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Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh share a light moment on the eve of the game © Getty Images

The hot and humid weather at Mumbai not withstanding, conditions at the Wankhede Stadium were perfect for a typically high-scoring game of one-day cricket. The pitch had a smattering of grass spread evenly across the surface, but looked absolutely dry, suggesting that the grass would help more in binding the surface together for the entire 100 overs than in assisting the seamers. The other vital ingredient, the outfield, was in perfect shape too, with the grass cut fine to ensure that batsmen would get full value for their strokes.Rahul Dravid, who will lead India again after Sourav Ganguly was ruled out of the next two games as well, refused to speculate on the composition of the Indian team, but it is unlikely that any changes will be made from the line-up which beat Australia so convincingly at Gwalior. Though Ajit Agarkar had a disappointing opening spell, his crucial runs down the order should help him seal his place.Not surprisingly, Dravid spoke about the need to bowl better with the new ball, after Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden scored 81 off the first 15 overs in their previous encounter. “There is very little margin for error against players of such quality. We have to restrict the runs early so that the spinners can then bowl in tandem and pile on the pressure on the batsmen.”Smarting from a convincing defeat in the first match, the Australians will need to prove that, despite the absence of all their star bowlers, they are still capable of putting it across an almost full-strength Indian line-up. So far in this series, their second-string bowling attack has performed admirably, keeping the Indian batsmen in check for much of the first match, and then skittling out New Zealand in seamer-friendly conditions. Ricky Ponting made no secret of his displeasure with the batting display, and it is unlikely that a line-up which includes – apart from Ponting himself – Hayden, Gilchrist, Martyn and Bevan will misfire twice in three games.Encouragingly for the Australians, Brad Hogg proved that Australia have a spin weapon as well if conditions do become favourable for the spinners. Dravid made light of Hogg’s impressive spell at Gwalior – “We were in the consolidation phase of our innings and hence weren’t taking too many risks” – but Hogg impressed with his control and his ability to turn the ball both ways.Meanwhile, SK Nair, secretary of the Indian board, stated that the selectors would meet tomorrow to select the squad for the next three games. Ganguly might well be kept out, as he is still recovering from a surgery on an abscess, but if his extended spell at the nets is any indication, then Ashish Nehra is a strong prospect. Bowling from his full run-up, Nehra steamed in and bowled a testing spell to Mohammad Kaif and Parthiv Patel. Parthiv, in particular, was constantly in trouble, playing and missing, and edging a few.Also in the nets was Sachin Tendulkar, bowling some teasing medium pace, before coming out for a short stint with the bat. In his last three ODIs here, Tendulkar has scored just 47 runs. Time for the law of averages to take effect?India (probable) 1 Virender Sehwag, 2 Sachin Tendulkar, 3 VVS Laxman, 4 Rahul Dravid (capt), 5 Mohammad Kaif, 6 Yuvraj Singh, 7 Parthiv Patel (wk), 8 Ajit Agarkar, 9 Harbhajan Singh, 10 Anil Kumble, 11 Zaheer Khan.Australia (probable) 1 Adam Gilchrist (wk), 2 Matthew Hayden, 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Damien Martyn, 5 Michael Bevan, 6 Andrew Symonds, 7 Ian Harvey, 8 Brad Hogg, 9 Andy Bichel, 10 Brad Williams, 11 Nathan Bracken.

Frontrunner Queensland was in disarray tonight after courageous South Australian Chris Davies stirred the Redbacks for another Pura Cup cricket mauling at the Gabba.Queensland could hardly be in worse shape after two days, slumping to 6-107 in its first innings in reply to the Redbacks’ 6(dec)-553, which included an unbeaten 119 from Davies.The 23-year-old suffers from the genetic disease cystic fibrosis, and his maiden first-class century was greeted with a loud roar from his teammates.The Redbacks cheered plenty more times as the day continued, leaving Queensland in even worse condition than the scoreline suggested.At stumps, batsman Martin Love was in hospital after he was knocked out by a pinpoint bouncer from Mark Harrity while paceman Michael Kasprowicz nursed ahamstring problem.To cap a dirty day for the Bulls, fast bowler Ashley Noffke, who appeared to be limping, was trapped LBW by Greg Blewett (1-14) with the very last ball of theday.During the collapse, Test opener Matthew Hayden chipped away for an unbeaten 38 and the Bulls will hope Love is cleared by doctors to rejoin him tomorrow.Love underwent precautionary X-rays in hospital after the Harrity bouncer struck him behind the left ear.Queensland was 1-33 when he was hit, sparking a procession of fallen batsmen including Jerry Cassell (zero), Stuart Law (11), James Hopes (11) and WadeSeccombe (five).They were unable to replicate the dominance of the South Australian batsmen, including century-makers Davies, Blewett (109) and Darren Lehmann (129).Davies was the individual star of the day, bringing up his century with a six off part-time spinner Law (1-54).The 23-year-old, a hero to fellow cystic fibrosis sufferers, didn’t return to the field during Queensland’s innings so he could rest.Davies admitted he was exhausted after his four-hour knock but said he was among the “lucky” sufferers of CF – a disease which affects the lungs and pancreas,leading to a shortened life expectancy.”I’ve been dealt a mild case and I keep on top of things. I don’t take any tablets at all,” Davies said.”I’m pretty much a test case around Australia because not too many people in my position are doing what I am.”I do the right things – go home early, stay reasonably fit – and I haven’t been in hospital for a long time.”But I was a bit knackered this afternoon and the guys thought it was best if I had the rest of the day off because I lose more salt than everyone else and it’s hard to replenish straight away.”Lehmann eventually called a halt three overs before Queensland could have suffered the humiliation of asking for a third new ball.While the Bulls’ bowlers were inconsistent, the Redbacks were smart, particularly towards Hayden.The left-hander has swatted Test attacks for the last 12 months but South Australia tied him up, keeping him to less than half of Queensland’s total.At the other end, Jimmy Maher (six) skied an impatient pull shot, Cassell didn’t play at a ball which would have bowled him and Law edged a catch behind.Mike Smith (2-25), Harrity (2-40) and Paul Rofe (1-23) shared the wickets before Blewett struck late.

Hyderabad opening batsman T Suman scored his second successive century in the competition as his side did well in scoring 262 for five off 101 overs at stumps on the first day of their South Zone Cooch Behar Trophy match against Andhra at the Ukku stadium, Visakhapatnam on Tuesday.Opting to bat first, Hyderabad met with an early setback when Avinash Pai was out to the second ball of the match, sent down by Appala Raju. Suman and Shashank Nag however initiated the recovery process by adding 76 runs for the second wicket off 29.4 overs before the latter was bowled by G Shankara Rao for 27. Suman found another valuable partner in AT Rayudu and the two shared a third wicket stand of 150 runs off 52.2 overs. Suman who had scored a century against Goa last week was finally third out at 228 in the 83rd over. For his 121, the opener batted 291 minutes, faced 251 balls and hit seven fours and three sixes. Rayudu was out in the following over, caught behind by wicketkeeper Manoj Sai off Md Faiq for 74. He batted a shade under three hours, faced 169 balls and hit eleven fours and a six. In the same over Md Faiq also had Raghuram Janak caught behind without any addition to the score. But Arjun Yadav (11) and Ibrahim Khaleel (22) weathered the storm by adding 33 runs off 17 overs for the unbroken sixth wicket when stumps were drawn.

Manchester United have shown glimpses of taking the next step under Ruben Amorim in the 2025/26 campaign, but there is still a glaring issue at the heart of the side.

The central midfield department has been an area of the pitch in which the manager has struggled for quality, which has resulted in a makeshift partnership as of late.

Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have often shared responsibility in the middle of the park, but a longer-term solution will be needed to take the Red Devils back up the Premier League.

The Brazilian is now 33 and looks set to depart at the end of the campaign, which could open up the possibility of a move for a youngster to stake their claim for a starting role.

However, it could also see INEOS flex their muscles in the transfer market, potentially making a move for numerous players who are already on their radar ahead of January.

Man Utd's "top top target" revealed

Over the last couple of weeks, United have been one of the sides interested in a move for Bournemouth star Tyler Adams to bolster the options at Amorim’s disposal.

The American international has featured in all but one league outing this campaign, which has led to the Cherries placing a £40m price tag on his head in recent weeks.

However, it’s now being reported that Andoni Iraola’s men are desperate to keep hold of the 26-year-old, who has revived his career at the Vitality over the last 18 months.

He’s not the only player in their sights, with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson currently ahead of the Bournemouth star in their list of targets this winter.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the England international is seen as a “top top target” for Amorim’s men this window, but a deal for his signature could be an expensive one.

He confirmed that a deal could well prove to be unlikely in the winter market, especially after Sean Dyche’s men placed a £100m price tag on his head for any interested party.

How Mainoo compares to Anderson

Kobbie Mainoo is another option who could be utilised at the heart of the United side, but boss Amorim evidently doesn’t see the youngster as part of his long-term plans.

The 20-year-old has now featured in 11 Premier League matches this season, but all of which have been from the bench – resulting in just 212 minutes of first-team action.

As a result, the player himself has been linked with a permanent and temporary move away from Old Trafford ahead of the upcoming window, but the club are set to block any approaches for his signature.

During Monday’s draw with Bournemouth, Mainoo’s brother was spotted wearing a shirt that stated ‘free Kobbie Mainoo’, which has no doubt flamed the fire that has been building.

It’s vital the youngster is handed senior minutes to help aid his development, especially after nailing down his place as a regular starter under the guidance of Erik ten Hag.

His minutes could be further limited should Anderson make a move to Old Trafford in the months ahead, with the Forest star currently a much bigger talent than the academy graduate.

When comparing his stats to those of Mainoo’s from the ongoing campaign, Anderson has outperformed him in numerous key areas – showcasing why he’d be a better option for Amorim’s men.

How Anderson & Mainoo compare in the PL (2025/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Anderson

Mainoo

Games played

16

11

Goals & assists

2

0

Progressive passes

8.3

3.2

Passes into final third

7.8

4.8

Tackles won

1.8

1.1

Interceptions made

1.9

0.4

Take-on success

50%

37%

Recoveries made

8.3

4.4

Aerials won

47%

16%

Stats via FBref

The Forest star, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by one analyst, has dominated in possession, as seen with his tally of more progressive passes and more passes into the final third per 90.

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Such numbers make him the perfect ball-playing option at the heart of the side, which could allow him to offer yet another creative outlet alongside Fernandes.

He’s also thrived without the ball at the City Ground, as seen by his tackles won per 90 tally, with the current United star unable to get anywhere near such levels in 2025/26.

Anderson has also made more interceptions and more ball recoveries per 90, further reaffirming his incredible ability without the ball – something which the side have greatly lacked in recent times.

The Mainoo situation at Old Trafford is certainly a sad sight to behold, especially after his efforts a couple of years ago, which led to the youngster scoring in the FA Cup final triumph in 2023/24.

However, a deal for Anderson would see the Red Devils land a phenomenal talent, with the 23-year-old having the tools to allow for an upgrade in the midfield department.

Related 0 key passes & 0 dribbles: Amorim must bin Man Utd dud who's like Hojlund

Manchester United played out a madcap game at Old Trafford on Monday evening.

Posts ByRobbie Walls

Scorecard

	It was a stressful day for Brad Hodge, who spent the morning with his wife who had heart surgery, before he returned to the Junction Oval to post 64 © Getty Images

Andrew McDonald’s second first-class century was not enough for Victoria to earn first-innings points on a day when Brad Hodge’s innings was interrupted by a family health problem. McDonald made 139 and Hodge scored 64 but the Bushrangers were dismissed for 301, falling 19 short of South Australia’s total.Hodge’s contribution was especially impressive considering he spent the first part of the day at hospital with his wife, Megan, who was having surgery to deal with an irregular heartbeat that had caused her to pass out several times in the past few weeks. Hodge had started his innings late on the first day but had special dispensation from the umpires to retire not out on his overnight score of 4.He said it was a tough day but he was able to concentrate after ensuring Megan’s two-and-a-half-hour operation had gone well. “I had a long day, up at 5.30,” Hodge said. “It’s a stressful day – it’s been stressful the last couple of weeks. They said it was a success, so that’s the main thing.”When Hodge restarted his innings Victoria were in big trouble at 6 for 112 after Jason Gillespie and Paul Rofe made early breakthroughs. But McDonald and Hodge added 159 for the seventh wicket, rarely looking troubled as they pushed comfortable singles and drove the Redbacks’ pace-heavy attack safely over a quick outfield.McDonald played some superb square cuts and scampered through for a quick single to reach his century from 147 deliveries. Just when he and the tailenders looked set to overhaul South Australia’s total McDonald edged Mark Cleary to second slip for 139.Cleary finished the job by bowling Allan Wise for 4 and leaving the Redbacks a small first-innings advantage. At stumps they were 0 for 20 with Shane Deitz on 11 and Matthew Elliott on 8.Cleary ended up with 3 for 61 having also trapped the dangerous Cameron White lbw for 32, but it was a pair of wickets from the debutant Daniel Christian that turned things back in South Australia’s favour. In the final over with the old ball, Christian bowled Hodge and then also rattled Shane Harwood’s stumps for 0 to ensure the work of the Redbacks’ fast bowlers earlier in the day was not wasted.