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With the Games just under four months away, the American team continues to take shape following March's pair of friendlies

It's been 16 years since the United States men's national team last qualified for the Olympic Games, and so the current crop of Under-23s players is doing all it can to ensure it is prepared to go for gold at Paris 2024. That preparation continued with friendlies against Guinea and France over the past week, as players continue to stake their claim for a place on Marko Mitrovic's roster.

The USYNT ran out 3-0 winners over Guinea on Friday before battling back to earn a 2-2 with a France team that is coached by Thierry Henry. It is the Olympic hosts who the U.S. will meet again in their Olympic opener on July 24, and so this camp has been seen as a vital tune-up for those involved.

Some players truly came to the fore over the course of the two games, while others still have to work to do to ensure they are involved come the summer, and so GOAL has broken down the winners and losers from the March camp…

WINNER: Griffin Yow

No player raised their stock more over the past week than Griffin Yow, who has come from nowhere to put himself firmly in the conversation to be involved this summer. The winger provided two assists in the win over Guinea, before Yow came off the bench against France and kick-started the American fightback with a goal of his own.

Yow earned his call-up for the March camp via his fine form for club side Westerlo, for whom he has scored six goals and provided two assists in the Belgian top-flight so far this season. That he was able to carry that form into the international break bodes well for him to at least make the Olympic roster, if not play a key role for Mitrovic's team.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLOSER: Kevin Paredes

The 2023 USMNT Young Male Player of the Year, there are high hopes for Kevin Paredes to lead from the front this summer. However, against France, he failed to make an impact in arguably the team's most important test to date ahead of the Olympics.

The Wolfsburg winger struggled to produce anything of note in Monday's clash, and was replaced after 59 minutes following his lackluster performance. That display came off the back of a club season that has seen Paredes score just two Bundesliga goals in 22 appearances, and he needs to show improvements during the final months of the campaign if he is to justify being a starter in France.

WINNER: Cade Cowell

There remain those who believe Cade Cowell should be with the U.S. senior squad, such has been his form since arriving into Liga MX with new club Chivas, but for now he looks almost certain to be part of the Olympic roster instead.

Gregg Berhalter insisted during the March camp that it was "too early" for Cowell to be considered for the full national team, but there is no doubt that the 20-year-old has the potential to force his way into the reckoning sooner rather than later. That ability was certainly on his display for Cowell' equaliser against France as he dribbled past a defender before firing home a deflected effort.

Few American players are in better form than Cowell right now, and with his latest intervention, he took another step closer to being an Olympic starter this summer.

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Getty ImagesLOSER: Duncan McGuire

There are certainly players who have had easier 2024s than Duncan McGuire so far, but he still needs to show more if he is to be an important player for Mitrovic later in the year.

McGuire's proposed transfer to Blackburn Rovers dramatically fell apart in towards the end of January, and though he has shown few signs of that affecting him since returning to Orlando City, he struggled to make an impact during this U23s camp.

Having been limited to just 15 minutes off the bench against Guinea, he was named to the starting lineup against France, but he struggled to have any kind of impact on the game. The presumed-starting striker this summer mistimed many of his runs, and showed visible frustration as he was unable to find space in the final third.

Mitrovic will expect far more from McGuire if he is selected this summer, and so both men will hope this was just a blip.

Handscomb is set to take Carey’s place behind the stumps, while Renshaw is on track for selection after having missed the first match with a hamstring strain

Varun Shetty06-Sep-2018Australia A vice-captain Alex Carey is set to miss the second unofficial Test against India A starting Saturday as he has returned home for the birth of his child. Peter Handscomb will keep wicket in his place. Meanwhile, opening batsman Matt Renshaw is on track for selection for the second Test, having missed the first with a hamstring strain.Carey had an impressive outing behind the stumps during the first match in Bengaluru, and although his two catches in the game don’t tell that story, Carey was reliable on a low and slow pitch, particularly as it deteriorated on the last day.With Australia likely to rotate the squad around to bring in two spinners – Ashton Agar and Mitchell Swepson – Handscomb’s job as stand-in keeper will be particularly challenging. While Handscomb is no stranger to wicketkeeping, having done the job for Victoria, Melbourne Stars and Yorkshire before, it has largely been restricted to limited-overs cricket.According to ESPNcricinfo’s records, Handscomb last started a first-class match as designated wicketkeeper in December 2015, when he kept for Victoria in Melbourne during the Sheffield Shield.Handscomb has kept in India before, in an ODI in Indore last year, but the rigours of a four-day game will be markedly different.It will also add extra pressure in what will be Handscomb’s final push for a spot in the senior Test squad for their series against Pakistan in the UAE next month. Handscomb’s last first-class century came in February this year, but in the seven innings since – including two in the Johannesburg Test against South Africa – Handscomb has managed to get into double-figures on only one occasion. Handscomb had a poor quadrangular series last month as well, managing only four runs in two innings, and is on something of a remodelling phase, having admitted that bowlers had worked him out.Handscomb still remains a strong contender for Test selection, particularly for his skills against spin. With the additional responsibility of wicketkeeping, he could be pushed down the order, presumably to No. 6 where his said skills will be more prominently on display. It could allow him both time and freedom to get himself in, unlike in Bengaluru where in both innings at No. 4, he was at the centre of middle-order collapses. Should that be the case, Queensland’s Marnus Labuschagne could be pushed up the order. Labuschagne, who had stayed back with the Test squad for the first Test as a reserve for the injured Renshaw, will now remain with the squad for the second game as well.Australia A squad for the second Test: Usman Khawaja, Matthew Renshaw, Kurtis Patterson, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (capt), Peter Handscomb (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Ashton Agar, Brendan Doggett, Jon Holland, Michael Neser, Joel Paris, Mitchell Swepson, Chris Tremain

Wolverhampton Wanderers have begun to find their footing under the guidance of Gary O’Neil, after what was a dreary summer for the Old Gold.

From financial fair play (FFP) woes to the departure of Julen Lopetegui just five days prior to the 2023/24 Premier League season opener, it was a testing time for those at Molineux.

Ten games into the season and O’Neil is finally getting the best out of his side, who sit 12th in the league table having netted 13 goals, just 18 shy of their total tally of last term to highlight their progression under the new manager.

Unfortunately, it’s not all been plain sailing for the Midlands club, who were humbled last time out as star man Pedro Neto was forced to withdraw with a hamstring injury, a sight no one wanted to see.

Pedro Neto injury news

The Portuguese winger pulled up during Wolves’ 2-2 draw with Newcastle United at Molineux unchallenged and was stretchered off in what was an anxiety-ridden sight for those associated with the club to witness.

After struggling to fully emerge at Wolves over the years due to injury woes, Neto has finally hit top form this term, highlighted by his eight goal contributions in ten league appearances so far.

The 23-year-old currently tops the Premier League assists chart with seven, as his creative eye on the right flank continues to cause havoc, with him averaging a stellar 2.5 key passes per game.

Speaking after the Newcastle draw in which the winger was hurt, O’Neil provided a hopeful first-look evaluation of the Portugal international, saying that he was “moving around” after the game.

The manager spoke from the experience of Joe Hodge who also injured his hamstring this term, saying that as the midfielder was not out for long, he was “hopeful” that Neto will follow a similar fate.

With Hwang Hee-chan on the left, Matheus Cunha in the centre and Neto on the right, O’Neil has unlocked a new level of direct threat going forward, however the Englishman must now look for other options to fill the forward’s absence.

The stats that show Jean-Ricner Bellegarde could replace Pedro Neto

One player that the boss shed light on returning was deadline day signing Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, saying that he will “find a way” to cope without Neto.

While fielding the typically central player on the flank is a less conventional rotation to make, the numbers suggest that the Frenchman could thrive in the role played by the injured number seven.

Prior to his move to Wolves, the 25-year-old had started the Ligue 1 campaign impeccably with Strasbourg, scoring two and assisting two in only three appearances for his former side.

Lauded as “incredibly direct” by football data expert Thom Harris after his debut against Liverpool, Bellegarde showcased just how frightening his talents can be when on the ball, suggesting he could replicate Neto’s dynamism in the wide channels.

Harris also noted the midfielder as being “versatile”, which would add even more of a claim to his potential of being utilised as a wide forward, with his statistics in France earlier in the season reinforcing his threat.

As per Sofascore, the £12.8m signing averaged an impressive 2.7 successful dribbles per game prior to his Ligue 1 exit, a higher average than that of Kylian Mbappe in the French top-tier, who averages 2.2 per game so far.

O’Neil could utilise the power and direct danger that Bellegarde causes when on the ball to fill the void left by Neto, in a move that could keep momentum going in the squad without their lead forward involved.

Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but a big update has now dropped regarding his future, courtesy of journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Real Madrid want Erling Haaland

The 23-year-old has been an incredible signing for Pep Guardiola, hitting the ground running from minute one and standing out as one of the best attacking players in the world, if not the greatest striker around right now.

Haaland's stats speak volumes about the impact he has made for City, scoring 67 goals in just 70 appearances, and he played a major part in his side clinching a legendary treble last season.

While the Norwegian appears to be happy at the Etihad at the moment, there have been some concerning rumours emerging in recent times, with Haaland linked with a move to Real Madrid. The La Liga giants are looking to sign some of the biggest names in the game, with Kylian Mbappe constantly seen as a target, and the City ace would also fit the bill.

Now, a fresh update has emerged regarding where Haaland's future could lie, with his current situation with the Citizens becoming clearer.

Romano drops Erling Haaland update

Speaking to Caught Offside, Romano claimed that Haaland is unlikely to leave Manchester City and join Real Madrid for the time being, with no official talks seemingly taking place between the two clubs:

"Erling Haaland – The latest big name being linked with Real Madrid is Erling Haaland, with the Spanish press claiming he’s their top target now after they decided to stop pursuing Kylian Mbappe.

"However, I’m not aware of anything about that at this point – I don’t think it’s even worth to mention if it’s realistic or not at this point because there’s nothing to be decided now for Haaland or Mbappe. Despite some media noise, my honest understanding is that it’s completely quiet on both sides."

This will come as a huge relief to City supporters and anyone associated with the club, considering how vital Haaland is to the team's success moving forward.

At just 23 years of age, there is still so much to come from him, with his peak still potentially a number of years away, and the hope is that he will stay put at the Etihad for as long as possible.

Manchester City

67

Borussia Dortmund

86

RB Salzburg

29

Molde

20

Norway

27

That being said, the lure of joining Madrid is something that can be great for any player, considering they are arguably the biggest club in world football, so it isn't impossible to see Haaland's head being turned further down the line.

The Manchester City star isn't out of contract until the summer of 2027, however, so the club are in a strong bargaining position if Madrid do come calling, possibly even demanding somewhere in and around a world-record fee for his services.

Quite why Haaland would want to go anywhere else is puzzling, though, considering he is a massive player for surely Europe's leading side, under the world's greatest manager in Guardiola.

Arsenal's Leah Williamson is set to return to the field with the Lionesses for the first time in over a year, and she can't hide her excitement.

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Williamson returns to the England squadCan't hide excitement over potential returnWiegman reveals Williamson will remain captainWHAT HAPPENED?

The Lionesses captain missed the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand after she suffered a heartbreaking Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear. Over a year later, the 27-year-old is set to make her return when Sarina Wiegman's squad take on Sweden in the Euro 2025 qualifier. Williamson clearly couldn't hide her excitement as she reposted a story on Instagram.

She said on her repost: "Can't wait to see you at Wembley tomorrow night. Feels like Christmas Eve."

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The return to the England squad has not been easy for Williamson as she had also been called up by Wiegman during the February international break but pulled out due to an injury to her hamstring. Her last international appearance came in last April when the Lionesses took on Australia.

WHAT WIEGMAN SAID

There has been some discourse recently regarding Williamson's place in the England squad and her safety in the role of captain, however, Wiegman has cleared all doubts regarding her status.

Wiegman told reporters: "She is in a good place and is ready. We needed to manage her a little bit. She had a full training session yesterday and will be on the pitch again today [Thursday]. That is really good. She is still building but she is in a good place – if she comes through today, of course."

"Will she be captain? If she plays, she's the captain. We just want to get through this training session and see how she is and how the team is."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR WILLIAMSON?

Depending on how Williamson's recovery has faired and how match-sharp she is, Wiegman may not start her for the match against Sweden on Friday, April 5. However, it is likely that Williamson will feature in some capacity the Euro 2025 qualifier.

England have named three uncapped players in their squad of 15 for the Women’s World T20 in the Caribbean next month

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Oct-2018England have named three uncapped players in their squad of 15 for the Women’s World T20 in the Caribbean next month, as they look to add the 20-over title to the 50-over crown that they won in memorable circumstances on home soil last year.Nottinghamshire’s Kirstie Gordon and Sussex’s Linsey Smith – both left-arm spinners with Loughborough Lightning in the Kia Super League – have been named for the first time, while the 20-year-old batsman and legspinner Sophia Dunkley is also included after impressing this season for Middlesex and Surrey Stars.Smith was a breakthrough player for Southern Vipers when they won the inaugural Kia Super League in 2016, and has continued to star for Loughborough Lightning this year, alongside Gordon, who was regularly in the wickets as they reached this year’s final.England WWT20 squad

Heather Knight (Berkshire, capt), Tammy Beaumont (Kent), Katherine Brunt (Yorkshire), Sophia Dunkley (Middlesex), Sophie Ecclestone (Lancashire), Tash Farrant (Kent), Kirstie Gordon (Nottinghamshire), Jenny Gunn (Warwickshire), Dani Hazell (Yorkshire), Amy Jones (Warwickshire, wk), Nat Sciver (Surrey), Linsey Smith (Sussex), Anya Shrubsole (Somerset), Lauren Winfield (Yorkshire), Danni Wyatt (Sussex)

“It’s always an exciting time when any England squad is announced but especially when there are three newcomers included,” said Mark Robinson, England’s head coach.”Sophia, Kirstie and Linsey have all had outstanding summers domestically and impressed when they have been in and around the group. All three will bring something different to the squad.”Everyone is looking forward to the challenges ahead and we can’t wait to get out there and get started.”England will travel to the Caribbean without the services of Sarah Taylor, their world-class wicketkeeper-batsman, who was withdrawn from consideration last week in the ongoing management of her anxiety condition.Amy Jones has been named as the squad’s first-choice wicketkeeper in Taylor’s absence, and may vye with Lauren Winfield for an opener’s berth alongside Tammy Beaumont and Danielle Wyatt.

Shaji Ul Mulk, the league’s chairman, is currently in talks with ‘a few’ national boards; picks out USA, England and South Africa as potential markets

Barny Read27-Nov-2018The T10 League is eyeing international expansion, with Shaji Ul Mulk, the league’s chairman, in discussions with ‘a few’ international boards over taking the tournament abroad in 2019.The ICC-sanctioned event currently operates in conjunction and with the approval of the Emirates Cricket Board at its UAE home. Ul Mulk is adamant that the format will only exist in commercially viable markets, where it is held with both the blessing and collaboration of the respective national board.”Boards are coming to us and it’s all about how we fit in commercially. We will probably have one more T10 in 2019; that’s our ambition,” Ul Mulk told . We are talking to a few boards, but it depends on how it goes. One thing is very clear: we only want to work with boards.”While he stopped short of mentioning the boards he is currently engaged in dialogue with, Ul Mulk spoke favourably of the USA, England and South Africa as potential markets. The USA, in particular, Ul Mulk felt, can benefit from the infiltration of the league, which can help in the growth of the sport in the country. According to the T10 head, Cricket Australia is not one of those involved in discussions, but is nevertheless another corner of the world where he sees opportunity.”Australia would be very interesting for us, but we’ve not started talking to them yet. They’re not one of the three boards that I’ve mentioned. But that would surely be a great market and there a lot of great markets for us.”The US market is great, the UK market is excellent for cricket, and South Africa, too, for that matter. With T10 the way it is, with 90 minutes [of] cricket, [it] actually opens up new markets that cricket doesn’t have now.”For us, the US is one of those big markets where we feel that we can reconnect cricket there. Cricket can have a strong place in the US, which it doesn’t have at the moment.”There have also been rumblings of more franchises in the offing to diversify the league’s ownership group. Ul Mulk, however, denied it, saying that any new investment is – at least for the time being – not aiming to bring new teams into the league.”It’s possible [to have new franchises], but for the immediate future, in 2019 and 2020, I’m not looking to increase the number of teams. The whole idea is that the existing franchises have to become more commercially successful.”Ul Mulk hoped that the teams can do just that by increasing the shared revenue pot that each franchise contributes to and the league pays out of. He is, however, welcoming investment from prospective partnerships, and said that an ongoing evaluation in the league will be reviewed at the end of the season that includes potential commercial growth.”Diversifying or liquidating your ownership – there is nothing wrong with that. Major international companies and media houses are talking to us, but we are taking our time and doing the evaluation,” he said. “Once we finish the evaluation, we could be looking at liquidating some shares, but as strategic partners.”What I’m looking for is a strategic partner that adds value to the league rather than just money. As things stand, the T10 League isn’t like the IPL or PSL that are massive leagues, we are a small league. So money is not really required for running the league.”

Newcastle United have sent scouts to watch a "complete" player in action, but they are far from alone in showing an interest, according to a new transfer update.

Newcastle want January signings

The Magpies return to Premier League action with a clash against Chelsea on Saturday, as the Blues make the trip to St James' Park for a crucial encounter for both sides. Newcastle have struggled hugely with injury problems throughout this season, while Mauricio Pochettino has made a fairly slow start to life as manager in west London, so the pressure is on both to get a positive result.

With the north east giants toiling at the moment, Eddie Howe may well be relieved that the January transfer window is edging closer, at which point he could look to bolster his squad ahead of the second half of the campaign.

Newcastle eyeing move to sign £100k-p/w "monster" for Eddie Howe

The St. James’ Park side are keeping tabs on a long-term target as they consider an approach at the end of the season.

ByChloe Chadwick Nov 24, 2023

The Magpies have been linked with many players in recent weeks, with Kalvin Phillips backed to join Newcastle from Manchester City, and Ruben Neves potentially making the move to St James' from Saudi Arabia, although it looks as though he may stay put at Al-Hilal for the time being. Signings in other areas away from midfield could also be needed, however, and it looks as though Howe is eyeing a highly-rated young player to come in and boost his options.

Newcastle scout Arouna Sangante

According to a fresh update from Football Insider, Newcastle are interested in signing Le Havre defender Arouna Sangante, with the club sending scouts to watch him in action.

"Newcastle United, Wolves and Fulham have joined elite Premier League sides in the race for Le Havre defender sensation Arouna Sangante, sources have told Football Insider.

"Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (21 November) that Man United, Man City and Chelsea have set their sights on signing the 21-year-old – who is one of the hottest properties in French football. Newcastle, Fulham and Wolves have also sent scouts to cast an eye over Sangante ahead of a potential move to England in 2024."

Sangante looks like a footballer of great promise, having already made himself an important player for La Havre, proving to be a mainstay of the Ligue 1 side's starting lineup in 2023/24 to date. The Newcastle transfer target has started 10 league games this season, completing 84.9 of his passes, and averaging 3.7 clearances and 1.8 aerial duel wins per match, too. (Arouna Sangante stats – WhoScored)

The Senegalese youngster could be looked at as a long-term option in the Magpies' back-line, especially with Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles both now in their 30s, and he could go on to become a greater force as the years pass.

Sangante has been hailed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who has said of him in the past that he is is a "complete and dominant" centre-back who possesses "pace, tackling, positioning, athleticism, passing" and strength in the air. It may not be easy for Newcastle to get their man, but the quick Le Havre defender could look at the future of the club and see the potential there, deciding that they are the best option in his career moving forward, making this one to watch.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly met with Amanda Staveley, the co-owner of Newcastle United, in a bid to resolve the impasse over Dan Ashworth.

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United chasing Ashworth as their new Sporting DirectorRatcliffe steps up efforts to get their targetAshworth is currently on gardening leaveWHAT HAPPENED?

The standoff between the two Premier League clubs arose when Newcastle insisted on United agreeing to a compensation package reportedly valued at around £15 million for Ashworth. However, the Red Devils are not ready to shell out that hefty price tag and Ratcliffe has now reached out to Staveley to reach an agreement on the compensation package, according to

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While both clubs have refrained from commenting on the ongoing negotiations, it is understood that the discussions have taken place in the past week, with efforts underway to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. There are indications of progress being made, notably with the announcement this week that John Murtough, Manchester United's football director, has stepped down. This development suggests that Ratcliffe's intervention may be yielding positive outcomes in resolving the impasse.

WHAT RATCLIFFE SAID

Ratcliffe has been vocal in his admiration for Ashworth, describing him as one of the top sporting directors globally and labelled Newcastle's decision to send him on an 18-month gardening leave as "completely stupid".

"Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world,” he told The Athletic back in February.

“I have no doubt he is a very capable person. He is interested in Manchester United because it’s the biggest challenge at the biggest club in the world. It would be different at [Manchester] City because you’re maintaining a level. Here it’s a significant rebuilding job. He would be a very good addition. He needs to decide if he is going to make that jump.

"We’ve obviously had words with Newcastle. They would clearly be disappointed to lose Dan. But what I do think is completely absurd is suggesting a man who is really good at his job sits in his garden for one-and-a-half years. That’s completely stupid.”

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(C)GettyImagesWHAT NEXT?

While United have been striving to regain their former glory as a title contender since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, the club's recent performance has left much to be desired. Currently languishing in sixth place in the Premier League table, United aims to return to the summit of English football. The potential acquisition of Ashworth, coupled with Ratcliffe's involvement, has instilled hope among fans that the club can once again compete at the highest level and challenge perennial rivals such as Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool.

England close to finalising line-up but delay confirming their team with bad weather set to threaten a prompt start

George Dobell in Galle05-Nov-2018England look set to field two debutants in the Galle Test.The Surrey pair of Rory Burns and Ben Foakes both look likely to play, with Burns set to opening the batting and Foakes set to keep wicket and bat at No. 7. He will be England’s third wicketkeeper in three Tests.England did not reveal their team the day before the game as has become their custom. With the pitch covered due to the rain that could well prove a feature of this match, they were unable to take anything more than a quick glance at the surface. They have, therefore, decided to keep their options open until they know how it is going to look at the toss. With the forecast poor, it’s not out of the question that that may even be delayed until the second day.But it seems that, whatever happens, Joe Denly will miss out. While England had planned for him to start the series batting at No. 3, his form in the warm-up games – with bat and ball – has provoked a re-think. He could be forgiven for feeling unfortunate: having waited until he was 32 for his first Test tour, he’s had only two innings to impress and simply failed to take the chance. It’s not impossible he could feature later in the series, but it is unlikely.Meanwhile Foakes took part in wicketkeeping drills while the other option for the gloves, Jos Buttler, practised his out-fielding. With a first-class batting average of 40.64, Foakes is a more-than-decent batsman, but it is keeping that has long rendered him an outstanding prospect. He has been part of the England system throughout his career – he made his List A debut for the Lions rather than in county cricket – and is expected to prove more reliable standing up to the stumps against the spin than Buttler. Last year, his director of cricket at Surrey, Alec Stewart, rated him as the best keeper in the world.While Jonny Bairstow is expected to be fit for the second Test, there is no certainty he will reclaim the gloves. If Keaton Jennings, in particular, struggles in Galle, Bairstow could fit back into the middle-order with Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes both expected to bat in the top three.England are set to field a team containing several inexperienced players – Jack Leach has only played one Test, too – but the chances of Stuart Broad playing have increased a little. Broad is one of just two men – James Anderson is the other – in this England squad to have played Test cricket in Sri Lanka previously and it remains possible, though unlikely, he could be selected ahead of Sam Curran. Chris Woakes, who bowled a long spell in the nets on Monday, appears to have dropped out of consideration, while Broad, Anderson and Curran did not bowl.Root said he wanted to wait and see the pitch – which has had no chance to dry out under covers – before confirming his side, but he did accept that it would turn come what may.”I still think spin is going to play a huge part,” he said. “I think when it’s been tacky here in the past it’s still spun. We’ve just got to adapt very well very quickly and read the situation.”We’ve got a very balanced squad with plenty of different options. Whichever XI we go with we’re going to be blessed with that. From that point of view I feel we’ll be very well prepared for whatever surface is thrown at us.”Root also implored his seamers not to “waste a delivery”. With the new Kookaburra ball expected to swing for around 10 overs, it is imperative England’s seamers make the batsmen play in that period. For all the skill and success of Anderson and Broad over the years, that has not always been their strongest suit”You see in the subcontinent how important those first 10 balls are as a batter,” Root told Talksport. “You can’t waste a delivery with the ball, especially the seamers, so having that mindset and being really aware of that is going to be really important for us to have success here.”