Chelsea are mounting a serious push to sign a “mature” player who’s also a wanted man at Liverpool, with Enzo Maresca looking to shore up a key area of the squad which could be central to a major overhaul.

Maresca’s side are currently in the midst of an intriguing Club World Cup campaign after a long campaign, and they’ll face-off against Portuguese heavyweights Benfica in the last 16 after luckily avoiding Bayern Munich in the next round.

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The CWC is a controversial talking point given the clubs taking part will have precious little rest before the start of preparations for next season, but Chelsea are reportedly determined to win the tournament, especially with the significant prize money on offer for the victors.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

They’ve already pocketed £8.8 million in performance-related prize money after winning two of their opening three games, and if they get past Benfica, Chelsea will receive another £10.1 million (Standard Sport) – taking their total windfall from the CWC to nearly £20 million, plus their participation fee.

This kind of cash could do wonders to assist Chelsea’s recruitment drive whilst helping them comfortably avoid the PSR threshold, with Maresca reportedly keen to sign a new centre-back alongside wingers and a striker.

Their backline could look very different by the commencement of 2025/2026 in particular, as journalist Graeme Bailey recently reported. It is apparently very possible Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi and Renato Veiga could all be sold before deadline day, with Chelsea having their eyes on firmly on Ajax defensive starlet Jorrel Hato, among others.

The versatile centre-back/left-back could upgrade the heart of Maresca’s defence whilst providing adept cover for Marc Cucurella, and he could be available for just £40 million.

Chelsea have held talks with Ajax over signing Hato, according to journalist Simon Phillips, and they’re still very much in pursuit of his signature.

Chelsea "pushing" to sign Jorrel Hato

As per Bailey, speaking to TBR Football in an update, both Arsenal and Liverpool are big fans of the Netherlands international, and Arteta’s side have been following him since his early teens.

However, Chelsea are “pushing hard” for Hato, so it could be the west Londoners who reign supreme in the race for his signature.

“We know that Chelsea are pushing hard to sign Hato and Liverpool still really like him. But I think Arsenal would be annoyed if they didn’t get Hato considering how much work they’ve been putting in,” said Bailey.

“Arsenal have been chasing Hato since he was around 14 or 15 years old, so I think there is a bit of confidence there. They want to sell Zinchenko to make room for Hato and then we still expect Kiwior to go as well.

“There will be plenty of room in that squad for Hato who is able to play a variety of roles.”

England international and ex-Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson knows his Ajax teammate very well, calling Hato “very mature” for his age and tipping him for a bright future.

“It’s crazy how young he is, but obviously how mature he looks when he’s on the pitch and also off the pitch,” he told Ajax’s official website, via the Liverpool Echo.

“He’s a very mature person. Works hard. Fantastic player. And yeah, he has a bright future ahead of him, I’m sure.”

“We can’t make mistakes against him tomorrow,” says Prabath Jayasuriya

Andrew Fidel Fernando22-Sep-2024If you’re a batter, your first Test at one of the most trying venues on the planet tends not to go well for you. Rachin Ravindra, though, is proving across formats, that he’s not your run-of-the-mill batter out of New Zealand.His fourth-innings vanguard, which by the end of day four has brought him 91 not out off 158, and pushed New Zealand into a spot where they still have an outside chance of victory, has been full of bravado.Sri Lanka’s offspinners attacked him outside off stump, figuring that as he likes to play shots out there, there will eventually be an edge that comes off his bat. The edge never materialised but plenty of runs did – 40 of his runs coming in the arc between backward point and cover, Ravindra’s shot-making frequent and consistent even when the pitch was spitting towards the end of the day.Related

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“I’ll be honest, the pitch isn’t easy – but there were periods there when Rachin made it look very easy,” said Ajaz Patel, who partnered Ravindra through the last few overs of the day.”He’s a phenomenal player. I think he’s world class. With his batting out there today, you saw him sticking to a solid plan for long periods, and trusting his skills. He’s got an amazing future in front of him. I’m grateful he’s on our team. He’s a headache to bowl to in first-class cricket.”When Sri Lanka switched to bowling straighter at him, Ravindra was no less proficient through the legside. He was ruthless when the bowlers erred even slightly on length, preferring the pull to the sweep as his main run-scoring option on the legside.In fact, four of his nine fours, and his one six all came through midwicket, with the six coming off a full toss.Opposition left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya had serious praise for Ravindra too.”I mostly tried to bowl into the rough to him and turn it into him. Sometimes he was very good at latching on to the short balls.”There was some little chances that came off him. But he kept his patience and batted nicely. He hit the loose balls away and kept the good ones out. He played like someone who understood his game, and was sticking to a game plan. Sometimes we tried to take his wicket and bowled aggressively, but he turned those into scoring opportunities.”Sri Lanka now need two more wickets to win, while New Zealand need 68 for victory. Ravindra has to score those runs in the company of No. 10 Patel, and No. 11 Will O’Rourke. If he gets through that challenge, it may be the finest moment of his career to date – in Tests, at least.”We can’t make mistakes against him tomorrow,” Jayasuriya said. “We have to take those two wickets.”

Manchester United have now held talks with the agent of a “sensational” player, who is among the main contenders for the Ballon d’Or, according to a report.

Man Utd's pulling power called into question

The Europa League loss against Tottenham Hotspur means, of course, that Champions League football has once again eluded Man United, and Roy Keane has suggested his former club no longer have the pulling power to attract top players.

However, Old Trafford clearly remains an attractive destination, even though European football will not be on offer next season, with it recently being revealed that Bryan Mbeumo would still prefer to join United ahead of Tottenham Hotspur.

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There have also been suggestions that Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres remains interested in a move, despite the highly sought-after striker attracting the attention of some other top clubs, suggesting the Red Devils clearly still have pulling power.

As such, Man United have now stepped up their pursuit of the highly-regarded Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, making contact with his agent, Enzo Raiola, in order to discuss a potential summer move.

Donnarumma’s PSG contract is set to expire next June, meaning he could be on the move this summer, despite expressing a willingness to remain at the French club, saying: “My priority is to stay at PSG. I don’t think there will be problems in the negotiations.”

Ruben Amorim is keen to bring in an upgrade on Andre Onana, but it could be difficult to tempt the goalkeeper into a move, considering his desire to remain in Paris, and Champions League finalists Inter Milan could provide competition for his signature.

"Sensational" Donnarumma emerges as Ballon d'Or contender

With just one year left on his deal, the Italian could be available for just £34m this summer, which could be a bargain fee for a player vying to win the Ballon d’Or, currently ranked fourth in the 2025 Power Rankings.

In recent times, a player from the Champions League winners has often scooped up the prestigious award, and the 26-year-old kept a clean sheet in PSG’s 5-0 demolition of Inter in the final, although Desire Doue was arguably the star of the show.

Not only did the PSG shot-stopper impress in Munich, but he also caught the eye of Joe Prince-Wright in the semi-final against Arsenal, with the reporter suggesting the Italy international was one of the main reasons his side progressed past the Gunners.

Evidently, Donnarumma could be a fantastic signing for Man United, but it seems unlikely that he would be willing to leave the European champions to move to Old Trafford.

da betsson： Heung-min Son will go down as a modern-day legend at Tottenham Hotspur, spending the last decade at the club and producing countless moments of magic.

da casino： The 32-year-old has registered over 450 appearances for the Lilywhites, reaching double figures in all but one of the ten seasons he’s spent in North London.

However, despite signing a new deal at the club a couple of months ago, he could be set to leave during the off-season, with numerous Saudi Arabian sides circling for his signature this window.

It’s been reported that Thomas Frank isn’t going to force him out the door, but would allow him to leave should he wish to – with multiple sides in the Middle East willing to pay £34m for his services.

It would be a shame to see a fan favourite depart, but he’s ultimately a shadow of his former self, opening the door to potential reinforcements arriving before the end of the summer.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new winger this summer

Antoine Semenyo is a player who has firmly been on their radar over the last few months, with the Bournemouth star impressing massively in the Premier League throughout the 2024/25 season.

The Ghanaian international registered 13 goals and six assists across all competitions, with the Cherries open to selling the attacker if they receive an acceptable offer for the 25-year-old.

However, he’s not the only Premier League winger on their radar this summer, with West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus emerging as a key option, according to The Guardian.

The report claims that Spurs are preparing a £50m bid for the 24-year-old attacker, who currently has an £85m release clause with his contract at the London Stadium.

It also states that the offer is seen as a low ball, but one that could unsettle the forward, who’s registered 19 goals for the Hammers after joining them from Ajax back in the summer of 2023.

Why Kudus would be as an exciting addition as Mbeumo this summer

Since Frank’s appointment, Spurs have appeared to step up their interest in Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, potentially securing a reunion between him and his former boss.

The Cameroonian international has enjoyed his best-ever top-flight campaign in 2024/25, registering 20 goals for the Bees, which has seen his stock rise as a result.

His current employers are demanding a fee in the region of £70m to part ways with him this summer, a fee that may be slightly out of the Lilywhites’ budget this window.

He’s also expressed his desire to move to Manchester United during the off-season, which has resulted in Frank’s men cooling their interest and targeting other options.

One of which appears to be Kudus, with the Hammers star a more than capable alternative, with the youngster impressing during his short spell in England’s top flight.

He’s proven that he’s capable of filling the void should Son depart in the near future, whilst his potential addition could see the club forget about a deal for Mbeumo.

The 24-year-old, who’s been labelled “generational” by journalist Gary Al-Smith, has registered more shots and a higher goal per shot on target rate, demonstrating his quality within attacking areas.

How Kudus compares to Mbeumo & Son in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Kudus

Mbeumo

Son

Games played

32

38

30

Goals & assists

8

27

16

Shots taken

2.6

2.1

2.3

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.4

0.2

Pass accuracy

84%

66%

78%

Passes into final third

1.8

1.6

1.7

Take-ons completed

3.2

1.3

1.2

Take-on success

48%

46%

34%

Stats via FBref

Kudus has also completed more passes and registered a higher tally of passes into the final third per 90, handing other players in and around the attacking areas to improve their own tallies.

His dominance is further reflected in his take-ons and higher success rate, always liking to drive the ball into forward areas, which hands Frank another superb option at his disposal.

If he is to move across London this summer, it would be a sensational signing and one that would help the club in their attempts to rise up the Premier League table.

Whilst Mbeumo may remain their main target, they should look past a move for the Bees star and prioritise a move for Kudus, with the Ghanian offering a replacement for Son should he leave this summer.

Related Frank's new Wissa: Spurs make approach for "one of the most prolific" CFs

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to make a move for a star who could complete their potent attack.

Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 18, 2025

Efforts from Matt Short, D’Arcy Short and Jamie Overton were not enough for Strikers in the 215 chase

Tristan Lavalette27-Dec-2024

Ben McDermott helped Hobart Hurricanes build a strong total•Getty Images

Ben McDermott powered Hobart Hurricanes to the highest total of the BBL season with a belligerent half-century to overwhelm a slumping Adelaide Strikers.Hurricanes had contributions through their batting order after being sent in on a typically flat Adelaide Oval surface. McDermott’s 68 off 34 balls, including five sixes, provided the finishing touches in the death overs to lift Hurricanes to a massive total.Strikers were on track in their chase of 215 after skipper Matthew Short and D’Arcy Short smashed 76 runs within seven overs, but regular wickets proved costly as Hurricanes claimed an 11-run victory.Related

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The result leaves Strikers at a shaky 1-3 record, while Hurricanes have won consecutive games after being routed for 74 by Melbourne Renegades in their season-opener.McDermott and David fire after Owen’s early dismissalAfter his rapid century against Perth Scorchers, all eyes were on Mitch Owen who promptly smashed the spin of Matt Short for a boundary through cover on the second ball of the innings.Owen went for broke on every delivery but it proved his downfall as he holed out to long-on in an anti-climactic finish.While Caleb Jewell struggled with his rhythm, Shai Hope followed Owen’s blueprint and swung hard. He gave himself plenty of room by moving around the crease and trusted the surface’s true bounce.Hope made a breezy 37 off 22 but couldn’t kick on as Hurricanes struggled to ignite in the middle overs until Tim David arrived at the crease in the 14th over.David came in at an opportune time amid the power surge as he eyed finding top form having tailed off in recent times, including a second-ball duck against Renegades.David can sometimes overhit early in his innings, but he gave himself time to settle in. It wasn’t long before David was in full flight as he rattled quick Henry Thornton with a full-blooded pull shot that sailed into the terraces.David couldn’t make it through to the end after his whirlwind 33 off 14 balls ended when quick Liam Scott cleaned him up with a full delivery.McDermott had been starved of the strike but made up for lost time with a succession of mighty blows. He was inventive against spinners Lloyd Pope and Cameron Boyce with reverse sweeps and he also used his feet effectively.McDermott, standing still at the crease and watching the ball closely, was in the zone as he lifted Hurricanes well past 200.Overton executes superblyAllrounder Jamie Overton has been Strikers’ standout performer so far this season with healthy bat and ball contributions. Once again he starred with the ball after finishing with a very respectable 2 for 27 from his four overs.On an unforgiving surface for bowlers, Overton bent his back and extracted bite. He claimed the wickets of Hope and Nikhil Chaudhary with short deliveries that beat them for pace.Strikers’ attack had no answer for Hurricanes in the backend except for Overton, who in the penultimate over bowled a succession of canny slower fuller deliveries to concede just eight runs.Overton’s execution under pressure was a feature in a superb performance.Matt Short hit a quick half-century•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Ellis steps up in key momentsHurricanes were nervous with Matt Short rediscovering his best form. But skipper Nathan Ellis stepped up with a terrific catch to dismiss Short after sprinting from extra cover to hang on after an initial fumble.Ellis made another important contribution when he bowled brilliantly in the 14th over amid the power surge. He bowled accurate full deliveries in trademark style to tie up Alex Ross and Ollie Pope and ensure Strikers fell well behind on the required run rate.David also made a significant impact with a brilliant diving catch at mid-on to dismiss Ross and he celebrated with gusto.Skipper finds form but it’s not enoughStrikers were faced with a daunting chase, but they have mowed down similar scores before at home.They needed Matt Short to fire having only scored 31 runs from three innings this season on the back of struggles in the white-ball series against Pakistan.He looked nervous early and was hit on the pads by speedster Riley Meredith, but survived. Short made his move with consecutive sixes off quick Billy Stanlake in the second over, but he was soon overtaken by his opening partner D’Arcy Short as they smashed 49 runs in the powerplay.They kept going for it and clearing boundaries until D’Arcy Short top-edged Stanlake to deep square leg after a brisk 41 off 22 balls. Following a cameo from Chris Lynn, the pressure fell on Short who notched the second fastest BBL half-century of his career off 27 balls.But Short fell shortly afterwards and Strikers’ chase ran out of puff despite late hitting from Overton. Strikers’ season hangs in the balance ahead of a pivotal clash against Scorchers in their traditional New Year’s Eve home fixture.

علق راؤول ألبيول، مدافع نادي ريال مدريد السابق، على أحداث مواجهة الميرنجي أمام برشلونة في كلاسيكو الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى، والتي لعبت يوم الأحد الماضي على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو.

ريال مدريد تفوق على برشلونة وحسم كلاسيكو الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى وهزم البلوجرانا بهدفين مقابل هدف واحد ليعزز صدارته في تريتب البطولة المحلية.

وشهدت مواجهة الكلاسيكو أحداث مؤسفة، بعدما دخل ثلاثي ريال مدريد، داني كارفاخال وفينيسيوس جونيور وتيبو كورتوا، في خلاف مع جناح برشلونة، لامين يامال.

واعترف ألبيول في تصريحات نقلتها إذاعة كادينا سير، أن ما حدث بين كارفاخال وفينيسيوس وكورتوا مع يامال، قد ذكره بما حدث في كلاسيكو ريال مدريد وبرشلونة خلال فترة جوزيه مورينيو وبيب جوارديولا، حيث قال: “ذكرني الكلاسيكو بأيامنا وخاصةً في نهاية المباراة مع الشجار”.

اقرأ أيضًا .. رقم صادم في مباراة الكلاسكيو بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة

وأضاف ألبيول في حديثه: “في النهاية، هناك الكثير من الكلام لكن يجب أن يبقى في الملعب، ليس من الممتع رؤية فينيسيوس وهو يقول عبارة هيا بنا نخرج إلى خارج الملعب”.

وأوضح: “إنهم زملاء في الفريق، لذا فإن التوتر والإثارة أمر طبيعي، عندما يطلق الحكم صافرة النهاية عليك أن تحاول الحفاظ على هدوئك والاستمتاع بالعرض”.

وأردف ألبيول: “خلال فترة لعبي مع المنتخب الوطني، كان هناك العديد من لاعبي برشلونة ومن ريال مدريد، كنا خمسة لاعبين من ريال مدريد، كنا نحن وبرشلونة الفريق بأكمله تقريبًا”.

وتابع: “صحيح أن التوتر وصل أحيانًا إلى المنتخب الوطني، انقطع التواصل تقريبًا بين لاعبي ريال مدريد وبرشلونة لكن بشكل عام كان هناك دائمًا احترام خلال التدريبات والمباريات، لذلك لم يؤثر ذلك على أي شيء”.

وواصل ألبيول: ”لم تكن هناك نوايا سيئة، ولا توتر ولا أجواء سيئة ولا أي شيء من هذا القبيل. لقد تم المبالغة في ذلك بشكل كبير”.

واستكمل ألبيول في حديثه عن منتخب إسبانيا وفرصه في كأس العالم العام المقبل: “لقد ثبت هذا المنتخب أنه فريق فائز وسيكرر ذلك. عندما يصل الجميع إلى كأس العالم، سيكونون جميع لاعبي إسبانيا في فريق واحد ويحاولون الفوز به”.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy and his plans for the summer window have taken another turn, with the Spurs chief attempting to back new manager Thomas Frank ahead of his debut season in the dugout.

Tottenham in talks for £38m attacker who Levy thinks could be the next Mbeumo

Spurs are “advanced” in their pursuit.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 1, 2025

Spurs kickstarted their recruitment drive with a £30 million permanent deal for Mathys Tel, and followed that up by agreeing a J League record £5 million deal for promising Kawasaki Frontale defender Kota Takai.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The plan for Takai, according to reliable journalist Alasdair Gold, is for him to compete for a place in the senior matchday squad, and Tottenham are apparently hopeful that he can replicate the likes of Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr as young players who’ve staked their claim in the starting eleven.

Frontale have now confirmed the 20-year-old’s exit, with Takai looking set to become a new Spurs player after July 5, even if they didn’t explicitly mention Tottenham.

“We would like to inform you that Kota Takai will be leaving the team at the end of the activity on Saturday, July 5, in order to complete the necessary procedures and preparations for a transfer to an overseas club,” read a club statement.

“We will notify you further regarding future plans as soon as they are officially decided.

“After the match against Kashima Antlers in the 23rd round of the J1 League on Saturday, July 5, Kota Takai will be giving a speech to the supporters. In addition, Takai will not be participating in the Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday, July 6.”

According to recent reports, Takai could well be followed by West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus, if all goes to plan.

Fabrizio Romano says that talks are underway between all parties for the Ghana international, and he’s apparently open to making the switch across London.

Now, GiveMeSport have shared an intriguing update on the matter.

Daniel Levy holds talks with David Sullivan over signing Mohammed Kudus

GMS report that Levy has personally held talks with West Ham chairman David Sullivan over the signing of Kudus.

Levy apparently contacted his Hammers counterpart to discuss a deal for the ex-Ajax sensation, with Tottenham starting negotiations at £50 million for Kudus as they attempt to seal a quick deal ahead of rival suitors.

Spurs are wary of the competition for Kudus and have decided to move early for him. The 24-year-old, meanwhile, is actively seeking an exit from the London Stadium, but as things stand, West Ham are insistent that any offer made up to this point is unacceptable.

The Lilywhites will need to meet their capital rivals in the middle, even if West Ham are under some pressure to sell so they can begin their own summer transfer plans.

Kudus endured a mixed 2024/2025 when compared to his electric debut campaign in east London, but teammate Aaron Cresswell has perhaps already explained exactly why Tottenham are very keen.

“I’ve just trained with him and you don’t want to go anywhere near him,” Cresswell told the Iron Cast.

“I’m up against him all the time and I’m like: ‘Mo, go on over to the left!’

“He’s a top, top talent and I think we haven’t seen the best of him yet. I won’t go near him in training because I know if I’m going to try to knock him off the ball, I had better make sure he’s not looking and doesn’t see me coming.

“You just can’t get near him. He’s so strong, so quick, so sharp.”

The visitors have Mitchell Swepson, Ashton Agar and Todd Murphy as spin-bowling options, even as they ponder replacements in their pace battery

Alex Malcolm06-Feb-20232:20

Ravi Shastri: ‘I want the ball to turn from day one’

Does Green play as a pure batter?Green broke his right index finger during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa last December, and thus required surgery. He did not pick up a bat for the next four weeks, with another seven days having passed since the injury. Australia coach Andrew McDonald has already confirmed that Green is currently unable to bowl, although he admitted that he was surprised at how well Green was batting given the short recovery time.Green is pushing to play as a pure batter in Nagpur, but the short turnaround from the injury and the obvious need to be protected in the field means it might be touch and go. If Green is not fit, Australia will almost certainly pick a specialist batter at No. 6, as they did against South Africa in the Sydney Test after Green’s injury. It was Matt Renshaw who had got the nod there, and he has been in tremendous form in all formats recently and has experience in India as an opener.Related

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Will Todd Murphy get a chance to shine in India?

Battles to watch: Lyon vs Pujara, Kohli; Ashwin vs Warner, Smith

But if Renshaw plays, Australia will have five left-handers in the top seven. Peter Handscomb is a realistic option if the selectors prefer a little more right-left balance to not give R Ashwin a chance to settle against a bevy of left-handers. Hanscomb is one of Australia’s better players of spin, and had the experience of playing all four Tests in 2017. He is also coming off two back-to-back big-run-scoring seasons in the Sheffield Shield, Australia’s premier first-class competition.Two spinners or three quicks?It seems highly likely that Australia will play two spinners as they have only three fit quicks to choose from following the injury to Hazlewood. Starc doesn’t arrive until after the first Test, as he continues to recover from his finger injury, while Green can’t bowl even if he does play. Australia did win at the old Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground in Nagpur in 2004 with three quicks and one spinner, but that was with Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz and Shane Warne.Scott Boland has hardly bowled on a flat pitch in international cricket so far•Getty ImagesScott Boland looks set to play in place of Hazlewood, and has a good record on very flat, low pitches in Australia in the Shield, although he has hardly bowled on a flat pitch in international cricket so far. Australia have one other quick option in Lance Morris, who has made a name in Shield cricket as Australia’s fastest bowler, and has proven himself to be more than capable of reversing an old ball at high pace and troubling batters on slow surfaces.But Morris regularly plays in a five-man attack for Western Australia and is used in short impact spells. Thus, handing him a Test debut in a four-man attack – especially with Starc and Hazlewood missing, and Boland low on experience – would be a huge risk, especially on Indian pitches.Who partners Lyon?It was Ashton Agar in Australia’s previous Test in Sydney, as McDonald went on record stating that they wanted left-arm orthodox to complement Lyon, particularly with Travis Head’s improvement as a part-time offspinner heightening the need for a different skillset in the attack. Agar went wicketless and battled for control, which was understandable given he has worked tirelessly at becoming one of Australia’s best T20 bowlers in recent years at the expense of playing very few first-class games; before Sydney, his last Test had come back in 2017, while since 2021 he has played only four first-class games.Todd Murphy has emerged as arguably Australia’s second-best red-ball spinner but, like Lyon, he too is an offspinner, albeit a different one. The desire for a left-arm spinner is strong, though, given that in the previous game played at the venue of the first Test, Vidarbha bowled Gujarat out for 54 when defending only 73 in the Ranji Trophy, India’s premier first-class competition. Granted, that match was played on a side pitch while the Test between India and Australia will be held on one of the centre pitches, but it was left-arm spin that did most of the damage.Ashton Agar’s last Test in Asia had come in 2017•Getty ImagesNine of the ten wickets in Gujarat’s second innings – which happened to take place on the third day of the match itself – had fallen to left-arm orthodox spin, while 23 of the last 30 in the game also went to the same kind of bowling. The pitch for the first Test is expected to be very dry, and India are certain to have at least four right-hand batters in their top seven; that number could rise if they play one or both of Suryakumar Yadav and KS Bharat.But Murphy’s record against right-handers in seven first-class matches – with 14 wickets at 26.7, and a strike rate of 62.2 – far outweighs Agar’s in his last 12 matches (10 wickets at 75.9, while striking at 171.5).Legspinner Mitchell Swepson is also in the squad, having played four of Australia’s five Tests in Pakistan and Sri Lanka last year. But Australia’s selectors have flagged a clear preference for a fingerspinner offering more control in India, with even India not preferring Kuldeep Yadav at home in recent times; although the fact that all three of Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are better batters than Kuldeep might have also played a part.Eventually, Australia must decide between trying Agar for the first time in Asia in the last six years, or handing a debut to Murphy, which would leave them with two specialist offspinners, and a part-time offspinner in Head with very little rough to exploit outside the right-handers’ off stump given there will be no left-arm quicks playing in either team to create any footmarks to exploit.