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Tottenham Hotspur’s new Premier League season gets underway later today, with it the true beginning of the Ange Postecoglou era…

Who could replace Harry Kane?

However, his short tenure thus far has been dominated by the uncertain future of Harry Kane, which was decided just yesterday as he finally signed for Bayern Munich.

It ended months of speculation, but also has left the new boss without his star man on the eve of the new campaign, and without ample time to replace him before their clash with Brentford gets underway.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Therefore, the question remains as to who will fill the gaping vacancy left, and how the team will set up.

Despite having endured a tough debut year in north London, the outstanding candidate must be Richarlison, who has seemingly beaten his injury woes to make himself available.

How good is Richarlison?

Whilst a near-impossible task to replace the 30 goals Kane recorded in the league last season, and the 280 he has scored across his 19 years there, perhaps Postecoglou will instead look to deploy the forward who will best align with his system and help spearhead the pressing system.

After all, The Coaches Voice wrote on his style: “Under him, they pressed aggressively, often high up the pitch, after losing the ball.”

Fortunately for the Australian, he has inherited a striker more than capable of fulfilling such a system, with Postecoglou outlining Richarlison's work rate and passion that embodies this:

“He has got, and I think people dismiss it a bit, a really strong work ethic.

“He works hard for the team and a lot of what he does, does not get seen. His pressing, his runs. Sometimes he does not get the ball but he is always making those runs and he is a constant nuisance for defenders. I have said before that I really like Richy.

“He is someone who has got all of the attributes that I look for in a striker, in that he has got the strong work ethic, he is always in the right areas and he is presenting himself and making a presence of himself in the right areas for the way we play.”

Despite having scored just once in the league all season last term, this could largely be attributed to a lack of game time and the unsavoury working environment he had joined, cultivated by Antonio Conte.

After all, he did average just 38 minutes per game in the league.

Now, with a fresh, hungry and exciting new era set to be ushered in, Richarlison could finally be handed the chance to shine for a boss who will clearly put his faith in the Brazil international.

He has showcased his quality in front of goal in the past after all, scoring ten and assisting five in his final campaign with Everton, and posting a further three strikes in the recent World Cup too.

It seems that only the Lilywhites have failed to attain his true level, despite Conte still branding his £90k-per-week forward a “warrior”.

What makes him even more of a must-start is his history against the Bees, as he enjoyed a fine afternoon against them back in 2022, scoring and assisting in a disappointing loss at Goodison Park. That clash saw him earn a 7.8 Sofascore rating, the second-highest of anyone on the pitch that day.

Despite struggling with nine men, he battled away and proved to be a true nuisance for the travelling outfit. The hope will be he can emulate such a display today.

With Postecoglou needing someone to step up in their hour of need, the former Toffees hero has the chance to stamp his claim as someone who is deserving of a first-team spot every single week.

He has all the qualities to thrive within the new system, it makes perfect sense to give him that opportunity to prove everyone wrong by boldly replacing Kane at Spurs.

أثار أحد لاعبي فريق مانشستر يونايتد، حالة من القلق لدى جمهور النادي الإنجليزي، قبل مواجهة كريستال بالاس الأسبوع المقبل.

ويلتقي الفريقان يوم الإثنين القادم في خضم منافسات الجولة السادسة والثلاثين من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

اقرأ أيضًا | تين هاج يوضح سبب فشله في تطبيق أسلوبه مع أياكس في مانشستر يونايتد.. ويصرح: تأثرنا بعدم ضم هاري كين ودي يونج

وشوهد قائد مانشستر يونايتد، برونو فرنانديز، وهو يرتدي جبيرة واقية على معصمه قبل مباراة الإثنين المرتقبة.

وأكد المدير الفني لفريق مانشستر يونايتد، إريك تين هاج، أن هناك شكوكًا حول مشاركة برونو فرنانديز أمام كريستال بالاس.

وقال: “كانت لدينا مشكلة مع برونو بعد مباراتنا مع بيرنلي، هناك شك بشأن مشاركته يوم الإثنين”.

وأضاف الهولندي في تصريحاته التي نشرتها صحيفة “مترو” الإنجليزية: “لكننا جميعًا نعرف برونو، ولا نستبعده أبدًا في أي مباراة، سيبذل قصارى جهده ليكون متاحًا”.

ولكن تين هاج رفض تحديد طبيعة إصابة اللاعب البرتغالي الدولي، إلا إنه قد تم رصده وهو يرتدي جبيرة واقية اليوم الجمعة.

Ben Stokes, the England allrounder, has been arrested after being involved in a fight with a member of the public

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Sep-2017Ben Stokes, England’s Test vice-captain, has been arrested after an incident in Bristol during the early hours of Monday morning. Stokes spent the night in prison but was released without charge. His team-mate Alex Hales was also present and both have been suspended for Wednesday’s ODI against West Indies.The incident happened after England’s victory during the third ODI against West Indies on Sunday, in which Stokes scored 73. Somerset and Avon police confirmed that a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm – an offence which carries a maximum prison sentence of five years – while another man was taken to hospital with facial injuries.Stokes reportedly injured his hand in the confrontation, which took place outside Mbargo nightclub in the centre of Bristol.Neither Stokes nor Hales was present at The Oval for training ahead of the fourth match of the series. Hales has returned to Bristol to assist police with their inquiries. The news comes less than 24 hours before England’s Ashes squad to tour Australia was due to be announced.An ECB statement said: “Ben Stokes and Alex Hales will not be available for tomorrow’s one-day international match against West Indies at The Oval.”Stokes was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning, 25 September, following an incident in Bristol. He was held overnight and released under investigation – without charge – late on Monday and will not join the team in London.”Hales, who was with Stokes on Sunday night, did not train this morning and has returned voluntarily to Bristol today to help police with their enquiries.”Stokes was released from police custody on Monday. Andrew Strauss, England’s director of cricket, added: “I went to see Ben last night down in Bristol. I will be addressing players this afternoon after practice. We will obviously be launching our own investigation into the circumstances surrounding this. The Ashes selection will be going ahead on form and fitness as planned.”Somerset and Avon Police said they had been called to a scene of “disorder in the Queens Road/Clifton Triangle area at around 2.35am” on Monday. In a statement appealing for witnesses, they said: “A 27-year-old man suffered facial injuries and was taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary for treatment. A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.”Ben Stokes scored 73 in England’s win over West Indies in Bristol•AFP

Stokes has faced disciplinary action over his behaviour before. In 2012, he was arrested on a night out and received a caution from the police; then in 2013, he was sent home from an England Lions tour over late-night drinking. He also put himself out of the 2014 World T20 after breaking his hand when punching a locker.He made his Test debut on the 2013-14 tour of Australia, when England were whitewashed 5-0, and was appointed Joe Root’s vice-captain earlier this year. One of England’s most important players, Stokes has produced a series of increasingly mature performances this summer, with bat and ball.Hales, England’s first-choice white-ball opener, has been capped in all formats and was considered an outside bet for Ashes selection.Eoin Morgan, England’s limited-overs captain, said that he was informed about what had happened on Monday. “Ben and Alex will be unavailable for tomorrow’s games, so there are two positions up for grabs,” he said. “It has been a bit of a distraction but this game is about winning the series.”England’s 124-run victory in Bristol put them 2-0 up in the five-match series, with two to play. The absence of Hales is likely to mean a recall at opener for Jason Roy, while Jake Ball or Tom Curran could come in for Stokes – although neither provides the same all-round option.

Fulham's attempts to seal another major summer signing have taken a twist following an update involving Sevilla star Gonzalo Montiel.

Who will Fulham sign?

Marco Silva's side are up and running for the 2023/2024 campaign, having sealed their first win of the new season last weekend with a 1-0 triumph away to Everton at Goodison Park.

A late strike from Bobby Reid was enough to seal Fulham's opening victory and they're now gearing up for their first 23/24 home game against Brentford this afternoon.

The Whites are looking to build upon their solid first full campaign in the top flight last term, where they managed a top half finish whist comfortably avoiding relegation to The Championship.

To boost his side's chances of improving, Silva has moved to upgrade areas of the Fulham squad with astute signings. Indeed, former Wolves stars Adama Traore and Raul JImenez have joined, with the west Londoners also sealing an £18.2 million deal for defender Calvin Bassey.

Fulham have been linked with further additions, namely the likes of Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi and Everton's Demarai Gray, but Silva has been adamant his side need to do more before the September 1 deadline.

“Unfortunately, we need many still. We have some important players injured,” Silva said earlier this month.

“I hope they can come sooner. We have just two full backs, we need a midfielder too and we have just two wingers so we need another two wingers.

“We have completed our central defenders. I needed these players 15 days or 20 days ago, not now.”

New targets appear to be coming out of the woodwork on a consistent basis, with Sevilla defender and Argentine World Cup winner Montiel now on their agenda.

The 26-year-old, who scored Argentina's winning penalty as his country beat France in the World Cup final shoot-out last year, is at the centre of an "official bid" from Fulham.

That is according to TEAMtalk, who say Silva's side have made an offer to sign Montiel as Sevilla are believed to be open to selling their right-back.

Fulham are in the market for an alternative to Kenny Tete in that position and have turned their attention to the South American after being priced out of a move for Leicester City full-back Timothy Castagne.

Despite his heroics at international level, Montiel has struggled to cement his starting place at Sevilla recently, and it appears Fulham are looking to take full advantage.

How good is Gonzalo Montiel?

Montiel made 28 La Liga appearances for Sevilla last term, bagging three assists as an attack-minded full-back (WhoScored), but it appears his time at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium may be coming to an end soon.

The highly versatile player can be deployed at full-back, in central defence or even further forward out wide – making him an enticing option for Silva.

Argentine football expert Roy Nemer, taking to X last year, revered Montiel as one of Argentine's "absolutely incredible" standouts.

"I can't pick only one, two or even three players that are doing great for Argentina because they're all absolutely incredible," said Nemer.

"Ángel Di María, Lisandro Martínez, Alejandro Papu Gómez, Marcos Acuña, Lautaro Martínez, Guido Rodríguez, Gonzalo Montiel, they're all playing great."

The South Africa quick, who has not played since July due to back spasms, is set to turn out for Cobras in a first-class fixture against Dolphins from Monday

Firdose Moonda22-Oct-2017

Vernon Philander will make a much-anticipated return to cricket this week, after being named in the Cobras squad for the first-class fixture against Dolphins that starts on Monday.Philander has not played any cricket since July, when he suffered a stomach bug during the third Test against England at The Oval. He was due to turn out in the fourth Test a week later in Manchester but back spasms sidelined him and he has been recovering from the issue since. He was not considered for South Africa’s recently-completed two-Test series against Bangladesh but could put himself into contention for the inaugural four-day, day-night Test against Zimbabwe on Boxing Day.South Africa’s cricketers are not scheduled to play any long-form fixtures in November or the first three weeks of December, a window that was created for the T20 Global League. With that tournament now postponed, the domestic franchise T20 competition is expected to be brought forward and, if fit, Philander will feature for Cobras in that event as well.Another injured quick, Dale Steyn, is also targeting the November matches for a return to action but there is no confirmation on the availability of Morne Morkel, Chris Morris or Wayne Parnell, who are recovering from a side-strain, a back problem and a groin injury respectively. Lungi Ngidi, the young Titans quick, who was not played top-flight since June with a back injury, has been named in the franchise’s four-day squad to play this week.South Africa are currently carrying a long list of walking wounded. Apart from the six bowlers mentioned, David Miller has missed the last two ODIs against Bangladesh with a groin injury and captain Faf du Plessis had to retire hurt in East London after sustaining an acute lower-back strain while batting.The number of niggles would have been a major concern if the T20 Global League had kicked off as planned on November 3. Instead, these players now have additional time to prepare for a heavy international workload from January, when South Africa will host India for three Tests, six ODIs and three T20s, followed by Australia for four Tests.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na tarde desta sexta-feira, no CT Joaquim Grava, o Corinthians realizou o penúltimo treinamento preparatório para o clássico diante do São Paulo, que acontece neste domingo, às 11h, no Morumbi, pela sexta rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Será o segundo Majestoso desta temporada.

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O técnico Tiago Nunes contou com reforços de alguns atletas das categorias sub-20 e sub-23 na atividade do dia. Dez jogadores das categorias de base do clube, todos com exames negativos de Covid-19, completaram o treino.

Assim, comandante corintiano promoveu um trabalho tático em campo reduzido e, na sequência, um treino coletivo. Vale lembrar que as informações são fornecidas pelo Timão, já que os jornalistas não podem acompanhar os treinamentos in loco devido ao protocolo definido para esta retomada.

Foi a primeira vez que atletas da base participaram dos treinamentos desde o retorno das atividades do futebol, em julho. Eles estão em preparação para a volta das competições. Até a parada por conta da pandemia, era comum ter os jovens do Terrão participando das atividades com o elenco principal.

Para domingo, há muitas dúvidas em relação ao time titular que Tiago Nunes vai definir para enfrentar o rival. Pelo menos quatro posições parecem não ter um dono, enquanto sete tem figurinhas carimbadas. Sendo assim, um provável Corinthians é: Cássio; Fagner, Gil, Danilo Avelar e Sidcley; Gabriel (Éderson) e Cantillo; Mateus Vital (Ramiro), Araos (Luan) e Léo Natel (Ramiro); Jô.

Na manhã deste sábado, no CT Joaquim Grava, o Timão realiza o último treino preparatório para o Majestoso. Atualmente o Timão ocupa a 12ª posição na tabela do campeonato com cinco pontos, já o Tricolor é o terceiro, com dez.

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انتقد حسن مصطفى لاعب الأهلي والزمالك الأسبق التصريحات التي أطلقها حسام حسن المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر بشأن اختياراته للاعبين في الفترة المقبلة، موضحًا رأيه في ضم لاعبي القلعة الحمراء قبل موعد انطلاق الأجندة الدولية.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي منتخب مصر مع بوركينا فاسو وغينيا بيساو، في الجولتين الثالثة والرابعة على الترتيب من تصفيات المونديال.

وتقام مباراة مصر وبوركينا فاسو في القاهرة يوم 6 يونيو، بينما تلعب مواجهة غينيا بيساو خارج القاهرة يوم 10 يونيو.

وقال حسن مصطفى في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة etc: “هناك أمر مُحبط، الناس كانت تنتظر أن ترى لاعبين جدد من أندية مختلفة وأعمارهم صغيرة، ولكنه أحبط اللاعبين وأحبط الناس، وكل اللاعبين (بيموتوا أنفسهم في الدوري) وفي النهاية عاد لنفس السياسة”.

وبشأن صدام حسام حسن مع الأهلي، أوضح: “الموضوع صعب لأن لاعبي الأهلي سيكونوا مُجهدين، لأنهم سيخوضون كل 3 أيام مباراة، وبالتأكيد النادي يريد إراحة اللاعبين”.

طالع | حسام حسن يعلن موقف محمد صلاح من الانضمام لـ منتخب مصر.. ويتبرأ من أزمة لاعبي الأهلي

وتابع: “هناك أوقات يجب أن تسير الأمور بلا صدامات، ويجب أن يكون هناك هدوء، لأن الوضع اختلف عن السابق”.

واستطرد: “الأهلي لن يرد على حسام حسن بسبب أنه لا يوافق على ترك لاعب أو اثنين، هناك لائحة لو المنتخب طلب ضم لاعبين قبل الأجندة الدولية، ستطبق اللائحة”.

وأتم: “من وجهة نظري قبل أن يُصرح حسام حسن عليه أن يتواصل مع الأهلي أولًا، هو قال إنه ليس هناك صدام مع الأهلي، بل الصدام بين النادي واتحاد الكرة”.

توعدت وزيرة الرياضة الفرنسية، أميلي أوديا كاستيرا، اللاعبين الرافضين لحملة دعم المثليين في الجولة الرابعة والثلاثين والأخيرة من الدوري الفرنسي بعقوبات رادعة.

ورفض بعض اللاعبين المشاركة في المباريات بالجولة الأخيرة وأولهم مهاجم منتخب مصر ونادي نانت، مصطفى محمد، بجانب لاعب موناكو، محمد كامارا.

ولم يتواجد مصطفى محمد مع نانت في مباراة الأمس والتي انتهت بخسارة الكناري بأربعة أهداف نظيفة، وبحسب صحيفة “ليكيب” الفرنسية أن ذلك بسبب جولة دعم المثليين مثلما حدث الموسم الماضي.

أما محمد كامارا فكانت الواقعة أكبر، حيث تواجد مع موناكو في المباراة وتغيب عن الصورة الداعمة للحملة مع لاعبي الفريقين قبل صافرة البداية وطمس شعار الحملة من قميص فريقه.

اقرأ أيضًا.. وحيد خليلوزيتش يوضح حقيقة تلقيه عروضًا لتدريب منتخب مصر ويوجه نصيحة لـ مصطفى محمد

هذا ما أزعج وزيرة الرياضة الفرنسية والتي تحدثت مع شبكة “RTL”، وقالت: “مثل هذا السلوك يجب أن يخضع لأشد العقوبات”.

وتابع: “يجب أن يعاقب اللاعب وربما يكون هناك عقوبة على النادي الذي سمح بحدوث ذلك، هذا السلوك غير مقبول، هذا لا يجب أن يحدث في الدوري الفرنسي”.

وعلق جيف بوش رئيس مؤسسة الرياضة الشاملة في فرنسا، وقال: “اعتقد أن ما حدث هو الاستثناء الذي يثبت القاعدة، هناك لاعبان فقط من رفضا المشاركة مثل مصطفى محمد في الدرجة الأولى والثانية”.

وأتم: “أعتقد أن مصطفى محمد قد رفض المشاركة لأسباب دبلوماسية، لكن هناك عدد كبير من اللاعبين شاركوا ودعموا الحملة، ولم يرفض أي مدرب أو عامل ارتداء الشعار”.

Aston Villa are eyeing further attacking reinforcements this summer following the devastating injury to Emiliano Buendia.

The Argentine was injured in a training session days before the club’s opening Premier League fixture, leaving him sidelined for the foreseeable future.

Unai Emery will be without one of his favoured attackers for a huge chunk of the campaign, with the latest reports pointing to a potential signing that could relieve the blow of Buendia’s absence.

Who could Aston Villa sign this summer?

Italian gem Nicolo Zaniolo was recruited on loan from Galatasaray last week in a move that signified a reach for a player with a similar approach to play to Buendia.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

For a long stretch of the summer, reports in Spain pointed Villa out as one of the clubs that could sign Barcelona winger Ferran Torres as the Catalan giants continue to scramble for funds amid financial pressures.

After starting the season impressively for Barca, nothing has prevailed regarding the links to the Midlands, though another forward from the Spanish champions has emerged as a potential target.

As reported in Spain and relayed by Sport Witness, Ansu Fati is a wanted man in the Premier League, with both Tottenham and Villa eyeing the 20-year-old, who is valued at €50m (£43m).

What could Ansu Fati offer to Aston Villa?

Identified as a player “destined for greatness” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Fati was naturally placed in line as Barcelona’s heir to Lionel Messi, with him adorning the number 10 shirt following the superstar's farewell.

Making his debut at just 16, the Spaniard shone in his debut campaign, scoring seven goals in 24 appearances in his first taste of La Liga at his boyhood club.

A product of the infamous La Masia setup, the 20-year-old has all the talent to prevail as one of the most impressive in the world, although injury woes and competition in the squad at Camp Nou have pointed to a potential exit.

For Villa, capturing a talent as audacious as Fati could mark the progression and ambition of the club under Emery, with the winger having the potential to be one of the best players to have played at Villa Park.

After missing out on Torres, his Barcelona teammate could be the ideal alternative to the former Manchester City forward, with the two likened statistically by FBref based on their averages last term.

As per FBref, Fati showcased his ball-carrying abilities by recording 3.04 progressive carries per 90 in La Liga, as well as highlighting the threat he can bring in front of goal by averaging 0.45 non-penalty goals per 90.

His numbers were followed closely by Torres in such areas, who averaged 2.78 progressive carries and 0.26 non-penalty goals last campaign, hinting at their similarities and the suitability of Fati to Emery’s plans, considering the Spaniard’s reported interest in his teammate.

At just 20 years of age, Villa could uncover a generational talent in the Barcelona whiz, who has been previously praised as “extraordinary” by coach and footballing icon Xavi, reinforcing the calibre of talent Emery could have a hand in developing.

Steven Smith has spoken sympathetically about Peter Handscomb’s struggles but suggested the selectors were leaning towards playing a fifth bowling option

Daniel Brettig in Perth13-Dec-20171:49

Bowlers expect heavy workload at the WACA – Smith

Australia’s captain Steven Smith is leaning towards including the rejuvenated allrounder Mitchell Marsh for the final Ashes Test at the WACA Ground, but has also spoken sympathetically of the extensive scrutiny and pressure faced by Peter Handscomb due to the unorthodoxy of his batting methods.Marsh and Handscomb find themselves vying for the final berth in Australia’s team, the former after spending six months remodelling himself as a Test batsman and the latter amid a drop-off in form that has coincided with unrelenting examination of his technique by the likes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, plus the morass of commentators following every ball of this series.Given a WACA Ground surface that is softer and therefore likely to be slower than he would prefer, Smith said the on-duty selectors Greg Chappell and Darren Lehmann – the team performance manager Pat Howard is also in town – were favouring the inclusion of a fifth bowler in the shape of Marsh. However they will take a final look at the pitch on match morning before making their decision.”If we do go down that route it’s purely for the reasons we need an extra bowler, nothing to do with anyone’s batting,” Smith said in Perth. “The stats suggest over the last couple of years the bowlers have had a pretty big workload out on this wicket. We’re probably leaning down that way at the moment but again it will depend on what we think the wicket’s like tomorrow. If it is going to be hard and fast and bouncy that might again change our thinking.”It’s not as hard as I would like it to be a day out. Twenty four hours can change a wicket. We’ll have another look in the morning. It’s a bit harder and faster. I don’t really know that much about the wicket, I’m pretty useless at judging them. We’ll have another look at the morning and see what I and the selectors think is best for this Test match.”The WACA’s curator Matthew Page has said the pitch has not baked as hard as he wanted due to cooler than expected weather, and temperatures for the Test are expected to stay in the temperate mid-20s. That all points towards the return of Marsh, who not only has the all-round abilities but also the advantage of local knowledge, as the captain of Western Australia.”I think he’s tightened his defence quite a lot,” Smith said. “I know speaking to him when he was back in the team a little while ago we spoke about softening your hands up in defence. Those good length balls, not going so hard at them. I’ve seen that watching him the last couple of days in the nets and watching some of the live feed of the Shield games in defence he has softened his hands up, he’s still putting away the bad ball.”He hits the ball as hard as anyone I’ve seen. He’s a strong lad. To have that positive intent, cash in on loose bowling but good balls you’re allowed to defend them. It was about finding that defence that worked for him. He’s tightened up a lot in defence which helps him.”It has been a wicket for a long time that is very different to the wickets around the country. It has always had that bit of extra bounce and while the pace hasn’t been there in the past couple of years, it still has extra bounce. For guys coming from the eastern States they find it tough to start on and get used to. That is why the WA guys have had success here. They have played here a lot and understand what the wicket does and can deal with the pace and bounce. They are more comfortable with it.”Mitchell Marsh is in contention for a return to the Test side•Getty Images

As for Handscomb, Smith said he had himself experienced the fishbowl of a home summer when countless pundits are questioning the unorthodox technique of a young batsman. After struggling in 2010-11, Smith was dropped and then polished his game, before returning in 2013 and beginning to groove a method that began to settle with a century at the Perth Ashes Test of that year. He sees Handscomb making a similar journey.”Everyone’s got their opinions and in the end it’s about you being comfortable with your game and playing the way you need to play, and figuring it out on the go as well,” Smith said. “You figure things out in the middle, how guys are bowling at you, the best way to approach different things on each day and I think Pete’s a guy who’s very happy with the way he plays and understands his game.”Sometimes you have to make little changes for each set of conditions and that’s just part of experience and playing for a while. You learn to deal with these kinds of things. Pete’s a smart guy and he’ll figure those things out for sure.”If we go down the route of Pete missing out it’s unlucky. The message to him is purely, from my point of view and the selectors speaking to them, it is for that extra bowling option. It’s nothing to do with his batting as such, it’ll be unlucky if he misses out. We still see a very bright future for Pete. He’s come in, averaging 47 in Test cricket. Against a whole heap of different nations in different conditions. He can certainly play the game, if he is to miss out there’s no reason why he won’t be back in the team soon.”Ahead of a match where Australia can regain the Ashes with victory, Smith was unsurprisingly stern in warning his team against getting too confident. “Look, we’re in a really good position obviously at two-nil up and we’re playing at a ground that we’ve traditionally played pretty good cricket at,” he said. “We’re obviously confident going into this week but having said that England are a very good side and there’s no doubt they’re going to come back really hard this week.”For us, the message I’ve said to the boys is don’t get complacent. Keep playing really good hard, aggressive cricket, and doing the basics really well and if we do that on this wicket then hopefully we’ll get the result we’re after at the end of this week.”