أعلن البلجيكي يانيك فيريرا، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، بدلاء الفارس الأبيض لمواجهة وادي دجلة بعد قليل في الدوري المصري.
ويلتقي الزمالك مع وادي دجلة مساء اليوم في تمام الساعة التاسعة مساءً، على استاد السلام، في الجولة الخامسة لمسابقة الدوري الممتاز.
طالع.. ميدو: الزمالك أمامه فرصة العمر.. ويتوعد هؤلاء بعد مباراة وادي دجلة
ويبحث الزمالك عن الفوز اليوم أمام وادي دجلة، من أجل الابتعاد بصدارة جدول ترتيب مسابقة الدوري المصري.
ويحتل الزمالك المركز الثاني في جدول الدوري المصري الممتاز، برصيد 10 نقاط بعد خوض 4 مباريات حتى الآن.
بينما يتواجد فريق وادي دجلة بالمركز الخامس عشر، ولديه 4 نقاط، من تعادل سلبي مع بيراميدز ثم خسارة أمام إنبي وبتروجيت وانتصار وحيد على زد. بدلاء الزمالك أمام وادي دجلة
المهدي سليمان – أحمد فتوح – صلاح مصدق – محمد إسماعيل – محمد السيد – أحمد عبد الرحيم إيشو – أحمد حمدي – آدم كايد وناصر منسي.
The previous best ranking had been held by Kapil Dev, who was No. 2 on the retrospective table in 1979-80
ESPNcricinfo staff07-Feb-2024
Jasprit Bumrah had a match haul of 9 for 91 against England in Visakhapatnam•BCCI
Jasprit Bumrah has become the first India quick to reach the top spot in the ICC’s Test bowlers’ rankings. Bumrah, who climbed three places to be ranked No. 1, replaces his team-mate R Ashwin in the position. Before this, his highest ranking had been No. 3.The previous highest ranking achieved by an India fast bowler was No. 2 – on the retrospective Test bowlers’ table – by Kapil Dev from December 1979 to February 1980. Apart from Bumrah, Zaheer Khan has also occupied the No. 3 spot, in October-November 2010.Bumrah’s rise follows a match haul of 9 for 91 in the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam, where he was named Player of the Match as India levelled the series 1-1. Six of those wickets came in the first innings, when he picked up his tenth five-for in only his 34th Test, a match he finished as the fastest Indian to 150 Test wickets.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
He put India on top with a spell of two-way reverse swing, getting Joe Root to edge to slip before cleaning Ollie Pope up with a searing inswinging yorker to dismantle both middle and leg stumps. He later dismissed Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes to give India a 143-run first-innings lead.Bumrah also had an impact in the second innings, where he picked up 3 for 46. With Ben Foakes and Tom Hartley threatening to keep England alive in their chase of 399, Bumrah had Foakes caught-and-bowled, foxing him with a slower offcutter.Bumrah is currently the leading wicket-taker in the series, with 15 strikes at 10.67. He picked up six wickets in the first Test in Hyderabad, which India lost by 28 runs.Meanwhile, India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal also made big gains among Test batters. Jaiswal raced up 37 places to No. 29 following a career-best knock of 209 in Visakhapatnam. His England counterpart Zak Crawley also had a good Test, scoring 76 and 73 to climb eight spots to No. 22.Kane Williamson continues to occupy the top spot among Test batters, having cracked 118 and 109 in the first Test against South Africa in Mount Maunganui.
da winzada777： Chelsea haven’t been in the same high-flying form they started this Premier League campaign with, losing four of their last eight games in all competitions, including a 1-0 loss against Arsenal, a 2-1 loss against Aston Villa and back-to-back losses against Brighton.
da bet7k： However, despite their poor run of form, Enzo Maresca’s side still find themselves fourth in the Premier League table with nine games left to play as they enter the final stretch for UEFA Champions League qualification.
Chelsea's Marc Cucurella celebrates scoring their first goal with Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea are the Premier League’s joint-fourth top scorers, netting 53 times in 29 games so far, but whilst their defensive numbers have improved this season, Maresca will still be keen to refine this area of the pitch next season, looking to add personnel that fits his tactical ideas both on and off the ball.
Chelsea want to sign Premier League defender
Having kept a clean sheet in three of their last six games in all competitions, signing a new defender may not top Maresca’s bucket list this summer but they are on the lookout for a new centre-back, nonetheless.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Blues have been linked with a move to bring Marc Guehi back to Stamford Bridge from Crystal Palace but he’s not the only Premier League star on the club’s radar.
Indeed, according to reports from Spain, via SportWitness, Chelsea are in the race for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, and will challenge the likes of Real Madrid for the 19-year-old defender’s signature in the summer transfer window.
The report mentions that Maresca will be a key figure in this deal, with the Italian reportedly being in “direct contact” with the defender’s entourage for “years” after playing for Malaga in Spain, the same academy Huijsen was with from 2015-2021.
Bournemouth's DeanHuijsencelebrates scoring their first goal with AFC Bournemouth's Ryan Christie and AFC Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez
Fabrizio Romano has also revealed that the Spanish defender has a £50m release clause, which will become active in the summer, valid for all clubs with no limitations around the deal. Romano also stated, ‘movements around the defender have already started.’
How Dean Huijsen compares to Fofana & Colwill
Bournemouth made the signing of Huijsen for a fee of around just £12.6m, with add-ons potentially taking the deal to a total of £15.2m.
That has proven to be a bargain with the 19-year-old making 27 appearances for the Cherries this season, scoring twice and contributing to six clean sheets in his 2,093 minutes played.
The number of minutes he’s played is particularly important here. That’s because no other teenager in the top-flight this term has played more often than him.
So, what could he offer to Maresca’s set-up and how would he improve the make-up of this Chelsea backline?
Well, when comparing Huijsen to both Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana, you can see the Bournemouth defender is a combination of the two.
Huijsen vs Wesley Fofana & Colwill in 24/25
Stats (per 90 mins)
Huijsen
Fofana
Colwill
Goals + Assists
0.12
0.00
0.07
Progressive Carries
1.38
1.46
0.37
Progressive Passes
4.20
2.46
4.04
Pass Completion %
83.5%
90.2%
89.6%
Passes into Final Third
5.80
4.15
4.70
Tackles
1.49
1.00
1.26
Blocks
1.70
1.08
1.07
Interceptions
1.92
1.08
1.04
Aerial Duels Won
2.55
2.08
2.52
Stats taken from FBref
Indeed, Huijsen provides the aggressive duel qualities to win aerial and ground battles, make tackles and blocks, but also has the on-ball silk to pick passes, making 5.80 passes into the final third per 90 minutes.
Notable scout Jacek Kulig has labeled the 19-year-old as a “phenomenal” young centre-back who has “maturity far beyond his years” and it is clear to see why he has such a long list of suitors with these qualities.
The Spain international has the ability to partner either one of Colwill or Fofana next season, possessing both the on-ball qualities needed in Maresca’s back line – usually acquired by Colwill’s inclusion – and also having the defensive capability to step up, defend high and win his duels.
AFC Bournemouth's DeanHuijsenduring the warm up before the match
Having these three as centre-back options next season could give Chelsea and Maresca a much better chance of taking that next step and eventually challenging for a title.
Maresca can forget Neto & Nkunku by starting Chelsea "genius" in new role
Enzo Maresca could have a solution to his current Chelsea centre-forward issue.
da bet sport： A goleada do Volta Redonda em cima do Madureira por 6 a 0, na tarde deste sábado, colocou uma pressão em cima do Botafogo no Campeonato Carioca. O time de Luís Castro precisa torcer para um encaixe de resultados neste domingo para entrar nas quatro primeiras colocações da Taça Guanabara.
O Glorioso precisa ganhar do Resende no Espírito Santo e torcer para o Vasco não vencer o Flamengo no Maracanã. Caso estes dois resultados sejam favoráveis, os alvinegros entram na zona de classificação.
+Relembre 10 vezes que a arbitragem foi agredida em um campo de futebol
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da stake casino： +Luís Castro finaliza preparação para partida diante do Resende; confira a provável escalação do Botafogo
Em caso de vitória do Vasco em cima do Flamengo no Maracanã, o Botafogo precisaria vencer o Resende por pelo menos sete gols de vantagem no Espírito Santo. A equipe alvinegra está na quinta colocação do Estadual, com 16 pontos conquistados em nove jogos disputados.
+Com presença de joia do time B, Botafogo divulga os relacionados para partida diante do Resende
Resende e Botafogo se enfrentam às 16h, no Kléber Andrade. Flamengo e Vasco duelam às 18h10, no Maracanã. Ambas as partidas serão realizadas neste domingo.
da bet esporte： IShowSpeed is one of the biggest online superstars, boasting over 40 million YouTube subscribers, while also having more than 36 million Instagram followers.
da doce： Speed’s real name is Darren Watkins Jr, and he was born Cincinnati, Ohio in January 2005. Best known for his energetic content, visiting numerous countries and athletic challenges, Speed has admitted that he wants to represent the United States of America at the 2028 Olympic Games.
He showcased his pace and shocked many after challenging Noah Lyles to a race towards the end of 2024, and Speed has admitted previously he has run a 100m time of 10.5 seconds.
But how does that rank against some of the best footballers in the world such as Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and his idol Cristiano Ronaldo?
Well, AI tool ChatGPT has estimated the 100m times of some of the quickest players past and present, and it looks as if the internet star has the beating of many.
AI predicts 100m race between footballers and IShowSpeed
Predicted time
Alphonso Davies
10.3 seconds
Gareth Bale (prime)
10.3 seconds
Adama Traore (prime)
10.4 seconds
IShowSpeed
10.5 seconds
Cristiano Ronaldo (prime)
10.6 seconds
Kylian Mbappe
10.6 seconds
Erling Haaland
10.8 seconds
Theo Hernandez
10.8 seconds
Theo Hernandez 10.8 seconds
Noted for his ‘excellent recovery speed’ by ChatGPT, Theo Hernandez is regarded as one of the quickest defenders around and is a must use for any player on EA FC 25.
The Frenchman once reportedly hit 35.7km per hour in the Champions League, but over 100m has been predicted to finish in 10.8 seconds, meaning Speed is quicker.
Erling Haaland 10.8 seconds
A machine and clinical finisher, Erling Haaland doesn’t seem real at times, using his pace and power to bully some of the best defenders around.
The Manchester City superstar wouldn’t have the better of Speed in a 100m race, though, according to Chat GPT, who say despite Haaland being excellent over 60m, he would record a 100m time of 10.8 seconds.
Kylian Mbappe 10.6 seconds
Regarded as one of the fastest forwards on the planet today, Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe wouldn’t be quick enough to beat Speed.
The Frenchman has been backed to clock a time of 10.6 seconds over 100m, so it would be close between Mbappe and Speed with the latter running out as the winner.
Cristiano Ronaldo (prime) 10.6 seconds
A race that millions across the world would like to see is Speed vs Cristiano Ronaldo.
ChatGPT states that Ronaldo clocked 96m in 10 seconds during his time at Real Madrid, but even in his prime, Speed could beat his idol by a tenth in a 100m dash.
Adama Traore (prime) 10.4 seconds
When you think of Adama Traore, you immediately think of speed and power. Traore wouldn’t look out of place in a professional 100m race, and he would pip Speed across that distance according to AI.
The former Barcelona youngster has been predicted to record a time of 10.4 seconds, just pipping the internet star.
Gareth Bale (prime) 10.3 seconds
Citing his famous sprint against Barcelona in 2014 Copa del Rey final, Speed wouldn’t have the better of a prime Gareth Bale, according to ChatGPT.
The Welshman was known for his pace during his time at Tottenham and Real Madrid, and reaching a top speed of 36.9km per hour, would finish a 100m race in 10.3 seconds.
Alphonso Davies 10.3 seconds
A player with ‘explosive acceleration’ who is ‘built like a sprinter’, Alphonso Davies would also have the better of Speed, ChatGPT says.
The Canada international actually watched the Champions League final with Speed and a real race between the pair looks set to be on the cards once the Bayern Munich star is back from injury.
انتقد آلان باردو، المدير الفني السابق لنادي نيوكاسل يونايتد، أداء اثنين من لاعبي ليفربول في الوقت الحالي، حيث سخر من مستواهما تحت قيادة المدرب آرني سلوت ذلك الموسم.
ويعاني ليفربول من فترة سيئة مؤخرًا، حيث تعرض للهزيمة في 4 مباريات متتالية في الدوري الإنجليزي أمام كل من كريستال بالاس، تشيلسي، مانشستر يونايتد وبرينتفورد.
وقال آلان باردو، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “ليفربول وورلد” الإنجليزية: “أليسون مصاب، ليفربول يمتلك حارسًا آخر، مامارداشفيلي، الذي لا أقول إنه ضعيف، ولكنه يتمتع بشخصية مختلفة في حراسة المرمى”.
وأضاف: “كيركيز يعاني بشدة بقميص ليفربول، لقد جاء من بورنموث حيث قدم موسمًا رائعًا، خاصة بفضل أدائه الهجومي، لكنه انكشف دفاعيًا وعانى مجددًا”.
اقرأ أيضًا.. وارنوك: الراحل جوتا وراء ما يحدث لـ ليفربول.. وأشعر بالذهول من الحديث المنتشر حول سلوت
وواصل: “لطالما كان برادلي يدخل ويخرج من تشكيل ليفربول، في حين يبدو أن كوناتي وفان دايك وكأنهما دخلا في شجار، لا أعلم، ربما يسرق وجبة فان دايك في ملعب التدريب! يبدو أن هناك نقصًا ما”.
واستكمل: “يعتمد ليفربول على كورتيس جونز وسوبوسلاي، لذلك لم يحصل أليستر على الزخم المناسب، هناك مشكلة هنا، كان جرافنبيرخ أساس الفريق منذ العام الماضي”.
وشدد: “محمد صلاح لا يؤدي العمل الذي كان يفعله في العام الماضي، جاكبو ليس مدافعًا بالفطرة، هناك العديد من نقاط الضعف عندما يكون التحليل من الناحية الدفاعية، بينما يبحث سلوت عن الاستقرار خاصة في الخلف والوسط”.
da aposte e ganhe： Depois de um acesso e um título estadual, o técnico Léo Condé está de saída do Ceará. A queda para a Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro acabou pesando na decisão de não renovar com o treinador, que tinha vínculo somente até este ano.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCearáCeará amarga rebaixamento e descumpre duas metas no anoCeará08/12/2025CearáPresidente do Ceará explica rebaixamento: ‘Faltou equilíbrio’Ceará09/12/2025CearáAnálise: irregularidade causa um cruel rebaixamento para o CearáCeará10/12/2025
da esport bet： ➡️ Tudo sobre o Vovô agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Ceará
Condé chegou ao Ceará em junho de 2024, tendo contrato até o fim daquela temporada. O Alvinegro estava na Série B e buscava o acesso à elite do futebol nacional, o que se concretizou na última rodada do campeonato.
Em 2025, o treinador foi campeão estadual com o Vovô diante do rival Fortaleza. Após as quedas na terceira fase da Copa do Brasil e na semifinal da Copa do Nordeste, restava ao clube a disputa do Campeonato Brasileiro.
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➡️ Análise: irregularidade causa um cruel rebaixamento para o Ceará
Em uma campanha marcada pela irregularidade, o Ceará não conseguiu se afastar efetivamente do Z4. Com a derrota para o Palmeiras e os demais resultados, o time foi rebaixado. A rodada final foi, portanto, a úica do clube na zona de rebaixamento.
A passagem de Léo Condé no Alvinegro durou 83 jogos. Foram 37 vitórias, 17 empates e 29 derrotas, com 103 gols marcados e 78 sofridos.
➡️ Ceará amarga rebaixamento e descumpre duas metas no ano
Ceará descumpre duas metas de 2025
Com o rebaixamento, o Ceará descumpriu a última meta esportiva que restava para a temporada 2025. Anteriormente, os objetivos foram alcançados em duas das outras três.
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Nas metas, anunciadas no fim do ano passado, a previsão era de título no Campeonato Cearense. Tal fato se concretizou, visto que a equipe superou o rival Fortaleza na decisão e ficou com o bicampeonato.
da marjack bet： If Mikel Arteta could pick any striker in world football to bring to Arsenal this summer then it’s likely Alexander Isak would be at the top of their list.
da supremo： The Gunners looked at adding the impressive Swede to their ranks before he actually signed for Newcastle, but were reportedly put off by his asking price.
How foolish they were. Isak has become a genuine phenomenon in the following years, notably scoring as many as 27 goals in 42 games throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
In comparison, Arsenal struggled in front of goal. No player scored double figures in the league and their leading bagsman was Kai Havertz on 15.
Sadly, Isak now looks to be off the table. Liverpool are also dreaming of a move but with a reported £150m asking price and the Toon having secured Champions League football, signing the forward is now a pipe dream.
Arsenal's Isak alternatives
Much of the chatter so far this summer has revolved around two men; Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.
Sesko has been of interest for quite some time now but the asking price of both players, as it did with Isak a few years ago, is proving problematic.
Sesko is now thought to have an asking price of between £68m to £85m. That’s according to Sky Germany who still insist that Arsenal have a ‘positive’ feeling a deal can be done.
So, how about Gyokeres? Well, according to reports from Portuguese outlet, Record, Arsenal have put a £55m offer on the table. That isn’t deemed enough by his club, Sporting CP.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As a result, the report notes that Andrea Berta and Co are set to turn their attention to another striker. That man is Ollie Watkins.
Indeed, it’s speculated that the Gunners have put their efforts to sign Gyokeres on hold and will begin drawing up plans to sign Watkins instead.
It’s stated that talks have already been held with the Aston Villa forward’s representatives.
Arsenal tried to do a deal for Watkins back in January but with Jhon Duran heading to Saudi, a move felt impossible with all bids rejected.
Why Watkins could become Arsenal's very own Isak
Isak hasn’t just been one of the most impressive centre-forwards in the Premier League, but he’s also now one of the best in Europe, notably even heralded as “the best striker in the world” by analyst Raj Chohan.
Indeed, over the last two seasons, he’s been right up there as far as goal scorers are concerned, bagging 44 in 64 matches. The only two players to better that record? Erling Haaland and Mo Salah.
Premier League top scorers since 2023/24
Player
Games
Goals
1. Erling Haaland
62
49
2. Mo Salah
70
47
3. Alexander Isak
64
44
4. Cole Plamer
71
37
5. Ollie Watkins
75
35
6. Chris Wood
67
34
7. Yoanne Wissa
69
31
8. Jean-Philippe Mateta
72
30
Data via StatsMuse.
As we can see, the aforementioned Watkins is also right up there. Now said to boast an asking price of £40m, he could be around £100m cheaper than Isak which is rather incredible considering there isn’t much to separate the two players in the last two years. Indeed, only a few years ago, one prominent analyst on social media suggested that he was “a €100m player” if he could score goals regularly in the Premier League.
While he may not be as prolific as he was in 2023/24, if we add assists to the mix as well, the Villa star – who won the Premier League’s Playmaker Award in 2023/24 for creating the most goals – is a better all-around package.
In the last two seasons, Isak has registered just eight assists but Watkins has as many as 21. Compared to the Premier League’s best in that time, only Salah has more.
Top assist makers in the Premier League since 2023/24
Player
Assist tally
Games
1. Mo Salah
28
70
2. Ollie Watkins
21
75
3. Anthony Elanga
20
74
4. Bukayo Saka
19
60
5. Cole Palmer
19
71
6. Jacob Murphy
19
56
7. Son Heung-min
19
65
8. Bruno Fernandes
18
71
Data via StatsMuse.
So, there is a clear difference in their chance creation, but as far as their other attributes go, they’re very alike.
Crucially, not only are they both Premier League proven, something that neither Sesko or Gyokeres can shout about, they share similar traits such as the ability to play on the shoulder of the last man and run in behind.
In Havertz and Mikel Merino, Arteta has two players who lead the line with their back to goal. They don’t have the pace of Watkins or Isak to run beyond the defence. It’s an attribute they have sorely missed in the last few seasons.
They’re also rather proficient carriers of the ball. Over the last two seasons, Newcastle’s star man has registered 2.71 progressive carries per 90 minutes, actually beating Watkins’ efforts of 1.81 per 90.
They combine that with raw pace, too. During Euro 2024, Watkins was clocked at a top speed of 32.4 km/h while Isak has previously been clocked at 33.6 km/h. In comparison, Merino was the third-slowest player in the Premier League at one point during 2024/25, hitting a top speed of just 29.7 km/h.
How Arsenal's striker targets compare in 2024/25.
So, it’s evident Arsenal need someone who’s a bit more mobile. Isak would guarantee this but with the Swede off the table, Watkins is surely the next best thing as far as proven players in the English top-flight go.
He’s a competent ball carrier, he’s got pace and he’s more efficient in front of goal than the aforementioned Sesko. He’s also far better at creating chances. Over the last two seasons, the England international has amassed 56 goal contributions while Sesko has only managed 34.
If Arsenal want a win-now solution, Watkins is the man.
He's more proven than Gyokeres: Arsenal in talks to sign £63m "monster"
Arsenal could sign a proven elite striker instead of Viktor Gyokeres.
كشفت صحيفة سبورت الإسبانية، عن رغبة نادي مانشستر يونايتد في التعاقد مع لاعب نادي برشلونة السابق، وذلك خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي العام المقبل.
مانشستر يونايتد دعم صفوفه بشكل جيد خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي الأخير، لكن النادي الإنجليزي يريد ضم لاعبين جدد بحثًا عن العودة للمنافسة على كافة الألقاب خلال السنوات المقبلة.
ومن بين المراكز التي يتطلع مانشستر يونايتد إلى تدعيمها هو مركز المهاجم الصريح، وذلك رغم ضم بينجامين سيسكو من لايبزيج خلال صيف العام الحالي مقابل أكثر من 80 مليون يورو.
ويحتاج مانشستر يونايتد إلى عمق في مركز المهاجم الصريح مع عدم ظهور جوشوا زيركيزي بالشكل المطلوب منذ انضمامه إلى النادي الإنجليزي.
وذكرت الصحيفة، أن مانشستر يونايتد يتطلع وبقوة إلى التعاقد مع فيتور روكي، مهاجم نادي برشلونة السابق، وبالميراس الحالي.
اقرأ أيضًا .. نجم برشلونة مدافعًا عن يامال: محترف رائع وما يقدمه في عمره أمرًا مذهلًا
وأضافت الصحيفة، أن إدارة مانشستر يونايتد تتابع روكي عن كثب خلال الفترة الأخيرة وتجهز عرضًا بقيمة 50 مليون يورو لضم المهاجم الشاب خلال صيف العام المقبل.
وأوضحت الصحيفة، أن برشلونة في الجهة المقابلة قد يستفيد من بيع روكي إلى مانشستر يونايتد، حيث لا يزال الفريق الكتالوني يملك 20% من حقوق اللاعب، ما يعني أن البلوجرانا قد يحصل على 10 ملايين يورو حال وقع روكي مع النادي الإنجليزي.
روكي كان قد وقع مع برشلونة خلال عام 2024، وذلك قادمًا من صفوف أتلتيكو باراناينسي مقابل 30 مليون يورو، لكن اللاعب لم يستطيع إثبات نفسه مع البلوجرانا.
ثم ذهب روكي في إعارة لمدة عامين مع ريال بيتيس، قبل أن يوقع معه بالميراس بشكل نهائي خلال صيف العام الحالي مقابل 25 مليون يورو.
وتألق روكي مع بالميراس خلال هذا الموسم، حيث سجل اللاعب 17 هدفًا وقدم خمس تمريرات حاسمة خلال 50 مشاركة مع النادي البرازيلي في كافة المسابقات.
Connolly had played just four first class games and was wicketless from his 96 deliveries before his Test debut in Galle
Tristan Lavalette06-Feb-20250:40
Connolly: ‘I like to be aggressive while I’m playing red-ball cricket as well’
From the moment his clutch batting memorably lifted Perth Scorchers to the BBL title almost exactly two years ago, Cooper Connolly quickly became a fan favourite and there was plenty of intrigue over the potential of this promising left-arm spinning allrounder.But even his legion of admirers out west could not have foreshadowed his rise to Test cricket would be so swift. After just four first-class matches, the 21-year-old Connolly became Australia’s 471st men’s cricketer after he replaced offspinner Todd Murphy in Australia’s XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. He became Australia’s fourth debutant in as many Tests.With his emotional parents standing nearby, Connolly, 21, was presented with his baggy green cap by former Test batter and fellow Western Australian Simon Katich.Related
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His selection for this Test had been murmured in recent days with expectations that the surface used for this match would be notably dry and especially favourable to spin.Connolly’s selection has raised some eyebrows given he is wicketless from 96 deliveries in his first-class career so far. But all three of his Shield matches have been at the pace-friendly WACA ground, while he bowled only six overs against India A in Mackay in early November which was his last first-class match.Albeit a different format, but Connolly did take six wickets in the recent BBL season – where he was named player of the tournament after scoring the most runs in the league stage – highlighted by a strong performance against Sydney Thunder in favourable spinning conditions at the Showgrounds.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
If the surface for the second Test does spin sharply, Connolly could prove dangerous and provides another left-arm spinning option alongside Matthew Kuhnemann, who had so much success in the series opener.”From what I’ve seen in the nets he bowls some really good balls,” stand-in captain Steven Smith said on Wednesday. “He was pretty consistent when he was bowling in Dubai and in the nets here.”That’s kind of all you’ve got to do in these conditions, just try and bowl as many good balls in a good area and let the conditions take over.”Connolly’s inclusion also underlines bolder selections from Australia’s hierarchy who have shown a willingness to experiment ever since picking 19-year-old Sam Konstas for the Boxing Day Test against India.Cooper Connolly receives his debut cap from Simon Katich•Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
With Australia’s spot in the World Test Championship final secured, Connolly edged veteran Glenn Maxwell for a spot on the Sri Lanka tour having made his T20I and ODI debuts in the backend of last year. Undoubtedly, selectors have an eye towards the future – Australia’s next tour of India is just two years away – but they will insist his selection in the second Test is a decision based on specific conditions.At this stage of his fledgling career, Connolly is certainly a much stronger batter and adds significant depth to Australia’s order at No. 8. He has already scored three half-centuries from his six first-class innings, starting with 90 off 115 balls on debut at No. 7 in last year’s Shield final between WA and Tasmania.It was an elegant knock on a tricky WACA surface that instantly drew comparisons to former WA great Shaun Marsh. But given his all-round skills and X-factor ability, with an uncanny knack of hitting the most mesmerising shots, Connolly has been likened to Maxwell and Travis Head.”It’s pretty cool to be honest. You dream of it as a kid watching them smack it around,” he told ESPNcricinfo last December about the comparisons to Maxwell and Head. “I feel proud of myself… it’s a dream to put on a baggy green.”