England have left out Josh Tongue from the XI for the second Test, while India have sent Prasidh Krishna to the bench
Matt Roller10-Jul-20253:16
How will the Lord’s slope impact the third Test?
Toss Ben Stokes won his third toss in a row but defied his recent preference by opting to bat first at Lord’s, as England and India welcomed back Jofra Archer and Jasprit Bumrah respectively.Stokes chose to bowl first in both the first two Tests but said that overhead conditions – with Lord’s bathed in sunshine and temperatures set to pass 30-degrees Celsius this week – dictated his decision to bat. It’s only the third time that Stokes has opted to bat first in home Tests, with England losing on both the previous occasions.Shubman Gill, India’s captain, said he was “a bit confused” as to what he would have done if he had won the toss. “I think I would have bowled first,” he said. “I came in yesterday, and the wicket had a bit of green in it. If there’s anything in the wicket, it’s on the first day and in the first session.”2:15
Pant: Great to see bowlers stand up in Bumrah’s absence
Both teams made a single change from the second Test at Edgbaston, with Archer replacing Josh Tongue and Bumrah returning in place of Prasidh Krishna.”The mood is good,” Stokes said. “It’s been a very well-fought two matches… We’re pushing towards coming away from Lord’s at 2-1. The bodies are all good. Everyone likes playing at Lord’s. It’s one of those weeks where you’ve got to enjoy it as much as you can.”Gill has scored 147, 8, 269 and 161 in the series so far. He has played at Lord’s once before, for Glamorgan against Middlesex, but this is his first Test at the venue. “I’m feeling great,” he told Ravi Shastri at the toss. “The hard work, when it pays off, is quite satisfying.”England: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Ben Stokes (capt), 7 Jamie Smith (wk), 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Brydon Carse, 10 Jofra Archer, 11 Shoaib BashirIndia: 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 KL Rahul, 3 Karun Nair, 4 Shubman Gill (capt), 5 Rishabh Pant (wk), 6 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Washington Sundar, 9 Jasprit Bumrah, 10 Akash Deep, 11 Mohammed Siraj
Palmeiras e Santos se enfrentaram neste domingo (8), pela 26ª rodada do Brasileirão, e o Peixe venceu o rival por 2 a 1, de virada. A partida aconteceu na Arena Barueri, e os gols foram marcados por Zé Rafael, Tomás Rincón e Marcos Leonardo.
PALMEIRAS 1 X 2 SANTOS Campeonato Brasileiro – 26ª rodada
Data e hora:8 de outubro de 2023, domingo, às 16h (de Brasília) Local:Arena Barueri, em Barueri (SP) Árbitro:Flavio Rodrigues de Souza (SP-Fifa) Auxiliares:Danilo Ricardo Simon Manis (SP-Fifa) e Marcelo Carvalho Van Gasse (SP) VAR:Rafael Traci (SP-Fifa) Cartões amarelos:Zé Rafael (Palmeiras); Tomás Rincón e Morelos (Santos) Cartões vermelhos:
Gols:Zé Rafael, Tomás Rincón e Marcos Leonardo
PALMEIRAS Weverton; Mayke (Luis Guilherme / 32′ 2T), Gustavo Gómez, Murilo e Piquerez; Zé Rafael (Fabinho/ 12′ 2T), Gabriel Menino (Jhon Jhon / 12′ 2T) e Raphael Veiga (Richard Ríos / 12′ 2T); Endrick, Rony e Kevin (Flaco López / 22′ 2T).Técnico:Abel Ferreira.
SANTOS João Paulo; Lucas Braga, Joaquim, João Basso, Messias e Kevyson; Tomás Rincón (Camacho / 22′ 2T), Jean Lucas e Nonato (Dodi / 22′ 2T); Morelos (Maxi Silvera / 12′ 2T) e Marcos Leonardo.Técnico:Marcelo Fernandes.
With no reserve day scheduled, Freedom advanced directly to the final, having finished first on the points table
ESPNcricinfo staff09-Jul-2025
Qualifier 1 was called off due to heavy rain•Sportzpics for MLC
– Match abandoned due to rainThe Qualifier 1 between Texas Super Kings and Washington Freedom in the MLC 2025 was washed out after relentless rain, with only toss possible. With no reserve day scheduled, Freedom advanced directly to the final, having finished first on the points table during the league stage. This will be Freedom’s second final in two years.The match was officially called off at 9.45pm local time in Dallas – two hours and 45 minutes after the scheduled start of play at 7pm, and 41 minutes before the cut-off time for a five-overs-a-side game.The toss took place on time at 6.30pm local time, with Freedom electing to bowl first. They made one change to the XI from their last league game, bringing in fast bowler Lockie Ferguson for Mark Chapman. Super Kings, meanwhile, went in unchanged.However, just minutes before the scheduled start of play, the stadium was placed under a lightning advisory, and the pitch was covered. After the storm passed, heavy rain followed, leading to the eventual abandonment of the match due to persistent wet weather.Super Kings will now face the winner of the Eliminator – between MI New York and San Francisco Unicorns on Tuesday – in the Qualifier 2.
Na tarde desta quarta-feira (11), Leila Pereira concedeu uma entrevista coletiva com diversos assuntos, incluindo o valor do patrocínio pago ao Palmeiras pela Crefisa, uma de sua empresas. Ao ser questionada sobre o Corinthians ter um valor de camisa maior atualmente, a mandatária se irritou e contestou a informação. Além disso, prometeu igualar a quantia, caso se prove o Verdão recebe menos do que o rival pelo uniforme.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasLeila garante Barros no Palmeiras, mas deixa em dúvida o futuro de Abel Ferreira: ‘Está chateado’Palmeiras11/10/2023PalmeirasLeila Pereira revela quantos reforços quer trazer para o Palmeiras em 2024Palmeiras11/10/2023PalmeirasLeila Pereira aumenta o tom contra organizada do Palmeiras: ‘Câncer do futebol brasileiro’Palmeiras11/10/2023
+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui
A pergunta foi baseada em uma reportagem do GE, que mostrou que o Timão calcula ter chegado a R$ 123 milhões após fechar seu último acordo para a barra frontal da camisa. Isso significaria 50% a mais do que os R$ 81 milhões que o Alviverde recebe de sua patrocinadora, que tem exclusividade em todas as partes do uniforme. No entanto, Leila colocou em dúvida a veracidade desses números.
+ Você quer trabalhar no seu clube do coração? Matricule-se no curso Gestor de Futebol e entenda como!
– Eu sou uma mulher extremamente objetiva e não trabalho com suposição. Eu acho que o o jornalista tem que ser responsável, porque quando vocês falam, vocês são formadores de opinião. Vocês viram o contrato? Eu posso passar a informação que o contrata da Crefisa é de R$ 200 milhões e não mostrar o contrato. Como que podem dizer que uma camisa de um clube vale R$ 123 milhões só porque falaram? Tem que ter a certeza do que falam.
continua após a publicidade
+ Leila Pereira aumenta o tom contra organizada do Palmeiras: ‘Câncer do futebol brasileiro’
A indignação foi tão grande, que Leila Pereira lançou um desafio aos jornalistas presentes na Academia de Futebol. Segundo ela, se apresentarem os contratos que comprovem os R$ 123 milhões de patrocínio na camisa corintiana, ela irá igualar o valor que sua empresa paga ao Palmeiras.
– Me provem que essa camisa do Corinthians está valendo R$ 123 milhões, que eu aumento e pago R4 123 milhões, mas quero que comprovem que essas empresas que pagam o Corinthians, pagam R$ 123 milhões por ano. Eu falo R$ 81 milhões, porque eu pago, sai do meu bolso. Não pode acontecer isso, não dá para divulgar fake news.
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– Eu faço um apelo para vocês: parem com isso. O que querem? Diminuir essa parceria, que é espetacular, extremamente correta? Eu abri mão do patrocínio para a camisa do feminino para que outras empresas investissem e eu não reduzi o valor. Tem o avião, tem as reformas que saem do meu bolso. Isso tudo que gera R$ 1,2 bilhão, eu mostro. Se eu não posso comprovar o valor, eu não falo.
+ Leila Pereira revela quantos reforços quer trazer para o Palmeiras em 2024
Desde 2015 no Palmeiras, a empresa de Leila Pereira tem contrato de patrocínio até dezembro de 2024, mesma duração do mandato da presidente. Ela, inclusive, já prometeu que irá abrir concorrência para o mercado, caso alguma outra companhia se interesse pelas propriedades do uniforme alviverde. Por enquanto, além dos R$ 81 milhões, ela paga bônus por metas e títulos.
تحدث مصطفى شوبير حارس مرمى فريق الكرة الأول بالنادي الأهلي، عن تتويج فريقه بالسوبر المصري على حساب الزمالك.
وحصد النادي الأهلي بطولة كأس السوبر المصري عقب الفوز على غريمه التقليدي الزمالك، بهدفين نظيفين، في المباراة التي جمعت بين الفريقين على ملعب آل نهيان.
طالع.. رجل مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في نهائي كأس السوبر المصري 2025
وقال مصطفى شوبير في تصريحات على قناة “أبو ظبي” الرياضية: “اللاعبون كانوا رجالًا ونستحق هذه الفرحة والتتويج بالبطولة، وأشكر مجلس الإدارة والجماهير بالكامل”.
وأضاف: “أتمنى أن يتحسن الأداء أكثر في الفترة المقبلة، وأشارك بشكل أكثر، المشاركة عامل مهم، وكل شيء يأتي في وقته ولكن أريد المشاركة ولا أريد أن أسبق الأحداث”.
يذكر، ان النادي الأهلي توج ببطولة السوبر المصري للمرة الـ16 في تاريخ النادي كأكثر الأندية حصولا على اللقب.
يشهد اليوم الإثنين 8-9-2025، أجندة كروية قوية على الصعيدين الإفريقي والأوروبي، ضمن التصفيات المؤهلة لبطولة كأس العالم 2026، إضافة إلى مجموعة من اللقاءات الودية.
البداية ستكون من القارة الإفريقية، حيث يخوض منتخب تونس مواجهة صعبة خارج أرضه أمام غينيا الاستوائية، في لقاء يسعى خلاله “نسور قرطاج” لتعزيز موقعهم في صدارة المجموعة الثامنة والاقتراب أكثر من حلم المونديال.
وفي نفس التوقيت، يواجه منتخب المغرب نظيره الزامبي في لوساكا، أما المنتخب الجزائري، فسيكون على موعد مع مواجهة قوية أمام منتخب غينيا، حيث يدخل محاربو الصحراء اللقاء بهدف حسم النقاط الثلاث والاستمرار في الصدارة.
كذلك، يترقب الجمهور العربي مباراة منتخب ليبيا ضد إيسواتيني على ملعب بنغازي، وهي مواجهة لا تحتمل التفريط بعد تعثرات سابقة، في المقابل، تخوض غانا اختبارًا مثيرًا أمام مالي في قمة كروية إفريقية منتظرة مساء اليوم.
وعلى الصعيد الأوروبي، تتواصل الإثارة في التصفيات المؤهلة لكأس العالم، حيث يواجه منتخب اليونان نظيره الدنمارك، ومواجهة أخرى قوية تجمع كرواتيا والجبل الأسود، بينما يلتقي منتخب السويد مع كوسوفو في مواجهة متوازنة.
أما على صعيد المباريات الودية، فيبرز اللقاء العربي بين الكويت وسوريا ظهر اليوم، قبل أن يلتقي منتخب فلسطين مع ماليزيا ومنتخب لبنان مع إندونيسيا عصرًا.
وفي مواجهة خليجية مرتقبة، يواجه المنتخب الإماراتي نظيره البحريني في أبوظبي، بينما يلتقي المنتخب السعودي مع جمهورية التشيك في مواجهة قوية ضمن استعداداته للمنافسات القادمة.
طالع أيضًا | دي لا فوينتي بعد السداسية ضد تركيا: لدينا لاعب عبقري.. وإصابة ويليامز مؤسفة مواعيد مباريات اليوم الإثنين 8-9-2025 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات تصفيات إفريقيا لكأس العالم اليوم
غينيا الاستوائية ضد تونس، الساعة 4:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC 2”.
موزمبيق ضد بوتسوانا، الساعة 4:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC 3”.
زامبيا ضد المغرب، الساعة 4:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “Arryadia TNT”.
مالاوي ضد ليبيريا، الساعة 7:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC 2”.
أوغندا ضد الصومال، الساعة 7:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC Extra 1”.
غينيا ضد الجزائر، الساعة 7:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC 1”.
غينيا بيساو ضد جيبوتي، الساعة 7:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.
مدغشقر ضد تشاد، الساعة 7:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.
ليبيا ضد إسواتيني، الساعة 10:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.
غانا ضد مالي، الساعة 10:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC 2”. مواعيد مباريات تصفيات أوروبا لكأس العالم
كوسوفو ضد السويد، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sport 6”.
سويسرا ضد سلوفينيا، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports 6”.
اليونان ضد الدنمارك، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports 4”.
بيلاروسيا ضد إسكتلندا، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports 3”.
كرواتيا ضد الجبل الأسود، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports 2”.
جبل طارق ضد جزر الفارو، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports 7”.
الكيان الصهيوني ضد إيطاليا، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports XTRA 3”. مواعيد المباريات الودية اليوم
الكويت ضد سوريا، الساعة 1:00 ظهرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.
ماليزيا ضد فلسطين، الساعة 4:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.
إندونيسيا ضد لبنان، الساعة 4:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.
الإمارات ضد البحرين، الساعة 7:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “Abu Dhabi Sports 1”.
جمهورية التشيك ضد السعودية، الساعة 8:15 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “STC”.
ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــا
Slowly and then all at once would be one way to describe Arsenal’s summer thus far.
While their rivals were making signing after signing last month, Mikel Arteta’s side appeared rather sluggish, going back and forth between Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko without making much progress towards either one.
However, over the last week or so, things have begun to change, with Kepa Arizabalage through the door, Christian Norgaard’s arrival feeling like a matter of time, and an avalanche of reports linking the club to Crystal Palace superstar Eberechi Eze.
Eberechi Eze for Crystal Palace.
Furthermore, Andrea Berta and Co appear intent on bringing in more Premier League talent this month, with reports now linking the club to someone who could be a dream teammate for Eze.
Arsenal target Premier League stars
While Arsenal are more than happy to shop abroad, the club are also no stranger to picking up players from closer to home, and so far this summer, they have been linked with several Premier League stars, like Morgan Rogers and Anthony Elanga.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former was superb for Aston Villa last season, racking up a tally of 14 goals and 15 assists in 54 games, but such a great campaign has seen his price tag soar, and reports have suggested he could cost the Gunners as much as £70m.
Likewise, Elanga once again proved his worth for Nottingham Forest in 24/25, racking up 18 goal involvements in 43 games, which in turn has seen his potential price tag reach £60m.
However, there is another, slightly cheaper, but still exciting Premier League attacker who is reportedly in the Gunners’ sights this summer: Noni Madueke.
At least that’s according to a recent report from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, which reaffirms that Arsenal are very much interested in the Chelsea star.
The report goes a step further, though, claiming that the North Londoners are now in talks with the dynamic winger, having submitted their contract offer to the player, who is valued at close to £50m, according to other reports. What makes this move doubly interesting is that the player actually spent time in the Spurs academy as a youngster.
It could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Madueke’s ability and potential, it might be one worth fighting for, especially as he could be a perfect teammate for Eze.
Why Eze would love Madueke
So, it might be somewhat simplistic, but one of the reasons Eze might love to play with Madueke is down to his output, as that’s what’s going to help the Palace star’s own goal and assist numbers.
For example, despite not always being one of the first names on the teamsheet at Chelsea last season, the exciting winger was still able to amass a decent haul of 11 goals and five assists in 2589 minutes of football, spread across 44 appearances.
That means the 23-year-old averaged a goal or assist every 161.81 minutes for the Blues, which isn’t too bad at all, and substantially better than Gabriel Martinelli’s average of a goal involvement every 222.75 minutes and even better than Leandro Trossard’s average of one every 172.75 minutes.
On top of being a fairly reliable scorer and provider of goals, the “unbelievable” forward, as dubbed by former manager Mauricio Pochettino, has also got some brilliant underlying numbers to his name, including some that would be music to Eze’s ears.
For example, FBref places him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and carries into the penalty area, the top 4% for touches in the opposition’s penalty area and many more, all per 90. With those qualities in mind, it’s hardly a surprise that some within the game have said that he’s “very similar to Saka.”
Madueke’s FBref scout report
Statistics
Per 90
Percentile
Progressive Carries
6.82
Top 1%
Carries into Penalty Area
4.12
Top 1%
GCA (Defensive Action)
0.04
Top 4%
Touches (Att Pen)
8.15
Top 4%
Non-Penalty xG
0.43
Top 6%
Shots Total
3.54
Top 7%
Progressive Carrying Distance
154.28
Top 7%
Shots on Target
1.33
Top 8%
All Stats via FBref
Now, those three statistics could be particularly important for the Eagles ace, as they suggest the Chelsea man is truly elite at getting the ball into seriously dangerous areas, which in turn could result in better and more chances for his teammates.
Ultimately, from his output to what’s going on under the hood, Madueke looks like someone who could explode in the right environment, and therefore, we reckon he’d be an incredible teammate for Eze at Arsenal.
He's more exciting than Eze: Arsenal close in on signing £69m "monster"
The goalscorer would be a bigger game-changer for Arsenal than Eze.
Everton have now reportedly enquired about the availability of a Premier League star in the summer transfer window, with David Moyes an admirer of the player in question.
Everton in talks with ace and reach verbal agreement with player
The Blues appear to be pushing hard to complete some exciting summer transfer business, with the Merseysiders reportedly in talks with the agents of Fred over a move to Bramley Moore Dock.
The former Manchester United midfielder could be a shrewd and experienced addition who has proven himself in the Premier League in the past, making 139 appearances in the competition. Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho is keen on keeping hold of the Brazilian, though.
Fred in action for Fenerbache.
Meanwhile, Everton have reportedly reached a verbal agreement over the signing of Kenny Tete from Fulham, with the right-back out of contract in west London at the end of this month.
The Dutchman could come in as an upgrade on the likes of Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman, bringing a mix of defensive solidity and attacking thrust to Moyes’ team, and the fact that it would be on a free transfer is an added bonus.
Everton enquire about Premier League "fighter"
According to a new claim from Give Me Sport, Everton have enquired to Manchester City about the potential signing of Jack Grealish this summer.
Newcastle United and Napoli are also believed to be in the mix to sign the 29-year-old, who is expected to leave the Etihad after four years there, joining for £100m from Aston Villa back in 2021. However, the Toffees may find a transfer hard to complete as Grealish is looking to play in the Champions League next season.
Grealish’s stock has fallen over the past year or two, with a lack of end product under Pep Guardiola, but it could simply be that he needs a new challenge and regular game time.
Guardiola has described the Englishman as a “fighter”, often being relentlessly kicked and fouled during games, while Moyes heaped huge praise on him back in 2021, saying:
“He is a really good player and probably the best player in the Premier League at this time. He has done such a big job at that club (Villa) and is probably the best player in the league right now.”
There are definite risks in Everton signing Grealish, not least because he turns 30 this year and would demand big wages, but he possesses the swagger and unpredictable style to be a hit among Blues supporters.
Moyes' new Doucoure: Everton start talks to sign "magnificent" £13m star
David Moyes could win Everton’s new Abdoulaye Doucoure by securing this star’s services.
ByKelan Sarson Jun 22, 2025
He may love the idea of being given more freedom to express himself in the final third, compared to Guardiola’s precise tactics, so it is a signing that could be worth the gamble, although it may be tricky to seal.
Also says he is not a fan of pre-seeding teams, which could potentially now force three table-toppers in one Super Eight group
Matt Roller16-Jun-20243:00
Starc on Hazlewood’s comment: ‘A throwaway line blown out of proportion’
Mitchell Starc accused the media of blowing “a throwaway line” from Josh Hazlewood “right out of proportion” after Australia’s win over Scotland ensured rivals England progress to the Super Eight of the T20 World Cup 2024.Hazlewood suggested earlier this week that it would be in Australia’s “best interests” to eliminate England at the group stage, speculating about a scenario where they could “drag out” their game against Scotland. The Australian camp has since played the comments down, insisting Hazlewood joking comment was taken out of context.Related
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Australia expecting significant spin threat in Super Eight
Stoinis breaks Scotland hearts, England through to Super Eight
With their Super Eight seeding predetermined and no points carried forward, Australia had nothing to play for in St Lucia except gaining playing time. But England hammered Oman on Thursday to overtake Scotland’s net run rate and then beat Namibia convincingly in a rain-shortened game on Saturday afternoon, which meant that Scotland needed to win to qualify.Australia rested Pat Cummins and Hazlewood and were a long way short of their best in the field, dropping six catches as Scotland set them a target of 181. They started slowly in the chase, showing limited intent, and at one stage needed 87 off 39 balls with England watching on nervously from Antigua.But Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis and Tim David took them home with two balls to spare and put to bed any questions about their approach to bed. Mitchell Marsh, their captain, laughed at the post-match presentation when he was asked how much England’s fate had been discussed: “I think more externally than internally, but we won today and that’s all that matters.”Starc ‘not a fan’ of pre-seedingThe situation exposed the shortcoming of the tournament’s structure, with teams’ Super Eight opponents predetermined by seedings rather than their first-round finishing positions. Australia will progress as ‘B2’ despite winning all four group games.Depending on the result of Afghanistan’s game against West Indies on Monday night, three group winners could be drawn in the same Super Eight pool as a result.There is also information asymmetry in every group, with some teams advantaged by playing last and therefore knowing exactly what they need to qualify. “I think there’s a question to be asked about pre-seeding. I’m not sure I’m a fan of that.” Starc said, when asked if the ICC should schedule the final round of games within each group simultaneously to avoid potential integrity issues.But he also insisted that the comments Hazlewood made, directly responding to questions about possible scenarios, had nothing to them. “I think a throwaway line has been blown right out of proportion by you lot,” he said, referring to the media attending his post-match press conference.”You don’t stuff around with mother cricket and trying to worry about other results. We’re here to win games. It’s international cricket. England now are on the other side of the draw, so it really doesn’t make that much difference for the next three games. So yeah, I think that was blown right out of proportion by you guys.”Brandon McMullen, who top-scored for Scotland with 60 off 34 balls, said they had never questioned Australia’s intentions. “They’re always going to put up a good fight,” he said. “They’re never just going to roll over and let you win. I’m glad that it was a close game today. We showed that we can compete at this high level against the best players in the world.”Ashton Agar celebrates dismissing Michael Jones•AFP/Getty Images
Starc described Australia’s catching as “terrible” but played down the fact they had nothing riding on the result. “[It was about] trying different options for us, but still trying to be very competitive with ball and with bat,” he said. “We certainly dropped the mark in the field… It didn’t feel different. It’s still a World Cup game, you’re still playing for Australia and you still try to take wickets and win games.”Australia expect spin to play a major role in the latter stages of this tournament and bowled 12 overs of spin in total, including four from Ashton Agar in his first appearance of the World Cup. “We were in a position where we had plenty of options on the table,” Starc said. “We had a chance to rest the two big boys [Hazlewood and Pat Cummins] and get some gametime into Ash.”We have another game here [against India] in the Super Eight, so [it was about] getting accustomed to or having a look at conditions here as well… having some batting time into our middle order and some of our spinners obviously getting some time in different situations in the bowling innings, it was a good hit out. That was all we wanted and then we push onto the Super Eights.”Starc also played down concerns about his calf, having been rested for Australia’s win over Oman. “I had a scan, it was all clear, and I had the extra few days with the Namibia game and [came] back in today. It was all good to go. It was better off doing it in the first half of the tournament than when it gets busy in the second half.”