The Pittsburgh Pirates' offense has struggled of late, but it's hard to put much of that blame on Oneil Cruz. After hitting two home runs in Saturday's win over the Milwaukee Brewers, Cruz added another to his tally early on Sunday.

This home run from Cruz was his 11th of the year, and it was a historic one.

In the third inning, Cruz took a pitch from Logan Henderson and deposited it into the Allegheny River. The ball left the bat at an absurd speed of 122.9 mph, which makes it the single hardest hit ball, and home run, in the Statcast era.

Have a look at just how quickly this ball leaves PNC Park.

Previously, the hardest hit home run in the Statcast era was a 2018 bomb by Giancarlo Stanton that was registered at 121.7 mph. Cruz bested that with his solo shot in the third inning, by over a full mile per hour.

Arsenal are fielding enquiries for a ‘frustrated’ star in their squad ahead of the looming January window, and Premier League rivals Man City are one of the clubs keen.

Arsenal play Aston Villa in crucial Premier League title clash

Arsenal travel to the Midlands this Saturday to take on an in-form Aston Villa — a fixture that could prove pivotal in the early title race.

The Gunners arrive in pole position atop the table, buoyed by a recent 2–0 win over Brentford that extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to a remarkable 18 games.

Arsenal’s unbeaten run in all competitions since defeat to Liverpool

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham

Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich

Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Brentford

Villa have surged into third thanks to a stunning 4–3 victory over Brighton in midweek, their sixth consecutive win across all competitions, so Unai Emery’s side will be no pushovers.

Historically, the matchup has been a tight affair. Across all competitions, the two clubs have met over 200 times — with Arsenal holding a slight edge.

However, in recent seasons, Villa have shown that they can be a thorn in Arsenal’s side.

The Villans completed a league double over Arsenal in 2023–24, including a 2–0 win in April that derailed Mikel Arteta’s title hopes and handed the Premier League crown to City.

Arteta will be fully aware of the danger they pose, especially on home turf, with Villa reigning victorious in five of their last seven home league games while boasting the joint-third best home record in the division.’

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To trot out the old cliché, every game is like a cup final for Arsenal right now, so Arteta will need every man at their very best against a Villa side flying high on confidence.

The north Londoners’ strength in depth, following a near-£270 million summer spend, has paid dividends amid the club’s injury woes.

It has even allowed Arteta to rest some key personnel amid the hectic festive calendar, like he did against Brentford, with right-back Ben White getting a rare start ahead of first-choice Jurrien Timber.

The Englishman has barely been given any game time this season thanks to Timber’s form, with an update now emerging on his future ahead of January.

Ben White 'frustrated' at Arsenal as Man City make January enquiry

As per TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, White — once a regular starter — is growing ‘frustrated’ with his limited minutes.

The 28-year-old has made only a handful of appearances so far this season, prompting concern about his long-term future at the club.

That frustration hasn’t gone unnoticed beyond North London. City, now exploring options at right-back, have reportedly marked White as a strong candidate to reinforce Pep Guardiola’s squad.

The Sky Blues are said to be one of a few clubs who’ve made enquiries, alongside Marseille, Como and Atlético Madrid, but Arsenal’s stance is pretty clear.

Arteta, alongside club management, are poised to reject any proposals for White in the January window, even amid mounting interest. This is because they don’t want to weaken the squad in any way shape or form amid their title challenge.

From White’s perspective, the situation is increasingly uncomfortable.

Once viewed as a defensive mainstay, he now finds his opportunities severely curtailed, and media sources suggest he’s unwilling to spend extended periods on the sidelines.

As things stand, White remains at Arsenal, but the coming months could prove pivotal.

If this current trend continues, and if City or other suitors persist, the defender’s exit may well be one to watch in the summer instead.

The Premier League season is only 15 games old, but it’s already been something of a roller coaster for West Ham United.

For the first couple of months, with Graham Potter in charge, it looked like the East Londoners were destined for relegation and unable to buy a win.

However, over the last few weeks, new boss Nuno Espírito Santo has helped to turn the ship around, and while they’re still in the relegation zone, the Hammers have lost just one of their last six games.

However, there are still problems on and off the pitch, including the fact that they’ll likely have to sell Lucas Paqueta in the summer, but before they do that, West Ham should get rid of someone else in the winter window.

Why West Ham should sell Paqueta

Now, the first thing to say here is that, at his very best, Paqueta has a claim to be one of the most exciting and talented attacking midfielders in the Premier League.

However, the problem is that he hasn’t been at, or really anywhere near, his scintillating best for quite some time.

For example, while he managed a brilliant haul of 15 goal involvements in 23/24, he then followed that up with just five last season, and so far this year, he’s produced just four.

Appearances

36

14

Minutes

2536′

1217′

Goals

5

4

Assists

0

0

In other words, it’s hard to make a case that his performances over the last year and a half have justified his sizable £150k-per-week wage.

Speaking of his contract, the next reason the Hammers should probably be looking to sell the former Lyon star is the fact that he’ll have just a year left on his deal in the summer.

Therefore, he’ll either need to be handed another bumper contract or be sold to protect his valuation.

Finally, the 28-year-old revealed that he almost forced a move back to Flamengo in the summer. So it’s not impossible to imagine he’ll want to leave sooner or later, which comes back to the idea that the Hammers should be the ones to instigate his departure at the end of the season and protect his value.

With all that said, there is another player, someone far less important to the side, that West Ham should look to move on before Paqeuta.

The West Ham flop Nuno has to sell

With West Ham improving over the last month or so, fewer players are sticking out for the wrong reasons, but one who continues to disappoint is Max Kilman.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers star joined the Hammers for a whopping £40m fee in the summer of 2024.

Since then, while there have been the odd moments in which he’s looked like a quality centre-back, the Englishman has largely been a flop and someone who has been more of a hindrance at the back than a help.

For example, in the 2-0 defeat at home to Brentford earlier this season, the 6 foot 4 titan was partly to blame for both goals and looked miles off the pace and, in the words of one content creator, was “shocking.”

Worryingly, his former manager, Gary O’Neil, went into detail about some of his weaknesses and described him as someone who likes to “switch off” during games.

That does not sound like the kind of defender you want in the backline when fighting to stay in the Premier League, and, based on reports, it seems Nuno would agree.

According to a story from earlier this week, the Irons would be willing to part ways with the centre-back should someone make an offer of around £25m, and reports from earlier in the season claimed that Crystal Palace were interested in the defender.

On top of the eye test, another reason the club should perhaps lower their asking price is the fact that his underlying numbers are dire.

According to FBref, the Chelsea-born dud ranks in the bottom 45% of centre-backs in the Premier League for pass completion, the bottom 18% for tackles, the bottom 14% for progressive passes, and the bottom 9% for interceptions, all per 90.

Ultimately, while West Ham will likely need to sell Paqueta in the summer, they must sell Kilman first, as he simply isn’t good enough.

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There’s been a bit of upheaval in the directorial department at Newcastle United over the past year, but Ross Wilson has forged a neat working relationship with Eddie Howe, and the pair are looking to make improvements at St. James’ Park.

Last year, Howe and his squad defied many odds to lift the Carabao Cup and restore a place in the Champions League. It all came together, and while the sale of talisman Alexander Isak this summer threatened to knock things out of kilter, United have made progress in recent weeks, with new heroes emerging.

Bruno Guimaraes remains the Magpies’ all-inspiring leader, but Malick Thiaw has risen to the occasion since arriving in the Premier League this year, becoming a different kind of driving force for the Tynesiders.

Howe's new leaders at Newcastle

Isak was never a vocal talisman in Howe’s Newcastle squad, but, before the summer transfer window, he led by example on the field, scoring 27 goals across all competitions last season and notching in the Carabao Cup final.

However, Newcastle banked a record fee for his signature, and Guimaraes has only raised his game this term, both from a technical and leadership standpoint.

Though a new forward focal point has yet to properly establish himself, Thiaw has taken to life in the Premier League seamlessly, and Bruno has actually remarked that the imperious German defender is “the future of this club”.

It says something of his character and technical quality that he has arrived from AC Milan for around £35m and swiftly stepped higher than Sven Botman. As per Sofascore, Thiaw, 24, has won 74% of his aerial duels in the Premier League, completing 88% of his passes and yet to make an error.

He’s some player, and Bruno is too, but United may actually have a younger member of their squad who is shooting through the form rankings in the English game, starting to prove he could be the pick of the bunch.

Newcastle made a better signing than Bruno & Thiaw

When Newcastle signed Lewis Hall from Chelsea for £28m (after a season-long loan move throughout the 2023/24 campaign), they knew they had struck a bargain for a young full-back with a wealth of potential.

However, injuries have damaged the 21-year-old’s chances of establishing fluency since that move became permanent, and so it’s interesting to see him playing so well in recent weeks, finally building toward the elite player he could, should, become.

Described as “the best player on the field” by reporter Andy Sixsmith after his monstrous display against Tottenham, Hall has overcome his injury problems and is now reminding the Premier League that he is one of the best in the business. Indeed, with more performances like these, it won’t just be those of a Toon persuasion advocating for him to be on the Three Lions plane across the pond next summer.

Minutes played

90′

Touches

75

Shots (on target)

3 (0)

Accurate passes

36/43 (84%)

Chances created

0

Dribbles

2/2

Recoveries

6

Tackles won

4/4

Interceptions

2

Clearances

4

Duels won

8/15

As per FBref, Hall actually ranks among the top 7% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 11% for progressive passes, and the top 5% for through balls and tackles won per 90.

This is a frighteningly rounded player, his formative career as a centre-midfielder fostering a dynamic skillset that is charging his journey to the top. If the England international can keep fitness levels on his side, then he will only get better and better on Tyneside, potentially even becoming Howe’s main man.

In this, he might become one of the best signings of the PIF era. Already, it is clear that his name belongs in such a conversation, but Hall needs consistency now. Who knows, maybe he could climb up to loftier ground than the likes of Bruno and Thiaw stand on.

There’s also the matter of him arriving from Chelsea after being awarded the Cobham side’s Academy Player of the Year award. Pinched from a direct rival, Hall is developing into a player who will rival the likes of Marc Cucurella for the left-back crown down the line.

With so much room still for growth, there’s every chance that Hall could be Howe’s main man in the not-too-distant future.

Bigger waste of money than Wissa & Elanga: Howe must drop Newcastle dud

Eddie Howe must now axe this big Newcastle United waste of money ahead of the tense Tyne-Wear Derby.

ByKelan Sarson 6 days ago

أجرى الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم فيفا، قرعة بطولة كأس العالم، والتي سوف تقام العام المقبل في كندا والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية والمكسيك.

وبحضور رئيس الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، دونالد ترامب، أجرى فيفا بقيادة جياني أنفانتينو، مراسم قرعة كأس العالم.

وتم الكشف عن منافسي منتخب البرتغال، والتي وقعت في المجموعة الحادية عشر من كأس العالم، إلى جانب أوزبكستان وكولومبيا، والمتأهل من الملحق بين جامايكا وكاليدونيا والكونغو الديمقراطية.

طالع .. أنشيلوتي يثير الغموض حول استدعاء نيمار لقائمة البرازيل في كأس العالم

ويعتبر منتخب البرتغال من بين أبرز المرشحين للحصول على لقب كأس العالم العام المقبل، وذلك في ظل وجود تشكيلة مدججة بالنجوم وعلى رأسهم كريستيانو رونالدو.

ويمتلك منتخب البرتغال أسماء قوية مثل برونو فيرنانديز، قائد مانشستر يونايتد وفيتينها ونونو مينديز وجواو نيفيز، ثلاثي باريس سان جيرمان. مواعيد مباريات مجموعة البرتغال في كأس العالم 2026

الجولة الأولى:

البرتغال والفائز من ملحق جامايكا وكاليدونيا والكونغو الديموقراطية.. 17 يونيو الساعة 8 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية في ولاية هوستن بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

أوزبكستان وكولومبيا.. 17 يونيو، الساعة 5 فجر يوم 18 بتوقيت مصر والسعودية في ولاية مكسيكو بالمكسيك.

الجولة الثانية:

البرتغال وأوزبكستان.. 23 يونيو الساعة 8 مساءًأ بتوقيت مصر والسعودية في ولاية هوستن.

كولومبيا والفائز من ملحق جامايكا وكاليدونيا والكونغو الديموقراطية.. 23 يونيو، الساعة 5 فجر يوم 24 بتوقيت مصر والسعودية في جوادالاخارا بالمكسيك. 

الجولة الثالثة:

البرتغال وكولومبيا.. 27 يونيو، 2:30 فجر يوم 28 بتوقيت مصر والسعودية في ولاية ميامي بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

أوزبكستان والفائز من ملحق جامايكا وكاليدونيا والكونغو الديموقراطية.. 27 يونيو، 2:30 فجر يوم 28 بتوقيت مصر والسعودية في ولاية أتالانتا بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has confirmed that an injured Spurs star won’t be back in action for a ‘long time’, with the Dane currently minus a few key first-team players.

Tottenham battle Slavia Prague in the Champions League

Spurs welcome Slavia Prague to North London tonight seeking to reignite their automatic Champions League knockout round hopes with a victory that would edge them closer to securing a coveted top-eight finish.

Frank’s side need all three points against the struggling Czech outfit to maintain momentum after Saturday’s morale-boosting 2-0 win over Brentford ended their miserable six-match winless streak.

The Lilywhites currently sit 16th in the Champions League standings with eight points from five matches, sitting just two points behind the automatic qualification places.

Saturday’s Premier League victory will give Spurs more confidence following the chaotic 5-3 defeat to PSG in their previous European outing, with Richarlison and Xavi Simons securing all three points against Frank’s former employers last weekend.

Despite their lacklustre home form overall this year, the hosts actually boast a formidable home record in European competition, remaining unbeaten in 22 consecutive European games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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Spurs have won both their Champions League home matches this campaign without conceding, defeating Villarreal and FC Copenhagen.

History also favours Frank’s side, having never lost to Slavia Prague in four previous European meetings, recording three victories and one draw.

Slavia arrive in desperate circumstances, languishing in 31st with just three points from five matches and facing the genuine prospect of early elimination.

The Czech champions have endured a torrid European campaign, failing to register a single victory while remarkably going four consecutive Champions League fixtures without scoring.

Their attacking struggles represent their most significant weakness, with just two goals across the entire league phase.

Despite domestic dominance — sitting five points clear atop the Czech First League following Friday’s 2-1 victory over Teplice — Jindrich Trpisovsky’s side have repeatedly failed to translate that form onto the continental stage.

Their 3-0 home defeat to Arsenal highlighted the gulf in quality when facing elite opposition, while goalless draws against Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao demonstrated defensive resilience without much threat going forward.

Frank faces several selection concerns heading into the clash, though.

Destiny Udogie is sidelined with a hamstring injury which will keep him out until January, while Randal Kolo Muani is doubtful after limping through Saturday’s victory.

Brennan Johnson is also ‘touch and go’ for the encounter, according to Frank, but one significant positive looked to have emerged from Monday’s training session.

James Maddison was spotted working on the grass for the first time since rupturing his ACL during August’s pre-season friendly against Newcastle, with Frank providing an update on the Englishman.

Thomas Frank shares James Maddison update out of Tottenham

Regrettably, while the £170,000-per-week playmaker sparked excitement when he was clocked in training, Frank has confirmed in quotes relayed by The Press Association, that Maddison still won’t be back for a ‘long time’.

The 29-year-old, who bagged 22 goals contributions in all competitions last term (12 goals, 11 assists), has been a sore miss for Spurs as they heavily rely on the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Simons for their creativity.

Simons’ phenomenal solo run and goal against Brentford will have done the Dutchman a world of good for his confidence following real criticism since his marquee move from Leipzig in the summer.

The pressure is on him to deliver in the ongoing absence of both Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, with Frank also remaining vague about the latter’s recovery timeline.

After Slavia, Tottenham travel to struggling Nottingham Forest on Sunday, and only a win will do there too.

Two of Manchester United’s biggest summer signings, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, are starting to get into full flow for the Red Devils.

Mbeumo, in particular, has started life at Old Trafford quickly, with eight goals and assists in 16 games across all competitions.

As for his Brazilian teammate, things haven’t been quite as smooth sailing. He’s struggled with a few minor injuries and hasn’t been at his best.

The United number ten only has one goal and one assist in 12 Premier League games, but has shown flashes of his best form.

United are not done there when it comes to strengthening in attack, and could dip back into the market this winter.

United’s latest attacking target

It is not just in attack that the Red Devils might be looking to strengthen their side, with midfield a focus area too.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

They are reportedly plotting to sign Elliot Anderson and are even linked with a sensational, if expensive, move for Jude Bellingham.

Looking further up the pitch, the Mancunian giants are linked with a move to sign Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, United are able to meet the Ghanaian’s release clause and could make a move for him.

This, of course, will not be a cheap deal. Semenyo’s release clause is worth a reported £65m, a fee Ruben Amorim’s side ‘would be able to match’ this winter.

However, they would face tough competition for his signature, with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City all interested in signing him, too.

Why Semenyo would be a good signing

There is no doubt about 25-year-old Semenyo’s quality. The versatile forward, who can operate on either flank, has been described this season as a “world-class” operator by Cherries teammate Justin Kluivert.

Indeed, the numbers he has put up are reflective of someone deemed an elite winger. This season in the Premier League, Bournemouth’s number 24 has played 14 games, scoring six goals and assisting a further three.

There have been some real standout moments for the 25-year-old, too. He’s scored twice and assisted the other in a 3-1 win at home to Fulham, and scored a sublime solo goal against Liverpool at Anfield on the opening day of the season.

United would love for the winger to have the same sort of impact as Mbeumo if he were to join. The Cameroonian attacker has been one of their most consistent players this season, even winning November’s Premier League player of the month award.

His most recent goal came on Monday against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Mbeumo and his new teammate Cunha can have a “big impact” on the club if they are able to “find a way to click,” according to United great Gary Neville.

If the Red Devils were to acquire Semenyo in the winter window, they would love for him to add to that threat with their two summer recruits.

You could certainly make a case that the Ghanaian is a hybrid of both players. At least, according to FBref, he has similar underlying numbers to Mbeumo over the last year and to Cunha in the top flight this term – noted as statistically similar both men in those respective fields.

Well, to factor in both, let’s look at numbers from the last two Premier League seasons. A standout number is their combined goals and assists per 90 minutes, with Semenyo averaging 0.5, Cunha 0.6 and Mbeumo 0.65.

0.5 goals & assists

0.6 goals & assists

0.65 goals & assists

1.29 key passes

1.78 key passes

1.79 key passes

1.85 take-ons complete

2.09 take-ons complete

1.22 take-ons complete

3.85 progressive carries

3.63 progressive carries

3.26 progressive carries

4.6 ball recoveries

4.36 ball recoveries

3.98 ball recoveries

It is easy to see how the three players are similar, based on those numbers.

If Semenyo – who, like the United pair, is Premier League proven – can offer the goal and assist numbers of Mbeumo, and the threat carrying the ball which Cunha brings, he would be a dangerous addition to Amorim’s side.

£65m is not the most unreasonable fee for a player of his class, and United fans will be hoping he can have a quick impact at Old Trafford.

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MatériaMais Notícias

O Coritiba deve emprestar o volante Matheus Bianqui para o Remo na próxima temporada. O jogador de 27 anos não está nos planos do Coxa.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Matheus Bianqui foi oferecido ao Azulino, que subiu na Série B junto com o time alviverde, e agradou aos diretores remistas por atuar em três funções. Pelo Coritiba, ele jogou como volante, meia central e centroavante.

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A tendência é de que o jogador acerte um contrato de empréstimo até o final de 2026, justamente quando encerra o vínculo com o Coxa. Assim, fica livre no mercado a partir de 2027.

O meio-campista estava emprestado e pouco atuou no Mirassol, que disputará a Libertadores no ano que vem. Ele disputou 13 partidas, sendo titular cinco vezes, na Série A e não marcou gol e nem deu assistência.

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➡️ Veja mais notícias do Coritiba
➡️ Veja mais notícias do Remo

Curiosamente, a única contratação do Coritiba até aqui foi justamente o destaque do Remo neste ano. Pedro Rocha, artilheiro da Segundona com 15 gols, fechou com o Coxa até o final de 2027.

Por outro lado, o Azulino contratou um ex-atacante da equipe alviverde. Alef Manga, dispensado do Avaí, já foi confirmado pelo clube paraense.

continua após a publicidadeCarreira de Matheus Bianqui, do Coritiba

Criado e revelado pelo Londrina, Matheus Bianqui estreou profissionalmente em 2019 e atuou 123 vezes, em três temporadas, com nove gols. Depois, se transferiu ao Maringá, foi emprestado para a Chapecoense e retornou ao time paranaense.

No Dogão, se destacou no no vice do estadual de 2023 ao marcar dois gols e dar quatro passes decisivos em 17 partidas. No mesmo ano, ele foi vendido ao Coritiba e não caiu nas graças da torcida após 68 jogos, seis gols e três assistências.

Sem clima no Alto da Glória, teve o empréstimo ao Mirassol e agora deve atuar no Remo.

Tudo sobre

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ACA added that “suspension will continue till the final outcome of the investigation, and/or any further decision of the association”

PTI12-Dec-2025

The Assam Cricket Association (ACA), on Friday, suspended four players – Amit Sinha, Ishan Ahmed, Aman Tripathi and Abhishek Thakuri – following their alleged involvement in corrupt practices during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025.The ACA has also lodged an FIR at the state police’s crime branch against the four players, who have represented Assam at various stages.They are being accused of influencing and attempting to instigate some of the Assam players who took part in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.”After the allegations came to light, the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ASCU) of the BCCI conducted an enquiry. The ACA has also initiated criminal proceedings. Prima facie, there appears to be their involvement in serious misconduct, affecting the integrity of the sport,” Sanatan Das, the ACA secretary, said.Assam’s SMAT league matches were held in Lucknow from November 26 to December 8, and the team did not progress to the ongoing Super League stage.”They have been suspended to curtail any scope of further deterioration of the situation,” Das said. “ADuring the suspension period, these players are barred from taking part in any state-level tournaments or matches conducted by the ACA, its district units or affiliated clubs.Participating in any cricket-related activity, including officiating as match referee, coach, umpire etc., are also banned while under suspension.Das said all district associations have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the order, and to inform clubs and academies under their jurisdiction of the ACA’s decision.

David Warner has revealed he might bat down the order at times in the BBL to give the Sydney Thunder line-up a different option.At every level, Warner has opened for almost his entire career: 382 out of 423 T20 innings. But asked about young Thunder opener Sam Konstas and batting together, Warner said “that’s if I open”.Related

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“That’s more for a match-up and strategic point of view,” Warner said. “We don’t have that left-hander in the middle [order] that we’ve been looking for. It’s a conversation we’re having at the moment.”Warner added that Matt Gilkes could be an option while Nic Maddinson and Blake Nikitaras are other left handers in Thunder’s squad. Last season they had West Indian Sherfane Rutherford although he only made 74 runs in six innings.Warner also called on Konstas to be brave and back himself as he tries to force his way into the Australian team again.A run of low scores at the start of the domestic season cruelled Konstas’ hopes of his first Ashes series. But he scored a Sheffield Shield century and a 50 last week.”The best form of currency is runs and he’s doing that at the moment. When you do get thrown in the limelight, it can be a deer in the headlights,” Warner said. “You can get overwhelmed and sucked into the hype around everything. But he has great support around him that will keep him level-headed.”Warner also said the best practice for Konstas would be in games, adding about his shot selection: “You just have to be brave.”The Thunder captain said it was on the team as well to help Konstas find his way.”You just have to allow him to keep playing his natural game,” he said. He had his taste of Test cricket last year, he probably got a lot of advice, as you do as a youngster. But as a youngster you have to try to take on board what you think is required for you.”You have to stick true to what you believe in and how you go about your game. He might have changed things. For us, it’s about protecting him and making sure he’s enjoying the game.”Thunder aim to go one better after losing last season’s final to Hobart.”The way we played, we didn’t expect to make the final. We were very scrappy, we won a lot of close games,” Warner said. “We didn’t play a complete game … there [which] was a bit of a surprise – but it wasn’t a surprise in terms of the way we’re passionate about our team.”He said their season opener next Tuesday in Hobart against Hurricanes was not about revenge.”I want the guys to look at it as making a statement to the rest of the BBL,” Warner said. “Each season, what’s important is that we rock up with the same attitude and … what can we do better?”