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Duminy was appointed in March 2023 as part of Rob Walter’s support staff

Firdose Moonda06-Dec-2024

JP Duminy was previously head coach of the SA20 side Paarl Royals and the domestic side Boland•Getty Images

Former international JP Duminy has stepped down from his role as South Africa’s white-ball batting coach for personal reasons. Duminy was appointed in March 2023 as part of Rob Walter’s support staff when Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed new coaches after the Mark Boucher era.Duminy was previously head coach of the SA20 side Paarl Royals and the domestic side Boland but it is not clear if he will continue to coach in the immediate future.He was with the white-ball team during their run to the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final last year but had to leave the camp ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean in June, also for personal reasons. The CSA will begin the process of finding a replacement soon, but it may not be in time for the series against Pakistan which starts next week. The contest starts with three T20Is, which will be played without the white-ball players who are involved in the Test series against Sri Lanka, before moving to three ODIs, which will form part of Champions Trophy preparation.Should a full-time candidate not be found, CSA could second their batting lead, Imraan Khan, the former Dolphins coach who was appointed in August and traveled with the Test squad to Bangladesh. At the time, red-ball batting coach Ashwell Prince was unavailable but he has since returned to Test duties.In September this year, Duminy was named head coach of International League T20 (ILT20) side Sharjah Warriorz.

West Ham United’s notable exits this summer look as if they will be continuing on way past Mohammed Kudus’ crushing departure to Tottenham Hotspur.

The next reality check in the transfer department could come very soon, as Lucas Paqueta appears to be edging for a move away from the London Stadium, amid interest in the midfielder’s services from Manchester City and the aforementioned North Londoners.

It remains to be seen whether the Hammers would let Paqueta go during the same demoralising summer that saw Kudus defect to Spurs, as a new Paqueta-style figure appears on Graham Potter’s shopping list anyway.

West Ham ask about signing £30m midfielder

Potter’s men look as if they will be busy between now and September’s approaching deadline, with a whole host of names being tipped to join the East London ranks.

New reports have suggested that Cagliari attacker Roberto Piccoli might join the building to help boost the ex-Chelsea manager’s options up top, alongside the Hammers also eyeing up promising Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper to add depth in between the sticks in the wake of Lukas Fabianski’s retirement.

West Ham are further assessing their options in the EFL away from just the Blades when it comes to Southampton starlet Mateus Fernandes, with journalist Jack Rosser via X speculating that the Hammers have approached the Saints about a potential move for the rising Portuguese star.

It is stated that they haven’t been left with much encouragement from these conversations, however, with Atletico Madrid also keen on the 21-year-old, who is touted to be worth around the £30m ballpark.

Standing out as a shining light last season, even as his South Coast outfit plummeted to relegation, Fernandes could kick on and become an even brighter talent at the London Stadium if a deal can be secured, potentially filling the hole left behind by Paqueta in the process.

Why Fernandes could be the next Paqueta

£30m does feel like a steep amount to splurge on a midfielder that has just tasted the unwelcome flavour of relegation, but the 21-year-old did manage to come out of Southampton’s basement finish with his head held high, at least.

Indeed, come the end of the depressing campaign for his team, Fernandes would still manage to tally up two goals and four assists for his lowly team in Premier League action.

All this frenzied interest has come his way off the back of completing such an impressive individual campaign, despite the many setbacks facing him at St. Mary’s.

Amazingly, Fernandes’ standout 2024/25 output is more goals and assists than Paqueta would manage back at the Irons across the same span, with the spotlight on the Brazilian more focused on controversies off the pitch, away from him only collecting a disappointing four goal contributions.

However, whilst the 21-year-old would shine in this regard, he is also similar to his South American counterpart when considering his overall, varied game, which would make him a perfect replacement for Paqueta in the long run. Indeed, as hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson, he is the “complete” talent.

Fernandes’ league numbers (24/25) vs Paqueta’s (24/25)

Stat – per 90 mins*

Fernandes

Paqueta

Games played

36

33

Goals scored

2

4

Assists

4

0

Touches*

53.3

58.6

Accurate passes*

29.0 (85%)

33.6 (79%)

Big chances created

6

4

Tackles*

2.5

2.0

Ball recoveries*

5.0

4.5

Total duels won*

5.8

6.0

Stats by Sofascore

Looking at the table above, it becomes far clearer as to why Mattinson described Fernandes as a ‘complete’ talent from the middle of the park.

The former Sporting youngster matches Paqueta and even betters him when it comes to the more defensive aspect of their games, when glancing at their numbers in the Premier League last season, as seen in him averaging more tackles and ball recoveries last campaign per match.

Even FBref states that the midfielders are statistically similar, with Paqueta also a versatile performer, much like the 21-year-old, when previously lining up down the left flank for the Irons.

Fernandes is some way off establishing himself as a Premier League regular like the “mind-boggling” Paqueta – as former teammate Declan Rice once described his ability – but his time could soon come to become an established talent at the level, particularly if the Hammers cough up what Southampton want this summer.

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Newcastle United look to be making strides in the transfer market. Eddie Howe is not one to make signings on a whim. Rather, he aims to find value and only strengthen when required.

With Champions League football gracing St James’ Park once again, however, the manager must add some high-profile players to his first-team squad, especially if he wishes to make progress in the competition.

An improved bid of £55m was submitted for winger Anthony Elanga recently and Howe will be hoping that this will be enough to secure the services of the Swede.

Their first offer was rejected, but the Magpies are desperate to land their man and it would be a significant coup should they sign Elanga.

Another move that is in the pipeline is for James Trafford. The Toon are aiming to get a move for the Burnley goalkeeper tied up by next week.

Signing these two should be the catalyst for Howe to land a few more significant signings over the next couple of weeks.

Bolstering his defence is certainly a priority and one name that has been touted for a move to Newcastle is Atalanta starlet Giorgio Scalvini.

Latest on Newcastle's pursuit of Scalvini

It was reported on Friday by journalist Martin Hardy, who is the Northern sports correspondent for The Times, that Newcastle have made Scalvini their top target.

The youngster is valued by the Serie A side at around £30m, which means Howe will need to splash the cash to lure him to England.

Is he worth it, however? He could only muster eight appearances all season due to a cruciate ligament injury, which hampered his progress.

It was the 2023/24 campaign in which the 21-year-old began to demonstrate his potential. He featured in 44 matches across all competitions for his club, scoring twice and grabbing three assists in the process.

The centre-back also played a key role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph, playing 45 minutes in the final which the club won 3-0 against Bayer Leverkusen.

During his 45-minute cameo in that game, Scalvini won two of his three duels contested, made three clearances and finished the game with a 92% pass success rate.

It was an excellent performance and there is no doubt he would have continued this fine progress into the 2024/25 campaign if it weren’t for his injury.

He appears to be back at full fitness and ready to prove a point. Still only 21, Scalvini is yet to even hit his peak and this could entice Howe into making a swoop for the defender this summer.

Will the potential price tag put him off, however? Especially if moves for Elanga and Trafford go through as planned in the coming days.

Could the club perhaps go for another transfer target instead? One that won’t cost north of £30m to sign.

Newcastle have also been linked with another defender from Serie A. This time, it is AC Milan star Malick Thiaw.

Newcastle chasing move for AC Milan defender

Although Scalvini would be a solid signing, especially with his long-term potential, might Howe be slightly put off by his lack of game time due to the cruciate ligament injury?

Journalist Graeme Bailey provided an update on Newcastle’s transfer business on Friday, naming Thiaw among those that the Magpies are showing “major interest” in.

There are several targets that Howe clearly wishes he could sign, but ultimately, only one or two will arrive at St James’ Park.

Milan are holding out for a fee of between €25m to €30m (£22m to £26m) for the German centre-back, which could be more appealing for Howe.

Thiaw has already played 14 games in the Champions League, which is another aspect that will please Howe amid his chase for another defender.

Might he be an even better signing than Scalvini too? Let’s take a look at the statistics.

Why Newcastle must sign Malick Thiaw this summer

The German international played 31 times for Milan last term, including five games in the Champions League. He showed his class by even scoring against Real Madrid in the group stages.

Hailed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig as “simply superb” following his debut season for Milan, Thiaw has gone from strength to strength during his time in Serie A.

Malick Thiaw’s statistics in Serie A last season (per 90)
Accurate passes	53.5
Tackles	1.1
Interceptions	0.7
Total duels won	3.7
Possession lost	4.5
Balls recovered	3
Via Sofascore

If comparing both he and Scalvini, however, taking a look into their respective stats from the 2023/24 league season is the best option due to Scalvini missing most of 2024/25.

From an attacking point of view, the Italian did record more goals and assists that campaign (four vs one) and registered more shots per 90 (0.67 vs 0.28) than Thiaw.

The Milan star registered a higher pass completion percentage (91.6% vs 81.3%) than Scalvini, while also recording a higher percentage of dribblers tackled (48% vs 47.5%) and committing fewer fouls.

Thiaw also made more clearances (2.6 vs 2) in Serie A that campaign, along with losing possession fewer times (5.4 vs 10) and completing more accurate passes (51.4 vs 37.8) for their respective teams.

Of course, this data is from two seasons ago, but it proves that Thiaw shone across a range of metrics compared to the Atalanta starlet.

Howe will have plenty of thoughts regarding who he could sign to bolster his defensive options, but much will depend on the finances involved.

Scalvini will likely cost more, yet he is younger and has a potentially higher ceiling for development, meaning he could make the club a significant profit in the near future.

Thiaw, on the other hand, is two years older, but he comes with much more experience, especially in the Champions League, having been hailed as a “top-class centre-back” at his best by Kulig.

Given that this is a tournament which Howe wants to do well in next term, perhaps making a move for the German international is the best way to go.

Could be better than Elanga: Newcastle exploring move for "insane" winger

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Angus Sinclair

Jul 5, 2025

The transfer window is really heating up at Rangers.

On Wednesday, the Light Blues signed not one but two new players, with Joe Rothwell and Emmanuel Fernandez both arriving, the latter for a reported fee of £3.5m.

So, with the start of Champions League qualifying now less than three weeks away, Russell Martin’s mass overhaul of the squad he has inherited continues, with more new signings seemingly set to follow soon.

Rangers looking to bolster their back line

This Rangers squad requires a lot of surgery this summer, and this is no more so the case than in defence.

Transfer Focus

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

Leon Balogun has departed, joining Aris Limassol on a free transfer, while Robin Pröpper appears set to return to FC Twente too.

Meanwhile, Max Aarons has arrived on loan from Bournemouth, with Fernandez now signing too, but Martin is certainly still seeking to improve his defensive options.

Well, as reported by Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports News, Rangers are “in talks” with Wolverhampton Wanderers as they aim to sign Nasser Djiga on a season-long loan.

This would be a straight loan, with no option or obligation to buy, for the Burkina Faso international, who only joined Wolves from Crvena zvezda for a reported fee of £10m as recently as February.

The 22 year old made just six appearances in old gold following his arrival, his sole Premier League start coming at Crystal Palace in May, when Vítor Pereira made wholesale changes, with David Irvine of the Glasgow Times noting that Wolves are keen on this loan move to Ibrox so that he can ‘gain experience’ of British football.

Thus, could Djiga be a transformational addition for Rangers?

How Nasser Djiga will improve Rangers

The young defender is certainly highly-rated, described by Serbian Football Scout as a “duel monster” who reads the game well, but is also capable of a “last-ditch tackle” when required.

Nasser Djiga

Meantime, writer Kai Watson believes he is the “ideal” centre-back for Martin’s possession-oriented style, labelling him a “strong passer” who possesses a “good understanding” of defensive play.

Before moving to Wolves, he caught the eye representing Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League, helping them dump out Bodø/Glimt in the play-off round, before also enjoying league phase victories over Stuttgart and Young Boys, so let’s take a look at his statistics.

Nasser Djiga 2024/25 Champions League statistics
Statistics	Djiga	Red Star rank
Minutes	720	1st
Completed passes	322	1st
Progressive passes	33	4th
Pass completion %	89.4%	3rd
Tackles	10	5th
% of dribblers tackled	100%	1st
Interceptions	4	5th
Blocks	7	4th
Clearances	27	2nd
Ball recoveries	28	4th
Touches	433	3rd
All statistics courtesy of FBref.com

As the table outlines, Djiga ranks very highly in the Champions League for all statistics included, when compared to his former teammates, doing so at a very high level, considering Crvena zvezda came up against Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Benfica, PSV, Monaco and others during the league phase.

The centre-back’s defensive metrics are universally impressive but, more notably, so are his in-possession statistics, which will make him the perfect fit for a Martin team.

So, why will he be a more impactful signing than Aarons?

Well, in short, it’s due to what Rangers really need.

Aarons has presumably joined Rangers to play regularly, having seen just 338 minutes of action last season at Bournemouth and then Valencia, which raises serious question marks over current right-back and captain James Tavernier’s future.

Meantime, the Light Blues are desperate for central defensive reinforcements, with John Souttar and new arrival Fernandez currently the only options available to face Panathinaikos in a pivotal Champions League qualifier in just 19 days’ time.

So, while Djiga is clearly a high-potential player, he is also one that Rangers desperately require, making him a welcome and much-needed addition for Martin.

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Derby County face Blackburn Rovers in the race to sign a versatile midfielder with the same agent as Craig Forsyth, according to a new report.

Forsyth signs new Derby contract as Eustace targets attackers

Earlier this week, Derby announced that experienced defender Forsyth has signed a new two-year contract to remain with the Rams. The left-back’s contract was set to expire at the end of this month, but John Eustace, who was a teammate of Forsyth’s during his playing career, has decided to keep the 36-year-old at the club until 2027.

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Forsyth played 39 times for the Rams in the Championship last season, as they avoided relegation to League One. In those appearances, the defender managed to score an impressive three goals and grab four assists. This latest contract will see Forsyth extend his football career to 20 years, and this contract will also see Derby support him in getting his coaching qualifications.

As Eustace decides to keep valuable experience in his defence, in a fan forum held at Pride Park, the Derby boss has revealed that signing new attackers is a priority for the club this summer, given their lack of goals last season.

Eustace said, via BBC Sport: “I’d love to play a back four, some exciting attacking wingers and two good strikers.”

This comes as the Rams have agreed a deal with Luton Town to sign striker Carlton Morris, who is set to undergo his medical once he returns from holiday.

Derby face Blackburn in race to sign Russell

The arrivals at Pride Park don’t look to be stopping there, as according to Football League World, Derby are keen on signing midfielder Jon Russell from League One side Barnsley.

It isn’t just the Rams looking at the 24-year-old however; Blackburn Rovers, Oxford United and Stoke City are also keeping an eye on the player’s situation ahead of a potential move.

Russell, who is a former Chelsea academy graduate, has been with the Tykes since January 2023, when he joined from Huddersfield Town.

The Jamaica international has been a key contributor for Barnsley in his two full seasons at the club – he played 31 times during the 2023/24 League One season, as Barnsley reached the play-offs. He then bettered that last term, as he played 40 times in the league, scoring an impressive 11 goals, as well as grabbing two assists.

Apps

40

Starts

34

Goals

11

Chance conversion

19%

Assists

2

Touches per game

38.9

Key passes per game

0.8

Big chances created

4

Duels per game (won)

4.0 (50%)

This report doesn’t claim how much the League One side would want for Russell, but given his contract expires next summer, Barnsley may have to consider cashing in on the midfielder now, before he leaves for nothing.

In further good news for Derby, they may hold an advantage in this race, as Russell, who can play in a defensive role as well as an advanced role in midfield, has the same representatives, Two Touch Agency, as Derby defender Forsyth, who they have of course recently concluded positive talks with.

Manchester United’s hunt for new attackers has already been a success so far during the summer window, signing a player who would improve the options at Ruben Amorim’s disposal.

Matheus Cunha has already signed for the Red Devils in a £62.5m deal this window, with the Brazilian becoming the manager’s second first-team addition after Patrick Dorgu’s arrival in January.

He could also be joined by Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, after the winger confirmed his desire to join the club following interest from the hierarchy in recent months.

The club have already had their first offer of £55m including add-ons rejected for the 25-year-old, with Thomas Frank’s side demanding a fee in the region of £70m to part ways with him this summer.

However, the pair could also be joined by other talents this window, with numerous other names mentioned over a potential move to Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Despite the deal to sign Cunha this summer, Amorim wants added reinforcements in such a department to help his side return to their former glory.

Victor Osimhen, Gonçalo Ramos and Hugo Ekitiké have all been mentioned as potential targets for the centre-forward position, but there’s yet to be any movement with any of the aforementioned players.

However, they may not be needed in the coming months, with Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres once again appearing on their shortlist, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

He stated in recent days that the Swede, who registered 54 goals in his 52 appearances this season, would be open to a move to United this summer – reuniting with Amorim after their stint together in Portugal.

Jacobs also claimed that it would take a fee in the region of £67m to sign the 27-year-old, with Arsenal also still in the race for his signature this summer.

Why United’s £67m target would be their own Wirtz

Florian Wirtz is a player who’s been constantly in the news over recent weeks, with the Bayer Leverkusen star in talks over a move to join rivals Liverpool.

The Reds are prepared to pay a fee in the region of £130m for the German international, who’s registered 30 combined goals and assists this season – with his deal set to break the English record.

Such a deal showcases the ambition shown by the Red Devils’ rivals, looking to build on their success after claiming a record-equalling 20th league title at the end of the season.

However, Amorim’s side could be about to land their own version of the 22-year-old, with FBref ranking Gyokeres as a similar player to Wirtz based off their respective figures this season.

The Swede would also be following in his footsteps by being the club’s marquee addition during the off-season – bolstering their chances of success in 2025/26.

Gyokeres, who’s been labelled “the best finisher in the world” by analyst Spencer Mossman, has massively outscored the German and posted a better shot-on-target rate – showcasing his impressive ability within the final third.

He’s also managed to complete more take-ons per 90, with more progressive carries per 90 – thriving with the ball at his feet which would undoubtedly hand Amorim the added quality he desires.

How Gyokeres compares to Wirtz in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Gyokeres

Wirtz

Games played

33

31

Goals & assists

46

22

Shot-on-target accuracy

41%

37%

Take-ons completed

1.9

1.8

Progressive carries

4.9

3.6

Aerials won

30%

20%

Carries into opposition box

2.1

2

Stats via FBref

Gyokeres has also won more aerials, and completed more carries into the opposition box, offering an all-round presence in the final third for the Red Devils.

Whilst £67m may appear to be a huge fee for the striker this summer, it’s a deal they simply must complete if they are to fight at the top end of the table next season.

At 27, he’s coming into the prime years of his career, looking to fire the Red Devils back towards the summit and derail Liverpool’s progress under Arne Slot in the near future.

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Everton are embarking on a new era under David Moyes and could now land themselves a summer transfer bargain once the window opens for business.

Everton look to make summer window mark

Survival has been achieved with flying colours by Everton and there is only one match now left at Goodison Park before supporters say goodbye to their home ahead of moving to Bramley Moore Dock.

Emotions are running high and there will be plenty of time for sentimental thoughts over the next few weeks, but fans will feel emboldened that the club are headed in the right direction under David Moyes.

Exciting times are on the horizon under The Friedkin Group and plenty of transfer movement is expected on Merseyside, with Inter Milan defender Yann Bisseck cited as an ambitious potential arrival.

Gustavo Hamer could also join the Toffees from Sheffield United if Moyes has his way, as the former Netherlands Under-20 international is viewed as an ideal creative midfield option by the man in charge.

Abdoulaye Doucoure heads up a lengthy list of players that could be set to leave Everton upon the expiry of their contract or loan deals, which could be the signal for a sea change to take place in the dressing room.

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Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young are among other potential departures on free transfers, leaving Moyes with some tough choices to make when considering the future look of his group.

While money is set to be available this summer, PSR regulations will keep clubs in check, meaning Everton could be forced to look for inexpensive pick-ups in certain positions to boost squad depth.

Spying an opportunity to land a bargain, the Toffees are now said to be in pole position to land one of England’s most trustworthy strikers.

Everton looking to seal move for Jamie Vardy

According to reports, Everton are looking to sign Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy once he becomes a free agent at the end of the season and are believed to be at the front of the race. Evaluating his profile, Moyes and TFG are said to value the former Three Lions international’s work ethic and capacity to deliver in pressure moments, citing him as someone who could be a leader in the short-term.

Jamie Vardy’s Premier League statistics – 2024/25

Shots

52

Shots on target

23

Chances created

19

Touches in opposition box

106

Goals

7

Assists

3

Becoming a shining light in a grim season for Leicester, the 38-year-old has been labelled “brilliant” by Gary Lineker and still retains a desire to offer something at the highest level.

Financially, Everton would be able to land the veteran on a free transfer, allowing room for manouvre to spend on other areas in need of surgery. Nevertheless, plenty of other clubs will also be in the hunt for £140,000 per week earner Vardy’s signature due to his potent nature, creating an intriguing few months ahead to see who will eventually land his services once the window opens.

After putting on five-star display against Crystal Palace, the good news could be short-lived for Manchester City amid reports that one midfield star is willing to take a pay cut to get his move this summer.

Man City put five past Crystal Palace

When Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards struck to hand Crystal Palace a shock 2-0 lead at the Etihad, it looked set to be an all too familiar story for Pep Guardiola’s side. That is, until Kevin De Bruyne took a hold on proceedings.

The Belgian, into his last six games of his Manchester City career, scored a stunning free-kick before playing his part in Omar Marmoush’s swift equaliser midway through the first period.

Putting on a show, Manchester City then hit three goals without a response to seal all three points against an in-form Crystal Palace side. Speaking after an excellent display, De Bruyne told TNT Sports: “I thought the first 20 minutes, it was actually alright. We had a couple of chances but they pounced on two chances, one a corner and then obviously the Eze chance.

“I was wondering, ‘What’s going on here?’, but I think the reaction was really good. Obviously, scoring very quickly the first and the second changed the feeling of the game. I think overall we played really well.”

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It may well prove to be an all-important victory for the Citizens as they battle to secure Champions League qualification, with De Bruyne hoping to ensure of a fitting farewell in the process. That said, the Belgian may not be the only one saying his goodbyes in the coming weeks if recent reports are anything to go by.

Benfica eyeing Bernardo Silva move

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, as relayed by Sport Witness, Benfica are now plotting a move to sign Bernardo Silva, who is reportedly willing to take a pay cut in order to secure an exit away from Manchester City.

In doing so, the midfielder would be going full circle back to his boyhood club. Now 30 years old and a player who’s been past his excellent best at times this season, Silva would be completing a fitting move.

If that is to be that for the Portugal international in Manchester, there’s no doubt that he’ll be bowing out as a modern-day legend at the home of the Premier League champions. Guardiola’s praise has often reflected that legend status, too.

The Spaniard told reporters in December: “We are lucky with the players we have, for example, like Bernardo. I know he’s a special player for me, but how he puts his heart into those positions.

“He is an incredible winner and example for us in how he behaves in different positions and always tries to help and read what happens in certain positions. Playing attacking midfield, holding midfield, always defensively he makes an incredible effort.”

New Zealand are hoping to build towards the ICC event in February. Sri Lanka, though, couldn’t qualify for it

Andrew Fidel Fernando12-Nov-2024Sri Lanka and New Zealand shared the T20I series 1-1. ESPNcricinfo looks ahead to the three ODIs which, for the visitors, will have Champions Trophy implications, and for the hosts, a chance to build on much-improved recent form.Recent ODI historyTry not to fall off your chair, but New Zealand have not played a single ODI since December 2023. It’s not that much of a shock if you’ve been following what’s happening to the sport (essentially, T20 is the format beloved of capitalists, Tests are still the purists’ big love, and ODIs have become the forgotten middle child). But still, 11 months without a match is a long time, so New Zealand will have some jogging of the memory to do.Sri Lanka have been playing the format much more frequently. They’ve done pretty well, in fact, winning 10 of their 15 matches in 2024. They’ve played five series, losing just one to Bangladesh, which is the only one they’ve played away from home.Related

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Ferguson ruled out of ODIs against Sri Lanka with calf injury; Adam Milne called up

Hasaranga ruled out of NZ ODIs with hamstring injury; Hemantha called up

Divergent aimsWhere usually this series would be part of the build-up to the next global one-day tournament for both teams, on this occasion, Sri Lanka and New Zealand have got substantially different aims. New Zealand are hoping to trial talent for the Champions Trophy next year, which presently is slated to be played in Pakistan, but because of India-Pakistan geopolitical wrangling, could be (at least partially) played in … well who knows at this stage?In any case, while New Zealand will see this as the start to their Champions Trophy preparations, Sri Lanka will merely want to build on their ODI gains from the past few months. Having finished ninth in the World Cup last year, they’d failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy, and have only recently been rediscovering a little ODI form, having beaten India and West Indies since August.Those series wins came on big-turning tracks, however, and Sri Lanka are likely to roll out dry surfaces again, as they’d done in the T20Is. The home team want to get a few more home wins under their belts, after a long dry spell.New Zealand are not the kind to complain about all this, but would probably prefer to play on more even tracks as they try out their players.Spin galoreWith the tracks likely to favour spin bowling, New Zealand have stacked their squad with spin-bowling allrounders – captain Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips all likely to bowl plenty of overs through the course of the series. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have lost one spin-bowling allrounder in Wanindu Hasaranga thanks to a hamstring injury, but still have Dunith Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Hasaranga’s replacement Dushan Hemantha in their ranks. Expect an average of at least 30 overs a game to be bowled by the spinners.Shortened matches?The Northeast Monsoon is still technically ongoing at the moment, which means Pallekele – where matches two and three are set to be played – is likely to be affected at some point. Dambulla may see stoppages too, this being the only time of year when that venue’s “dry zone” status doesn’t quite hold up. Expect teams to favour batting second. Not only do they tend to prefer chasing in matches where DLS calculations are likely to intrude, but if the ball is going to be wet, teams prefer not to be defending totals.QuotesSri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka: “Wanindu’s loss is a big one for the team, but the good thing is that we have [Jeffrey] Vandersay. He had done well in the India series and in the West Indies series, and he didn’t get much of an opportunity when Wanindu was around. We’ve got the bench strength now. We saw in the last series as well, when Pathum Nissanka was injured, Nishan Madushka came in and performed in a way that no one expected. I think Vandersay will get the most out of his opportunity.”New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner: “It can be a challenge starting again, but this group has played a lot of domestic one-day cricket especially. They’re familiar with it. We know how good Sri Lanka are at home, and it’s a great challenge. But for the first match we can learn from The T20Is, because it’s at the same ground (Dambulla). We have the same kinds of tactics and plans in place.”