The AC Milan player mentioned that El Tri's coach is not very interested in playing styles and addressed his own struggles in front of goal
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Mexico won its first Nations League title under 'Vasco'
Santiago Giménez has four goals for in 32 matches.
He is currently on an eight-game goal drought across all competitions.
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Javier Aguirre is in his third stint as the head coach of El Tri and managed to secure the team's first Nations League title, with the country winning it for the first time in four attempts.
In a recent interview with Christian Martinoli and Luis García for , Santiago Giménez shared that during his early call-ups under Aguirre, the coach made it clear that he didn’t care about playing beautifully, but rather that his main goal was for other national teams to respect Mexico again.
"Aguirre told us he didn’t care about playing beautifully. He has reminded us who we are, he has brought back our DNA, that we are Mexicans, and he transmits that to us from the moment we arrive at the national team," Gimenez explained. "That also makes us want to step onto the field and defend our country with everything we’ve got."
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WHAT SANTIAGO GIMÉNEZ AND HUGO SÁNCHEZ SAID
Giménez is struggling for form in front of goal recently. He is currently on a six-game goalless streak with AC Milan and was also unable to find the net in Mexico’s two Nations League matches. The striker has only scored four goals in 32 appearances for, but he remains confident in turning things around.
"In the Mexican National Team, my stats are low. I think I’ve been missing that moment of calm when finishing, but I’m sure the goals will come," he said.
Meanwhile, Mexican football legend Hugo Sánchez, who won five Golden Boot titles in Spain’s La Liga with Real Madrid, believes Gimenez needs to rebuild his confidence and it starts on the training pitch.
"Stay calm, don’t get desperate, don’t get discouraged. A striker must always be ready to take as many clear chances as possible—the more, the better. You shouldn’t lose inspiration just because of the eight-game goal drought," Sanchez told ESPN. "It’s been a while since you last scored for Mexico, but that’s just a number. Missing a penalty with Napoli in your last game, well, as strikers, we don’t like to miss. Whenever I missed a penalty, I’d go to training the next day and take 20 to 30 penalties to regain confidence for the next one. Keep your head up—those eight games are just a statistic."
AFP
DID YOU KNOW?
Giménez's most recent goal with the Mexican National Team came on July 17, 2023, in the Gold Cup final against Panama, where Mexico became the champion. In a few months, the national team will compete in the tournament again, aiming to defend their title. However, it has been 16 matches since his last goal. The other teams he has scored against are Haiti (2023), Nigeria (2022), and Chile (2021).
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WHAT NEXT FOR EL TRI AND GIMÉNEZ?
His next opportunity will come during the June FIFA window when Mexico faces Switzerland and Turkey in friendly matches ahead of the Gold Cup. Following that, the Mexican National Team will concentrate on competing in the tournament they have won 12 times, with opponents yet to be confirmed as the draw will take place on April 10.
Sri Lanka sensed a slightly soft centre in India’s much-advertised aggressive approach. If anything, competitors pick up the smallest of signs and the Indians gave out a few big ones today
Sharda Ugra in Galle14-Aug-20152:23
Let’s Talk About – How good is Dinesh Chandimal?
About eight nautical miles off the coast of Sri Lanka, about 15kms from Galle, the continental shelf that south Asia is rested on, breaks off, the Indian Ocean dropping into marine canyons and the deep sea. India find themselves not so far away from that that kind of an edge. From a position of sure-footed security at the start of the third day in the Galle Test, they were made to get their sea legs going into day four. After session after session of crisp and controlled cricket, on course to win the Test inside three days, India were knocked sideways by Sri Lanka. Or rather, by Dinesh Chandimal for over two hours. The tide of the match has not changed yet, but the Indian boat has certainly been rocked.Tests in Galle usually begin with easy-to-handle narratives but as they head towards the finish, they take on a life of their own – featuring drama and turnarounds, suspense and shredded nerves. Like those movies with breath-snatching twists at the end. Galle promises a wild weekend, too. Except, here everything is for real.To return to hard numbers: at the end of day two, Tharindu Kaushal had said he believed Sri Lanka could defend around 250, but the truth is that the highest successful chase in Galle is a piffling 99. It is Chandimal who has set up this action thriller, playing several key parts through his blistering, post-lunch counter-attack. He gave Sri Lanka the fuel needed to turn this Test into contest, took the match into its fourth day and also gave India much to think about.Their bowling was under attack in away conditions – not through the expected ennui of slow, low turners and long days in the field, as they had expected – but another kind of attack. Chandimal turned the field and common sense around through a series of reverse sweeps and switch hits, with the willingness to risk it all.The three decisions that went against India before lunch will no doubt cause much anguish. But it is best that they remember it as a bad-umpiring virus that has run through this game. Both in terms of the number of errors and the degree of the bloopers given and taken on both sides.India had squeezed the Lankan innings enough to believe they deserved to have them five down at the break before the umpiring handouts. Truth is, they did have 45 minutes in the shade, to kick a few kit bags, curse officialdom the ages, darkly mutter about DRS and then, with adult counsel and some food, work out that they had been dealt a bad hand and move on.India knew what their tactic had to be, as Ajinkya Rahane said later, “to give as little runs as possible.” When Chandimal forced the bowlers to change the very angles that they were coming at him from, they ran into a wall. With the old ball and a slowing wicket, they could not find a plan-B. They lost their tightness and control of lengths, and the stinging turn at the start of the day was negated. Chandimal’s tactics were very simply evident, but none of the spinners found the variety or the fizz to land the ball where it could negate the angles he was reworking.After two firestarter partnerships with Lahiru Thirimanne and Jehan Mubarak, perhaps the most telling set of runs that could hurt India are the 65 runs that Chandimal scored with three tailenders. He laughed about it,”I tried to face three balls and rotate the strike on the fourth ball. They thought I would try to rotate the strike on the fifth ball, but I did it on the fourth ball.”Other than the Indian bowlers, Virat Kohli found himself in a situation of some discomfort early on his captaincy career. For an aggressive cricketer, to have aggression in its most elemental form flung at him when his team is ahead, can be very disconcerting. And maybe clarifying for the future. The balance between being aggressive and absorbing punishment can be the worst of trials for a captain. Kohli was faced with the dilemma presented to him by the four bowlers he was depending on.Other than Varun Aaron, they were a fairly experienced group in terms of matches and situations under their belt. To concede 155 in 28 overs, in the second session (including 88 from Chandimal), is not being caught by surprise. To concede over 5.50 an over for two hours non-stop, is being actually caught in the headlights. Kohli was trapped as to when exactly to go into a run-squeeze and through it concede a little ground; his bowlers, however game, however committed and however skilled, did not give him the run-drying overs that would have made the batsmen try to release the pressure.Aaron, however hostile, had conceded close to six an over in the first session and bowled a total of seven overs all day. This included a spell of 2-0-7-0 in the second session, before the new ball ended the innings in the last session in which Aaron didn’t get the ball.Sri Lanka would have sensed this slightly soft centre in India’s much-advertised aggressive approach. Already, it is being said that seamers are being prepared for the second Test at the P Sara Oval. If anything, competitors pick up the smallest of signs and the Indians gave out a few big ones today.
Clayton and Street defy Victoria’s pace attack late on day three, but Queensland still need 285 runs for victory
Tristan Lavalette11-Feb-2023
Mitch Perry produced another fine innings as nightwatcher•Getty Images
Jack Clayton and Bryce Street defied Victoria’s emerging pace attack late on day three, but Queensland still faced an uphill battle to escape defeat in a pivotal Sheffield Shield clash at the MCG.Chasing a tough 350 runs in four sessions, Queensland lost opener Joe Burns and Sam Truloff early before reaching stumps at 2 for 65 in their second innings.Street and Clayton then thwarted Victoria’s late charge with a gritty half-century partnership to revive Queensland’s hopes.Victoria, however, remain in the box seat in what has been a low-scoring contest, but their bid for victory could be impacted by possible inclement weather in Melbourne on Sunday.As the Shield season resumes after a two-month break, with four of ten rounds left, Victoria can leapfrog second-placed Queensland with an outright win. They gained a stranglehold with early strikes starting with Burns being cleaned bowled by quick Fergus O’Neill for 6.It capped a disappointing comeback for Burns, who made only two runs in Queensland’s first innings after returning from a hamstring injury sustained in the BBL season opener.Queensland slumped further when Truloff fell lbw to towering seamer Cameron McClure although the ball appeared to be missing the leg stump. The Bulls’ luck appeared to change when Clayton was given not out on 2 after being hit on the pads by a good length delivery from quick Mitchell Perry.Clayton made the most of his good fortune to combine with Street, who faced 102 balls for his 16 runs. Scoring was difficult against a disciplined Victoria attack, but they eventually reduced Queensland’s target on the final day to 285 runs.Queensland slowly clawed back into the contest after being on the back foot for most of the match, having trailed in the first innings by 132 runs.Victoria started day three on 2 for 21 in their second innings and lost the early wickets of opener Travis Dean and Campbell Kellaway.But nightwatcher Perry made a career-best 75 and combined in a century partnership with Matthew Short, who struck a measured half-century in a contrast to his belligerent batting during the BBL.Left-handed Perry has a liking for the nightwatcher role, having played several indefatigable knocks previously, including 74 against WA last season.He eyed a maiden century before slicing to backward point off quick Mark Steketee, who was finally rewarded for his toil.Victoria lost a slew of wickets in an attempt for quick runs and were bowled out for 217 on the stroke of tea. Emerging allrounder Xavier Bartlett claimed the spoils for the Queensland attack with 4 for 32 from 14 overs.With five players backing up from Brisbane Heat’s barnstorming BBL campaign, which ended in a painful final’s defeat to Perth Scorchers a week ago, Queensland have looked lethargic at times but will need to summon a mighty batting effort on the final day to avoid defeat.
علق محمد عبد الجليل، نجم الأهلي السابق، على تعادل الفريق الأحمر بدون أهداف أمام إنتر ميامي، في افتتاح منافسات كأس العالم للأندية 2025، فجر اليوم.
وقال عبد الجليل، عبر إذاعة “ميجا إف إم”: “حسين الشحات لم يظهر بمستواه المعتاد، كان يقدم أداءً أفضل في الدوري المصري الممتاز لأنه كان في حالة جيدة، بينما أفشة خارج مستواه المعروف منذ موسمين”.
طالع أيضًا | وسام أبو علي يكشف من الأحق بتسديد ركلة جزاء الأهلي أمام إنتر ميامي
وأضاف: “أداء طاهر محمد طاهر في تطور مستمر من مباراة لأخرى، ويبدو أن المدرب ريكاردو ريبيرو درس لاعبي الأهلي جيدًا، أما بن شرقي، فهو لاعب مزاجي ويتأثر بسرعة، وهذا أمر غير معتاد بالنسبة للاعبين الأجانب، ورغم إهداره للفرص يبقى تريزيجيه لاعبًا خطيرًا، أما بن شرقي فهو لاعب يمر بحالات متقلبة”.
وتابع: “محمد الشناوي كان يمكنه الاحتراف في أوروبا منذ موسمين، وقدّم مستوى استثنائيًا أمام إنتر ميامي وكأنه كان يواجههم بمفرده، كما كان مروان عطية رائعًا في اللقاء، وتسبب في انفعال واضح من ميسي”.
واختتم: “سعيد بما قدمه الشناوي، وكوكا بذل كل ما لديه في المباراة، أما لاعبي الأهلي، فقد بدا عليهم الذهول وعدم التصديق لما يحدث في الشوط الأول”.
Warner will be able to apply to a three-person review panel to have his lifetime leadership ban modified
Alex Malcolm21-Nov-2022David Warner can now formally apply to have his lifetime leadership ban modified after Cricket Australia’s board amended its code of conduct policy.Warner was previously unable to hold a captaincy position in Australian cricket after being handed a lifetime ban as a result of 2018’s ball-tampering scandal and under the previous code of conduct, players do not have the right to have a sanction reviewed once it has been accepted.But the CA board requested a code of conduct review at the October board meeting to be conducted by CA’s head of integrity Jacqui Partridge.CA released a statement on Monday outlining that the recommendations of that review have been accepted and granted formal approval, with Warner now able to apply to have his ban modified.Related
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“Under the changes, players and support staff can now apply to have long-term sanctions modified,” the statement said.”Any applications will be considered by a three-person Review Panel, comprising independent Code of Conduct Commissioners, which must be satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist to justify modifying a sanction.”These circumstances and considerations will include whether the subject of the sanction has demonstrated genuine remorse; the subject’s conduct and behaviour since the imposition of the sanction; whether rehabilitation programs have been completed undertaken (if applicable) and the length of time that has passed since the sanction was imposed and whether sufficient time has passed to allow for reform or rehabilitation.”The code of conduct states this process: ‘Acknowledges that Players and Player Support Personnel are capable of genuine reform or rehabilitation and is intended to provide the Player or Player Support Personnel with an opportunity to resume their previously held positions or responsibilities in specific circumstances.'”The hearing of an application is not an appeal, or a review of the original sanction imposed.”Warner, 36, has been keen on returning to a leadership role having captained in the IPL since his CA leadership ban. He spoke recently about being keen to help Sydney Thunder in a leadership capacity on his return to the BBL.Warner also hinted that he was keen to play international cricket through until the 2024 T20 World Cup, with Australia likely to need a new T20I captain for that tournament.
A round-up of the reactions on Twitter to Dale Steyn reaching the milestone of 400 wickets
ESPNcricinfo staff30-Jul-2015Dale Steyn became the quickest – in terms of balls bowled – to take 400 Test wickets. Here’s how Twitter reacted to him reaching the milestone.Graeme Smith, his former captain, led with the tributes.
Celebrate @DaleSteyn62 he is 1 in a generation! Congrats bud,couldn't be more proud of you.had a lump in my throat bud. #400 #ProteaFire
— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) July 30, 2015
Many of his South Africa team-mates, past and present, joined in as well.
So proud of @DaleSteyn62! A real role model! As a cricketer, but as a person too! They breed them well in Phalaborwa! #humble#legend#400
— mark boucher (@markb46) July 30, 2015
Well done @DaleSteyn62 .400!
You are a picture of athleticism, passion & consistency, an inspiration to our cricket generation.
#OfficialCSA
— Morné van Wyk (@Morne_v_Wyk) July 30, 2015
#400 Congrats @DaleSteyn62 wow!! What a bowler! #1
— Alviro Petersen (@AlviroPetersen) July 30, 2015
Well done @DaleSteyn62. Proper achievement #400wickets!!! #insanewayne
— Albie Morkel (@albiemorkel) July 30, 2015
@DaleSteyn62 400 test wickets. Legendary.! Congrats brother. #400wickets
— David Miller (@DavidMillerSA12) July 30, 2015
Everyone has an opinion on this,but quite frankly, this guy is the best in the business. Congrats @DaleSteyn62 #400 pic.twitter.com/WnbLvPAaqK
— Ashwell Prince (@ashyp_5) July 30, 2015
Dale Steyn…400…nothing more to say! #hero
— Chris Morris (@Tipo_Morris) July 30, 2015
Praise came from cricketers from other parts of the world as well.
Who would you want in your side in all conditions? That's where Dale Steyn scores over the rest-No. 1 Test bowler in the world #400 #Respect
The five oldest cricketers to have played in the IPL
ESPNcricinfo staff28-Apr-2015Shane Warne Age: 41y 249d Teams: Rajasthan Royals What he did: ‘Hollywood’ provided the IPL with the perfect story in its inaugural season: his captaincy, big-game temperament and ability to infuse self-belief in little-known players led the unfancied Royals to the title in 2008. The results weren’t as spectacular in the three seasons that followed, but there was another story perfect for the IPL in his final year: a high-profile romance with Hollywood star Liz Hurley•AFPMuttiah Muralitharan Age: 42y 35d Teams: Chennai Super Kings, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Royal Challengers Bangalore What he did: Test and ODI cricket’s leading wicket-taker didn’t make quite the same impact in the IPL – he was an integral performer in the first three seasons with Chennai Super Kings, after which he was a fringe player for four years•AFPPravin Tambe Age: 43y 198d Teams: Rajasthan Royals What he did: Perhaps the most heart-warming story in the IPL. At 41, senior cricket seemed to have passed him by, before Royals made another of their punts to give Tambe a chance at big-time cricket. It proved to be one of their most astute investments, as he has developed to become a certain starter over the last two seasons•BCCIBrad Hogg Age: 44y 81d Teams: Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders What he did: He was one of Royals’ wildcard picks in 2012 but only played 10 lukewarm matches over two seasons. Two years later, Knight Riders’ love of unconventional spinners and Sunil Narine’s unavailability due to doubts over his action provided Hogg another shot•BCCI
Gurbaz and Zazai racked up 83 runs, out of a target of 106, in the powerplay itself
Danyal Rasool27-Aug-20221:31
Jaffer: Farooqi sets up batters by swinging the ball both ways
A thrilling all-round performance saw Afghanistan crush Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the first game of the 2022 Asia Cup. The bowlers set the foundation, reducing Sri Lanka to 5 for 3, with Fazalhaq Farooqi responsible for most of the carnage. Despite a brief resurgence in the middle thanks to a 44-run stand between Danushka Gunathilaka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Afghanistan struck back hard, running through the lower order.Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb ur Rehman and Mohammad Nabi were all among the wickets, and despite late resistance from Chamika Karunaratne, the 105 Sri Lanka managed was woefully inadequate. It took the Afghan openers just 10.1 overs to take it down; Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai racked up 83 runs in the Powerplay itself effectively ending the game as a contest right there.The first three overs There was chaos and controversy to kick off the Asia Cup, but by the time the fog of the first three overs lifted, Afghanistan had a vice-like grip on the game. Farooqi struck twice in two balls in the first over to remove Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka, but it was Pathum Nissanka’s wicket that raised eyebrows. The umpire deemed the batter to have nicked off to the keeper, only for Sri Lanka to review immediately. In a baffling bit of third umpiring, the on-field umpire was advised to stand by his decision despite UltraEdge showing almost no deviation. It caused consternation among the Sri Lanka camp, but Afghanistan had the rub of the green. Over the next three hours. They made it count.Rajapaksa revival There was the briefest glimmer of hope for Sri Lanka just after that destructive start that saw them lose three early wickets. It came in the form of a classy little stand between Gunathilaka and Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa lifted Naveen ul Haq over the mid-off boundary for a glorious six to kickstart that passage of play, with his team-mate joining in later in the over. The real carnage took place in the final Powerplay over that saw the pair plunder four boundaries in an over that cost 20 to undo some of the damage that had happened early on. But when Gunathilaka sent a reverse sweep straight down deep cover’s throat, things began to unravel for Sri Lanka once more. Rajapaksa soldiered on briefly, but was ultimately done by some shocking running that saw two wickets fall in that fashion in two balls.Karunaratne’s resistance It was probably much too late by the 15th over, but Karunaratne wasn’t to know that. Farming the strike adroitly for the final five overs, he almost single-handedly added 30 to the final partnership to ensure Sri Lanka recovered from 75 for 9 to post a three-figure total. It was an engrossing period of play in many ways, with almost every delivery struck to a deep fielder and ending up as a dot ball. There were occasions where the running might have been sharper, but after two run-outs that could only be described as brain freezes, Karunaratne wasn’t taking any chances.Gurbazball? A low-scoring game in the UAE against Sri Lanka has the potential to become a horrid second-innings scrap, but Gurbaz wasn’t having any of it. In a whirwind of a cameo, he would thump 40 off 18 balls to help Afghanistan rack up 83 in the Powerplay, breaking the back of the chase before Sri Lanka’s spinners could even get into their work. Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana were singled out for punishment, tonked for 16 and 21 respectively in a no-holds barred display of pure power.
Leeds United are looking to build on their win over Cardiff City as they prepare to play host to Coventry City at Elland Road in the Championship on Saturday.
The Whites are currently sixth in the division after their 2-0 win over the Welsh side last time out, and have only lost one of their first six matches.
Daniel Farke’s side are looking to secure promotion from the league at the second time of asking, after they lost 1-0 to Southampton in the play-off final last season, and three points against Mark Robins’ side will be another step in the right direction.
Largie Ramazani and Joel Piroe scored the goals for Leeds last time out against Cardiff, after the hosts were reduced to ten men through Joe Bagan’s red card for fouling Wilfried Gnonto on the edge of the box as the last man.
Farke may still look to make some changes to his starting XI from that match, with one potentially forced, and here is our predicted Leeds line-up to take to the field on Saturday.
1
GK – Illan Meslier
Between the sticks, French stopper Illan Meslier should keep his place after keeping another clean sheet in the 2-0 win over Cardiff last time out.
The left-footed only made two saves against the Welsh side but did provide a reliable outlet on the ball for Leeds, completing 89% of his attempted passes.
2
RB – Jayden Bogle
At right-back, summer signing Jayden Bogle deserves to retain his position in the team after an impressive performance against Cardiff last weekend.
The English defender won eight of his 12 duels and created two chances for his teammates, which shows that he made an impact in and out of possession.
3
CB – Joe Rodon
The former Swansea man, Joe Rodon, had little to do against the rivals of his former club, as Leeds dominated the ball and kept attacks away from their centre-backs.
He did not win a single duel, or make any clearances, blocks, or tackles, in his 90 minutes on the pitch, but did complete 95% of his attempted passes.
4
CB – James Debayo
The first change to the starting XI could come at the heart of the defence for Leeds. Pascal Struijk could miss out with an adductor injury, with his availability said to be a last-minute call.
With Max Wober also out with a knee injury, Farke’s options are to move Ampadu back into a centre-back role – as he did last season – or call upon academy talent James Debayo.
In his pre-match press conference, the German boss revealed that he has been “very impressed” by Debayo in training and starting him next to Rodon would allow Ampadu to continue in midfield, which is why that is the route the manager could go down on Saturday.
5
LB – Junior Firpo
Junior Firpo
At left-back, Junior Firpo should retain his place in the side after the former Barcelona man produced a strong showing last time out against Cardiff.
He won five of his eight duels, making three tackles and two interceptions, and created three chances for his teammates, which shows that the defender offered quality at both ends of the pitch.
6
CM – Ethan Ampadu
Ampadu should captain the team in the middle of the park and will not play at centre-back to replace Struijk, with Debayo boldly unleashed at the back instead.
The Wales international won eight of his 11 duels in midfield against Cardiff and will look to offer a combative presence for Leeds against Coventry.
7
CM – Ilia Gruev
Next to the skipper, Ilia Gruev could be named in the starting XI once again, having started all six of the club’s Championship matches so far this season.
The former Werder Bremen star has yet to register a goal or an assist in the division this term and should be aiming to rectify that in the coming games.
8
RW – Wilfried Gnonto
On the right side of the attack, Wilfried Gnonto should keep his place in the team after he played an important role in the win over Cardiff last weekend.
It was the Italy U21 international’s surging run that forced Bagan to haul him to the floor, albeit momentarily, and take the red card for his side in the first half, which allowed the Whites to go on and control the game with ease against ten men.
9
AM – Joel Piroe
The second change to the starting XI could come in the number ten position as Joel Piroe could be rewarded with a start ahead of Brenden Aaronson.
In the last three matches, the Dutch forward has come off the bench and scored two goals – against Hull and Cardiff – and Farke may look to reward his impressive cameos with a start.
It would be harsh on Aaronson, who has produced two goals and one assist in the Championship this season, but rotation is important when there are 46 games to play in the campaign and he will get plenty of other opportunities to shine.
For this match, Piroe, who was once hailed as “dangerous” by journalist Josh Bunting, should be given a chance to show what he can do from the start after his impressive goalscoring exploits off the bench in recent weeks.
10
LW – Largie Ramazani
Largie Ramazani
On the left side of the attack, Largie Ramazani should make his full debut at Elland Road after his first start in Wales against Cardiff last Saturday.
Manor Solomon remains out with a back injury but the Belgian whiz deserves to start, irrespective of whoever else is available, after a fine finish to open his account for the club in the first half last weekend.
He reflects on how things went wrong for him in 2016 and the challenges in the conditions
Alex Malcolm27-Jun-2022Stick to your plans. That will be the message to Australia’s batters as they head to Sri Lanka for their biggest batting examination in three years of Test cricket.Pakistan did not quite throw up the batting challenges against spin that were anticipated in March, particularly in the first two Tests, where Australia secured a 1-0 win led with the bat by the prolific Usman Khawaja. However, not every Australian batter prospered, with some losing the patience battle in conditions that demanded diligence and discipline more so than technical prowess against spin.Sri Lanka will pose a different challenge, with two Tests in Galle on what are likely to be big turners from early in the game.Former Australia batter and current Western Australian coach Adam Voges found out how challenging Sri Lanka can be both technically and mentally on Australia’s disastrous tour in 2016.Voges went to Sri Lanka as Australia’s oldest player at 35 and was averaging 95.50 after his first 15 Tests, including five centuries and two doubles. He also went as one of Australia’s best players of spin. But he averaged just 19.66 for the series in three Tests, falling to spin five times including four times to the left-arm orthodox of Rangana Herath, who took 28 wickets at 12.75 for the series to dismantle Australia in a 3-0 Sri Lankan sweep.Related
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Lyon: 'Remarkable to be around for that long and have played a role in Australian cricket'
Voges regrets abandoning his plans to use his sweep shot following the tour game prior to the Test series.”I’d do a few things differently,” Voges told ESPNcricinfo. “It was a disappointing tour from a team point of view, but certainly from my point of view, it certainly wasn’t the tour that I wanted to have.”I had a very clear plan on how I wanted to play over in Sri Lanka going into that series and worked a lot on my sweep shot, knowing that we were going to face a lot of spin in those conditions. The disappointing thing on reflection was that I went away from those plans.”I got out sweeping in our practice game and sort of put the conventional sweep shot away during the Test series and it probably really limited what I was able to do from a scoring and rotation of strike point of view.”If I had my time again, I would have stuck to my guns and backed my plan in and who knows, it may not have made any difference to what I was able to produce, but I would have been a lot more comfortable knowing that I’d stuck with something that I’d worked so hard on in the lead-up to that series.”‘I got out sweeping in our practice game and sort of put the conventional swipe shot away…it probably really limited what I was able to do’•AFP
None of Australia’s Test batters will have had any red-ball cricket heading into the first Test starting on Wednesday. David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green and Alex Carey have all played in the ODI series, as has Glenn Maxwell, who has also been drafted into the Test squad as cover for Head after his hamstring injury.Maxwell has not played a first-class match with a red ball since 2019. Khawaja has played no cricket at all since his phenomenal performance in Pakistan, having spent a couple of months at home with his family in the lead-up to this series.Voges stressed the importance of Australia’s batters having a clear plan going into the two-Test series and backing those plans under pressure.”You’ve got to be fast on your feet and you’ve got to be able to create length, either full or short to provide scoring options. I think that’s the absolute key,” Voges said. “It’s generally not the one that spins and beats your outside edge that is the dangerous one. It’s the one that goes straight on the next ball and being able to understand that you definitely have to cover that one and being okay with playing and missing at the odd one that spins past you.”But then if you are going to use your feet and come out of your crease, committing to making sure you’re getting as close to the ball as you possibly can. All easy when you’re sitting down talking about it. It’s being able to go out there and execute it under pressure.”Voges spent some time with Green in Perth in the lead-up to his departure for the ODI series, although preparations were a mixture of white-ball and red-ball, and a lot of it was done indoors using spin mats because of the winter weather in WA in early June.Green employed the sweep shot during the ODI series far more than he ever has previously, but Voges believes he does not need it as much as others because of his size.Usman Khawaja’s improvement against spin could again come to the fore•AFP/Getty Images
“Greeny is different,” Voges said. “He’s so big. He’s got such a big reach and so it’s a little bit different for him. His forward defence and his drives are probably further down the wicket than what shorter players are. So I think that gives him an advantage.”Again, him working out how he wants to go about it, making sure that he’s really strong in his defence and he’s trusting his defence, but being clear about how he’s going to look to score as well.”Ultimately, a lot of the prep work I think gets done over in those conditions. And I think that’s where you truly start to adapt to what you’re going to be playing on.”Khawaja is heading to Sri Lanka for the third time, having played two Tests in 2011 and two more on the 2016 tour. He has scored a total of 115 runs in seven innings in Sri Lanka, with a highest score of 26. But like Voges, he learned some valuable lessons.”I just have a lot more shots now to spin than I did back then,” Khawaja said. “I use my crease better. I score in different parts of the ground. It’s just about trying to make the best decisions now.”I felt like I was a very good player of spinners in 2015 back in Australia. But overseas I still struggled, I just didn’t have enough options.”In Australia, you are taught to go forward, forward, forward. I had to learn how to play off the back foot. So now I can play off the front and back.”