Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ submitted an early contender for catch of the year already during Saturday's game vs. the San Diego Padres.
In the top of the seventh inning, Padres pinch hitter Gavin Sheets crushed a line drive to left field. Happ rushed over towards the wall and somehow made it in time to catch the ball for an out. He flipped over on the ground until the wall stopped him from continuing his roll, but the ball ended up in his glove for the out.
Relief pitcher Nate Pearson, who saw Sheets as his first batter of the game, couldn't believe what he saw Happ do. He put his hands on his head and looked in disbelief.
It was fitting the three-time Gold Glove winner Happ would make this mind-boggling catch during his 1000th career game on Saturday.
It'll be hard to beat this play, but there's still a lot of the 2025 MLB season left.
تحدث نجم الكرة المغربية ومحلل شبكة قنوات “بي إن سبورتس”، عبد العزيز بنيج، عن تعادل الجيش الملكي المغربي مع الأهلي، بهدف لكل فريق، في دور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
وتعادل الأهلي مع نظيره الجيش الملكي، بهدف لكل فريق، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية من دور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
طالع.. موعد مباراة الأهلي القادمة بعد التعادل مع الجيش الملكي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا
وقال عبد العزيز بنييج في تصريحات على قناة “بي إن سبورتس”: “ما قدمه الجيش الملكي في الشوط الأول طبيعي أن يكون هناك هبوطا في مستوى الفريق بالشوط الثاني، مواكبة المباراة كانت متأخرة من سانتوس مدرب الفريق، في حين الجانب الأخير كان يوجد تفاعل سريع من مدرب الأهلي، بإجراء تغييرات مباشرة ودكة احتياطي كانت جيدة بدخول بن رمضان”.
وأضاف: “تبديلات الأهلي أحدثت ارتباكًا في دفاع الجيش الملكي وأصبح أفضل، والفريق المغربي قدم مباراة شجاعة”.
وتابع: “الحكم الليبي كان جيدًا في المباراة، كل القرارات اللي أخذها صائبة وعادلة، لو هناك تقنية فار كان من الممكن يتأكد أكثر، تعادل عادل بين الفريقين، الأهلي في الشوط الثاني قدم أشياء جميلة، الجيش الملكي لم يستطيع الحفاظ على التقدم”.
Manchester United are now eyeing a move for another “brilliant” Wolverhampton Wanderers star, alongside their interest in midfielder Joao Gomes.
Man Utd looking to sign two Wolves stars
It could be viewed as questionable to be targeting players from Wolves, given that they have made a torrid start to the campaign, having only collected two points thus far, but Man United have recently set their sights on Gomes.
In fact, the Brazilian maestro has reportedly already said ‘yes’ to a move to Old Trafford, with INEOS now working on a deal, which could amount to £50m, with bringing in a new central midfielder of particular importance to Ruben Amorim & co.
Several targets have already been identified in midfield ahead of the January transfer window, including Nottingham Forest and England star Elliot Anderson, with journalist Andy Mitten revealing the Red Devils “would love” to sign the 23-year-old.
However, with a fee of over £100m being touted, potentially cheaper alternatives are also being targeted, and Man United are now eyeing a move for Wolves’ Andre, who has recently joined six other players on the list of midfield targets.
That is according to reliable reporter Rob Dawson, in a report for ESPN, with it being revealed United are looking to bring in at least one top midfielder next summer, while Amorim is also keen to bring in additional options at wing-back.
With United looking to get the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho off the books, INEOS feel as though they will have the financial muscle to make the necessary improvements to the squad, and moves could be made in January, although they would prefer to wait until the summer.
"Brilliant" Andre might not fit Man Utd's criteria
After signing for Wolves for £21m back in 2024, the Brazilian has gone on to establish himself as a key player for Wolves, and former player Dave Edwards has been impressed by the midfielder’s performances at times this season, lauding him as “brilliant”.
However, with United looking to sign a proven top-level midfielder, the 24-year-old might not be exactly what they’re looking for, given that he is yet to play in Europe, and has mainly been fighting at the bottom of the Premier League table since leaving Fluminense.
While the Wolves star is now experienced in the Premier League, having made 45 appearances over the past two seasons, there are a number of more exciting options on the shortlist, including Anderson, who is arguably a more rounded midfielder.
Amorim and Wilcox agree on blockbuster Man Utd move for "elite" £80m star
The Red Devils could now make a notable signing that would be represent a statement at Old Trafford.
BySean Markus Clifford Nov 24, 2025
The 23-year-old amassed eight goal contributions in the Premier League last season, during which time Andre failed to register a single goal or assist, while he is also solid from a defensive point of view, placing in the 91st percentile for tackles per 90 over the past year, compared to other midfielders.
As such, Anderson should be Man United’s top target in midfield, but the £100m+ price tag could be prohibitive, and Forest are in a position to play hardball, as he remains under contract until 2029.
Manchester United are plotting signings and now look to be on the verge of announcing their latest arrival at Old Trafford, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Man Utd prepare to take on Crystal Palace
The dust has settled on a disappointing defeat for Manchester United against Everton on Monday night, which will have left Ruben Amorim with plenty to stew over after being denied by a rigid block that refused to budge at Old Trafford.
Arguably, a change of shape or style would’ve heightened the chances of the Red Devils scoring. Still, some excellent saves from Jordan Pickford ended their five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, and they will now need to reset against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
South London has proved to be one of the toughest destinations in the top-flight this campaign for clubs keen on points, albeit Manchester United will have no choice but to try and defy recent norms in their pursuit of continental qualification.
Come the January window, Amorim will hope to call upon the backing of INEOS in the hunt for new additions, and Wolverhampton Wanderers pair Joao Gomes and Andre are wanted at Old Trafford.
Casemiro could be on his way out at Manchester United, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that he may only be kept on under reduced salary conditions, as he said: “So now the desire is from Man Utd obviously to continue with Casemiro, but on different conditions.
“So the salary he has right now is a salary Manchester United don’t want to pay in the future. Not because of unhappiness with the player, but because they want to change the salary structure.”
With that in mind, the Red Devils could now be set to imminently sign a younger midfielder who shares similar traits with the Brazil international.
Man Utd set to sign Cristian Orozco
According to Romano on X, Manchester United are now close to signing Fortaleza midfielder Cristian Orozco for a fee in the region of £756,800 and he will arrive in England over the coming days to seal his move.
Despite never playing senior club football, scouts have compared him to the likes of Moises Caicedo and believe he could be the “next Casemiro” due to his “physically imposing” displays in the engine room.
Capped 13 times at Under-17 level by Colombia, he looks to be the latest in a long line of additions Manchester United have made over recent times with an eye for the future, similar to the likes of Chido Obi-Martin, Ayden Heaven and Diego Leon.
Man Utd plotting "bargain" deal to sign "imposing" Ligue 1 defender who scouts love
He could complete Amorim’s back three.
ByTom Cunningham Nov 27, 2025
With Casemiro soon to be into the final few months of his contract, the Red Devils may have now done the groundwork to land his long-term replacement.
Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness says the club gained a “huge advantage” by deciding against pursuing big-money moves for Benjamin Sesko, Xavi Simons and Jamie Gittens. The Bundesliga heavyweights were strongly linked with all three players before their respective switches to Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the summer.
Sesko, Simons and Gittens still finding their feet in English football
Sesko, Simons and Gittens were seen as three of the most eye-catching new arrivals in the Premier League ahead of the 2025-26 season. The trio had earned rave reviews for their performances in the Bundesliga – Sesko and Simons at RB Leipzig and Gittens with Borussia Dortmund – which led to United, Tottenham and Chelsea forking out huge sums of money to secure their respective signatures.
However, the youngsters are still yet to find their feet in England. On the back of moving to United for £74 million (€84m/$97m), Sesko – who is currently on the sidelines with a knee injury – has scored just two goals in 11 league appearances for Ruben Amorim’s side.
Meanwhile, Simons – who joined Spurs for £52m (€60m/$70m) – is still looking for his first league goal for the club, though the Netherlands international has recorded one top-flight assist for Thomas Frank’s men.
On the other hand, Gittens is also looking for his first league goal since joining Chelsea in a £55 million (€63m/$75m) deal. However, the 21-year-old did find the back of the net in the Blues’ 4-3 win over strugglers Wolves in the Carabao Cup on 29 October.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportBayern chief Hoeness aims jibe at struggling Premier League trio
And while Sesko, Simons and Gittens try to acclimatise to English football, Bayern chief Hoeness has aimed at a dig in their direction. The 73-year-old – who was part of the iconic Bayern team that dominated the 1970s including winning three successive European Cups in 1974, 1975 and 1976 – has praised the club for not giving into supporters’ wishes to spend big in the summer, insisting they have gained an edge over their rivals as a result.
In an interview with German newspaper Hoeness said: "For months we were accused of not buying enough top-class or experienced players. That's precisely what's now a huge advantage for us, because we all decided together not to buy expensive players like Xavi [Simons] or [Jamie] Gittens, who had been discussed, or [Benjamin] Sesko, who costs €80 million.
“Instead, we said, come on, let's do nothing, let's just loan [Nicolas] Jackson from Chelsea. And that's how we ended up with a relatively balanced transfer budget. And we also have a coach [Vincent Kompany] who agreed to giving young players a chance.
“The Thomas Muller decision [letting the forward leave upon the expiration of his contract] was also extremely tough, but important. Because one thing is clear: if Thomas Muller had stayed, he would have been on the bench – and then the whole stadium would have chanted 'Muller, Muller' every time someone was substituted. And then [Lennart] Karl and [Tom] Bischof would have been relegated to the sidelines.”
Getty Images SportGerman giants labelled Newcastle 'idiots' for Woltemade signing
It is not the first time a Bayern board member has sent a jibe towards a Premier League club this season, with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge having earlier labelled Newcastle United as “idiots” for spending £69m (€79m/$93m) on striker Nick Woltemade – another player who was linked with a summer move to the Allianz Arena.
He told German publication in September: “When the story with Woltemade and Stuttgart's demands came up, at some point I said to Uli [Hoeness], Herbert Hainer, Jan Dreesen and Max Eberl: 'Guys, we're getting into sums of money that I simply don't find acceptable anymore’."
Bayern supervisory board member Rummenigge – who also played for the club in the 1970s – then joked that one could only “congratulate Stuttgart for finding an idiot [Newcastle] who paid so much money,” adding: "Because we certainly wouldn't have done that in Munich.”
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Getty Images SportSesko, Simons and Gittens could return to PL action this week
Woltemade, 23, has been in excellent form since arriving at Newcastle on 30 August, scoring seven goals in 17 appearances in all competitions for the club. Eddie Howe’s side return to league action against Simons’ Tottenham on Tuesday, while Gittens will be hoping to feature when Chelsea travel to Leeds United on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, United head coach Amorim confirmed before his side’s 2-1 league victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday that Sesko is unlikely to feature against West Ham United on Thursday evening.
He said: "Sesko is going to take a little bit more time [than Matheus Cunha]. It will take a little bit longer and we are taking care of him."
West Ham face a pivotal January transfer window that may well determine their Premier League survival, but manager Nuno Espírito Santo also faces the threat of losing players.
Players who could leave West Ham in January
Niclas Füllkrug tops the departure list following his disastrous £27 million move from Borussia Dortmund, with the 32-year-old’s spell marred by repeated injury lay-offs.
He’s scored just three goals since arriving in 2024, failing to find the net at all this season, and his agent, Thorsten Wirth, has publicly acknowledged the transfer simply hasn’t worked.
Fullkrug is reportedly desperate for regular playing time to salvage his 2026 World Cup hopes, with Hamburg, Wolfsburg, Stuttgart, Hoffenheim and AC Milan all expressing rumoured interest in the Germany international ahead of January.
There is also the matter of James Ward-Prowse, who’s been completely excluded by Nuno ever since the Portuguese’s arrival at Rush Green.
West Ham’s results in the Premier League so far
Sunderland 3-0 West Ham
West Ham 1-5 Chelsea
Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham
West Ham 0-3 Tottenham
West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace
Everton 1-1 West Ham
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
West Ham 0-2 Brentford
Leeds 2-1 West Ham
West Ham 3-1 Newcastle
West Ham 3-2 Burnley
Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham
West Ham 0-2 Liverpool
The 30-year-old was a firm regular under Graham Potter and named vice-captain, but Nuno’s appointment has seen him miss out on every single Premier League matchday squad.
Ward-Prowse is resigned to leaving West Ham in January as a result, with reports suggesting he could be joined by Guido Rodriguez as the Argentine attracts interest from abroad.
They may not be the only midfielders set for the London Stadium exit door either, as uncertainty continues to surround the future of Lucas Paqueta.
The Brazil international, who sent an interesting response to backlash surrounding his ridiculous sending off against Liverpool over the weekend, is reportedly open to the prospect of a mid-season exit and could well leave as their most high-profile departure.
Former West Ham senior scout, Mick Brown, has now told Football Insider that Paqueta leaving the club is a credible possibility.
West Ham set for 'big decision' over selling Lucas Paqueta
Brown says that West Ham are set for a ‘big decision’ over selling Paqueta next month, and Nuno will be ‘fuming’ about the 28-year-old’s conduct against Liverpool following one of the most bizarre dismissals you’ll ever see.
The former Lyon star, who was once on the verge of joining Man City before his spot-fixing allegations scuppered the deal, will leave the club in 2027 as things stand when his contract is due to expire.
Paqueta has already admitted that he desires a return to Flamengo one day, and admitted the move was actually close to happening last summer.
Nuno will need a replacement for Paqueta if he does leave, but West Ham are believed to be in the market for a new midfielder.
It would be fair to say that, so far, this season has been a topsy-turvy one for Newcastle United.
For example, Eddie Howe’s side had a really disappointing start to the campaign, winning just two of their first six Premier League games.
However, in recent weeks, they’ve also had some seriously impressive results, like beating Manchester City, Athletic Bilbao, and, most recently, destroying Everton.
One of the players who has had a real uptick in form recently has been Harvey Barnes, who looks like a player reborn, although, if reports are to be believed, Newcastle are looking at someone who’d be a huge upgrade.
Newcastle target Barnes upgrade
With the transfer window just over a month away now, Newcastle are starting to be linked with a host of exciting and potentially game-changing signings who could bolster Howe’s side.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
AS Roma’s promising Manu Kone, for example, has been touted for a £44m move, as has Inter Milan’s Italian international Davide Frattesi.
However, while both players would be fine additions to the Magpies’ squad, neither could be described as an upgrade on Barnes, unlike Raphinha.
Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Newcastle are now one of the clubs interested in signing the Brazilian superstar.
In fact, the report has revealed that the Toon view the Barcelona star as someone who could be the cornerstone of their attack moving forward and are determined to fight hard to secure his services.
However, the former Leeds United star has shown no desire to leave the Spanish giants, and even though he’ll have just a year left on his deal in the summer, other reports have claimed that it could cost up to £88m to get him out of Catalonia.
Even so, given Raphinha’s immense ability and experience, this is a transfer Newcastle should fight tooth and nail to get over the line, even if his arrival could spell trouble for Barnes.
How Raphinha compares to Barnes
Now, one of Raphinha’s many qualities is that he can play on either wing, which would allow Howe some extra flexibility were this transfer to happen.
However, during his time with Barcelona, he has primarily played on the left, which is also where he has been most effective.
Therefore, it would make sense for Newcastle to keep him there, which in turn would put him in direct competition with Barnes, which, based on several reasons, he would win, and comfortably at that.
The first reason is the simple fact that he is far more productive than the former Leicester City star.
For example, in his 40 appearances last season, totalling 2121 minutes, the Burnley-born ace scored nine goals and provided five assists, which came out to a reasonably impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.85 games, or every 151.5 minutes.
FC Barcelona'sRaphinhacelebrates scoring their fourth goal
In contrast, the Barca star scored 34 goals and provided 26 assists in 57 appearances, totalling 4661 minutes, which came out to a world-class average of 1.05 goal involvements every game, or one every 77.68 minutes.
This season, the former Leeds star has scored three goals and provided three assists in ten appearances, totalling 571 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games, or more importantly, every 95.16 minutes.
Games
57
40
Minutes
4661′
2121′
Goals
34
9
Assists
26
5
Goal Involvements per Match
1.05
0.35
Minutes per Goal Involvement
77.68′
151.5′
Games
10
20
Minutes
571′
996′
Goals
3
7
Assists
3
2
Goal Involvements per Match
0.6
0.45
Minutes per Goal Involvement
95.16′
110.66′
The Englishman, on the other hand, has produced nine goal involvements, but has done so in 20 appearances, totalling 996 minutes, which comes out to one every 2.22 games, or every 110.66 minutes.
Now, on top of putting up numbers that are frankly absurd, the Porto Alegre-born superstar is also a proven winner, having played a crucial role in the Blaugrana’s last two La Liga triumphs, as well as last year’s Copa del Rey.
Ultimately, Barnes is a great player, but thanks to his output, experience and trophy haul, it’s hard to disagree with Romario’s assertion that Raphinha is “one of the best players in the world.”
Therefore, Newcastle should do what they can to sign him next year, as he could be the star who takes them to the next level.
Forget Barnes: Newcastle have a "world-class" star who can end Gordon's stay
Newcastle’s Three Lions winger has flattered to deceive for some time now.
Newcastle squandered a wonderful opportunity to all-but seal their route to the Champions League knockout stages after a quick-fire double from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sunk the Magpies 2-1 in Marseille. In-form Harvey Barnes opened the scoring in the sixth minute, but a dreadful error from Nick Pope just seconds into the second-half allowed Aubameyang to turn the game in the hosts' favour.
Eddie Howe's side came flying out the traps and almost opened the scoring after a couple of minutes, but Malick Thiaw had his header cleared off the line brilliantly by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. But the visitors only had a few moments to wait to break the deadlock after Sandro Tonali sprung the offside trap on the right of the box, and his cut-back found its way to the on-fire Barnes, who fired low into the corner.
While the opening stages were all about Howe’s side, the remainder of the first half were dominated by OM and goalkeeper Pope was called into action on a number of occasions as Roberto De Zerbi’s turned the screw.
There was high drama right at the start of the second half as Aubameyang took control of the match. His first goal came courtesy of a rush of blood to the head from Pope, who raced miles out of his box, the former Arsenal forward won the foot race, poked it past the Magpies' goalkeeper and fired home from an acute angle. Two minutes later, the French side were in front and it was Aubameyang again, directing Timothy Weah’s cross high into the net in front of Pope to send the home crowd delirious.
The victory was Marseille’s first against English opposition in 12 attempts, but for Howe’s side it was another disappointing away result, and they now face daunting matches against Bayer Leverkusen, PSV and Paris Saint-Germain before they can confirm their progress to the knockout phase.
GOAL rates Newcastle's players from the Orange Velodrome…
Getty Images Sport
Goalkeeper & Defence
Nick Pope (4/10):
Evening started so well for Pope, making two very good saves early in the first half. But what was he thinking for the equaliser? Came miles outside his box and was made to look foolish by Aubameyang's incredible finish.
Tino Livramento (6/10):
Had a busy evening marshalling Greenwood and the overlapping runs of Weah. Looked tired coming off as he was replaced by Hall.
Malick Thiaw (7/10):
Came very close to opening the scoring with just a couple of minutes on the clock, but his effort was cleared off the line. Had a very busy evening at the other end of the evening, made a number of important clearances.
Fabian Schar (6/10):
Had his work cut out all evening as he blocked wave after wave of Marseille attacks. Was an imposing figure until he was subbed off on the hour mark.
Dan Burn (6/10):
Came back into the side after suspension and he was kept on his toes all evening, attempting to halt the runs of Greenwood and Weah. Did well and hardly put a foot wrong.
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AFP
Midfield
Bruno Guimaraes (7/10):
A typical evening for the Brazilian, full of running and played with never-say-die guts for his side. But spent the vast majority of the match defending in his own half.
Sandro Tonali (6/10):
Very productive evening and was the brains behind the opener for Barnes. Will be disappointed to have squandered a brilliant chance to double the lead in the 23rd minute as he fired straight at the keeper.
Joe Willock (5/10):
Picked up an early yellow card after raising his arm towards Bakola and cut a frustrated throughout the evening as little of his positive efforts paid off. Highlighted by a tame shot on the edge of the box when he attempted to side foot it, when power was required. Replaced by Ramsey in the 72nd minute.
AFP
Attack
Jacob Murphy (6/10):
Like many of the Newcastle players, Murphy looked very good in the first 10 minutes or so, but found the going tough as the hosts played their way back into the match. Hooked on the hour.
Anthony Gordon (6/10):
Brought back into the starting line-up after missing the last two games, but endured a relatively quiet evening and will be disappointed with his lack of decisive creative spark.
Harvey Barnes (7/10):
Bagged a couple against Man City last time out and was the initial hero here again. Stayed cool and calm to fire low past the 'keeper with a couple of minutes on the clock.
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AFP
Subs & Manager
Lewis Miley (6/10):
Played well and was called into action on a a number of occassions, making important blocks to help keep his side in the game.
Anthony Elanga (6/10):
Full of running and had a couple of half-chances, but not enough time to influence the game.
Lewis Hall (5/10):
Showed plenty of ambition to get forward into the Marseille box, but too few touches to make a major impact.
Jacob Ramsey (6/10):
Brought on and immediately delivered driving runs through the heart of the Marseille midfield. Looked lively, but needed more time than he was given.
Nick Woltemade (5/10):
Was held back as Howe wanted to keep him fresh for the forthcoming Premier League challenges. Had very few touches when introduced to try and rescue the match for his side.
Eddie Howe (5/10):
Rang the changes, but paid the price. Was in dreamland for the first 10 minutes and will rue sloppy mistakes which cost his side the chance to claim a crucial win.
Thiago Carpini não é mais o técnico do São Paulo. A diretoria tricolor demitiu o treinador de 39 anos após a derrota por 2 a 1 diante do Flamengo, em partida válida pela segunda rodada do Brasileirão.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoEx-miss bumbum faz promessa inusitada caso Carpini seja demitido do São Paulo: ‘ir nua ao Morumbis’Fora de Campo17/04/2024Fora de CampoÍdolo do São Paulo pede Sampaoli para o lugar de Carpini: ‘Tem que trazer um doido’Fora de Campo16/04/2024
➡️ Siga o Lance! São Paulo no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Tricolor
Carpini deixa o São Paulo com sete vitórias, seis empates e cinco derrotas. Com ele, o Tricolor quebrou o tabu na Neo Química Arena diante do Corinthians, superou o Palmeiras na Supercopa do Brasil, mas caiu para o Novorizontino nas quartas de final do Paulistão e ainda não pontuou no Brasileirão
➡️A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta!
Após a derrota contra o Fortaleza, no Morumbis, a diretoria do clube passou a receber indicações no mercado internacional e começou a fazer sondagens informais para substituir Carpini.
continua após a publicidade
A preferência será por um treinador estrangeiros, e nomes como Felipão, Vanderlei Luxemburgo e Mano Menezes, à princípio, estão descartados.
Com a demissão de Thiago Carpini, Milton Cruz assume interinamente a equipe. O auxiliar pode comandar a equipe no domingo, contra o Atlético-GO, pela terceira rodada do Brasileirão.
➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários dos jogos do Brasileirão
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Australia's Ashes 'bat-off' begins: Who could open against England?
Lyon wants 'a spinner in every side' in Tests in Australia
Green will be restricted to just eight overs for the match, with WA skipper Sam Whiteman needing to manage his overs across the game, but will build up steadily in the ensuing Shield matches and ODIs for Australia.In total, Green expects to play three Shield matches as well as Australia’s ODI series against India before the Ashes begins at Perth’s Optus Stadium on November 21.”It’s been a long 12 months, but feeling really good,” Green said on Friday, before adding he was feeling no apprehension ahead of his bowling return. “The body’s in a good place. It’s been a really good rehab journey. I feel stronger, fitter, my action feels good.”It will be eight overs for the [Shield] game. Just a steady build-up. The first Test should be no restrictions. That’s kind of the whole plan of the last year.”That’s why it’s been such a slow build up – so that you’re peaking by the time the Ashes comes around.”Green will bat at No. 4 for WA in their Shield opener despite being the incumbent Test No. 3 having batted in that position in Australia’s last four Tests. Green only averaged 23.50 across those matches but scores of 52, 26, 42 and 46 in tough batting conditions in the Caribbean were worth more in the context of those games.Australia’s selectors have made a point of allowing states to use Test players in whatever batting position they need, even if that is different to their position in the Test team. WA prefer to keep Jayden Goodwin at No. 3 and bat Green at No. 4 given he averages 67.09 from 26 Shield innings in that position for WA with five centuries and six fifties. He also averages 53.60 in six Test innings at No. 4 thanks to his career-best 174 not out against New Zealand last year.But there’s a chance he will remain at No. 3 in the Ashes despite big questions as to whether Green can handle the workload of batting so high in the order and also bowling crucial overs.But with fellow allrounder Beau Webster also in the Test side, Green is confident of being able to bat at first drop.”Shane Watson used to open the batting and bowl,” Green said. “People probably don’t realise how tough that was. Spending so long in the field bowling, and then expected to go out there and bat the last 10 overs of the day for example, is really challenging.”But I think I’m in a bit of a different place. Let’s say I’m batting up the top, and Beau’s batting six, for example – he might take more of the [bowling] load.”Rising star Sam Konstas will be part of a strong NSW line-up for the upcoming match at the WACA, with the opening rounds of the Shield season a huge chance for the 20-year-old to push his case to open in the Ashes.Konstas struggled badly during the 3-0 Test series win in the West Indies, but has since rebounded with some strong displays for Australia A against India A in India.Other contenders looking to push their case to open alongside Usman Khawaja include Marnus Labsuschagne, Nathan McSweeney, Jake Weatherald, Marcus Harris, Josh Inglis, Campbell Kellaway, Kurtis Patterson, Matt Renshaw and Cameron Bancroft.