

10 (10)

10 (10)

Goals

0

0

Assists

0

0

Touches*

74.2

76.6

Pass completion

89%

93%

Key passes*

0.4

0.3

Dribbles*

0.8

0.3

Ball recoveries*

5.9

4.4

Tackles + interceptions*

3.6

4.3

Total duels (won)*

5.8 (64%)

4.9 (63%)

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see from above, the two midfielders have been pretty neck-and-neck in their respective divisions this season, albeit with Gravenberch a bit more crisp in the duel and Tchouameni more crunching in the tackle and precise with the pass.

Tchouameni, 24, ranks among the top 3% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and the top 10% for interceptions and aerial duels won per 90, as per FBref, emphasising his natural defensive quality and that passing prowess too.

Gravenberch has been a revelation for Liverpool this term but he’s not the tough-tackling profile of a traditional defensive midfielder. Bringing in Tchouameni – who has already proven himself at the elite level in Madrid – would certainly add a dimension in that regard while strengthening the depth and dynamism of Slot’s high-flying outfit.

Who knows, perhaps the two stars would learn to coexist in the midfield, dominating English football for years to come.

Related Left for £0: Liverpool must rue losing PL sensation who's now worth £100m

Liverpool allowed the talent to depart Anfield as a youngster.

Posts 2 ByEthan Lamb Nov 7, 2024

Southampton manager Russell Martin appears to be on the brink of losing his job after another weekend of disappointment for the Saints, according to a new report. Martin has been in charge for over a year now, and while he guided the club to promotion last season, the start to the 2024/25 campaign has put him under pressure, so much so that he could be about to lose his job.

Concern for Southampton after "disappointing" injury news on £25k-p/w star

Another blow for the Saints…

ByTom Cunningham Oct 20, 2024 Martin under pressure as Southampton bosses prepare for change

Southampton have yet to win a game in the league this season, picking up just one point from a possible 24, and that came against fellow promoted side Ipswich Town. Martin’s men did look on course to end that run on Saturday, as they cruised into a 2-0 lead against Leicester City, but they were unable to hold on and in the end were beaten 3-2.

That is a result that has cranked up the pressure even more on Martin, as his job has been under threat for a few weeks now, after it was reported that Dragan Solak was considering replacements. Solak wants the Saints to establish themselves in the Premier League, and given their start to the season, he has been left “reeling”.

There have also been reports that Southampton’s hierarchy have wanted to see a change in approach to matches, as the risky, possession-based football hasn’t worked for them so far in the Premier League.

When Southampton will sack Russell Martin according to reports

According to Football Insider, Martin is on the brink of being sacked by Southampton after their disappointing result against Leicester. It is now eight league games without a win, and that means they sit joint bottom of the Premier League table, three points adrift of safety.

This report states that some at Southampton believe the “writing is on the wall” for Martin even though he will remain in charge of their game against Manchester City at the weekend. It goes on to add that Martin is “expected” to be sacked if Southampton’s poor run of form continues into November, which essentially means after the trip to the Etihad Stadium, which takes place on October 26.

Defeat to Leicester now means the Saints are on an unwanted club record of 21 matches without a win in the top flight. Furthermore, this report adds that while Martin remains in the job, they have drawn up a list of potential replacements.

Games

64

Won

32

Drawn

12

Lost

20

One name that Solak could be looking at is West Brom boss Carlos Corberan, as back in September it was reported that the Saints are continually monitoring the Spaniard, and given the Baggies’ dip in form in recent weeks, he could jump at the chance to move to the St. Mary’s Stadium and manage in the Premier League. It is believed that Corberan has a £2 million release clause in his West Brom contract, which would likely be affordable for Solak.

With January camp complete, GOAL projects which players could be on the USMNT roster for Nations League in March

The door has only just closed on the U.S. men's national team's January camp, but the next door is already starting to squeak open. It never ends. The moment one gathering ends, preparation begins for the next, and, in the USMNT's case, that next gathering comes with a trophy opportunity.

The USMNT will turn its focus to March's CONCACAF Nations League finals, a far more significant event than this January camp. Mauricio Pochettino's team will play Panama in a semifinal on March 20. The U.S. has excelled in this competition since its inception, and it will offer Pochettino his first shot at silverware.

Previous coaches Gregg Berhalter and interim boss B.J. Callaghan both secured trophies, and Pochettino will be expected to follow suit.

In terms of roster, most of it picks itself, although that does depend on availability. Several USMNT regulars face fights against time to be fit for this competition, while others will need to turn their club situations around to be in contention. Transfers could still impact this in a major way, too.

Pochettino said after Wednesday's victory over Costa Rica that he and his staff would be immediately traveling to Europe to watch Americans abroad in advance of the Nations League semifinal in March.

“We're going to see different clubs that are in Europe, players who can be involved in March,” he said. “Then come back here and do things here. Open plan, because there could be circumstances that change. Go to Europe and then back again here to prepare for the next competition – that is going to be nice and really important for us.”

So who could be in the March Nations League squad? Which players are on the outside looking in? Which January camp stars will feel like they could and should be in the mix for Pochettino's next team? GOAL takes a look.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeepers

  GOAL's picks: Patrick Schulte, Zack Steffen, Matt Turner

  In the mix:Matt Freese, Ethan Horvath, Diego Kochen

  The three goalkeepers involved seem pretty clear. The big question centers around who will start.

  Turner is still the favorite, despite his lack of minutes at the club level. Pochettino backed him when asked about his status at Crystal Palace during January camp, praising him for the performances he has put in when given the chance. Even so, that situation can't last forever, particularly with two club-level starters in the squad.

  Schulte didn't have much to do last week in the USMNT's 3-1 win against Venezuela, which certainly doesn't hurt his case. Steffen, meanwhile, erased some doubts with a very good performance in Wednesday's 3-0 blanking of Costa Rica. Both should be in the squad, and both will feel they'll have a chance to win a starting spot at some point down the line.

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• Getty
  

  Defenders

  GOAL's picks: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Richy Ledezma, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Joe Scally

  In the mix:Sergino Dest, Marlon Fossey, Kristoffer Lund, Miles Robinson, John Tolkin, Auston Trusty, Walker Zimmerman

  The fullback situation largely comes down to one big question: is Dest ready to go? He seems to be nearing a return with PSV, but will he actually be fit enough to play at the international level by March? Even if he is, it may make sense to just skip this one and let him continue to build himself back up at PSV as he recovers from his year-long absence due to that ACL tear.

  If he can't go, Scally has more than held down that spot, so no worries there. No worries on the left, either, with Antonee Robinson in the form of his life. The likes of Weston McKennie and Tim Weah can provide cover out there, so no need to waste too many roster spots on backup fullbacks. Pochettino should bring one, though, in either Ledezma, Lund, or Tolkin. Dealer's choice there.

  As for center backs, it's wildly competitive, and no one should feel particularly good or bad about missing this squad. There are six or seven with a legitimate argument, but only four can make it. For this exercise, we'll go with Ream's experience, to start, but that also depends on how well he begins the next MLS season.

  McKenzie and Richards have done well under Pochettino before, while Carter-Vickers is the wild card. He hasn't played under the new boss yet, but knows him from Tottenham. For that, we'll give him the slightest of edges over Trusty and Miles Robinson, who could also easily make this squad.

• USA Today Images
  

  Midfielders

  GOAL's picks: Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Johnny Cardoso,Weston McKennie, Aidan Morris, Yunus Musah, Gio Reyna

  In the mix: Gianluca Busio, Luca de la Torre, Diego Luna, Jack McGlynn, Malik Tillman, Tanner Tessmann

  A tough list to shake out, but you can write a few names in Sharpie.

  That starts with the traditional MMA midfield of McKennie, Musah, and Adams. McKennie has been fantastic for Juve in just about every position. Musah has looked great under Pochettino in different spots as well. Adams, meanwhile, is finally back to his best after a series of injuries and is running the show for Bournemouth. That's almost certainly your starting midfield right there.

  One of the big questions comes in the attacking midfield spots. More accurately, that big question centers around Gio Reyna. So much can change between now and then, and that change could include a transfer or loan. On just talent, has Reyna done enough to justify a place in this squad? His playing time doesn't show it, but will that stop Pochettino?

  Aaronson and Tillman have earned their spots as attacking options who could both play centrally or out wide. However, there are questions about Tillman's fitness after a recent ankle injury. Like Dest, it may make sense to just leave Tillman at PSV depending on where he is in that recovery process, which, right now, looks like it could take a bit of time.

  If that keeps him out, Pochettino knows he can trust Luna, who just made one hell of an impression in January camp. Ultimately, there could end up being a decision of Luna vs Reyna. It would be hard to imagine saying this a year ago, but that might just be a tough call.

  Meanwhile, as deeper cover, you have Morris and Cardoso to help see out games should the U.S. be in that position. McGlynn is certainly in the mix based on his own January showing, as is Busio, who continues to be one of the few bright spots for Venezia. As for Tessmann, things can change quickly with him if he can find a way to get more minutes at Lyon.

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• IMAGN
  

  Forwards

  GOAL's picks: Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent, Tim Weah, Alejandro Zendejas, Patrick Agyemang

  In the mix:Folarin Balogun, Cade Cowell, Brandon Vazquez, Haji Wright

  Starting with the strikers, the current timetable has Balogun returning in April, which leaves him out of this mix. That opens up a spot, and the question is if it falls to Agyemang or Vazquez. Again, MLS stars will play a part in this but, given his January performance – two goals in two games – Agyemang might just have enough to make that previously unfathomable leap into this team.

  Don't write off Vazquez, though, as he'll be THE guy in Austin. Either way, Ricardo Pepi should be the starter, particularly if he keeps scoring for PSV.

  Out wide, Pulisic is Pulisic and Weah is Weah, so no doubts there. There are questions about backups, though. Zendejas was fantastic for Club America to close out a title-winning 2024, so he should be involved. Cowell has a legitimate argument, as does Wright, if he can get back healthy and firing for Coventry.

  Spots in the attack often come down to who is scoring at a particular moment, making this group the most volatile heading toward March's roster selection.

Omar Marmoush was left out of Eintracht Frankfurt's game with Borussia Dortmund on Friday night as a transfer to Manchester City moves closer.

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Marmoush close to Frankfurt departureLeft out of Friday's game against DortmundSet to join Man City for €80mFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

A January move to the Premier League has long been mooted for Marmoush, who has scored 20 goals in 26 appearances for Frankfurt this season. The Egyptian played – and scored – in both of their first two games back from the winter break but now looks set to seal his move to the Etihad. According to Florian Plettenberg, City will pay a fixed €75 million (£63m/$77m) fee with €5m available in add-ons.

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City have been keen to sign a new attacker this month after a poor first half of the season, during which they have seen their hopes of defending the Premier League title virtually disappear. Pep Guardiola's side sit 12 points behind leaders Liverpool having played a game more than the Reds and have acted accordingly, adding Marmoush to pending deals for Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis of Palmeiras.

Getty Images SportWHAT EINTRACHT FRANKFURT SAID

Eintracht announced Marmoush's withdrawal before the game on Friday night, posting on X: "Eintracht Frankfurt is currently in talks with another club regarding a transfer of Omar Marmoush. Therefore, the player is not part of the squad today."

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WHAT NEXT FOR MARMOUSH?

Should the deal be completed, Marmoush's versatility could see him feature plenty for City between now and the end of the season. The 25-year-old can play on either flank, as a second striker or as a pure number nine, where he could help ease the burden on main striker Erling Haaland.

Barcelona are facing the prospect of losing Dani Olmo for free in January, with the Spaniard's agent in Manchester on Boxing Day.

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• Olmo at risk of not getting registered
• Spaniard could leave the club for free
• Player's agent spotted in Manchester

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Olmo was Barcelona's marquee signing in the summer as they failed to entice Nico Williams to leave Athletic Club. However, the Blaugrana's ongoing financial issues have stressed them to the point of potentially being unable to register the 26-year-old to their La Liga squad for the second half of the season.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Barcelona are attempting to find a solution to the issue or make sales, so that Olmo does not leave the club on a free transfer in January. The Spaniard reportedly wants to stay at the club this season but will be eager to avoid being left in no man's land, with his entourage likely reaching out to several clubs.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  As per the Daily Mail, Olmo's agent Andy Bara is currently in Manchester amid potential links with Manchester City. However, the agent confirmed that he is in Manchester on holiday, with a trip to the Etihad Stadium to watch City's draw against Everton planned.

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• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR OLMO?

  The Spaniard started the season off with a bang for Barcelona, but injuries and an overall lack of fitness have resulted in Fermin Lopez becoming Hansi Flick's preferred option. Regardless, the German coach will be keen to avoid losing the midfielder this January and neither will the Barcelona top brass.

Rahul Dravid, India’s head coach for their limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka, is clear that their main objective is to win the series, and not necessarily just look to help players gain experience and match time, a method he has implemented with great success at the India A and India U-19 levels.”There are a lot of people in the squad who are pushing for places ahead of the T20 World Cup coming up, but the key goal, and we’ve had discussions around it, is to try and win the series,” Dravid said on Sunday, ahead of the team’s departure to Colombo for three ODIs and three T20Is.”That is the primary objective. Hopefully if people can get the opportunity to put in some good performances in the course of us trying to win the series, they will give themselves the best chance of knocking on the doors of the selectors.”Related

• Second-string Indian team? 'Not thinking about it,' says Suryakumar Yadav

• Let's talk about Rahul Dravid as long-term India coach

• How did India build their world-beating bench strength? They have a system

• Chetan Sakariya – 'Would have been happy just going to Sri Lanka as a net bowler'

• Hardik Pandya preparing himself to 'bowl in all games at T20 World Cup'

Tour objectives aside, Dravid encouraged the younger players to soak in the experience of being part of an Indian team on an overseas tour, and not treat the tour as a life-and-death situation. The message is: “Good performances will be great, but a few off days won’t mean the end of the world.””There are a lot of young kids, even if they don’t play, it’s a great opportunity to be on a trip with the Indian team and interact with seniors like Shikhar (Dhawan, the captain), Bhuvneshwar (Kumar, the vice-captain), Hardik (Pandya),” Dravid said. “There’s a lot they can learn from that experience. The young boys coming on this trip, they’ll all be keen to do well and set some sort of markers for the selectors.”Whether they get selected for the T20 World Cup or not, that’s a call the selectors will take, but being on a tour like this and playing against an international quality opposition, if you’re able to put a marker and show the ability to do it at this level, the selectors will start to take note. But by no means is it a life and death kind of a situation. It doesn’t mean if you don’t have a good tour, you won’t make it, or if you have a great tour, you’ll be an automatic pick. There’s a lot that goes into it.”Rahul Dravid won’t follow the template used for pathway teams with the Indian side•Getty Images

Much of the team’s plans, Dravid said, will be finalised after he has a set of chats with the Indian team management that is currently in England for a five-Test series. As such, the upcoming three T20Is in Sri Lanka will be India’s only games in the format ahead of the T20 World Cup in October-November. Prior to that, though, most of the players, will feature in the remainder of IPL 2021 in the UAE.”These are the only three games before the T20 World Cup and I am sure the selectors and management would have a fair idea by now on the squad they are looking for. There is going to be an IPL as well in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup,” Dravid said. “This gives a few people an opportunity for the one or two places the team management or the selectors may be looking for, and give them a few more options. That would be the goal for the next three T20s.”There are a couple of selectors travelling with us, so it gives me a chance to interact with them and see what they are thinking, what their ideas are. I’ve had a little bit of contact with the team management in England, but I didn’t want to disturb them during the WTC, but I will touch base over the next couple of weeks and see what their thoughts are, what they are thinking about the T20 World Cup and see if we can implement some of those plans for the next three games.”Asked to explain if such a multi-format arrangement, where India have one set of players competing in a Test series and another playing elsewhere in white-ball cricket, is the way forward, Dravid underlined the importance of being practical in a post-pandemic world.Shikhar Dhawan will lead India in the ODIs and T20Is•BCCI/IPL

“This is a unique situation in terms of quarantines and rules that have led to this situation,” Dravid said. “It’s very hard to predict what will happen even on a month-on-month basis. With quarantines as structured as they are and travel restricted, at least in the short term this plan allows you to complete tours and engagements.”India probably had no option for this tour. I’m not sure if it is a long-term solution though, because there are many more stakeholders involved: other boards, broadcasters, sponsors, media rights. Certainly, in the short term, this could ease pressure because it’s becoming difficult for the same set of players to go through all the restrictions in place to play all formats. So yes, in the short term a good idea but for the long term, it’ll need lot more discussions.”The Dhawan-led squad will land in Colombo early on Monday, following which the team will undergo three days of hard quarantine before beginning training in a controlled manner as per guidelines laid out by Sri Lanka Cricket. The tour begins with the ODI series (July 13, 16 and 18) followed by the T20Is (July 21, 23 and 25). All matches will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

CA is yet to confirm the make-up of the postponed series, but an announcement is expected soon

Annesha Ghosh16-May-2021

The two teams were to face off in January this year, but that series was postponed•Getty Images

India Women are set to tour Australia for a bilateral series in September. The tour, originally comprising three ODIs and slated for January this year, was officially postponed in December 2020. A report on the Cricket Australia website at the time said the series, rescheduled for the 2021-22 season, would be expanded to include three T20Is.While CA is yet to make an official announcement on the dates or make-up of the series, Australia pace bowler Megan Schutt said on a recent podcast that her side’s next assignment would be against India.”We have got a tour against India in mid-September,” Schutt said on , hosted by Kate Cross and Alex Hartley, in an episode aired on May 13. “So, there’s a couple of camps. I believe we are doing one in Darwin, which will be really cool… and then the tour against India. And then pretty much from there things get crazy with Big Bash, WNCL, Ashes, World Cup, and hopefully the Commonwealth Games.”It is understood the Australian board will make an announcement regarding the new dates for the series soon.Related

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India are due to tour England next month for a multi-format assignment that gets underway on June 16 with a one-off Test in Bristol. Three ODIs and as many T20Is follow, with the tour ending on July 15. At least five India players – Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Shafali Verma – are expected to then stay back to participate in the inaugural edition of the Hundred, which will take place from July 21 to August 21.A number of India players, including Verma and Radha Yadav, are also set to be part of the seventh edition of the WBBL, which is likely to run in its usual October-November window.