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Inspired by nature to pay homage to the vast Australian landscape

adidas reveal the official match ball for the 2023 Women's World Cup, the OCEAUNZ. Designed to cope with the demands and speed of the modern game, the official match ball features the same Connected Ball Technology we saw in the 2022 World Cup Al Rihla match ball. The OCEAUNZ marks the ninth successive football adidas has produced for the FIFA Women's World Cup.

adidas

The ball itself features white, blue and green decorations on a white pearlescent background – inspired by Australia's landscape – with visuals nodding to the vast mountains of New Zealand and Australia's connection to the Indian Ocean. The cultural markings and initials of both host nations celebrate the coming together of Australia and New Zealand.

The Australian markings have been created by renowned local artist Chern'ee Sutton, while Kiwi artist Fiona Collis designed the New Zealand patterns and elements of the ball.

adidas

Franziska Loeffelmann, the Design Director of Football Graphics at adidas, said, "With record viewing figures for the Women's Euros tournament last year, the upcoming World Cup is set to be a massive moment for the game that we love. We're turning up with a match ball that we're incredibly proud of – featuring our innovative technology and with a design that represents the natural beauty of the landscape in which it will be played."

adidas

To support players on the pitch and uphold to the increasing demands of the game, Loeffelmann adds: "The game is always evolving, and the design of the OCEAUNZ is built to help players cope with the pace and demands of the modern game. We're hugely excited for the FIFA Women's World Cup and to see the women's game lifted to even further heights, in two fantastic host nations."

adidas

To round up on an already brilliant match ball, adidas reveals 1% of global OCEAUNZ net sales will go to the Common Goal Movement. A collective project to increase female participation, representation and leadership in the game by supporting grassroots initiatives that increase access to the sport for women and girls, on and off the pitch.

adidas 2023 Women's World Cup OCEAUNZ match ball price & how to buy

The 2023 Women's World Cup ball is available to buy now on the adidas website.

Shop: 2023 Women's World Cup match balls

The OCEAUNZ ball features a groundbreaking core within the ball that is designed to improve accuracy and consistency, supporting fast, precise play with maximum shape and air retention. Plus, the ball’s polyurethane skin features micro and macro textures and a new 20-piece panel shape, enhancing aerodynamics

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This OCEAUNZ training ball is great for kickabouts and training ahead of the Women's World Cup. It also has a high-grade butyl bladder, so you're spending less time finding a ball pump and more time emulating your favourite players.

The mini ball is perfect for kids who want to play football, the new OCEAUNZ ball colourway will certainly be a hit with them too. The 100% TPU cover will make sure it can withstand the wear and tear after it's done being use by any small football star

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If you know you'll be making use of the OCEAUNZ ball on a regular basis, and for weekend matches with friends you'll want to opt for the Club Ball. It comes in three separate colourways, which use colours from the original match ball.

With Barcelona having already wrapped up the double, and now on the verge of an unbeaten Liga campaign, Goal picks its top 11 players of 2017-18

GettyGK: Jan Oblak

The latest in a long line of great goalkeepers at Atletico Madrid, Jan Oblak is a pivotal part of the Rojiblancos' miserly defence which has conceded just 20 goals in La Liga this season.

The Slovenian shot-stopper is considered by many to be the best goalkeeper in the world right now and has kept an amazing 22 clean sheets in the Primera Division in 2017-18.

AdvertisementRB: Alvaro Odriozola

A revelation at right-back for Real Sociedad this season, Alvaro Odriozola made his senior Spain debut in October and the 22-year-old, who is interesting Real Madrid, is in contention for a place in Julen Lopetegui's squad for the World Cup this summer.

He is solid defensively and a modern-day full-back who likes to attack with pace on the wing. Odriozola has provided four assists in La Liga this season.

Getty ImagesCB: Diego Godin

At his best, Diego Godin is perhaps the world's best defender and the Uruguayan remains a rock for Atletico Madrid.

Now 32, the South American has made 27 appearances for Diego Simeone's side in La Liga this term and is a big reason behind the Rojiblancos' brilliant defence, which has let in just 20 goals in the Primera Division all season.

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GettyCB: Samuel Umtiti

Samuel Umtiti has been solid at the back for Barcelona again and alongside Gerard Pique, he has transformed the Blaugrana back line.

Since he signed in the summer of 2016, Barca have lost just one league game with the French defender in the team – a 2-0 defeat at Malaga last season – and this term Ernesto Valverde's side have conceded just 23 goals in the Primera Division.

With Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang having been reunited at Arsenal, Goal looks back at other devastating pairings…

Getty ImagesDwight Yorke & Andy Cole (Manchester United)

First brought together early in the 1998-99 season, Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole combined to devastating effect as Manchester United won the treble under Sir Alex Ferguson, albeit with their back-ups – Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – sealing the deal in the Champions League final.

Cole and Yorke started 36 matches together in that campaign, with the Red Devils losing on just one occasion. Between them, they scored 53 goals in all competitions and followed that up with 46 in the next campaign.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesFernando Morientes & Raul (Real Madrid & Spain)

During a period around the turn of the millennium, Fernando Morientes and Raul were one of Europe's most feared strike pairings, with their telepathic connection up front leading the Blancos into the 'Galactico Generation'.

Such was their close friendship, Raul was one of the witnesses at Morientes's wedding, while after Morientes was dropped for the 2002 European Super Cup following the arrival of Ronaldo, Raul wore his great friend's No.9 jersey as a show of solidarity.

Getty ImagesIan Rush & Kenny Dalglish (Liverpool)

Given his legendary status at Liverpool, it is hard to believe that Kenny Dalglish went on a 10-month scoring drought during 1981, with the Scot contemplating a move into midfield as he struggled for form in the aftermath of his 30th birthday.

That all changed when Ian Rush arrived on the scene, however, as Dalglish became more of a withdrawn forward in behind Rush, and the pair ran riot. Liverpool won the title in each of their first three campaigns together, with the deadly duo scoring 59 goals between them as the European Cup was also secured in 1983-84.

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Getty ImagesXavi & Andres Iniesta (Barcelona & Spain)

One of the greatest midfield partnerships of all time, Xavi and Iniesta changed the way the modern game is played with their precision passing for both club and country.

Together they won four Champions League titles among a whole host of other trophies at Barcelona, as well as helping lead Spain to two European Championships and their first World Cup, in 2010.

Mahmudullah and Anamul Haque were picked for the Bangladesh ODI squad for the first two of the three matches against South Africa

Mohammad Isam07-Jul-20151:59

Isam: A spin-heavy Bangladesh squad for SA ODIs

Mahmudullah and Anamul Haque have been recalled in Bangladesh’s ODI squad for the first two of the three matches against South Africa. Rony Talukdar, Mominul Haque and the injured Taskin Ahmed made way in the 14-man squad.Mahmudullah had fractured his left index finger in June ahead of the India series and was out for more than a month. Chief selector Faruque Ahmed said that the physios had cleared Mahmudullah.Squad changes for SA ODIs

IN: Mahmudullah, Anamul Haque

OUT: Taskin Ahmed, Mominul Haque and Rony Talukdar

Anamul was out after injuring his right shoulder during the World Cup match against Scotland on March 5. He recovered from the shoulder operation to play three first-class matches for South Zone, scoring a hundred and three fifties. Mahmudullah, on the other hand, trained with the Bangladesh team during their T20 series against South Africa.Talukdar could count himself unlucky after he was picked for the ODIs against Pakistan and India but only got to play the second T20 against South Africa in which he made 21 off 22 balls on debut. He sat out for six ODIs. Mominul, too, was left out without having played an ODI since the World Cup, while Taskin is still recovering from a left side tear.Faruque said Anamul had discussions with the captain about his batting approach and would bat in the top order. But he said that Talukdar could still come back because he was among their preferred players. He added that although Litton Das and Anamul have similar roles, Litton was a better choice than Rony.”We think [Anamul Haque] Bijoy is in form,” Faruque said. “We need him for a particular position. We discussed with the team management before picking him. Bijoy will play in the top order.”Rony came in a circumstance where we didn’t have Bijoy and Mahmudullah. Soumya [Sarkar] was successful as an opener. We are thinking for these two matches, but it doesn’t necessarily mean he is out. He is among our best 17-18 players. He will return when we need him. Litton kept well against India, scored a couple of 30s in the ODIs and a 40-odd in the Test. Litton is more effective than Rony, so we kept him in the squad.”The team is spin dependent with Mahmudullah and Nasir Hossain to provide assistance to the specialist spinners. Mashrafe Mortaza will lead the pace attack alongside Rubel Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman.Bangladesh ODI squad: Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan (vice-captain), Sabbir Rahman, Nasir Hossain, Arafat Sunny, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Litton Das, Jubair Hossain, Anamul Haque, Mahmudullah.

An innings by Warwickshire’s Sam Hain which cannot have failed to impress watching selector James Whitaker was ended before the close on a rain-shortened day but Hain top-scored with 57 as the visitors replied to Durham’s 314 with 167 for 7

Jon Culley13-Jul-2015
ScorecardChris Rushworth reduced Warwickshire to 12 for 3•Getty ImagesSam Hain cannot have failed to impress watching England selector James Whitaker as he top-scored with 57 on a ground where he struck a century last season. He was the only batsman not out lbw, four of the victims going to Chris Rushworth, who moved one ahead of Middlesex’s James Harris as the leading wicket taker in Division One of the Championship.In difficult conditions that required them to counter a typical Riverside pitch after a delayed start and stoppages for rain that resulted in the 43.3 overs possible being played over five sessions, it is perhaps no surprise that Warwickshire are in a bit of a spot.They lost six of their seven wickets lbw, four of them to the admirable Rushworth as the ball jagged around and sometimes kept low. Rushworth broke the half-century mark for the third successive season. Of those, 23 have been leg before, remarkably, although before anyone suggests his success is all down to the pitches here it should be pointed out that he has taken more wickets (27) away from the Riverside this year than on his home turf.In the circumstances, then, the half century scored by Hain in a 98-run partnership with Tim Ambrose that towered above the wreckage of the rest of the Warwickshire innings is all the more outstanding.Hain is in only his second season as part of the senior squad at Edgbaston but has made such an impact that Warwickshire already feel his absences keenly, particularly now, with several top-order batsmen finding runs hard to come by. A shoulder injury suffered in the field against Worcestershire in May ruled him out for two months and he was badly missed.Still a teenager – at least until this Thursday – Hain is the former Australia Under-19 batsman who pledged his future to England in 2013 and raised exciting possibilities last season by becoming his county’s youngest first-class centurion – taking the record held by Ian Bell — and later the youngest double centurion among four hundreds scored during his debut season.There were two more half-centuries in the first three matches of this season before his injury. On his comeback against Yorkshire last week, when Warwickshire suffered a crushing defeat, his second-innings hundred set him apart as the only batsman able to counter a Yorkshire attack led by a rampant Ryan Sidebottom.Again here, with batting conditions such a challenge, he seemed to have the composure and technical qualities that deserted others. He had the chief England selector, James Whitaker, among those looking on, although Hain’s name remains one solely for the notebook for now. Although he avoided the new requirement for someone of his status to undergo a seven-year qualification term, he does not become eligible still until the winter of 2016-17.As it is, Warwickshire will do well to finish anywhere close to Durham’s 314 and much will depend on Chris Woakes, who reports that both ankle and knee stood up well to his comeback with the ball on Sunday, being able to reproduce the form with the bat that enabled him to make 93 on his guest appearance for Nottinghamshire’s Second XI last week.If day three begins in any way resembling day two he might not add many to his overnight 12. After a delayed noon start, Rushworth struck with his second ball, adding another disappointment to a string of low scores troubling Varun Chopra, the Warwickshire captain, who has been out for 16 or fewer in 13 of his 16 Championship innings. He seemed unimpressed with decision by David Millns, as Paul Collingwood had the day before, although he might have felt less unhappy had it come off the back of a run of fifties and hundreds.It was not long, in any case, before he had Jonathan Webb and Laurie Evans back in the dressing room with him, the two falling to Rushworth in consecutive, similar balls before Hain survived the hat-trick attempt, only just as it happens, his bat coming down just soon enough to flick the ball off his pads and divert it to the long-leg boundary.Ian Westwood became Rushworth’s fourth victim, at which point Warwickshire were 40 for 4. The Sunderland-born seamer’s propensity for lbws is the direct consequence, he said afterwards, of trying to bowl straight, at the stumps, rather than looking for swing.Thereafter, though, he was made to wait for more gains as Hain batted with the precocious maturity that has been the feature of performances since he announced himself last season. With Ambrose encouraging him, as well as keeping the scoreboard moving, he settled to his work and his confidence grew, to the extent that his dismissal on 57 was slightly unexpected. It was not Rushworth this time but John Hastings who found the way, posting Keaton Jennings as a short leg positioned deeper than is conventional, and reaping the reward as Hain turned a ball off his hip cleanly but could not get it past Jennings, who moved sharply to his right to take a fine catch.From Warwickshire’s point of view, the benefits of that partnership were undermined somewhat by the loss of three more wickets for 21. Ambrose departed four balls after Hain, lbw this time to Collingwood, before Rushworth returned to bag another one in Rikki Clarke. Then came the fourth and last stoppage of the day.

Spin has been Kolkata Knight Riders’ tried-and-tested formula to win at home. It’s unlikely the surface for their next game will change too much, even though their opponents, Delhi Daredevils, possess a tasty spin attack themselves

The Preview by Karthik Krishnaswamy06-May-2015Match factsThursday, May 7, 2015
Start time 2000 local (1430 GMT)2:21

O’Brien: Daredevils should bat first

Big PictureSpin, spin, spin. It’s been Kolkata Knight Riders’ tried-and-tested formula to win at home, and their last match – a 35-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad – showcased it in exaggerated proportions. Perhaps the pitch they played on was a response to the slightly wobbly position they began that match in – a loss might have caused them to slip out of the top four.It’s unlikely the surface for their next game will change too much, even though they are in a far better position now, even though their opponents, Delhi Daredevils, possess a tasty spin attack themselves. Brad Hogg and Piyush Chawla (and possibly Johan Botha too), against Amit Mishra and Imran Tahir should make for an interesting contest.Daredevils have lost three of their last four games, and sit not too far above bottom-placed Kings XI Punjab. They are still in with a chance of finishing in the top four, but have only four games left, and cannot afford to take any time finding a way to win matches. A defeat to Knight Riders may just end any realistic hopes they have.Form guideKolkata Knight Riders WLWLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Delhi Daredevils LLWLWWatch out for…He’s scored his runs at a strike rate of over 140, but he’s only faced 86 balls this season. From that stat it might seem like Angelo Mathews is batting too far down the order, but that hasn’t always been the case. In his last two innings, he came in with a reasonable number of overs left, got starts, and got out, finishing with scores of 16 and 12. Mathews will definitely want to contribute more substantially when he comes in with eight or nine overs to go.He isn’t spoken about in the same breath as Sunil Narine or Brad Hogg, but Piyush Chawla’s legspin has been a vital facet of Knight Riders’ success. This season, he has taken seven wickets while conceding only 6.96 runs an over. He gets a lot of help from the Eden Gardens surface, no doubt, but opposition teams haven’t really been able to go after him.Stats and trivia Robin Uthappa has 22 stumpings in the IPL, a record he shares with MS Dhoni. But he’s taken only 81 innings, to Dhoni’s 114, to reach the mark Four players likely to play this match – Gautam Gambhir, Amit Mishra, Piyush Chawla and Manish Pandey – feature in the top five of the ‘Most ducks in the IPL’ listQuotes”Brad Hogg has done a fantastic job in Sunil Narine’s absence. We wanted a spinner that we thought a lot of batters would struggle to pick. Certainly Brad is in that category. Even the players who play with him regularly find him difficult to pick.”

A controversy has arisen over South Africa’s decision to play Vernon Philander ahead of Kyle Abbott in the World Cup semi-final

Firdose Moonda29-Mar-2015A controversy has arisen over South Africa’s decision to play Vernon Philander ahead of Kyle Abbott in the World Cup semi-final. Reports in South African media have suggested that Philander was included in the team on the insistence of members of the CSA board and against the wishes of both the coach and captain.CSA president Chris Nenzani has denied the reports and both AB de Villiers and Russell Domingo have said Philander was picked on merit.The reports said board members apparently insisted on Philander’s inclusion to ensure South Africa fielded four players of colour. Even though there is no official quota at international level, it is the norm to field four players of colour, the number that used to make up the quota before it was scrapped in 2007. South Africa slipped below that number for half of their eight games at the World Cup, which is believed to have become a cause for concern among the administrators.ESPNcricinfo has asked Nenzani for his comments on the issue but has not received a reply. But Nenzani has denied the reports elsewhere. “I have not in the past interfered with the selection of the team and I do not intend to do so in the future,” he told the . “We have always emphasised that national team selection must be on merit.”After starting the tournament fielding five players of colour – Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Farhaan Behardien, Vernon Philander and Imran Tahir – for the Zimbabwe and India games, the number dipped to three for the next three matches, largely because of injuries.Duminy and Philander picked up side and hamstring strains respectively and were replaced for the matches against West Indies and Ireland by Rilee Rossouw and Abbott. Duminy returned against Pakistan but Behardien was left out and although Philander was due to play that match, he had to withdraw during the warm-ups when he felt discomfort. Abbott played in his place.Philander was back to full fitness for the match against UAE, in which South Africa again had five players of colour. Domingo called that XI “what we perceived to be our strongest team on the day”, even though it did not include Abbott. Faf du Plessis also missed that game because of a lower-back issue.South Africa made two changes from that game for their quarter-final against Sri Lanka. Du Plessis returned and Abbott replaced Philander. A CSA release on the day of the match said Philander was injured but a source close to the team denied that a few days later and said Abbott’s inclusion had been tactical.Abbott took the opening wicket against Sri Lanka and impressed with pace and movement and was expected to play the semi-final on the back of impressive numbers. He took nine wickets at 14.44 in four games and had the best average and lowest economy rate among South Africa’s attack but in the lead-up to the match against New Zealand, there were indications Philander, who at the time had a return of 4 for 83 in 20.3 overs, would play instead.

“It’s been a stated objective of ours to transform. We talked about being aggressive with transforming, of providing opportunities for players that were previously disadvantaged”Haroon Lorgat, CSA CEO

“Vernon is a wonderful bowler who has performed well for us over the years,” Domingo said at the time. “He has a good record in New Zealand and if there is anything in the wicket to exploit, we know he is the person to do it.”Philander’s records in other formats warrant that statement. He was the fastest bowler to 100 Test wickets in a century and he has a Test average of 21.95.Domingo maintained his stance after the match, when questions were asked about Philander’s selection and his fitness, given that he left the field during the semi and South Africa used a substitute fielder in Farhaan Behardien. “Vernon was fully fit. He had been through all the rehab and fitness tests. He has been a champion bowler for a long period of time in all formats,” Domingo said at South Africa’s arrival in Johannesburg. “In New Zealand we always felt that the wicket could offer the seamers a little bit and when there is something in the wickets, Vernon is one of the best exponents of that and that’s why we went with that.”Andrew Hudson, South Africa’s convener of selectors said similar in an interview with the : “We have to remember Vern has also performed for us over the years, and I think we were hoping that in New Zealand conditions he would have nipped it around a bit and done some damage. I also think that he gives us extra batting option at number eight which helps us with our tail.”Philander has played six ODIs in New Zealand and has taken eight wickets at 22.62. The only place he has a record better than that, where he has played at least three ODIs, is at home.Two days after the semi-final it emerged that CSA’s board had taken a decision to increase quotas at domestic level without consulting with the South African Cricketers’ Association and with only two weeks left for teams to finalise contracts. In the 2015-16 season, franchise teams will have to field six players of colour, up from five, including three black Africans.It was also mooted that the semi-professional amateur sides field seven players of colour, up from six, including four black Africans but CSA has since backtracked on that after a legal threat from SACA. Semi-professionals will continue to field six players of colour with three black Africans, while CSA has given the franchises R350,000 (US$29,057) each to conclude further contracts.Haroon Lorgat, CSA CEO, explained the need for the domestic quotas as part of CSA’s commitment to change. “I think its positive. We need to exploit the talent pool we’ve got in the broader communities,” he said at the team’s arrival home. “We’ve recently seen some fabulous performers from what you might regard as quota players and those are the best players that we believe are coming through the system. That’s hugely encouraging. Up until now, we’ve been selecting from a smaller pool. It’s been a stated objective of ours to transform. We talked about being aggressive with transforming, of providing opportunities for players that were previously disadvantaged, black Africans in particular, and we are following that through.”

David Warner, Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan have been fined by the ICC for their involvement in two separate incidents on the fourth day of the Adelaide Test

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Dec-2014David Warner, Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan have been fined by the ICC for their involvement in two separate incidents on the fourth day of the Adelaide Test. Warner has been fined 15% of his match fee while Kohli and Dhawan have been docked 30% of theirs following squabbles between the Indian and Australian players on Friday.The first incident took place in the second session of the fourth day when India pacer Varun Aaron dismissed Warner off a no-ball. Kohli and Aaron had given the batsman a send-off and once he was called back by the umpires, Warner shouted “come on, come on” towards the bowler.Warner shouted “come on” again as he left alone the next delivery, angering the Indian players a little more. Dhawan and Warner then exchanged a few words, stopping the game in the process. Warner later admitted he may have responded a bit too strongly but stated that this was a part of the game.Kohli was fined for his argument with Steven Smith, following an lbw appeal off Rohit Sharma’s bowling.All three players were charged under Level 1 Article 2.1.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “conduct that either: (a) is contrary to the spirit of the game; or (b) brings the game into disrepute.”The three players admitted the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Jeff Crowe, who also spoke to both captains and reminded them of their responsibilities.”Both captains agreed that they will take the lead and the responsibility for setting the example. In particular, to stop any unacceptable aggression of any kind towards opposing players,” Crowe said.

Even as Australia’s young fast bowlers are limbering up for the World Cup, moves are afoot to ensure there will be something of a similar standard to succeed them when necessary

Daniel Brettig11-Feb-2015Australia U-19 squad to face England

Matt Short (Victoria), Jaron Morgan (WA), Jake Carder (WA), Sam Harper (Victoria), Patrick Page (SA), Jake Doran (NSW), Sam Heazlett (Queensland), Tom Healy (Queensland), Riley Ayre (ACT/NSW), Jhye Richardson (WA), Henry Thornton (NSW), Guy Walker (Victoria), David Grant (SA), Sam Rowley (Queensland), Sam Grimwade (Victoria)

Even as Australia’s enviable battery of young fast bowlers is limbering up for the World Cup, moves are afoot to ensure there will be something of a similar standard to succeed them when the time comes.Australian cricket has learned much about succession planning in recent times, with the struggles that followed the loss of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and others meaning the presence of a strong current crop may actually provide more impetus to ensure they can be adequately replaced in future years.The announcement of an Australian Under-19s squad for matches against England at home and away over the course of 2015, ahead of the 2016 Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, marks another point of that process. Not only will the young men duel with one other for places in the Cup squad, they will also get a taste of how to play in England, the venue where Australia’s Ashes fortunes will be decided around the same time as their visit.Among the pace bowlers selected is Queenslander Sam Rowley, who has notably spent considerable time bowling in the nets to Australia’s senior players in the past 12 months. He has been a particularly important cog in the wheel of Australian cricket for all the time he has spent bowling to one Michael Clarke on his visits to the National Cricket Centre.”The first time I came across Sam was at a bowling clinic of mine in 2013,” Australia’s assistant coach Craig McDermott said of Rowley. “He came along to that and that’s where I first spotted him. Last year and even the year before, every time we had an Australian session we got him along to bowl to the boys, particularly a lot of the one-on-one stuff with Pup last year and this year in Brisbane.”So it’s been beneficial to him and I think he’s got some wheels to bowl pretty quick, a nice action, a pretty athletic young guy and can handle a bat ok. He’s reasonably tall, pretty athletic build, a good action through the crease, a nice run-up. He got a fair few wickets at the Under-19s carnival, and obviously the selectors have seen something there to pick him.”Rowley grew up in Townsville before moving to Brisbane, and was a product of McDermott’s cricket academy over the past two years. A major recent development in the battle for cricket talent around Australia has been the commitment of more money to aid Queensland Cricket in its talent spotting of a vast geographical area and diffuse population, meaning Rowley’s case is a significant one.Other pacemen in the squad include Guy Walker and the allrounder Henry Thornton. McDermott helped oversee the emergence of the generation now populating the Australian team, through his work with Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson and others at what was then the Centre of Excellence in 2009 and 2010. The likes of Gurinder Sandhu, Joel Paris and Jason Behrendorff are currently the next cabs, and the Under-19 tour will be a way of sorting out who can follow them.”I started in 2009 and that was when they were first in there as full-time or part time athletes,” McDermott said. “There was Jimmy Faulkner as well, Patto, Starcy, Hazlewood, Peter George. It’s been a bit sparser since then. The bowlers out of the last World Cup in the UAE last year, Guy Walker is one, Gurinder Sandhu is the one who’s come through from the Under-19s to play for Australia.”You had Mark Steketee as part of that team, Harry Conway and Joel Paris as well who’s done very well but been out injured for about six months now. They’re probably the guys who’ve come through that second World Cup team. The proof will be in the pudding over the next little while to see if any of those guys can after the Under-19s this year get into a rookie-player contract. The more young quicks we’ve got coming through, the better.”You want it to be as seamless as you can have. We are going to have a fairly seamless one from where we currently stand with the four or five young guys around at the moment, plus the likes of Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendroff, Joel Paris and Gurinder Sandhu are there in case we lose the other young good guys we’ve got in the squad now. We’ve got seven or eight good young blokes who can step up to the plate at any stage.”

The wear on the Dubai pitch and how it will only increase makes Trent Boult believe setting a target in excess of 200 is optimum

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Nov-2014As high as the totals have been in the first innings of UAE Tests recently, the wear on the Dubai pitch and how it will only increase makes Trent Boult believe setting a target in excess of 200 is optimum.An aim like that seemed quite difficult with Younis Khan and Azhar Ali shepherding the Pakistan line-up with their fifth fifty-plus score in seven innings, but New Zealand bounced back from a wicketless session on the second morning to dismiss both half-centurions and snap up some late wickets to go into the fourth day with a 122-run advantage, and only four more Pakistan batsmen to get rid of.”As we can see what the wicket’s doing, how it’s deteriorating, it’s going to be a challenge to score 200-plus with whatever time’s left,” Boult said. “And if we can focus on that and then leave them as much time as possible [for us to get 10 wickets], I guess that’s the focus so come day four, day five, it should be a tricky wicket to bat on”Besides an impressive chase of 302 by Pakistan in Sharjah in January, the next best total to achieve victory in the country is 137 by Sri Lanka during the same series. Pakistan though hold the record for the highest total made in the fourth innings in Dubai and have handled Ish Sodhi and Mark Craig well enough. But Boult is confident New Zealand’s frontline would be able rise to the challenge.”They’ve had a big role to fill the whole time and I think they’re really standing up,” Boult said. “Ish bowled superbly today, I reckon. The best I’ve seen it come out of his hand in a long time so the more the wicket deteriorates and breaks up even more then obviously they’re going to become more important”For the spinners to flourish, though, Boult said he and the other seamers had to stifle the batsmen at their ends.”But obviously the likes of myself and Tim [Southee], Corey [Anderson], Neesh [James Neesham] are important as well. We’ve got to come in and build that pressure to really support their spinners”