Victoria’s openers put on an unbroken century stand under the lights to leave the game in the balance

AAP25-Nov-2024Marcus Harris helped lead a Victorian revival against Queensland as day two of the pink ball Sheffield Shield clash concluded with the match in the balance.A lower order fightback had earlier given Queensland a 111-run first innings lead. Test hopeful Harris and stylish young gun Campbell Kellaway erased the deficit under lights at the Gabba in an unbroken 122-run opening stand.Related

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Queensland resumed at a precarious 94 for 5 as wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson and Angus Lovell built an 84-run sixth wicket stand.Peirson, so often a man for a crisis, received support from paceman Jack Wildermuth.It was an aggressive 57 off 70 balls by fast bowler Xavier Bartlett, batting at No. 9, that enabled the hosts to post 297 and take a sizeable first innings lead.Bartlett played several agricultural heaves and an assortment of classic cricket strokes to showcase the hard work he has put into his batting of late.Victoria pace bowler Xavier Crone returned his best figures in first class cricket.The failure of Australia’s top order in the thrashing by India in the first Test in Perth has provided an opportunity for batters in the domestic scene to bash down the door and convince selectors they deserve an opportunity.Harris, who missed out in the first innings, had made 469 runs for Victoria and Australia A this summer at an average of 46.9 leading into his second innings knock.A hefty score is what the 32-year-old needs to add to his 14 Tests. He will be aiming for a hundred when play resumes on Tuesday.

Burnley have reportedly held talks with the representatives of a player who scored in Europe against Chelsea last season, with another Premier League club also keen on him.

Parker positive despite Burnley defeat

The Clarets endured a sobering start to life back in the top flight on Saturday afternoon, losing 3-0 away to Tottenham and being reminded of the step up in class from the Championship.

That said, Burnley manager Scott Parker still managed to take some positives from the result, saying there was plenty that he liked from him team in north London.

“I thought there were plenty of positives to take, despite the defeat. We started slowly, we were really under pressure, but then after they got their noses in front, I thought we really grew into the game. There was a real impetus about us, we played on the front foot and looked a real threat, our reaction and endeavour was superb.

“The clinical and ruthless nature of the Premier League was then there for everyone to see just before the hour. We had two massive, massive chances, where we just weren’t ruthless enough, and then they go up the other end, create a half-chance, and double their lead with a world class finish. They’re the fine margins – that’s this division really.”

New signings between now and the end of August wouldn’t go amiss for Burnley and a new update has now emerged regarding one potential addition.

Burnley hold talks to sign defender

According to TEAMtalk, Burnley have contacted the agents of FC Copenhagen defender Gabriel Pereira, as they look to strike a summer deal for him. Parker “is keen to bring in more defensive reinforcements”, following the loss to Spurs.

The Clarets are battling Sunderland for the centre-back’s signature, among others, but it looks as though they will both be unsuccessful in their quest to snap him up. That’s because the report also states that the 25-year-old “wants to stay” at his current club for now.

There is no need to get carried away after a 3-0 loss to a Spurs side who are the reigning Europa League winners, with Burnley giving a good account of themselves at times.

That said, defensive additions are key, in terms of ensuring the Clarets have enough options at the back, and Pereira could be an astute signing.

The Brazilian has become an important player for Copenhagen, winning the Danish Superliga and cup last season, and he also scored against Chelsea in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

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For now, it appears as though Pereira would rather stay put in Denmark, but the lure of the Premier League is great for most players, and the hope is that he will decide to move to Burnley instead.

يستعد الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، لمواجهة كهرباء الإسماعيلية، مساء اليوم السبت، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

الأهلي يلاقي كهرباء الإسماعيلية، في الثامنة مساءً، في الجولة العاشرة من عمر منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري، على ملعب استاد المقاولون العرب.

طالع | تشكيل الأهلي الرسمي أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية في الدوري المصري.. عودة زيزو

ويعيش الأهلي في حالة معنوية عالية، بعد تحقيقه الفوز على غريمه الزمالك في لقاء القمة الذي أقيم في الأسبوع الماضي وانتهي 2-1 لصالح المارد الأحمر.

ويحتل الأهلي المركز الثالث في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 15 نقطة، إذ حقق الفوز في 4 مباريات وتعادل في 3 وخسر في لقاء وحيد.

كشفت التدريبات الختامية للنادي الأهلي، ملامح التشكيل الذي يخوض به عماد النحاس، المدير الفني للفريق، مباراة كهرباء الإسماعيلية.

ويشهد تشكيل الأهلي المتوقع تواجد حسين الشحات أساسيًا بعد تألقه في الجولة الماضية أمام الزمالك.  تشكيل الأهلي المتوقع أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية اليوم في الدوري المصري 

حراسة المرمى: محمد الشناوي.

الدفاع: محمد هاني، ياسر إبراهيم، ياسين مرعي، أحمد نبيل كوكا.

الوسط: مروان عطية، محمد علي بن رمضان، أشرف بن شرقي، طاهر محمد طاهر، حسين الشحات.

الهجوم: محمد شريف.

Leicester City are building for a tilt at promotion from the EFL Championship and have identified a talented winger to strengthen their cause, according to a report.

Leicester City claim late victory over Sheffield Wednesday

Sunday’s late kick-off produced a clash between two of the more troubled clubs in the English second-tier of late, and the Foxes finally managed to give their fans something to shout about courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at the King Power Stadium.

After Jan Vestergaard and Wout Faes cancelled out Nathaniel Chalobah’s opening strike, Marti Cifuentes lavished praise on Leicester’s never-say-die attitude that saw them begin the campaign with three points despite a summer dominated by off-field problems.

He stated, citing tactical tweaks that he deployed: “There were some messages, some more tactical in terms of positioning and how we wanted to build up. We adjusted things in terms of how we attacked.

“They took the lead and we predicted them to be deeper. That means we had to create different situations for our attackers. Second, it’s important as a team to have this mentality. Here in this club you know very well about ‘Foxes Never Quit’. We need to chase the result, we need to chase the victory until the last second of the game.”

Nevertheless, Mads Hermansen’s move to West Ham has led Leicester to target Illan Meslier between the sticks. The Denmark international won’t be the only face to depart the East Midlands before the window closes.

Leicester City now want to sign 35-cap England star who may join for free

The Foxes could land an experienced midfield performer…

BySean Markus Clifford Jul 9, 2025

Bilal El Khannouss could move from Leicester to Tottenham Hotspur after James Maddison suffered an ACL injury, indicating that Cifuentes will need to act if the Morocco international leaves a void to be filled, something that could now be addressed if reports are to be believed.

Leicester City enter race to sign Sebastian Tounetki

According to Transferfeed, Leicester City are interested in Hammarby winger Sebastian Tounekti, who is tied down to the Swedish outfit on a contract that runs until the summer of 2029.

Born in Norway, he represents Tunisia at international level and has registered two goals and five assists in 20 appearances across all competitions in 2025, in line with the alternative March to November schedule adopted in Scandinavia.

Sebastien Tounekti’s key statistics in 2024/25 – Allsvenskan (Fotmob)

Chances created

20

Successful dribbles

39

Shots on target

9

Touches in opposition box

136

Tackles won

13

Nevertheless, he is said to be happy in Sweden at this moment in time with his full focus on helping Hammarby to claim the league title, albeit it remains to be seen if Leicester will take their interest to the next level by submitting an official approach.

Finding gems in untapped markets may be key for the Foxes to add quality despite the looming threat of a points deduction. Either way, they will hope to sell the vision that success can still be achieved at the King Power Stadium regardless of circumstance.

Newcastle United are now less than a week away from their new Premier League season getting underway with a tough lunchtime trip to Unai Emery’s Aston Villa.

The Magpies’ last friendly outing before the competitiveness of the top flight kicks back in saw Eddie Howe’s side lose 2-0 to Atletico Madrid on home turf, with the defeat stinging that little bit more when Anthony Gordon hobbled off with a worrying knock.

Thankfully, it has since been revealed that the ex-Everton winger only sustained a twisted ankle, meaning he should be fine for the bumper list of games ahead.

He won’t be joined by Alexander Isak for the opener at Villa Park, with Newcastle continuing to state that their superstar Swede is not for sale, even as interest from Liverpool persists.

However, away from this ongoing Isak saga, a new face could soon pull on the Toon black and white in the West Midlands.

Newcastle agree terms with £35m star

Howe does have some Isak replacements up his sleeve.

It has been widely reported now that the Tyneside outfit have hit-and-miss Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson in mind to enhance their attacking personnel, alongside the Premier League side further keeping tabs on Porto attacking sensation Samu Aghehowa.

However, away from targets up top, Newcastle are edging ever closer to signing a new face at the back.

Indeed, the services of £35m-rated AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw are set to be sealed in the forthcoming days.

Sky Sports’ Keith Downie has revealed, via X, that the Toon are on the verge of sealing a deal for the Germany international, who is travelling to St James’ Park on Sunday night and is set to undergo a medical on Monday morning ahead of signing.

It’s reported that Newcastle have agreed a fee of £30m plus £4.3m in add-ons.

Newcastle might well hit the jackpot with the 24-year-old in the same way they struck gold with Sandro Tonali, with the 5-foot-11 midfielder now a Premier League under Howe’s wing, after initially making waves in Italy.

How Thiaw can be Tonali 2.0

Tonali was a landmark addition for the PIF project at Newcastle, remarkably costing even more than Thiaw at a hefty £55m. Still, there are no lingering regrets from Newcastle’s perspective about that bumper deal, as the Italian heads into his third straight Toon season this upcoming campaign.

The 25-year-old enforcer closed out his celebrated time at the San Siro with Milan by registering seven goals and 13 assists from the midfield ranks, with that same drive to push forward and join in with attacks following him to St James’ Park.

Last season, in particular, saw Tonali come into his own donning the famous Toon strip, with six goals and three assists tallied up in all competitions as a livewire presence, which was matched by his relentless energy to win 4.9 ball recoveries per Premier League outing.

Howe has even gone as far as to compare his 25-year-old to the likes of San Siro great Andrea Pirlo for his stylish displays.

Now, in a repeat of that Tonali move – bringing in a player from Milan – Thiaw will be hopeful that he can follow in the Italian’s footsteps by being a similar whirlwind success on English shores.

Games played

20

21

22

Goals scored

0

0

0

Assists

0

1

0

Touches*

60.9

65.4

66.2

Accurate passes*

46.4 (88%)

51.4 (92%)

53.5 (94%)

Tackles*

1.6

1.6

1.1

Interceptions*

0.6

0.6

0.7

Total duels won*

4.6

4.1

3.7

Clean sheets

5

5

7

Much like Tonali before him, Thiaw has grown into a comfortable and complete performer for Milan as he matures, having just completed a season in the hustle and bustle of the Serie A where he averaged an unerring 94% pass accuracy per game.

He might well be able to offer Howe something fresh and different at the back, therefore, away from over-relying on the ageing duo of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar, with Thiaw also held in high regard at ex-employers Schalke when dubbed as a “calm and collected” presence by former boss Christian Gross.

It will, of course, be a leap into the unknown for the rising German, having become used to the rhythms of the Italian top-flight.

Yet, Tonali arrived with similar hype attached to his name from Italy and has passed all his examinations with flying colours. Thiaw will hope he has a similarly straightforward ride ahead, having also been hailed as “top-class” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Better than Wissa: Newcastle lead race to sign "extraordinary" £65m striker

As Newcastle search for a new striker, following Benjamin Šeško’s move to Manchester United, could they land an “extraordinary” PL star worth £65m?

1 ByBen Gray Aug 10, 2025

Paul Pogba has revealed what he got up to while serving a doping ban, with the World Cup winner moving his family to Dubai for six months. The France international, who was cleared to resume his career in March 2025, is still waiting on his return to competitive action after heading back to his homeland and signing a two-year contract with Ligue 1 outfit Monaco.

When was Pogba's last competitive appearance?

Ex-Manchester United midfielder Pogba has not made an appearance of any kind since September 2023. It was at that point that he was stung with an initial four-year suspension for breaching doping regulations.

AdvertisementGettyLinked with teams in MLS & Saudi Pro League

That ban was eventually reduced to 18 months on appeal, with Pogba expected to make an immediate return to the professional ranks. He did, however, spend several weeks without a club – despite being linked with teams across Europe, in MLS and the Saudi Pro League.

Why have Monaco delayed Pogba's debut?

Monaco put a deal in place during the summer of 2025, but Pogba is yet to make his debut for them. That is because he is still working his way towards full match sharpness after spending so long out of action.

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Pogba relocated family to the Middle East

In a bid to fill time and escape the spotlight, Pogba has revealed that he briefly relocated to Dubai alongside wife Zulay and their children. He told A-Star Barbers: “Yeah, I was there six months. Amazing for family. Seriously, I was happy there. The kids were happy. Seriously, I enjoyed it.”

England's schedule for the remainder of 2025 has been confirmed, with the Lionesses to host Brazil, Australia and Ghana before the year is out.

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• Inspired by retro sportswear and Lioness kits of the past
• Features classic English colours in a modern and energetic execution
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

From

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Buy

Away

Away Kit

• Celebrates the squad's impact on future generations of female athletes
• Features bursts of bright colours accenting a fearless black
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

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• Comes in the traditional green colourway
• Logos centralised for a retro look
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

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• Inspired by retro sportswear and Lioness kits of the past
• Features classic English colours in a modern and energetic execution
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

From

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• England confirm final matches of 2025
• Lionesses to face Brazil in next fixture
• Australia, China & Ghana also to visit

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  England had already confirmed a date at Wembley to face China in November and another trio of home friendlies now forms what is being branded as their 'homecoming series', as the Lionesses hit four different venues around the country to celebrate their European Championship triumph this past summer with as many fans as possible.

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• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Brazil will be the first team to take on Sarina Wiegman's side after they clinched their second successive European title by beating Spain on penalties back in July, with the Selecao coming off the back of their own triumph at Copa America. The two will meet at the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City, on Saturday October 25. England's second fixture of that international break will take place three days later, when they face Australia at Derby County's Pride Park. The Matildas will be led by a familiar face, after former Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro took over the side back in June.

• AND WHAT'S MORE

  The Lionesses' final international break of the year will also feature two non-European opponents, starting with China at Wembley on Saturday November 29. More than 60,000 tickets have already been sold for that fixture, which was announced at the end of July. Three days later, a clash with Ghana will follow, at St Mary's in Southampton. It will be England's first-ever meeting with the Black Queens, who finished third at this summer's Africa Cup of Nations.

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• WHAT WIEGMAN SAID

  "It is great that we can return to action after our incredible summer with four exciting fixtures at home," Wiegman said. "Each opponent will challenge us in different ways, which is exactly what we need with World Cup qualification beginning early next year. It’s very nice to begin against Brazil and it is also special for us to be able to play again for our fans in Manchester for the first time since Euro 2022. We know from the Finalissima in 2023 that they will be very tough opponents.

  “We love taking the team around the country, so to also play Australia in Derby and Ghana in Southampton as well as the China fixture at Wembley gives us a lovely way to say thank you for the incredible support we have had this year and before."

Sam Konstas has made another statement to Australia’s selectors, backing up his hundred against India with an unbeaten half-century in the Sheffield Shield.Konstas went to stumps on day one of their Shield clash with Western Australia not out on 55, with New South Wales 97 for 0 in reply to the visitors’ 211 at the SCG on Friday.On a day when the ball swung around and no other player reached a half-century, Konstas looked completely at ease as he passed 50 for the fifth time this summer.The 19-year-old took on spinner Corey Rocchiccioli, hitting him back over his head for two separate sixes and driving him for another four.He cut Cameron Gannon for one four behind point, drove him for another past mid-off, then slogged the quick for another over mid-wicket later in the day.Full of confidence, Konstas even attempted to scoop speedster Lance Morris, but missed out in one of the few unsuccessful moments of his day. The right-hander’s runs came fast too, facing just 64 balls before the Blues went to stumps.The innings continues another purple patch for Konstas, who shot into the spotlight with twin tons against South Australia at the start of the season.Just five days ago Konstas hit 107 off 97 balls against a Test-quality Indian attack, playing for the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra.He then returned to Sydney and told media in his first full press conference that he wanted a chance to wear the Baggy Green as soon as possible.”I really want the chance,” Konstas said on Wednesday when asked if he felt ready for Test cricket, or perhaps needed more time at domestic level.”I love being challenged and hopefully that can happen soon.”I feel like I’m in a good headspace. It’s been the best few months I’ve had, and hopefully one day I can represent my country.”If Konstas converts his half-century into three figures on Saturday in the last round of Shield before the BBL break, he will no doubt help that cause.Australia’s top order have entered the pink-ball Test in Adelaide under pressure, following their poor returns in Perth last week.Reserve Test batsman Josh Inglis was also released from Australia’s camp on Thursday night to play in the Shield match against NSW.He top-scored with 41 for Western Australia, looking more confident as he went on in his first red-ball game since October 23.Jack Edwards celebrates a wicket•Getty Images

But he was one of five men to fall to Jack Edwards, on a superb day for the NSW allrounder.Edwards’ return of 5 for 41 marked the second best of his career, as he had the ball swinging a long way.He bowled Cameron Bancroft for one with a delivery that swung back between bat and pad, had Sam Whiteman (19) caught down legside, then cleaned up Jayden Goodwin’s stumps on 22.Inglis was dismissed when Edwards swung the ball away and drew the right-hander’s edge, before Morris became his fifth victim when caught behind to finish the innings.

MatériaMais Notícias

No empate sem gols entre Santos e Atlético-MG, pelo Brasileirão, o terceiro jogo seguido sem vitórias não foi a única dor de cabeça para o treinador Odair Hellmann. O Lucas Lima sentiu câimbras, e o estreante Luan Dias teve dores na coxa. Por conta disso, o camisa 97 do Peixe deve ser avaliado pelo Departamento Médico do clube.

– Queria passar pra vocês, por exemplo, hoje, no segundo tempo, da dificuldade que tivemos em relação a parte final, dos trinta em diante, que a gente não conseguia ter a força ofensiva ou a transição, o Lucas estava com câimbra já no finalzinho do jogo, e o Luan provavelmente sentiu a posterior, vai fazer exame pra ver. Então nós ficamos no final da partida com praticamente dois jogadores a menos – relatou o comandante alvinegro.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSantosVÍDEO: Os melhores momentos do empate entre Santos e Atlético-MG pelo BrasileirãoSantos23/04/2023SantosOdair Hellmann lamenta desfalques do Santos e reforça necessidade de apoio ao ÂngeloSantos23/04/2023SantosOdair explica sistema com três meias e lamenta falta de atacantes de velocidadeSantos23/04/2023

+ ATUAÇÕES: Santos tem atuação irregular, e Ângelo sai vaiado em empate com o Atlético-MG

O próximo compromisso do Santos na temporada será contra o Botafogo-SP, pela Copa do Brasil. Com uma vantagem confortável de 2 a 0, o Peixe pode tentar adotar uma postura de cautela para os jogadores que estão com um desgaste. Sobre o tema, o técnico santista reforçou que exames e análises feitos pelo clube vão ditar essa possibilidade.

– Vamos visualizar essa sequência e como a gente vai fazer. Temos Soteldo de volta para quarta, temos Mendoza de volta. São características de jogadores importantes para o grupo e vamos olhar os jogadores para saber como vai ser a condição deles para o próximo jogo – concluiu Odair Hellmann.

O duelo do Santos contra o Botafogo-SP será disputado na próxima quarta-feira (26), às 19h, na Vila Belmiro. Com a presença no estádio só de mulheres, crianças até 12 anos e pessoas com deficiência, os times definem quem passa para a próxima fase da Copa do Brasil.

> Clique aqui e veja como apostar na Copa do Brasil

Questions over whether Marsh will retain his place in Adelaide or perhaps play as a specialist batter only have been floating around after he pulled up sore following the Perth Test

Andrew McGlashan04-Dec-20241:31

Lyon: ‘I’m very clear about my role within the team’

Nathan Lyon is confident Mitchell Marsh will be able to play a role with the ball in Adelaide but is ready to take up any extra workload that comes his way should that not be the case.Marsh’s fitness has been one of the key watching briefs around the Australia side after he pulled up sore following Perth. Uncapped allrounder Beau Webster is part of the squad but it appears likely that Marsh will retain his place regardless of how much he can bowl. Since returning to the side in last year’s Ashes, Marsh is the only incumbent batter to average over 40 which appears set to keep him in the side.”I honestly think we’ll see Mitch Marsh bowl,” Lyon said on Wednesday. “I’m not concerned about Bison’s fitness if I’m being honest. He’s been brilliant for us since he’s come back in. He came [back] in that game in Leeds during the Ashes and [has] really dominated so got full confidence in Bison. Happy to bowl his overs.”Related

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Perth report: India hand Australia 295-run thrashing

While in recent times Lyon has been part of an Australia attack that has featured either Marsh, Cameron Green or sometimes both, he has also featured in a considerable number of sides that have not had a genuine allrounder, instead using the four frontline bowlers with some part-time overs from members of the top order.Lyon’s ability to be both an attacking and defensive bowler means he can play a key role in balancing the bowling unit in the absence of a genuine fifth bowler where, if needed, he can look to control the run rate in the first innings before searching more for wickets as the game develops.”I’m very clear on my role within the team,” Lyon said. “Nothing really changes with me…if I can get the opportunity to bowl more overs, I’ll jump at it.”Lyon expects the Adelaide pitch – which will start with 6mm of grass – will take turn as the game develops. In day-night Tests at the ground, spinners average 24.72 on the third day and 22.91 on the fourth, compared to 113.25 on the first and 60.60 on the second.Lyon was economical in India’s hefty second innings in Perth although was largely nullified by the top order before having Rishabh Pant stumped when the lead was already considerable. This Test brings Lyon back to the ground where he has had most success in Test cricket with 63 wickets at 25.26 from 13 matches, seven of which have been day-night encounters.2:13

Clarke: Mitch Marsh needs to be bowling

“We understand that we didn’t play our best cricket in Perth and India totally outplayed us,” he said. “But with all the other stuff, it’s been quite humorous in a way looking at how much has been said and the reactions of so many different people after one loss.”The beauty of a five-match Test series…is you get the opportunity to turn that around and that’s the challenge of what we face right now. We are coming up against a world-class India side that played an exceptional game of cricket over in Perth but that’s been nine days or so ago now, so come Friday we go again which I’m excited about.”We are humans, we are going to make mistakes, but if we can go out there and try and learn along the journey then we are going to put ourselves in a better position come our next fixture. We’ve got a great record here, playing at one of the best venues in the world on a great wicket, so looking forward to that.”He expressed surprised that both R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were left out in Perth with India preferring Washington Sundar. “[It] more than surprises me,” he said. “That’s the quality of Indian cricketers they have in that squad. You’ve got Ashwin with 530-odd wickets [536] and then Jadeja over 300 wickets [319]. It’s pretty remarkable to see the quality of players sitting on the bench.”In an encouraging sign for Australia, Josh Hazlewood was doing some gentle run throughs of his action alongside the other bowlers during the evening training session on Wednesday after he was ruled out of the second Test with a mild side strain. Scott Boland is expected to be his replacement for this Test.