Tag Futebol

The mood around Arsenal at the moment could be described as jubilant.

Mikel Arteta’s side have looked impressive out in Singapore and Hong Kong, and on top of that, Andrea Berta has been hard at work securing signings.

As things stand, the most significant is undoubtedly Viktor Gyokeres, who finally completed his £63.5m move from Sporting CP last season, and, with his tally of 54 goals in 52 games last season, could be the missing piece in the Gunners’ attack.

However, with over a month left of the transfer window, there is plenty of time for the club to get some more attacking talent in the side, and while Eberechi Eze has been a name on a lot of fans’ wishlists, the North Londoners might be wise to go for another player entirely.

Arsenal's pursuit of Eze

Arsenal have been credited with an interest in Eze long before this summer, with several reports doing the rounds around this time last year.

Transfer Focus

However, it would be fair to say that the club’s interest in the player they released as a youngster has been far more significant this time around, with some reports going as far as to claim that he’s desperate to join his old side.

It’s not hard to see why the Gunners would be so keen to sign the Crystal Palace superstar, as he was nothing short of magnificent for the Eagles last season.

In 43 games, totalling 3303 minutes, the England international scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists, which means he averaged a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.

Moreover, he spearheaded their FA Cup triumph, scoring in the quarter-final, semi-final and final as he led the South Londoners to their first major trophy ever.

However, while there is plenty to like about the 27-year-old, it is being reported that Palace want whoever signs him to pay his £67.5m release clause and that the first payment has to be a whopping £30m.

So, it might instead be wise for Arsenal to look at another player they’ve been linked with this summer: Xavi Simons.

Arsenal could sign Simons instead

Yes, he might not be as familiar to Premier League fans, but the player Arsenal could turn to in place of Eze this summer is Simons.

Now, the RB Leipzig ace is currently close to joining Chelsea, if reports are to be believed, but hijacking a transfer is nothing new in football, and given where the Gunners are in their project, we see no reason why they couldn’t get their man, especially since they were previously quite heavily linked with him.

Moreover, with reports claiming that the upper valuation of the Dutchman is around £56m, he’d also represent a potentially cheaper option for the North Londoners.

With that said, why would the former PSV Eindhoven ace make a great alternative, or even a better signing than the Englishman?

Well, firstly, his output in the league last season, which is every player’s bread and butter, was even better, as in just 25 appearances, totalling 2763 minutes, the dynamic “superstar,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored ten goals and provided seven assists.

That comes out to an outrageously impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.47 games, or one every 86.28 minutes.

In contrast, the Eagles ace managed to score eight goals and provide eight assists in 34 Premier League appearances, totalling 2603 minutes, which comes out to a still good but comparatively less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.12 games, or every 162.68 minutes.

Appearances

25

34

Minutes

2763′

2603′

Goals

10

8

Assists

7

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.68

0.47

Minutes per Goal Involvement

86.28′

162.68′

Away from their output, then, and another advantage the Amsterdam-born phenom has over the former QPR star is that he’s even more versatile.

For example, while he’s incredible in attacking midfield, so much so, in fact, that one analyst has dubbed him “one of the best 10s in the world,” he can also play on the left, like Eze, but also off the right and even at times up top, which is a level of flexability that would give Arteta so many tactical options.

Finally, and this is an important factor, the former Paris Saint-Germain prospect is five years younger than the Greenwich-born international, and based on research carried out by The Athletic, is still four years off his peak, whereas the former Hale Ender is technically one year past his.

Ultimately, both Eze and Simons are incredible players, but from his performances in the league to his positional versatility and age, there are several reasons the latter would be a better signing for Arsenal than the former.

Arsenal eye "fascinating" Eze alternative with £22.5m release clause

The Gunners are after another number 10.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 30, 2025

Manchester City are readying a £51 million bid to sign their top target to replace Ederson, who has continually been linked with a move away this summer.

Man City’s Ederson has now entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad, and it looks as though the Blues have the opportunity to cash in on the Brazilian before the transfer window closes. Turkish giants Galatasaray have made Ederson a transfer target this summer, and the goalkeeper is said to be keen on the switch after a difficult campaign in England.

Given the new speculation surrounding Ederson, City have already begun work on finding a suitable replacement. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, City have made contact with Burnley over a deal to sign James Trafford.

The former England under-21 international was at City before he joined the Clarets on a permanent basis, and now the Blues are looking to bring him back.

Man City initiate contact to hijack Newcastle deal for "world-class" star

The Citizens could compile Newcastle’s misery.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 19, 2025

City are not the only team chasing Trafford, as Newcastle United have been working on a deal for the 22-year-old for some time now, and therefore, the Blues may have to hijack any potential deal to bring Trafford back to the Etihad. And with that in mind, it seems they have turned to a different shot-stopper as their priority number one.

Man City ready to submit £51m bid to sign Diogo Costa

According to Maisfutebol, relayed by Sport Witness, Man City are working on a deal to sign Diogo Costa from FC Porto.

The report states that City have identified Costa as their top target to replace Ederson, and they have already made contact to get an understanding of a potential transfer. Costa is under contract until 2027 and has a release clause worth €75 million, which is roughly £64 million, but City are preparing an offer worth €60 million (£51 million). It remains unclear if Porto are willing to accept an offer less than the release clause.

The Portugal international joined Porto at a young age in 2010, and since then, he has worked his way through the academy set-up to be their number one goalkeeper. Last season, Costa equalled his best tally of clean sheets, as he kept 16 and only conceded 27 times in 32 Liga Portugal games.

Costa

Ederson

Apps

32

26

Goals conceded

27

26

Goals conceded per 90

0.84

1.01

Saves made

57

53

Save percentage

74.1

69.2

Penalty kicks saved

2

0

Passes attempted

1222

923

Passes completed

1016

811

As well as Ederson, City do already have Stefan Ortega and Marcus Bettinelli in their ranks, but should Costa arrive, it would be in the Brazilian’s place as number one.

City may look to act quickly in terms of wrapping up a deal for Costa, as earlier in this window, Manchester United were given the green light to sign him. He is thought to be pushing to leave Porto and is open to the idea of a move to Old Trafford or elsewhere.

Sunderland are on the hunt for Premier League-level reinforcements and have entered the race for a prolific striker from one of Europe’s top five leagues, according to a report.

Sunderland set out stall to consolidate in the Premier League

Beating the drop will be the immediate priority for Regis Le Bris on Wearside, who will have to plan for life without duo Tommy Watson and Jobe Bellingham following their moves to Brighton & Hove Albion and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.

Despite receiving criticism, Kristjaan Speakman has explained that playoff final hero Watson’s departure being public was to promote transparency with supporters following the club’s decision to speak openly about his move to the South Coast.

Why is this relevant? Well, it could be a sign of things to come moving forward, which will hopefully lead to news surrounding incomings sooner rather than later.

Sunderland now want "exceptional" £37k-p/w star who could cost £30 million

The Black Cats are probing on the market.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 13, 2025

Ishe Samuels-Smith is said to be on the Black Cats’ radar following his rise to prominence in Chelsea’s youth ranks. Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Wanderers star Tommy Doyle could also pitch up in the North East, circumstances permitting.

Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga has a £1.2 million release clause Sunderland are keen to take up. Nevertheless, recent reports suggest Le Bris may be looking to add to his pool of offensive options rather than prioritising a move for a defender.

Sunderland eyeing move for Sassuolo star Armand Lauriente

According to AS Roma Live, Sunderland are in the race to sign Sassuolo striker Armand Lauriente, and it would cost around £17 million to bring the 26-year-old to Tyneside.

Roma, Bologna, Fiorentina and Marseille are also interested in the former France Under-21 international, who will find himself playing Serie A football once again next season after his side claimed the Serie B title.

Armand Lauriente in 2024/25 – Serie B (Fotmob)

Shots

81

Shots on target

43

Successful dribbles

31

Chances created

37

Touches in opposition box

152

Labelled “amazing” by Jacek Kulig, Lauriente registered 19 goals and six assists in 34 appearances across all competitions and is now regarded as a hot property across Europe.

Intriguingly, the versatile forward has previously worked with Le Bris at Lorient, which may explain why the Black Cats have come to the table despite stiff competition from elsewhere.

The Premier League is the toughest in the world to crack, especially as a newly-promoted side, so it is interesting to see Sunderland set the bar high in their search for attacking potency.

Now, it remains to be seen whether they can tempt Lauriente with the prospect of starring for a returning force in the top-flight.

Matches at LPL 2024 will feature two additional powerplay overs at the death. The two “power-blast overs”, which will be the 16th and 17th overs of each completed innings, will have a maximum of four fielders outside the 30-yard circle. This is in addition to the usual powerplay in the first six, where only two fielders are allowed outside the circle.The new feature is designed to create “a more aggressive and thrilling phase of the game”, according to a LPL statement. “We decided to bring this innovation in order to create further excitement for the league, which is growing year by year,” Samantha Dodanwela, the LPL’s tournament director, said in the statement. “This new introduction is sure to generate a lot of excitement among the fans, and the teams will need to strategise effectively to make the most of this period.”Outside of the two sets of power overs, a maximum of five fielders, as per normal, can be in the outfield.LPL 2024 will run from July 1 to 21, clashing in large part with the USA’s Major League Cricket. The latter will feature more high-profile overseas names; the LPL has traditionally struggled to attract foreign talent, given the money on offer, but enjoys some popularity among local fans.The 2024 season, the fifth edition of the tournament, will comprise 20 league matches between five franchises, followed by three playoffs and the final. Each team will play each other twice in the league stage, before four of the five teams make the playoffs.Among the teams is Dambulla’s new franchise, Dambulla Sixers. The Dambulla team’s change in ownership was announced earlier this month, after Sri Lanka Cricket was forced to terminate the previous franchise because one of the co-owners – Tamim Rahman – was arrested by Sri Lanka police under the Prevention of Offences Related to Sports Act.

Former England fast bowler had been appointed to the post in April 2022

Andrew Fidel Fernando27-Jun-2024

Matheesha Pathirana was among the quicks that came through under Chris Silverwood•ICC/Getty Images

Chris Silverwood has resigned from his position as head coach of Sri Lanka’s men’s team, effective immediately. Silverwood had been in the job since April 2022. SLC had extended his tenure in April until the end of the ongoing T20 World Cup.SLC CEO Ashley de Silva told ESPNcricinfo that Silverwood had conveyed his decision to resign before the board had had any internal discussions as to whether it would like to extend his contract further.”Being an international coach means long periods away from loved ones,” Silverwood said in an SLC statement. “After lengthy conversations with my family and with a heavy heart, I feel it is now time for me to return home and spend some quality time together.”Silverwood thanked the players, coaches, backroom staff, and management of SLC, and said he’d be “taking away many fond memories” from his time in Sri Lanka.Related

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Silverwood, a former fast bowler himself, will be remembered for the emphasis he put on developing Sri Lanka’s pace resources. The likes of Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, and Nuwan Thushara have all come through under him. Sri Lanka had also won the T20 Asia Cup in 2022, and made the final of the 2023 ODI Asia Cup under his tenure.Sri Lanka have also had two disastrous World Cup campaigns during this time, however. They finished ninth at last year’s ODI World Cup and consequently failed to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy. They also crashed out of the ongoing T20 World Cup in the first round, having lost to South Africa and Bangladesh.SLC CEO said the board would be advertising the head coach role, and would “also be doing some head-hunting”. The board was also considering local coaches for the position, he said.The team’s next major fixtures are the Tests in England, which start on August 21.

While Arsenal crashed out in the semi-final stages of the Champions League, they can at least take solace from the fact that they were beaten by the eventual winners.

Mikel Arteta may have proclaimed that his side were the better of the two teams when they faced PSG over two legs, but it’s hard to argue in favour of that.

Indeed, once all was said and done, Luis Enrique’s men reigned supreme.

It was the exciting, energetic trio of Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who came to the fore again in the final, pummelling five past Inter Milan.

As it happens, Arsenal could well sign their answer to Doue this summer.

Arsenal in talks to sign new winger

The Gunners are in the market to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad but their success in the market over the forthcoming months will very much come down to how they strengthen in attack.

Benjamin Sesko appears to be the primary option in attack with talks reportedly underway behind the scenes over a move.

Andrea Berta is a very busy man, as he’s not the only offensive option discussions are being had over.

Earlier this week, reports revealed that Arsenal were considering a move for former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane. Well, over the weekend, a deal may well be progressing.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to Caught Offside, the player’s agent Pini Zahavi, has been in talks with Tottenham Hotspur and the Gunners over signing his client this summer.

Sane is going to be leaving Bayern Munich behind at the end of his contract and as a result, he can be snapped up on a free transfer.

Why Sane could be Arsenal’s answer to Doue

It’s safe to say that Doue is one of the most generational players on the planet right now.

Moving from Rennes to PSG last summer, it took a few months for things to really click but he’s now proven why he’s going to be at the top of the game for the next 15 years.

The Frenchman has been outstanding this term, scoring 15 and registering 16 assists in all competitions.

His biggest and most important goals came in the Champions League final where he was one of their finest players on a remarkable night in Munich, scoring two of their five goals.

This may well sting for those of an Arsenal persuasion as, according to reports, the Londoners were going to meet with Doue’s entourage last summer.

Well, Sane and Doue may be at opposite ends of their career but the former would be a great piece of business on a free transfer, providing he’s not the only arrival in the forward areas.

Once described by Pep Guardiola as “the best in the world playing out wide,” the German has a similar skill set to Doue. They are two players who love beating their man and creating moments of magic out of nowhere.

Doue is right-footed but when he plays on the left, his ability to cut inside and beat players in Neymar-esque fashion is truly captivating.

Well, in many ways, Sane is the right wing version of Doue. He’s got great place, has ridiculous technical ability and his slightly taller, wiry frame also stands out.

So, how do they compare statistically?

Goals

0.45

0.27

Assists

0.38

0.27

Shot on target %

40%

37%

Key passes

2.58

2.31

Progressive passes

4.22

6.97

Shot-creating actions

5.23

5.28

Successful take-ons

3.15

3.24

Progressive carries

4.68

4.69

Well, the numbers suggest, as expected, showcase that they are very very similar players.

Over the last two campaigns, it’s Sane who has registered the higher output as far as goals and assists are concerned, but when it comes to play style, they are near identical.

Doue is streets ahead for progressive passes but when analysing shot-creating actions and their ability to progress play via dribbling and carrying, there is very little to separate the duo.

The French superstar is, of course, a future Ballon d’Or contender but on a free transfer, Arsenal could sign a more experienced and more refined version in Sane. What’s not to like about that?

Arsenal open talks to sign £50m star – he's like Nico Williams & Rodrygo

Arsenal are looking at a whole list of wingers that includes Nico Williams and Rodrygo.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 28, 2025

Liverpool are now confident they’re leading the race for a defender, who has been identified as a top target for the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Reds set sights on new full-backs

Virgil van Dijk has committed his future to the Reds, in a major boost for Arne Slot, but the manager may still be tasked with reshaping his defence in the summer transfer window, as Trent Alexander-Arnold has now confirmed his decision to leave.

With Trent heading for the exit door, Slot may choose to install Conor Bradley as his first-choice right-back, but there have also been links with Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong, with the Dutchman believed to be keen on a move to Anfield.

Not only may a new right-back be required, but Slot could also look at bringing in a replacement for Andy Robertson, with the Scotland international now arguably in the twilight years of his career at the age of 31.

Liverpool now willing to offer up Chiesa to buy 19-goal star in £50m+ swap

The Reds could pull off a surprise swap deal…

1 BySean Markus Clifford May 12, 2025

Jamie Carragher also suggested Robertson was past his best earlier in the campaign, saying: “I just think Andy Robertson, who is an absolute legend, is just hanging on in every game.”

According to a report from TEAMtalk, AFC Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is now the top target for Liverpool at left-back, with his current employers set to hold out for a fee of £45m, amid widespread interest in his signature.

Real Madrid and Manchester City are also keen on the Hungarian, with the Spanish side scouting him this season, but the Reds believe they are still leading the race.

"Mad man" Kerkez could be ideal Robertson heir

The Hungary international has established himself as a vital player for Bournemouth this season, making 36 appearances in the Premier League, during which time he has showcased his attacking threat by picking up two goals and six assists.

Robertson is also very capable on the front foot, having amassed 67 assists during his time with the Reds, so the Bournemouth star could be a like-for-like replacement in that regard, while he has also caught the eye of journalist Zach Lowy.

Bournemouth teammate Marcus Tavernier is clearly a big fan of the 21-year-old too, saying: “He’s a mad man! He’s great, I love that guy to pieces. He brings a lot of energy to the team when it’s quiet and stuff. He has come into the team and been great.”

Having proven himself in the Premier League, Kerkez could be the ideal replacement for Robertson this summer, and Liverpool should look to secure a deal before Real Madrid or Man City step up their interest.

Leeds United are thought to be “well-placed” to complete the signing of a £6.8m-rated midfielder this summer, as the Whites eye key reinforcements to stay in the top flight.

Leeds eyeing Premier League-ready signings

Daniel Farke’s men are basking in the glory of sealing promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League, following two seasons in England’s second tier. It appears to be harder than ever for promoted teams to avoid the drop at the first attempt, highlighting the importance of Leeds and 49ers Enterprises nailing their summer transfer business, bringing in players who are ready to hit the ground running.

With the error-prone Illan Meslier no longer feeling like the Whites’ long-term solution between the sticks, a top-quality goalkeeper will be required this summer, and Wolves stopper Sam Johnstone is reportedly keen on moving to Elland Road. Meanwhile, FC Augsburg ‘keeper Finn Dahmen has also been mentioned as an alternative option to the Englishman.

In terms of possible outfield additions, Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has been linked with a switch to Leeds, which would be an eye-catching piece of business. Granted, the Dane has struggled at Old Trafford this season, but he still has 25 goals in 90 appearances for the Red Devils overall, and seven in 22 caps for Denmark.

Leeds "well-placed" to sign Hidemasa Morita

According to Record [via Sport Witness], Leeds are “well-placed” to sign Sporting CP ace Hidemasa Morita at the end of the season, potentially snapping him up for just £6.8m.

The 29-year-old has to decide if he wants to sign a new Sporting deal this summer, with his current contract there expiring in the summer of 2026, leaving the Portuguese giants running out of time to cash in. He is believed to be tempted by a move to the Premier League.

Morita could be such a strong signing for Leeds ahead of their return to the top flight, having now racked up 112 appearances for Sporting, winning the Primeira Liga title last season. He is also a 40-cap Japan international.

At 29, he could add great experience and competition for places at the base of the Whites’ midfield, making them as hard to play through as possible, as they prepare to face some of the best teams in Europe in 2025/26.

Playing time has been more limited for Morita this term, with only 11 starts coming his way in the league, so he may feel that now is the right time for a new challenge, testing himself in the Premier League.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb May 1, 2025

Morita is statistically a similar player to Kalvin Phillips and Ao Tanaka, according to Football Transfers, which could excite Leeds fans, given the latter’s popularity at Elland Road and Phillips’ incredible time in Yorkshire.

Chelsea are now showing “concrete interest” in signing a winger with “electric pace”, and they have entered talks over a summer deal, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Blues keen to bolster attacking options

Several top Premier League clubs are looking to bring in a new striker, and the Blues are no exception, given that Nicolas Jackson has struggled in front of goal for large parts of the season, despite finding the back of the net against Everton on Saturday.

Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is among the main targets, with the west Londoners leading the race for the Englishman, who is set to be available for £30m this summer, now the Tractor Boys’ relegation from the top flight has been confirmed.

Not only is Enzo Maresca keen to bring in a new striker, but the manager is also looking at bolstering his options out wide, and talks have been opened over a deal for AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, while the same report states Juventus star Kenan Yildiz is also of interest.

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Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 26, 2025

Chelsea are looking at multiple targets from the Serie A, and they are also considering options from the Bundesliga, with Sky Sports reporter Plettenberg taking to X to reveal they have now opened talks for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.

The Blues have expressed a “concrete interest” in signing the winger, as they “believe a talented English player should be playing in his home country”, and talks are ongoing with his management over a potential summer move.

Dortmund are open to offers in the region of €50m – €60m (£43m – £51m), and such is their level of interest, the west Londoners are willing to double Gittens’ salary.

"Electric" Gittens impressing at Dortmund

It has not been the best of seasons for Dortmund, who have fallen short of expectations in the Bundesliga, but the English winger has been a shining light, picking up eight goals and four assists in 29 league matches.

The starlet has also shown some promising signs in the Champions League, scoring four goals in the competition prior to Dortmund’s exit, while picking up one assist.

Not only that, but football scout Ben Mattinson is clearly a fan of the 20-year-old, praising him for his pace, while also claiming he could have more potential than Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola.

There are clear signs that Gittens could be destined for the very top, so it is exciting news that Chelsea are making moves to secure his signature.

A two-ball duck, a few nervous moments, a rapid opening stand with Head in the chase were all part of Weatherald’s Test debut

Andrew McGlashan23-Nov-2025

Jake Weatherald scored a duck and 23 off 34 on Test debut•Getty Images

For Jake Weatherald, Perth was a remarkable start to a Test career.Less than 48 hours after being presented his cap by David Warner and trying to keep his emotions under control while wanting to “scream and jump up and down,” he was celebrating a victory. Between times he had overcome the stresses of being on a pair, and pondering what it could mean for his future, opened with two different partners – neither of them the expected figure – and had a front row seat to the start of one of more spectacular Test innings ever.”It was a very strange game,” he said, which still sounded like an understatement.Related

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As it transpired, Weatherald did not need to open at the very start of the Test so had time to soak in the atmosphere in the field as Mitchell Starc took seven wickets, but he was out there before tea on the opening day. Such was his focus on what was to come, he hadn’t fully realised it wasn’t Usman Khawaja walking out with him due to suffering back spasms, but rather Marnus Labuschagne.Weatherald said there had not been discussion between him and Khawaja over who would face the first ball. Then when Labuschagne asked if he wanted it, Weatherald took the opportunity to get the moment out of the way. Two balls later, he was laid flat out in the crease by a Jofra Archer thunderbolt that trapped him lbw.It was a moment that prompted a few words from the England fielders when Australia’s chase began, this time with Travis Head having come out alongside Weatherald. “It was actually pretty friendly,” Weatherald said. “It was more about Marnus not taking the first ball in my first innings, which I agreed with.”I was like, ‘yeah, you’re right, boys.’ Probably should have taken it for me. But it was all fun and games. I don’t think they were too worried about me, to be fair. I think they were more worried about Heady and the rest of the boys coming in.”Second time around, Head took the first delivery from Archer. Sitting on his pair, Weatherald was forced to sweat through 10 balls before, to huge cheers around Perth Stadium, working one off his body through square leg.Jake Weatherald was blown off his feet by Jofra Archer to fall for a duck•Getty Images”Obviously it wasn’t the greatest way of starting your Test debut but, at the same time, I was super pumped to be out there and I still believed that I had the game to go out there and obviously compete,” he said. “Once I got that second opportunity, I was just like, well, if this is my last time to hit a ball for Australia, I’m going to make sure that I do it my way.”I was lucky that I felt as though I moved really well and probably a bit unlucky in the end to get out the way I did. I felt as though I showed myself that I can move well against really good bowlers on obviously quite a tricky wicket.”Two deliveries after getting off the mark, his first boundary came with a controlled edge down to deep third. However, for a few moments next ball that appeared to be his lot when he was given caught behind to what the on-field umpire deemed to be an inside edge. For just the second time in his career, Weatherald was able to use the DRS, although he needed some reassurance from Head.

“It was an amazing thing to be a part of. Just to say that I’ve been a part of one of those innings of Travy’s is pretty cool”Weatherald on Head’s scintillating century in the chase

“I didn’t think about walking off, but I definitely felt like I heard a noise. So I was a bit rattled by that. And sometimes you can’t always feel the ball, especially on the inside edge.”I’ve done one unsuccessful review at a Big Bash game. So after that experience, I was pretty rattled about getting it wrong. Once Heady came down, he said, ‘I reckon it’s hit your back hip’. I sort of said, ‘well, that’s all I’ve heard.’ He sort of calmed me down a bit. But, yeah, there was probably a little bit of just [in Shield] cricket, you walk off and your day’s done sort of thing.”Weatherald’s eventual dismissal came via a top edge to a short delivery he tried to pull that glanced off his helmet and looped to cover. The final tally of 23 off 34 balls won’t jump out when the game is reviewed in the future, but the opening stand of 75 in just 11.3 overs with Head had broken the back of the 205-run chase. England’s shoulders had already slumped.It had been a partnership between former South Australia team-mates, and Weatherald could not help but be in awe of what Head produced.”It was amazing to watch,” he said. “I’ve been quite vocal about being very envious of Trav and the way he goes about his batting. He walks out there with an ability to be clear and calm and to put pressure on the bowlers no matter what the situation is. To make a hundred when the highest score after that was just over 50 really, it’s amazing skill to walk out there and shut out the external noise.”Obviously the Barmy Army were very vocal, and 200 felt a long way away with the fact that we’d only made 140-odd [132] in the first innings. It was one of those things, the way he walks out and bats and just has complete freedom is something that I envy a lot.”It’s something that gave me a lot of confidence at the other end, [knowing] I’ve just got to commit to what I’m doing and I’ll be successful as well. It helped me a lot and it sort of put a lot more emphasis on him really and just let me go about my thing. It was an amazing thing to be a part of. Just to say that I’ve been a part of one of those innings of Travy’s is pretty cool.”