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Chelsea had the chance to build on their impressive win over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night, but as they have done so many times this season, they faltered.

On paper, a game against Qarabağ looked like an easy three points for Enzo Maresca’s side, but in the end, they had to settle for just one.

The draw leaves them 12th in the Champions League, but the worst thing to come out of the match was another injury to Roméo Lavia.

The Belgian has been extremely unlucky during his time at Chelsea, and unless his luck improves, he could eventually be replaced by one of Cobham’s most promising prospects.

Lavia's Chelsea career

Chelsea signed Lavia from Southampton, and from under Liverpool’s nose, in the summer of 2023.

At the time, it seemed like money well spent, as the youngster was one of the most exciting midfielders in the Premier League the previous season and, as journalist Sam Tighe pointed out, “a shining star despite playing in terrible circumstances most of the time.”

Unfortunately, the youngster suffered a muscle tear and then an ankle injury in September 2023 and couldn’t make his competitive debut for the club until the 27th of December.

However, he wouldn’t kick on from there, as, thanks to a hamstring injury, he wouldn’t make another appearance all season.

Last season was marginally better, but even then, five injuries limited him to just 22 appearances, four of which came at the Club World Cup.

To nobody’s surprise, this year has not been much better, as the 21-year-old missed the first five league games with a muscle strain and came off the pitch on Wednesday night with another muscle injury.

Across the last two and a half years, Lavia has made just 30 appearances for the Blues, coming to a total of 1341 minutes.

Lavia’s Chelsea career

Season

Games

Minutes

23/24

1

32′

24/25

22

1069′

25/26

7

240′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

It would be hard to describe his time at Chelsea as anything other than a failure at the moment, and if he continues to be unreliable over the coming years, he could see himself replaced by an upcoming Cobham gem.

The Cobham gem who could eventually replace Lavia

While the results for the senior side have been frustratingly inconsistent, the good news for Chelsea is that they have several exciting prospects coming through the academy at the moment.

In The Pipeline

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The likes of Chizaram Ezenwata, Shim Mheuka and Reggie Walsh could all make as first team regulars in a few years.

However, when it comes to a potential Lavia replacement, it’s hard to look past Reggie Watson.

The hugely exciting talent may still be just 15 years old, but is already making waves in the academy and could become a part of the first team squad a few years from now.

The up-and-coming ace has demonstrated an ability to play in several different positions, from central midfield to centre-back, but, like the Belgian, is primarily a defensive midfielder.

According to one analyst, the “excellent” prospect has several key strengths which could make him an ideal long-term six for Marseca, such as being an “excellent ball retriever,” having “good passing and vision”, and having a knack for “dictating the tempo of the game.”

As if that wasn’t enough, the youngster is also “physically strong” for someone his age, and with all that in mind, it’s easy to see why he’s been described as being “so complete.”

Finally, on top of doing the business for the Blues’ youth sides, the teenager has also won six caps for England’s U16s, in which he’s scored three goals, primarily from defensive midfield.

Ultimately, it will be a few years yet until Watson is playing for the first team, but if Lavia remains injury-prone at that time, the Belgian could find himself replaced by the youngster.

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Manchester City have now moved into pole position in the race for a “superstar”, and they are now ready to make a bid of over £65m.

Pep eyeing long-term additions to his defence

Pep Guardiola has made it clear he is a huge admirer of Matheus Nunes this season, saying: “He can be an incredible right-back,”

“Matheus is a holding midfielder with incredible physicality and as much as he is focused, he can become one of the best [right-backs].

“He has special attributions to play in the sides, and in the last two or three games he has played unbelievable.”

Nunes has remained a key player for Man City in recent weeks, starting the last three games, with Abdukhodir Khusanov also capable of slotting in at right-back, doing so in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen back in November, while also impressing against Arsenal.

Despite Pep being blessed with a number of options in defence, the City boss remains keen on making long-term additions to his backline, according to a new report from TEAMtalk, which states he views Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento as the complete package.

The Blues have now moved into pole position in the race for Livramento’s signature, despite interest from a number of Premier League clubs, and they are ready to make a bid of more than £65m, which could include add-ons, while summer signing James Trafford may also be used as part of a swap deal.

"Superstar" Livramento may find it difficult to dislodge Nunes

Lauded as a “superstar” by Newcastle content creator Kendall Rowan, there are signs the right-back could be a good fit in a Guardiola system, with his passing ability particularly impressive over the course of the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Pass completion %

85.9% (90th percentile)

Progressive passes

5.17 (87th percentile)

Pep has been keen on signing the full-back for quite some time, and he is now vastly experienced in the Premier League, having made 103 appearances in the competition, while he has also tested himself in the Champions League for the second time this season.

The 23-year-old could be able to push for Nunes’ place in the starting XI before too long, but it will be difficult to dislodge the Portugal international, given that the City star is arguably a more well-rounded right-back at the moment.

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The 27-year-old has displayed a keen eye for creating chances this season, chipping in with one goal and three assists in the Premier League, while Livramento has just four goal contributions in 93 games for Newcastle.

As such, the Engand international may have to improve the attacking side of his game if he is going to take Nunes’ shirt.

يستضيف فريق ليفربول خصمه سندرلاند، مساء يوم الأربعاء، في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز لكرة القدم، موسم 2025/26.

تأتي تلك المباراة في خضم لقاءات الجولة الرابعة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي لهذا الموسم، على ملعب “أنفيلد” معقل ليفربول.

ويحتل ليفربول المركز الثامن في جدول الدوري الإنجليزي في الوقت الحالي برصيد 21 نقطة، في حين أن فولهام لديه 22 نقطة ويحتل المركز السادس.

(محدث) تشكيل ليفربول أمام سندرلاند في الدوري الإنجليزي.. موقف محمد صلاح

ومن المتوقع عودة النجم المصري محمد صلاح إلى التشكيل الأساسي لفريق ليفربول في مباراة الليلة، بعدما كان بديلًا في لقاء وست هام في الجولة الماضية ولم يشارك في أي دقيقة. تشكيل ليفربول المتوقع أمام سندرلاند اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي

حراسة المرمى: أليسون بيكر.

خط الدفاع: كورتيس جونز، إبراهيما كوناتي، فيرجيل فان دايك، آندي روبرتسون.

خط الوسط: ماك أليستر، جرافنبيرخ.

خط الوسط الهجومي: محمد صلاح، فلوريان فيرتز، كودي جاكبو.

خط الهجوم: ألكسندر إيزاك.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا

MatériaMais Notícias

A Federação Gaúcha de Futebol está pressionando a CBF pela paralisação dos jogos do Campeonato Brasileiro em sua totalidade, em função da tragédia ambiental sem precedentes que afeta o estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Em nome das equipes gaúchas que disputam a Série A – Grêmio, Internacional e Juventude –, a federação do estado visa manter a isonomia da competição, evitando um calendário ainda mais apertado para as equipes. Saiba o que diz o regulamento de competições da CBF sobre a possibilidade de paralisação do Brasileirão.

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Essa semana, a CBF decidiu pelo adiamento dos jogos das equipes gaúchas até o dia 27 deste mês, mas há pressão dos clubes e da sociedade civil para que a resolução abranja sobre todas as partidas do Campeonato Brasileiro e até da Copa do Brasil. O iniciativa tem como princípio a logística dos clubes, a questão psicológica dos atletas e também outros pontos relacionados como a reputação da entidade máxima de futebol do País.

Há respaldo no regulamento do Brasileirão para que o presidente da CBF, Ednaldo Rodrigues, possa suspender ou paralisar o campeonato em função de uma tragédia ambiental? O Advogado especializado em Direito Desportivo do Ambiel Advogados, Felipe Crisafulli esclarece que os regulamentos das competições organizadas pela entidade não tratam especificamente dessa questão.

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“O Regulamento Geral das Competições (RGC) da CBF não prevê a suspensão, a paralisação de torneio por problemas climáticos, ainda que extremos, tais quais os que vimos no Rio Grande do Sul ao longo da última semana. De todo modo, isso não deverá impedir a CBF de tomar esse tipo de decisão, caso entenda justo e necessário fazê-lo”, destacou o especialista.

No entanto, Crisafulli acrescentou que no Regulamento Geral de Competições, há cláusulas que permitem a modificação de tabela e alterações de partidas, “por motivo de força maior”, mas não trata da suspensão do campeonato como um todo. “Igualmente, o Regulamento Específico da Competição (REC) da Série A do Brasileirão de 2024 traz, em seu artigo 35, parágrafo 2º, que as datas e tabelas poderão sofrer alterações por motivos de força maior, pandemia ou razões excepcionais, mas tampouco faz menção à paralisação da competição em si”, ponderou.

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Nesse caso, a CBF ainda pode alterar a tabela e, portanto, suspender o Brasileirão. A alternativa permite modificar o calendário, realocando os jogos ao longo das semanas ou meses seguintes, apenas com a condição de informar aos clubes e às federações estaduais, por meio de sua Diretoria de Competições (DCO). “Certamente haverá dificuldades de datas para fins de acomodação dos jogos; por outro lado, existe o possível desequilíbrio técnico, além de impossibilidades práticas, até mesmo de acesso e deslocamento, que deverão ser observados pela CBF caso opte, em algum momento, pela suspensão temporária do campeonato e adiamento de determinados jogos, sempre pensando em alternativas aos clubes gaúchos e na melhor forma de afetar o mínimo possível o produto futebol brasileiro, inclusive quanto atividade econômica de repercussão e relevo nacional e internacional”, disse Crisafulli.

E quanto aos jogos da Libertadores e Sul-Americana? 

De toda forma, assim como se passa em âmbito nacional, nem o Manual de Clubes da Libertadores, nem o da Sul-Americana dispõem quanto à possibilidade de paralisação das competições. “Ainda assim, os Manuais trazem a possibilidade de a entidade alterar os dias e horários das partidas sempre que considerar necessário”, concluiu o especialista em Direito Desportivo.

Felipe Crisafulli é advogado especializado em Direito Desportivo, membro da OAB/SP e do Instituto Brasileiro de Direito Desportivo (IBDD). É também professor de Direito Desportivo e doutorando em Direito Civil pela Universidade de Coimbra (Portugal)

Tudo sobre

BrasileirãoCampeonato BrasileiroCBFCopa do BrasilEnchentesFutebol BrasileiroRio Grande do Sul

Celtic are considering appointing Nicky Hayen as their next manager and a new update has now emerged regarding their pursuit of the Belgian.

Hayen has been mentioned as one of the leading contenders to replace Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead, with the Northern Irishman departing last week. The 45-year-old has been very open about potentially leaving his role in charge of Brugge, hinting that he would be keen on coming in as the new Celtic boss.

Hayen is far from the only option for Celtic, however, with Martin O’Neill thought to be open to the idea of staying in charge of the Hoops for the remainder of the 2025/26 season, should the club’s owners like that idea.

The likes of Lee Carsley, Kieran McKenna and Damien Duff have all been linked with the job, too, as the Scottish Premiership champions look to nail their appointment and claw back the deficit on Hearts in the title race.

Celtic willing to offer Hayen big wages

According to Voetbal Nieuws [via Sport Witness], Celtic will try to “lure” Hayen away from Brugge with a high salary, and have knocked on his door. The Hoops are trying to use “money, prestige, and the lure of Glasgow” to bring him to Parkhead, with his current club hesitant to allow him to leave without receiving plenty of compensation.

It is easy to see why Hayen is a leading contender to be Celtic’s next manager, with the Belgian averaging 2.03 points per game across 80 matches in charge of Brugge. He also won the league title with them in 2023/24, and the Belgian Cup last season, showing that the Hoops would be bringing in a manager who knows how to win trophies.

Hayen’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation isn’t dissimilar to Rodgers’ 4-3-3 system, meaning Celtic’s players shouldn’t find it too difficult to make the adjustment, and at 45, he is still a young manager who would bring vibrancy to Parkhead.

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There may be a temptation to give O’Neill the job until the end of the season, but if Hayen makes himself available very soon, he should be looked at as a great option.

Celtic are looking at hiring "box-office" alternative to Nicky Hayen

Arne Slot eased the pressure when he led his Liverpool side to victory over West Ham United at the weekend, but in a matter of days, the Reds will have hosted Sunderland and travelled to Elland Road to face Leeds United, and that will make a more accurate barometer of this squad’s level.

The pressure has cranked up in recent weeks, and who of a red persuasion could contest the scrutiny? The Premier League champions had lost nine of 12 matches in all competitions before arresting the slump, and after the November international break, Anfield has been left reeling after successive drubbings dished out by Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven.

It’s clear that Liverpool have lost their way, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get back on track. A summer of record-breaking spending has packaged the Reds team with so much quality, but it’s true that Liverpool are an imbalanced outfit.

Sporting director Richard Hughes may need to dig back into the transfer market, which will be upon us in less than a month.

Liverpool's January transfer plans

It’s incredible that after spending more than £400m this summer, Liverpool still need to address a number of areas across Slot’s squad. Namely, Liverpool need a centre-back, and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has emerged as a leading contender to strengthen the frontline this January.

But with Marc Guehi out of contract at the end of the season and Manchester City also holding talks for Semenyo’s services, FSG may be tempted to look elsewhere.

And according to Caught Offside, Juventus’ rising star Kenan Yildiz has been shortlisted as a Semenyo alternative, having enjoyed a rip-roaring start to the campaign in Italy.

The 20-year-old certainly wouldn’t come cheap. Viewed as one of Serie A’s brightest young stars, Juventus do not want to sell the attacking midfielder, but a concerted approach from FSG could help shift some weight.

With Chelsea also interested, the Old Lady are looking to bank a €100m cheque (translating to £88m) for their prized player.

Why Liverpool want Kenan Yildiz

Yildiz might be young, but he is “already one of the best left wingers in the world”, according to one Serie A scout, and has a far higher ceiling than the 25-year-old Semenyo besides.

Semenyo is the talk of the town in the Premier League, but he’s gone five matches without a goal involvement after such a prolific start to the campaign.

Yildiz, by contrast, is spreading out his output, notching both strikes in Juve’s recent 2-1 league win over Cagliari.

He is a ferocious runner and he is sharp with his playmaking. As per data-driven site FBref, Yildiz ranks among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90.

In this he has what it takes to match Semenyo’s athleticism and dynamism. In this he can become one of the Premier League’s finest.

Moreover, Yildiz has only missed one big chance in the Italian top flight, scoring four times.

Matches (starts)

12 (11)

12 (12)

Goals

4

6

Assists

3

3

Touches*

52.4

49.6

Shots (on target)*

2.4 (1.1)

2.2 (1.2)

Accurate passes*

27.1 (85%)

19.9 (77%)

Chances created*

2.3

1.3

Dribbles*

1.5

1.8

Recoveries*

3.7

5.2

Tackles + interceptions*

0.9

1.8

Duels won*

4.2

6.3

From a statistical standpoint, Semenyo has probably enjoyed the better season so far, but data only tells so much of a story in football, and Yildiz is clearly making startling progress at such a young age, close now to establishing himself as one of the best in the business.

He is “100% a superstar”, in the eyes of analyst Ben Mattinson, so dynamic and electric down the left flank. His duelling success doesn’t yet match Semenyo, who is one of the Premier League’s most combative wide forwards, and in just a few years, he could be far outstripping the Ghana international.

Whether Liverpool opt to fork out close to £100m for an up-and-coming talent remains to be seen, but Yildiz has already proven that he belongs on the world stage.

Semenyo would be a terrific signing, but the Turkish winger has that special something that suggests he could become one of the very best in the business.

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A sight no Cubs fan wanted to see occurred on Saturday during the club's game against the Nationals at Wrigley Field.

During the bottom of the sixth inning, Cubs All-Star centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, facing Nationals reliever PJ Poulin with a 1-1 count, fouled an 89-mph sinker off his right knee. In considerable pain, Crow-Armstrong dropped his bat and hobbled up the third-base line, where he stopped and grabbed his knee as the Cubs trainer hurried out from the dugout.

The speedy outfielder finished the at-bat, which resulted in a walk, then exited the game after the bottom of the sixth inning.

The Cubs announced Crow-Armstrong left the game with a right knee contusion, according to Zoe Grossman of Marquee Sports Network.

Crow-Armstrong, at one point one of the favorites to be named National League MVP, is in the midst of a career year. Even after a second-half swoon, he owns a career-best .786 OPS and is flirting with a 30-homer, 30-stolen base season.

The Cubs, holding strong to the top wild-card spot in the NL, will hope Crow-Armstrong avoided serious injury.

While they’ve not all been hits, Chelsea have signed some seriously talented players over the last few years.

The best of them all, though, has undoubtedly been Cole Palmer, who has taken the Premier League by storm since his arrival in 2023.

The Englishman has already produced 74 goal involvements for the side in just 101 appearances and, so long as he’s fit, will most certainly be going to the World Cup with England.

So it’s great news that Cobham looks like it may well have just produced Chelsea a right-footed version of the ice-cold superstar.

Chelsea's most exciting academy gems

Cobham has long been one of, if not the best, academies in England, and there are once again a handful of seriously exciting academy prospects who could soon be making a significant impact on the Chelsea first team.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

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For example, Shim Mheuka has been on fire for some time now and even made a few appearances for the senior side last season.

As things stand, the 18-year-old phenomenon has scored 13 goals and provided three assists in just 12 appearances across various youth sides, totalling 977 minutes.

Mheuka’s Chelsea youth record

Appearances

61

Goals

34

Assists

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

All Stats via Transfermarkt

That comes out to an outrageous average of 1.33 goal involvements every game, or one every 61.06 minutes, and helps to explain why respected talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as “the future of Chelsea and English football.”

Moving deeper down the pitch, and while it’s likely going to be a couple of years before he’s given a chance in the first team, Reggie Watson looks to be the real deal.

The 15-year-old can, and has played in a few positions for the youth sides, but is at his best as a six, with respected analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as a “midfield powerhouse.”

Another analyst has highlighted his impressive “passing and vision” as well as his knack for “dictating the tempo of the game.”

He’s not just impressive at club level either, as, after producing six goal involvements in six appearances for England’s under-15s, he was moved up to the under-16s, where he has already scored three goals in just six games.

With all that said, there is another gem who is arguably the most exciting of the lot, and the one who could be Chelsea’s own homegrown Palmer.

Chelsea's homgrown Palmer

While there are an impressive number of academy talents who could become first-team stars at Chelsea, one of the most exciting, and the one who could become the club’s homegrown Palmer, is Reggie Walsh.

The 17-year-old gem joined the Blues at the under-8s level and has worked his way through the academy, impressing at every step of the way and made his competitive debut for the club in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final against Djurgarden last season.

He then became the club’s youngest European starter in the second leg, aged just 16 years and 200 days.

With all that said, what about him means he could be the club’s next Palmer?

Well, while he hasn’t got an outrageous goalscoring record with the youth sides, he, like the Blues starman, is a proper entertainer on the ball, someone capable of doing the simple things while also playing with some flair.

For example, he has been described as a “truly ridiculous” talent by Como scout Felix Johnston, and when asked about him last season, Maresca was full of praise for his playstyle, describing him as “perfect for our system.”

As if that wasn’t enough, another analyst claimed the youngster is “a joy to watch”, and u23 scout Antonio Mango went even further than that, stating that “watching Reggie Walsh perform is a thing of beauty.”

The right-footed gem isn’t just making waves at club level, though, as he’s gone through England’s u15s, u16s, u17s and u18s.

Ultimately, it is still so early in his career, but Walsh is clearly a star in the making, and like Palmer, is a truly entertaining player to watch.

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Pitcher Steven Matz has reinvented himself in 2025—and the Boston Red Sox appear hopeful he can reinvent their bullpen.

The Red Sox are acquiring Matz from the St. Louis Cardinals for infielder Blaze Jordan, according to a Wednesday night report from ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Matz, 34, is in the first year of a shift to the bullpen after 10 years as a starter. That move has gone fairly well—in 32 games this season, he is 5-2 with a 3.44 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 55 innings pitched. His 2.88 FIP suggests he may be even better than his numbers let on.

Among most baseball fans, Matz remains best known for his stellar—albeit injury-marred—early years with the New York Mets. The Long Island native helped the Mets win the National League pennant in 2015, and went 9-8 in a very good rookie season in 2016.

He reportedly joins a Boston team clinging to the American League's second wild-card spot; it leads the Seattle Mariners by one game.

Marnus Labuschagne has churned out runs, Steven Smith looks primed and Scott Boland has been in the wickets

Andrew McGlashan15-Nov-20252:17

Weatherald or Labuschagne – who will open in Perth?

Usman KhawajaSheffield Shield – Matches: 3; Runs: 202; Average: 50.50; 100s: 0A solid build-up for Khawaja, who was always scheduled to miss the game against Western Australia having played the first three. Made contributions in all the matches and looked good for his 87 against New South Wales, although the real test will come against the extra pace in England’s attack.Jake WeatheraldSheffield Shield – Matches: 4; Runs: 301; Average: 37.62; 100s: 0
One-Day Cup – Matches: 2; Runs: 28; Average: 14.00Though he hasn’t nailed a huge score, his rapid 94 against Western Australia helped seal his first Test call after starting with twin fifties on a docile Allan Border Field pitch on the back of his 900-run 2024-25 summer. Two lean rounds heading into the series isn’t ideal but Weatherald is a cricketer very comfortable with where he is at in his career. Has been picked because of his naturally positive game, so don’t expect that to change if he makes the XI.Related

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Marnus LabuschagneSheffield Shield – Matches: 4; Runs: 402; Average: 67.00; 100s: 2
One-Day Cup – Matches: 4; Runs: 338; Average: 84.50; 100s: 3Has done everything, and probably more, asked of him after being dropped in the West Indies. While the volume of runs will be pleasing for the selectors, it’s the manner in which Labuschagne has made them that has probably been the most important factor – back to the positive intent that was a hallmark of his prolific time as a Test batter a few years ago. Seems to be less worried about the little things.Steven SmithSheffield Shield – Matches: 2; Runs: 231; Average: 115.50; 100s: 1Smith said he was ready before he had hit a ball in anger this season and his returns in two New South Wales outings has backed that up. He was especially impressive on a tricky SCG pitch against Victoria. Also took a brilliant catch at slip to suggest the reflexes are still in top working order.Travis HeadODIs – Matches: 3; Runs 65; Average: 21.66
T20Is – Matches: 6; Runs: 78; Average: 15.60
Sheffield Shield – Matches: 1; Runs: 21Head is a critical figure in Australia’s batting order but enters the Ashes with question marks over his form. While T20s aren’t the best barometer, he also didn’t get going in the ODIs against India. Then, in his one Shield outing, he made two low scores in a bowler-dominated game against Tasmania. The hope will be that his big-game temperament shines through when needed. “I take confidence in the last Test series we played in West Indies,” he told . “I felt like on tough wickets I played well… I try to adapt to conditions and win games of cricket for Australia. I’m not too worried about output, I know I’m working hard, I know I’m ready to go.”Cameron Green ticked every box in his Shield outing against Queensland•Getty ImagesCameron GreenSheffield Shield – Matches: 3; Runs: 195; Average: 32.50; 100s: 0 | Overs: 20; Wickets: 2It had been a slightly disjointed start to the season for Green after a side niggle interrupted his preparations, but he ticked every box in his Shield outing against Queensland, getting through 16 overs at good pace across the two innings and making 94. Four years into his Test career, Green’s numbers are solid – can he now go to the next level?Beau WebsterSheffield Shield – Matches: 2; Runs: 38; Average: 9.50 | Overs: 47.5; Wickets: 9; Average: 19.66
One-Day Cup – Matches 3; Runs 159; Average: 53.00 | Overs: 19.4; Wickets: 5; Average: 18.40Webster’s immediate Test future hangs in the balance, largely through no fault of his own. However, it wasn’t a great time to have two lean outings with the bat for Tasmania after an ankle injury meant he missed the start of the Shield season. But with the ball he has been excellent – the injuries Australia have suffered may yet work in his favour if the selectors opt for extra bowling depth – and he would certainly be an asset in the field.Alex CareyODIs – Matches: 2; Runs: 33; Average: 16.50
T20Is – Matches: 3; Runs 8; Average: 4.00
Sheffield Shield – Matches: 2; Runs: 126; Average: 31.50; 100s: 0
One-Day Cup – Matches 1; Runs 8It hasn’t been the most prolific six weeks for Carey but there won’t be too many concerns. His half-century against Tasmania was a timely tune-up ahead of next week. The original plan was probably for him to have three Shield outings, but he was a late call-up for the T20Is in New Zealand after Josh Inglis was injured.Josh InglisT20Is – Matches: 5; Runs: 33; Average: 11.00
Sheffield Shield – Matches: 1; Runs: 32Barring an injury to Carey, it’s unlikely Inglis will be needed, at least early in the Ashes. It’s been a frustrating season so far with a calf problem leaving him short of match time. He struggled in the T20Is against India and then made 4 and 28 in Western Australia’s thrilling one-wicket win over Queensland.Mitchell Starc bowled with pace against Victoria at the SCG•Getty ImagesMitchell StarcODIs – Matches: 3; Wickets: 3; Average: 38.33
Sheffield Shield – Matches: 1; Overs: 31; Wickets: 5; Average: 27.80Starc voluntarily offered up that he had been searching for rhythm a little after a lengthy lay-off since the West Indies tour. Things hadn’t quite felt right in the ODIs against India but signs were promising in his Shield outing where he produced a rapid spell after lunch on the first day. His durability is legendary but will be tested this summer.Nathan LyonSheffield Shield – Matches: 4; Overs: 150; Wickets: 12; Average: 34.00Lyon’s pre-season plan was to play three of the four Shield games before the first Test, but with seamers dominating the first two he opted for an extra outing to build his workload. Wickets didn’t come in abundance, but he looked to be finding a nice groove against Victoria. “I feel like I’ve been building nicely,” he said during the game. “Especially over at the Gabba and here now. It’s feeling really good.”Scott BolandSheffield Shield – Matches: 3; Overs: 90.4; Wickets: 14; Average: 17.57Boland, who is now likely to see much more Ashes action than may have originally been the case, looks to have timed his run perfectly. By his own high standards, he wasn’t quite at his best against NSW in Melbourne but still claimed a match-winning eight wickets. Was a constant threat in the return fixture at the SCG.Brendan DoggettSheffield Shield – Matches: 2; Overs: 64.4; Wickets: 13; Average: 14.69
One-Day Cup – Matches: 1; Wickets 2After a hamstring injury ruled him out of the first two Shield matches, Doggett has put his name up in lights with a bagful of wickets for South Australia. Josh Hazlewood’s injury has put him on the brink of a Test debut in Perth and he looks like a bowler ready for the step up.Michael NeserSheffield Shield – Matches 3; Overs: 115.3; Wickets: 14; Average: 24.38
One-Day Cup – Matches 2: Overs 20; Wickets: 4; Average: 26.25A late call-up after the major loss of Hazlewood for the first Test. Neser has been as probing as ever, particularly in his first two Shield outings in October that brought 11 wickets. Missed the third round to manage his workload.