Pakistan to play Karachi Test against Bangladesh without spectators

The decision was taken by the PCB because on ongoing construction work at the National Stadium

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Aug-2024The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Karachi from August 30 to September 3 will be played without the presence of spectators because of ongoing construction work at the National StadiumThe development is part of an upgrade as the PCB renovates its venues ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy in February-March. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is also undergoing an upgrade ahead of Pakistan’s first ICC tournament since 1996, when they co-hosted the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka, which rules it out as a venue until February 2025.ESPNcricinfo understands a decision was taken to keep the Test in Karachi because the PCB was keen on spreading their seven home Tests, ODIs and domestic cricket across three venues in Karachi, Multan and Rawalpindi. Multan, which was the only other option, is slated to host Pakistan’s first Test against England from October 7. And with various payments having already been made, for hotels, flights and security arrangements, moving to another venue at late notice would’ve incurred losses on a series that is already not expected to be a lucrative one.There is no change in plans for the England Test scheduled in Karachi from October 15, with spectators expected to be in attendance.Related

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Calling it a “difficult decision”, the PCB has suspended ticket sales for the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Karachi with immediate effect. The board had advertised sales for tickets to the Karachi Test as recently as two days ago.”The health and safety of our fans is our utmost priority,” the board said in a statement. “After careful consideration of all available options, we have decided that the safest course of action is to hold the second Test in front of an empty stadium.”While we deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause, we want to assure our valued fans that the ongoing stadium upgrades are aimed at enhancing their experience.”The Bangladesh squad landed in Lahore four days earlier than planned to begin training after the players’ preparation had been disrupted due to the ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh. The team will train for three days at Gaddafi Stadium before travelling to Rawalpindi for the first Test that begins on August 21.The departure ahead of schedule was possible after an invitation from the PCB to the BCB to ensure the Bangladesh players had “adequate and fair training opportunities” ahead of the Tests.Bangladesh previous bilateral tour of Pakistan was in 2020, but that trip was cut short because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Deal close: Sunderland on verge of signing "sensational" 25 y/o international

Sunderland are now close to reaching an agreement over the signing of an “absolutely sensational” player, according to a key update from journalist Loic Jego.

Perhaps the major piece of Black Cats transfer business that has emerged recently is their pursuit of OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, who is considered a top summer target.

Sunderland are believed to be in talks with the 25-year-old over a move to the Stadium of Light, as Regis Le Bris strengthens his options between the sticks ahead of his side’s return to the Premier League in August.

A five-cap Poland international, Bulka has plenty of pedigree as a top-level player, and Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique is an admirer, calling him “superb” after coming up against him in Ligue 1.

Sunderland supporters will surely be keen on seeing the Pole complete a move to the club as soon as possible, and now a fresh update has emerged regarding their interest in him.

Sunderland close to agreement with Bulka

Now, according to Jego on X, an agreement between Sunderland and Bulka is now “imminent”, as the Black Cats close in on a new signing.

Marcin Bulka.

This is fantastic news for Sunderland, who know the importance of doing significant transfer business, in order to avoid a swift return to the Championship next season.

Bulka now has made 73 appearances in Ligue 1, as well as enjoying six Europa League outings, while scout Jacek Kulig has lauded the Nice stopper as an “absolutely sensational” goalkeeper.

In Anthony Patterson, Sunderland already have one excellent option in goal, with the Englishman such an influential presence last season, starting 45 of his side’s 46 Championship matches, but there have been teams sniffing around for his signature.

Competition for places is vital in the Premier League anyway however, and Le Bris will know that he has to be ruthless in leaving good players in reserve, assuming the latter stays at the club this summer.

He'd be amazing with Bulka: Sunderland in the race to sign £7m sensation

Sunderland could really improve their defensive options by landing this star alongside Marcin Bulka.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 27, 2025

Bulka feels like a signing of intent for Sunderland, and there is still plenty of time for the Black Cats to complete further business between now and the end of the transfer window.

Sunrisers sneak through to semi-finals in rain-affected thriller

Sunrisers reached the knockout stages of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for the first time after beating holders Southern Vipers in a rain-affected thriller. Grace Scrivens’ side failed to win a match in the first three editions of the competition, before narrowly missing out on qualification last year.But after fifties for Cordelia Griffith and Lissy MacLeod set them up for 281 in the face of former Sunriser Naomi Dattani’s maiden five-wicket haul, they restricted Vipers to 88 in their 10-over chase of 94 for their seventh win of the tournament.Despite a winless return from the Hundred, holders Vipers had already qualified for next Saturday’s semi-final and had hopes of a home tie ended by South East Stars victory over Northern Diamonds. Vipers will face Stars in their semi-final, while Sunrisers will travel to Diamonds. The winners of those matches will face off at Leicester on September 21.Dattani bowled in two spells, plus a one-off over at the death, which each changed the flow of Sunrisers’ innings. Scrivens and Jo Gardner had serenely pocketed 70 runs in the first 13 overs, after Vipers had put them in, before Dattani schemed to work a way to dismiss the former.She began with four deliveries tight to the stumps before offering width, with Scrivens trying to fashion her own, and found an uncomfortable jab to point, before Gardner was bowled two overs later to one that nipped away.Dattani exited the attack and Sunrisers sprouted again through Griffith and Jodi Grewcock’s 75-run partnership, although both were tested by Rebecca Tyson and Ava Lee’s tight spin.But Dattani’s return immediately saw Grewcock pinned lbw and Eva Grey comprehensively bowled either side of Lee getting her reward by having Griffith stumped – after a 10th half-century for Sunrisers.At 174 for 5, the visitors needed a counter, and found one through the enterprising hitting of MacLeod and Flo Miller. MacLeod biffed a 37-ball fifty – her first in the RHFT since 2021, but third in all competitions this season – while Miller struck 41 off 31 balls in the rapid 90-run stand.But the final three overs saw wickets fall, as MacLeod skewed to short third and Amara Carr was leg before first ball to Georgia Adams. Dattani’s crowning moment – just the third five-for in Vipers history – came when Miller swung straight to deep backward point, before a pair of run outs in the final over saw Sunrisers end on 281.Rain came in the interval, and stayed until it had restricted the Vipers’ innings to just 10 overs – with 94 now their unlikely target, even with minuscule boundaries.Rhianna Southby sliced to backward point in the second over, Ella McCaughan struck a trio of boundaries but took on one ball too many to sky straight up and Dattani swept to short fine leg. Even after Adams was run out, they had stayed ahead of the dizzying rate, helped by Emily Windsor and Nancy Harman’s smart running in a stand worth 26But Harman and Windsor holed out and Abi Norgrove was run out to leave 13 needed off the last over, of which Vipers could only muster seven.After five seasons of regional cricket, Sunrisers are the only team to win a Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy match at the Utilita Bowl, having also tasted victory on the ground last season.

Everton agree deal to sign "top" international who has 3 wins vs Toffees

Everton have now reached an agreement over the signing of a “top” international player this summer, according to a positive claim from journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Who are Everton being linked with signing?

Blues transfer rumours continue to come thick and fast, with Bayer Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha mentioned as a potential option ahead of the return of the Premier League next month.

The 30-year-old’s spell in Germany hasn’t worked out, but he showed what a dominant force he could be in a Fulham shirt, making more tackles than any other player in both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.

Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha in action against Bayer Leverksen.

Everton are also believed to have made their first approach to sign Aston Villa ace John McGinn, with the Scotland international capable of bringing experience, quality and a winning mentality to David Moyes’ squad. However, the Toffees’ enquiry was rejected by those at Villa Park.

Meanwhile, both Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee have been linked with the Blues, too, fresh off the back of their triumphant European Championship campaign with England’s Under-21s.

Everton reach agreement to sign "top" international

According to a key update from O’Rourke on X, Everton have now reached an agreement over the signing Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers this summer.

While Travers may not necessarily be a game-changing signing for the Blues ahead of next season, he feels like a shrewd addition who can provide competition for Jordan Pickford.

The four-cap Republic of Ireland international was limited to only five Premier League appearances last season, highlighting why a new challenge is likely to appeal to him, potentially at Everton.

Travers is a steady pair of hands who could fill in when needed for the Blues – he has beaten Everton three times before – with Scott Parker his team ethic during his spell in charge of the Cherries earlier in the ‘keeper’s career.

“You looked at times thinking, ‘is he ready for this?’ But we stuck with him. And more importantly, Mark Travers has worked tirelessly. He took the bumps along the way and improved drastically. It’s a sign of a top keeper that in big moments makes big saves. Saves you think, ‘wow he should not have saved that. Over the past three or four months, Travs is coming into the realms of making big saves at big moments. That’s happened over the course of the season.”

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It remains to be seen what the fee for Travers’ services will be for Everton, but he should arrive for a relatively cheap amount in the modern game, allowing plenty of funds to still be available for players seen as key starters before the window slams shut at the end of next month.

Agent of £70m+ striker contacts Newcastle, scored 50+ more goals than Ekitike

Newcastle United are beginning to motor this summer and could now be in the running to sign one of Europe’s most prolific marksmen, according to a report.

Newcastle United look to follow up Anthony Elanga's arrival

Eddie Howe has taken a measured approach this window and had to bide his time in the hunt for a big-money signing to follow Antonio Cordero’s arrival in the North East.

However, Anthony Elanga is now officially a Newcastle player after joining on a long-term deal from Nottingham Forest in a transfer said to be worth around £55 million.

Nottingham Forest's AnthonyElangareacts

Signalling his intention to hit the ground running at St James’ Park, he stated: “I’m ready to put on this black and white top to really fight for this team and give everything for the passionate fanbase that lives and breathes football.

“I had an amazing two years at Nottingham Forest, they really helped me to become the player I am today, but I’m really happy to be here now. The club won a trophy last season and are building something unique, something special that I really want to be part of.”

Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike is also on Newcastle’s radar and could represent a statement piece of business at the club. Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins could be a left-field solution to strengthen their forward line.

A new Tonali: Newcastle likely to see £34m bid accepted for "monster" CM

Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign a former Premier League star this summer

By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 13, 2025

Missing out on Joao Pedro to Chelsea will have come as a body blow in the North East. However, with Champions League football on the table, there is far more in the way of optimism than pessimism on Tyneside.

Now, Newcastle are said to have been contacted over the availability of another exciting marksman who could answer the call to fill one of their striking berths.

Newcastle contacted by Benjamin Sesko's agent

According to TBR, Newcastle have been contacted over RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko’s availability by his agent, and Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United are also being kept in the loop regarding his future.

Arsenal had been heavily linked with a swoop for the Slovenia international earlier this summer, but it looks as if Viktor Gyokeres will move to the Emirates Stadium instead, and there are indications from Sesko’s camp of a willingness to move to England.

Hugo Ekitike in senior football

Benjamin Sesko in senior football

Appearances – 150

Appearances – 251

Goals – 50

Goals – 106

Sesko, who has an asking price of £78m, could now be eager to try his hand at the English top-flight and is on the market after missing out on a move to the Gunners, but the scenario of him staying in Germany for another season hasn’t been discounted.

Should Newcastle accelerate their hunt for a new striker, being able to bring in someone who has claimed a wealth of senior experience despite only being 22 years of age would be a statement of intent ahead of their return to the Champions League.

Ben Slater 160 eases Notts' relegation fears

Kent look set to go down after visitors rack up 393 for 6

ECB Reporters Network17-Sep-2024

Ben Slater pummelled Kent with 160•Getty Images

Nottinghamshire took a hefty stride towards safety in Division One of the Vitality County Championship by reaching 393 for 6 at stumps after a dominant first day against Kent at Canterbury.Openers Ben Slater and Haseeb Hameed demoralised the division’s basement side with a stand of 196 for the first wicket: Slater made 160 from 217 balls, with 22 fours, while Hameed made a more pedestrian 56 from 142.Jack Haynes then inflicted further punishment with 62 and Nottinghamshire, who began the day in eighth, were aided by a total of 37 extras, 30 of which came from no-balls.Games at the Spitfire Ground have followed a pattern for Kent fans this season: a slow erosion of hope during the first innings before despair sets in during the second; there’s admirable but futile resistance in the third and then defeat in the fourth, if it goes that far.Last week’s trend-bucking draw with Hampshire at least allowed members a micro-measure of optimism going into this “48-pointer”, but even that had gone within the first half hour. In a pivotal game for both sides’ chances of staying in the division, Kent chose to bowl, only for Notts to race to 50 in just 53 balls.Kent handed a home debut to Akeem Jordan, but his first three overs went for 36 and he was replaced at the Pavilion End by Nathan Gilchrist.Slater was on 41 when he slashed at George Garrett, only for Jack Leaning to drop him at second slip and his 50 came after a misfield from Jordan. It was 134 for 0 at lunch, and the afternoon was only slightly less lopsided. Slater cracked Gilchrist through point for four to reach three figures and Hameed steered Jordan through third man to bring up his 50, before their stand was finally ended when Joey Evison bowled the latter.Freddie McCann then walked after he edged Gilchrist to Leaning for 8, although replays suggested it may not have carried, and Joe Clarke went for 18 when he pulled George Garrett to Gilchrist at deep fine leg, leaving Notts on 271 for 3 at tea.Leaning had Slater caught at first slip by Tawanda Muyeye but Haynes and Lyndon James responded with a partnership of 60 before Haynes was caught off a bottom edge by Muyeye off Gilchrist.James then fell to Jordan for 34 in the penultimate over, given out caught by Muyeye after a lengthy consultation by the umpires, leaving Luke Fletcher and Dane Schadendorf to bat through to stumps on 10 and 8 respectively.

Tom Banton the hero for Somerset but ruled out of T20 Finals Day

Somerset threw open the County Championship Division One title race by beating leaders Surrey in a thrilling day-four finish at Taunton – but victory came at a cost, with Tom Banton ruled out* of Saturday’s Blast semi-final rematch between the teams after rolling his ankle while playing football.Banton batted at No. 11 in Somerset’s second innings, scoring 46 in a vital last-wicket stand with Craig Overton worth 71. Surrey then collapsed from 95 for 3 to 109 all out in the final session of the game, Somerset securing victory with minutes left in the day to cut the champions’ lead at the top to eight points.Speaking before the extent of Banton’s injury was confirmed, Jason Kerr, Somerset’s head coach, conceded that it was “pretty serious”, adding that James Rew would be added to their squad as wicketkeeping cover.”Tom is an incredible talent, but so is James and we believe he has a bright future in all formats,” Kerr said. “Yesterday was a fantastic day and we need to use the confidence and momentum from that tomorrow. We know that anything can happen in the short format of the game, but the confidence in the group is extremely high and it’s a challenge that we’re all looking forward to.”Aside from Banton, who top-scored with 132 in the first innings, Somerset’s heroes were Archie Vaughan – the son of former England captain, Michael – and Jack Leach. Vaughan, playing only his second first-class match, claimed match figures of 11 for 140, while Leach took 9 for 142.Somerset’s dramatic victory kept them in touch with Surrey, the two-time defending champions, and maintained their hopes of winning a domestic treble, having also progressed to the One-Day Cup final later this month.”It was a crazy hour at the end,” Somerset captain, Lewis Gregory, said. “There were periods when not much happened, but the lads hung in there and Jack Leach and Archie Vaughan were fantastic the whole game.”To get a win with only a couple of minutes left in the match was very special. Four-day wins are some of the most pleasing you have as a cricketer because you work so hard for them.”Archie has taken to first-class cricket like a duck to water. The fact that he is more of a batter than a bowler is the really exciting bit and we believe he is going to be very good to watch with the bat over a number of years. If you throw in the off-spin he has bowled in this game, there is a mighty special cricketer developing.”Leachy is a great mate of mine. He has been through a good deal of adversity in his life and not just his cricket career. It’s great to see him back in the England squad and I’m sure he will show what he can do in Pakistan.”The coaches and myself said at the start of the season that we wanted to be in a position to challenge for trophies come September. The fact that we can still win three shows the calibre of players we have in our dressing room.”Although Surrey had their lead at the top cut, they remain in control of their own destiny with two rounds of the Championship to play – a home fixture against Durham and a trip to Chelmsford to play Essex.”We had a concentration lapse for the last hour of the game and it cost us the result,” Surrey head coach, Gareth Batty, said. “It was a very good game of cricket and we played our part in it, but Somerset deservedly take the points.”We are still top of the league and eight points clear. And, while we had a poor hour, there were still lots of positives to take from the game for us.”Archie Vaughan bowled nicely, but it is for Somerset to comment on his performance. It’s a really nice start for the lad and we wish him all the success for the future.”It will stay in the dressing room how we are feeling. We are a very tight unit and we will go into next week incredibly confident that we can do what is required at The Oval.”We meet Somerset again at Finals Day on Saturday. It will be a different format and different colour ball, but both teams have played good cricket in the group stages. There will be a few new faces in the match-ups and we will go again.”*September 13, 4.23pm BST – This story was updated following confirmation of Banton’s omission

Rangers now keen to sign new 20 y/o European who can play in 6 positions

Glasgow Rangers are now interested in completing the signing of a young player who could play in six different positions at Ibrox, according to a new Gers transfer claim.

Rangers and Martin could miss out on Liverpool gem

The Gers have been linked with a move for Liverpool left-back Owen Beck this summer, seeing him as a strong option in that area of the pitch.

However, it looks as though the Scottish Premiership giants are set to miss out on the 22-year-old, with journalist John Percy claiming that a move to Championship side Derby County is now on the cards instead.

While defensive additions are important for Rangers ahead of the new season, it looks as though Robin Propper’s exit remains possible, with FC Twente technical director Jan Streuer talking up a return to the club, should the centre-back not be part of Russell Martin’s plans at Ibrox.

“We had too many changes at the back last season; something had to be done. It isn’t [very simple], because of all sorts of factors beyond your control. Just before last season, our captain, Robin Propper, left at the last minute. We really missed him. Rangers bought him.

“A Scottish top club, you can’t compete with that. Now there’s a new manager at Rangers, he might play less. Then he could return. But he’ll want to wait and see first whether he’ll actually play less. Do we have to decide: do we wait for that, or do we look further?”

Rangers keen on signing versatile new target

According to Prima Vercelli [via Sport Witness], Rangers are in the mix to sign KR Reykjavik youngster and new target Johannes Bjarnason this summer.

The 20-year-old midfielder is also wanted by Genk and Pro Vercelli, but there is no mention of an asking price in the report. The Gers have reportedly been attracted by his impact in the final third, with Bjarnason netting six league goals in 2025.

Rangers – Ibrox corner flag

Bjarnason is a relative unknown compared to some other Rangers targets this summer, given his age and the fact that he is playing in Iceland currently.

Rangers player could now "return" to former club if Martin doesn’t rate him

Would selling him be the right decision?

ByHenry Jackson Jul 21, 2025

The midfielder could still be an astute signing by the Gers, however, coming in as a long-term option who will hopefully blossom from a squad player to a key man over time.

Bjarnason has already scored 15 goals and registered 10 assists in 72 appearances for his current club, and has represented Iceland across six different youth age groups. His versatility allows him to shine in as many as six different positions, too.

Central midfield

16

5

2

Right midfield

14

3

4

Right-back

10

0

1

Attacking midfield

3

0

2

Defensive midfield

3

0

0

Left-back

1

0

0

This all highlights why Rangers signing him this summer could be exciting, with the Icelandic ace possibly a player with lots of potential moving forward.

Sunderland preparing £17m offer to sign "composed" Serie A defensive star

Having agreed a deal to sign Sassuolo’s Armand Lauriente, Sunderland are now reportedly preparing a fresh offer to sign another Serie A star for Regis Le Bris this summer.

Sunderland closing in on Lauriente

To say that Sunderland have made a survival statement this summer would be an understatement. The Black Cats have welcomed as many as six fresh faces and there seems to be more on the way.

According to Fabrizio Romano, next on their list is Lauriente. Those at the Stadium of Light have reportedly agreed a deal worth as much as €20m (£17m) to sign the French winger, who looks set to join the likes of Habib Diarra and Simon Adingra on Sunderland’s list of incomings.

It’s been quite the overhaul for Le Bris’ side as they prepare to become the first side in six promoted teams to survive in their first season back in the top tier.

Lauriente should play an important part in achieving that too. The 26-year-old winger enjoyed an excellent campaign last time out as Sassuolo earned promotion from Serie B. And whilst stepping up to the Premier League will be no easy task, last season’s 19 goals and six assists in all competitions suggest that he’s more than ready for the move.

Sunderland now submit formal bid for £17m "technician" who scores "worldies"

It is a big development at the Stadium of Light.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 18, 2025

Despite already spending as much as €115m (£100m) with €20m (£17m) to come on Lauriente, Sunderland’s spending looks unlikely to end there. Reports are now indicating that the Black Cats are already preparing a fresh offer to sign a third Serie A star ahead of next season.

Sunderland now preparing fresh Lucumi offer

As reported by Corriere di Bologna and relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland are now preparing a fresh €20m (£17m) offer to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer. The newly-promoted side have already seen one offer turned down, but are seemingly set to edge closer to Bologna’s €25m (£22m) valuation in hope of advancing their move.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Luke O’Nien

Jhon Lucumi

Minutes

3,934

2,614

Progressive Passes

229

108

Tackles Won

31

30

Ball Recoveries

155

176

Last season’s numbers indicate that Lucumi would push the versatile Luke O’Nien all the way for a starting place in Le Bris’ side, with his experience in Italy’s top flight likely to eventually pay dividends.

Described as “composed” and “ridiculously impressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Lucumi would join a growing list of excellent arrivals at the Stadium of Light if he swapped Bologna for Sunderland in the coming weeks. The club may also have a smooth path to negotiations on the personal side of things, given they already have dealings with the player’s agency through their representation of Dennis Cirkin.

Jhon Lucumi for Bologna.

With the Premier League campaign set to get underway in around one month’s time, Sunderland have until then to ensure that Le Bris’ side is perfectly suited to end the trend of promoted sides suffering instant failure. And Lucumi should be among their final priorities as a result.

Maxwell named for red-ball return in Victoria's 2nd XI

He is unlikely to play Sheffield Shield cricket until after Australia’s ODI and T20I series against Pakistan

Alex Malcolm11-Oct-2024Glenn Maxwell has been named to make his red-ball return in Cricket Australia’s Second XI four-day competition after being named in Victoria’s 12-man squad to play Queensland at the Junction Oval starting on Monday.Maxwell was named for his first four-day match in over 12 months as he begins a build towards potentially going on Australia’s Test tour of Sri Lanka early next year.It is unlikely Maxwell will play in Victoria’s next Sheffield Shield match which starts on October 20, just three days after the completion of the Second XI game. Some of Australia’s Test players including Steven Smith, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc are set for that match while Scott Boland is likely to make his Shield return in that game as well.Related

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The rules in CA’s Second XI competition allow for 12 players to play in the game, with 11 batting and 11 bowling, meaning rest and rotation is possible for players within the four days. Maxwell’s workloads are carefully monitored given the horrific leg injury he suffered two years ago. He turns 36 on the first day of the match and has played only two first-class matches in the last five years.Victoria coach Chris Rogers was very happy to have Maxwell playing with some of Victoria’s young Second XI players while being unsure when he will have him available for Shield cricket.”This is an opportunity for us,” Rogers said. “We’ve got a lot of young players who are playing, and anytime you get to throw in someone with that experience and talk about batting and fielding and strategy, that’s great for us as well.”Maxwell looks set to play the one-day domestic fixture against New South Wales on October 25, which could feature Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, but he is unlikely to be available for the third or fourth Shield rounds for Victoria which overlap with Australia’s ODI and T20I series against Pakistan.He would be available for Victoria’s fifth and sixth Shield games before the BBL begins and appears set to play at least one of those. Victoria play Queensland on November 24 at the Gabba in a pink-ball game under lights before hosting Queensland at the MCG on December 6.Australia’s selectors could also give him a run in a two-day pink-ball Prime Minister’s XI game against India in Canberra starting on November 30.Maxwell is a serious contender for Australia’s Test tour of Sri Lanka given his Test experience in the subcontinent. Maxwell was part of the Sri Lanka tour in 2022 and nearly played the first Test in Galle, with his ability as a spin-bowling allrounder seen as an asset in spinning conditions, especially if the Tests are set to be low-scoring and fast moving.All of his seven Test matches have been played on the subcontinent with his last coming in Bangladesh in 2017. The selectors have indicted previously that Shield cricket has no relevance to Test cricket in Sri Lanka given the conditions and style of cricket is vastly different but it is understood both Maxwell and Australia’s selectors are keen for him to play some red-ball cricket from a physical conditioning standpoint.Victoria have also named state captain Will Sutherland to play in the Second XI game after he was left out of the first Shield round as he continues to build his bowling following a serious back injury. He will bowl under restrictions.”He’s tracking well,” Rogers said. “This game was probably a bit too far where he was to bowl back-to-back days, and multiple spells. “But he’s ready to go for the Second XI and hopefully that’ll set him up well for the Shield game against New South Wales.”Rogers was unsure whether spin-bowling allrounder Matthew Short would be available for the next Shield game against New South Wales as he recovers from a minor adductor strain he suffered in the final ODI of Australia’s white-ball tour of the UK last month.Victorian Second XI squad: Will Sutherland (capt), Austin Anlezark, Liam Blackford, Dylan Brasher, Xavier Crone, Harry Dixon, Jai Lemire, Reilley Mark, Glenn Maxwell, Jon Merlo, David Moody, Doug Warren

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