All posts by h716a5.icu

There's a long list of talented academy graduates that have risen through the age groups at Aston Villa, taking their chance in the first-team and leaving for a substantial fee later down the line.

Creating a legacy for blooding through the youth, Villa have seen a number of their very own become household names.

Gareth Barry, who graduated through the club's academy and made his debut for the club in 1998, went on to become one of the most iconic midfielders in the Premier League – and his record of 652 appearances still stands as the most in the competitions' history.

Likewise, Gary Cahill, Gabby Agbonlahor, Lee Hendrie and Steven Davis have all emphasized the academy's success, particularly during the early 2000s as Villa showcased their ability to churn out talent at a rapid rate.

In the present day, Jacob Ramsey is the latest academy star to become a revelation in the first-team, while Carney Chukwuemeka, Cameron Archer and Jaden Philogene all departed the club for big money moves this summer, and they aren't the only ones to have done so in recent times.

After making a club-record £100m move to Manchester City in 2021, Jack Grealish became the most prolific example of the gems that Villa have unearthed.

When did Grealish make his Villa debut?

On May 7th 2014, a teenage star was born as Grealish made his Premier League debut against his future employers, Man City and although many knew of his precocious talents, few would have envisaged him achieving the success he has today.

Having made his senior debut at 18 years old, the Englishman went on to make 213 appearances for the club, chalking up 32 goals and 43 assists, propelling him towards the realm of club legend status.

During his 19-year association with the Villains, Grealish produced several memorable moments that saw him rise to prominence as the most talented graduate to come from the club's academy.

In Villa's FA Cup semi-final tie with Liverpool, a 19-year-old Grealish served up a stellar performance, notching up an assist which helped his boyhood club to their first FA Cup final in 15 years.

While Villa would struggle in the years that followed, suffering relegation to the Championship in 2016, Grealish was instrumental in their rise back to England's top table, becoming the figurehead of their success and the player for the big occasion.

Having captained the club back to promotion back to the Premier League in 2019, he registered 37 goal contributions in the following two seasons as his magnificent performances earned him the opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

What has Grealish achieved at Manchester City?

In their first season working under Guardiola, many players have struggled to acclimatize to the Catalan's demands, including Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias.

After joining in the summer of 2021, Grealish was no different as he only managed six goal contributions in 36 Premier League appearances, albeit most of his playing time was restricted to substitute appearances.

That soon changed as the following season saw the £300k per-week star become instrumental to their stunning treble-winning campaign as the 28-year-old recorded 18 goal contributions in all competitions with Guardiola hailing him as "exceptional".

While Grealish has seen his output dramatically increase in the final third, he's also producing world-class numbers for an array of his attacking attributes, ranking in the top 4% for progressive carries, fouls drawn, progressive passes and carries into the penalty when comparing him to his positional peers across Europe's top five leagues, as per FBref.

From dreaming of playing in front of the Holte End to joining an exclusive bracket of treble winners, it's been some journey for Grealish and despite what he goes on to achieve across his illustrious career, he'll always bleed claret and blue.

As for the Villans, despite suffering the frustration of losing their prized possession, to have raked in such a sizeable for an academy product is further evidence that they did truly strike gold by nurturing the fleet-footed sensation.

Aston Villa have been a club on the up since the arrival of Unai Emery in November 2022, with the Spaniard rocketing the Villans to a European finish in his first spell in the Midlands.

The former Arsenal boss has transformed the outlook at Villa Park, even more so after the summer transfer window, in which he made some stellar signings, most prominently the record-breaking capture of Moussa Diaby.

As well as welcoming five new faces to the squad, Emery bid farewell to a host of talent through sales, with one academy star in Cameron Archer leaving after rumours of him eventually breaking through.

How much did Aston Villa sell Cameron Archer for?

Archer worked his way from the academy to eventually gain minutes with the first team and then thrive on loan.

However, despite penning a new deal in 2022, the Englishman departed to Sheffield United on a permanent basis.

In a deal worth £18m, the striker has already shown his worth with the Blades, scoring on his Premier League debut at Bramall Lane.

Who could replace Cameron Archer?

While the sale of the 21-year-old was a good move for the player due to the current pecking order in the position at Villa, his move leaves a door open for another up-and-coming talent to eye a sporadic role around the first team.

The club have a list of budding talent currently excelling at Bodymoor Heath, as well as those that are relishing loan spells, with one being Louie Barry, who has already had a contrasting journey in the early days of his playing career.

From the highs for departing for the infamous La Masia set up in Barcelona to struggling loan moves following his switch to Villa, Barry looks to be finding his feet again in League Two, with the hope that his future could still be in claret and blue.

How good is Louie Barry?

Lauded as “very intelligent” by former manager Ben Garner during his loan at Swindon Town, the versatile forward could have a part to play under Emery in the future.

The 20-year-old, who can play on either flank or as a striker, impressed back in the 2020/21 Premier League 2 season, in which he showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting 13 goals in 17 appearances at academy level.

Such success prompted the loan move to Swindon, where he continued to impress in League Two, scoring six in 14 appearances as he rediscovered his form back in England after his quick spell in Barcelona.

Last term was a difficult one for the youngster, who endeavoured on two loans, firstly in League One with MK Dons in which he netted one goal, followed by a drop-down to League Two where he only scored twice for Salford City, via Transfermarkt.

It seems as though his current spell at Stockport County back in the fourth tier could decide his future with reference to his parent club.

With three goals in six appearances so far, things are going swimmingly for the winger, who could still make an impact at Villa Park should he be given a route to success, earned by his application while at Stockport.

Given Archer’s successful stint in the Championship prior to his move, the striker was a far more accomplished forward for the Villans to call upon if needed, with Barry’s claim to replace him still far from considerable at present.

A strong loan spell can make the difference, and at just 20 years old, the future is bright for the winger, who could find sanctuary under Emery, with other Premier League managers having already sung his praises.

Back in 2021, Jurgen Klopp dubbed Barry a “proper threat” after he scored against Liverpool in the FA Cup, telling of how high his potential is should he get the ball rolling once more.

Stuart Broad averaged over 36 with the ball in 2017, his worst year since 2010, but currently sits on 399 Test wickets

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Feb-2018Stuart Broad has been honing his bowling action ahead of England’s Test series in New Zealand next month where he will arrive sitting on 399 wickets.In a pair of tweets posted on Tuesday, Broad explained how he was working on getting more side-on on his delivery stride. In recent times he has found it harder to move the ball away from right handers.”Working on my action to get more side on. More twist in my shoulders to get my front arm more towards the target, helping my feet align much better,” Broad wrote alongside a short video. “Walk throughs give me a great feel of how my body is moving. Some balls come out great, some horrible, but I always say try different things in training cause if something clicks for you it can help your game, no one cares if you get it wrong in the aim for improvement!”The Ashes was largely a struggle for Broad as he claimed 11 wickets at 47.72 – five of them coming in the fourth Test at Melbourne – his most expensive return in a series of more than three matches, while he finished with his worst Test figures of 0 for 142 in Perth.

Working on my action to get more side on. More twist in my shoulders to get my front arm more towards the target, helping my feet align much better. Walk throughs give me a great feel of how my body is moving. Some balls come out great, some horrible, but I always say try… (1) pic.twitter.com/P2cJDlgYBX

— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) February 13, 2018

Broad came in for heavy criticism after the performance in Perth, with former England captain Michael Vaughan questioning his place in the team, but responded with his best outing of the series in Melbourne.Throughout 2017, Broad found Test wickets harder to come by than previous years, finishing with 30 scalps at 36.06 – his highest average since 2010.Broad claimed his 399th Test wicket early in Australia’s first innings at the SCG last month – when he bowled Cameron Bancroft with his second delivery – but remained short of his next landmark through 29 overs as Australia amassed 649 for 7. He will become the second England bowler after new-ball partner James Anderson to reach 400 wickets.The first Test against New Zealand, a day-night match at Eden Park, starts on March 22.

A shy-looking Pope could hardly put words to his thoughts and said he was not used to being surrounded by cameras, after his “surreal” spell

Shashank Kishore in Queenstown23-Jan-20181:02

‘It’s an unreal experience’ – Pope

Lloyd Pope would vouch for how cricket is a great leveller. Just 10 days ago against India, he dropped two sitters and bowled all of three overs for 22 in a game Australia were overwhelmed. Soon after the game, Pope’s parents walked towards the dressing room to comfort their disconsolate son, who was in tears. Pope admitted to being disappointed then.Two matches later, he couldn’t quite register that he was perhaps going to be the most googled cricketer in Australia. “I’m still shaking. Quite unbelievable, isn’t it? It’s awesome to be going to the semi-final,” he said after the match.Pope could hardly put words to his thoughts as he spoke to the media shortly after breaking his team-mate Jason Ralston’s record for the best figures at an Under-19 World Cup. Ralston’s record of 7 for 15, achieved against Papua New Guinea, didn’t even last a week. Pope went one better, taking 8 for 35 in a spell of legbreaks for the ages.Pope is a man of few words, but if you can turn in spells like that, one that England are unlikely to forget anytime soon, he wouldn’t need to talk much. No sooner had the last wicket been picked, Pope roared in exult even as his mates ruffled his hair. As he led the team off the field, there was a hint of tear in his eyes. After he recovered from the happy tears, he was taken aback.Pope has seldom had so many cameras panned on him. Talking on television after the match was a first. “It’s quite different. It’s weird to have cameras shoved into your face straight after it,” he said with a shy smile. “It’s different. Like when I play club cricket, your team-mates congratulate you, maybe when I’m home the parents say ‘well done’. So yeah, this feels weird.”Pope was so overwhelmed that he wasn’t even going to take credit for his wickets. “It was weird that so many wickets were taken for barely any runs,” he said. “Pretty good pitch to bowl spin on, but you could score runs too.”There was one point in England’s chase when Jason Sangha contemplated taking Pope out of the attack and bring in an offspinner against two left-handers Jack Davies and Euan Woods. England were still in it, being five down. Australia didn’t scent the possibility of an upset then. Pope said he quietly put a word in Sangha’s ear about wanting to continue. “He wanted to bring in an offie to the left-handers, I talked a little,” Pope started, and then had a shy smile, looking away towards his captain who was standing by the side.It was even put to him if he demanded to continue bowling. “Demand is a strong word,” he laughed. “I just love bowling. It’s an unreal experience. I always love playing for my country whether I’m taking wickets or not, so going out there and doing it with some really good mates was an awesome experience.”Pope stands at over six feet tall. He started wanting to be a fast bowler, until his father suggested he turn to spin, a decision that has worked wonders as he has proven at times that he can be unplayable at this level. Across his three age-group tournaments over the last two summers – one at the Under-17 level and two at Under-19 – Pope claimed 54 wickets at an average of 16.10 in 23 matches. Last year, he picked 15 wickets in five games against the visiting Sri Lankan side in April.”John Davidson, who works with Cricket Australia, has had a big influence in my game. Dan Cullen’s been around to help me as well. I love talking tactics with people who have had that experience. It’s still surreal now. I still can’t believe it.”

Even after they defied the odds to come from behind to defeat Newcastle United 2-1 late on, Liverpool's need for more reinforcements is no secret.

The Reds have been attempting to rebuild their midfield all summer, with failed pursuits of both Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo summing up a difficult transfer window.

Jurgen Klopp has, at the very least, welcomed Watru Endo to give himself a defensive midfield option. And, now, as the transfer window comes to a close, the Reds have reportedly held internal discussions about signing an option closer to home.

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

Liverpool's transfer window initially got off to an excellent start as they welcomed both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to begin their midfield rebuild.

The departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabia saw any plan swiftly tossed into the bin, however, and the Reds have been left scrambling for options ever since.

The Premier League giants, of course, reportedly agreed a fee with Brighton & Hove Albion for Caicedo, before the midfielder, himself, rejected a move to Anfield in favour of Chelsea in a moment to forget for those in Merseyside.

That rejection led them to Endo, and may well lead them to Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz.

According to Ben Jacobs, Liverpool have held internal discussions about signing the Brazilian.

Jacobs told GiveMeSport: "Yeah, Douglas Luiz is a name that has been discussed internally by Liverpool. I'm not aware of any movement at this point."

So, as things stand, with the transfer window coming to a close in a matter of days, Luiz is a name discussed at Anfield, and discussed only.

It will be interesting to see whether they take those discussions to Villa Park, however.

Should Liverpool sign Douglas Luiz?

Welcoming a Premier League proven option in the form of Luiz wouldn't exactly be bad business from a Liverpool perspective.

Statistically speaking, the Brazilian is more than capable of slotting straight into Klopp's side at Anfield, too.

Compared to former Liverpool defensive midfielder Fabinho last season, according to FBref, Luiz made more progressive carries, was involved in more goals, won more tackles, and made more interceptions than his fellow Brazilian. Any way you look at it, the Villa man looks like he could be an ideal replacement for Fabinho.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

He's earned plenty of praise during his time in the Midlands, too, including from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who said, via Birmingham Live: "He's a guy who plays all of the minutes.

"He's an important player for Aston Villa. A guy who's clever with the ball, so physically strong. He's a lovely, lovely guy.

"Unfortunately when he came a work permit meant he could not play but I'm happy he's developed really, really well.

"Today, when he was involved in the game, defensively, offensively, he was good."

With that said, whilst Liverpool's discussions have so far been internal regarding Luiz, he certainly has the quality to held guide the Reds back into the Premier League's top four this season.

For now, however, he remains an Aston Villa player.

The opener became the first batsman to make three T20I hundreds and lifted New Zealand to their highest total as West Indies ended a horror tour with no wins

The Report by Varun Shetty03-Jan-2018
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Colin Munro became the first batsman to make three centuries in T20 internationals as he laid the foundation for New Zealand’s battering of West Indies by 119 runs in their final match of the tour at Mount Maunganui. The left-handed opener followed up his two fifties from the previous games with a 53-ball 104 as the hosts swept the series 3-0. West Indies failed to register a single win on a New Zealand tour for the first time since 1999-00.West Indies began much like they have begun all series – by feeding New Zealand everything they wanted. This time, Martin Guptill – who had made two single-digit scores previously – made use of the offerings too. He provided a scintillating start to the match, getting forward to the first ball and caressing an outswinger from Jerome Taylor wide of mid-off. He finished that over with an expert dab to beat short fine leg, and from there the carnage began.Colin Munro soaks in his third T20I hundred•Getty ImagesCarlos Brathwaite entrusted his spinners with keeping New Zealand quiet in the Powerplay. Samuel Badree’s first ball was an early indicator of what was to come. The legspinner dropped one short and down the leg side, and Munro duly wafted it over the long leg boundary. He crunched Taylor over midwicket with a slog, and when Ashley Nurse replaced him from the other end, he welcomed him with boundaries on either side of extra-cover. By this point, he was set up to better his career boundary rate – he hit a four or six approximately once every five balls before this match – for the rest of his innings.Guptill wasn’t as destructive, but he kept up the pace that allowed the openers to put up a century stand and get to their respective fifties inside ten overs. With the pitch offering nothing, West Indies’ bowling was reduced to offerings of straight balls at different paces. The spinners didn’t attempt to slow their pace down, and on the rare occasions that they tried it, Guptill had no problems hitting them through the line. The pain of conceding 51 runs in five overs of spin was momentarily alleviated when Brathwaite’s first over – the eighth of the innings – went for only seven runs. A West Indies bowler had finally avoided being hit for a boundary first ball.But all of 36-year-old debutant Rayad Emrit’s experience couldn’t help him or West Indies keep that up. He started with two overpitched balls on the pads; Munro flicked the first one over square leg to bring up fifty, and carted the next over midwicket. It was more of the same for the rest of the innings. Brathwaite’ only conceded one boundary off the bat in his next over, but went for 22 anyway. Length balls kept coming into Munro and he kept putting them away, evidenced by a wagon wheel that showed 55 runs in the midwicket and long-on regions.Guptill survived a caught-behind appeal in the 11th over, first on-field, and then on the review despite a mysterious disturbance on the audio check for the edge. It was against one of the few yorkers West Indies bowled, and it came from Nurse. Guptill edged Emrit to the keeper in the next over.New Zealand managed a half-century stand for the second wicket, as a modified middle order added quick runs around Munro’s march towards a record hundred. Each of them managed to hit a six – Kane Williamson’s loft over long-on was the most handsome one of the innings – as New Zealand made 243, their highest score in T20Is.West Indies’ propensity for poor starts seeped into their batting as well. Chadwick Walton chased Tim Southee’s outswinger with hard hands and chipped one to cover first ball of the innings. Five balls later, Southee lifted a short ball up at Chris Gayle, trapping the batsman with his gloves covering his throat and his eyes looking at the floor; the ball lobbed up for wicketkeeper Tom Phillips and both openers were gone for ducks.Rovman Powell was promoted to No. 4 to cover for Shai Hope, who had damaged a ligament in his right shoulder while diving in the field. The immediate effect of that change was Trent Boult going for 17 in a disastrous first over, in which he bowled back-to-back no-balls, followed by Southee conceding 19 to Andre Fletcher and Powell in his second over.Williamson did what Brathwaite had done earlier, and brought Anaru Kitchen on to bowl his left-arm spin. He got one to straighten off the pitch and take the top-edge as Powell swiped across the line. Shimron Hetmyer began brightly, hitting Mitchell Santner for six next over, but was run out minutes later, Fletcher’s ball-watching causing just enough indecision to leave them both hopping aimlessly outside their creases.The visitors threw in one final effort to come close to the target, hitting through the line like Munro and Guptill had as they monopolised the cover boundary to make 24 off the seven balls following Hetmyer’s wicket. The introduction of Ish Sodhi’s legspin put the brakes on that streak. He went for just two off his first over, and bowled Fletcher with a googly when he heaved at him to relieve the pressure created by a tight over from Santner at the other end. The end was swift from there on, with West Indies folding in the 17th over. Boult and Southee dipped into the West Indies wicket pool for one last time as New Zealand completed their biggest T20 win.

Everton could be preparing for a summer transfer market battle, as a new target emerges for Sean Dyche to challenge for.

The Blues have been linked with a host of talent already this window, with the side hoping to move away from their recent status of being a club on the fence between the Premier League and Championship.

Dyche led the Toffees to safety in the final game of the 2022/23 season, and with the opportunity there to strengthen this summer, the club could still see some new arrivals before the window shuts.

Who could Everton sign this summer?

It’s clear that the Blues are hoping to bolster their front line this window, with recent links to forward’s Wilfried Gnonto and Che Adams, who could both be handed an escape from the Championship.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

Another attacking talent has emerged as a potential target for Everton, with Fabrizio Romano naming Porto starlet Goncalo Borges as a player being eyed on Merseyside last week.

The renowned journalist stated that both the Toffees and West Ham are showing interest in the 22-year-old, who could be on the move this summer away from his home nation.

How good is Goncalo Borges?

Representing Porto’s B team, the intricate wide player is deployable on both the left and right side, providing a significant threat in the final third for his energetic approach to play from the flank.

Identified for his pace and efforts in possession by talent scout Jacek Kulig, as well as being likened to Bayern Munich sensation Serge Gnabry for his style, the youngster was once named by Kulig as part of the “superb” U19 Porto side that won the UEFA Youth League.

It’s little surprise that the Lisbon-born talent has generated interest from the Premier League, with him netting five goals and registering two assists in 17 league appearances for the B team last term.

For Everton, the £1.7m -rated winger could add significant strength to Dyche’s side, in areas that are expected to change this summer, with the future of Demarai Gray a continuing doubt.

In July, journalist Rob Dorsett claimed that Fulham had reached an agreement to sign the Jamaican from Everton, adding that Dyche wouldn’t sanction the move until the Blues had recruited a sufficient replacement.

The 27-year-old has scored just nine goals in the Premier League since his arrival at Goodison Park in 2021 and is identified as one of the more replaceable figures in Dyche’s set-up due to his inconsistencies.

By signing Borges, therefore, the Englishman could finally replace the former Leicester City winger, with a young talent that has the potential to reach new heights in the English top-flight in what could be an exciting individual challenge.

Described by scouting site Total Football Analysis as having a ‘very direct approach to dribbling’, the 22-year-old could be the ideal replacement for Gray, who excels in similar attributes.

One area of Gray’s play that has been inconsistent at Goodison is his end product in the final third, which Dyche could find relief in through the reported target, who has been praised for his strengths in playing ‘excellent balls into the area’.

With West Ham also eyeing the talent, Everton should strike fast if they are to capture the youngster, who could be a strong signing for the Toffees.

Manchester United are still extremely active in the transfer market during the dying days and weeks.

Now, an update on a player's future could spark another big-money move for the Red Devils.

Who do Man United want to sign?

It was reported on Wednesday by Spanish news outlet AS that Ansu Fati is open on moving away from Barcelona this summer, as he reportedly feels that he is not trusted in his role at the club and has now ordered his representatives to find him a new club.

Following up from that revelation, the Daily Mail has revealed that Manchester United have been put on red alert alongside fellow Premier League clubs Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, all of which have expressed an interest in snapping up the forward's signature.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

How good is Ansu Fati?

There is no doubt that Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster the quality and depth in his squad as he leads his Man United side into not only their domestic challenges but their Champions League campaign, where there will be high hopes of a good run on the elite European stage.

As a result, the signing of Fati could be a great way to inject some more Champions League experience and quality in his forward line, providing the Dutch coach with a top young player who could be a huge upgrade on Antony.

Over 36 La Liga appearances last season, the 20-year-old scored seven goals, registered three assists, tallied up an 85% pass completion rate and successfully completed 52% of his dribbles, despite making only 12 starts in Xavi's highly-competitive forward line.

Not only that, the Spain international – once hailed a "difference-maker" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – is one of the hottest young prospects across the top five European leagues per 90 minutes played – ranking in the top 10% of his positional peers for shots on goal, pass completion, touches and progressive passes received, as per FBref.

When comparing Fati's output with Antony's last season, the Barcelona whiz comfortably outperformed his position competitor in a number of key attacking attributes, suggesting he would be a big upgrade for United.

Those metrics included goal contributions (10 v 9), shots on goal per 90 (3.94 v 3.68), pass completion (83.6% v 79.1%), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.45 v 0.41) and successful take-ons (48.9% v 42.7%). Antony has had the tendency to blow hot and cold since arriving in England but Fati is a player who has been registering impressive attacking numbers since he was a teenager.

Whilst the Barca gem is predominantly a left winger, the Bissau-born forward is experienced in playing across the front three having played in both the centre-forward and right-back roles, something that would be a valuable asset to the Man United boss as he aims to discover his best front three.

It has been reported that Barcelona will command a fee of around €70m (£60m) to part ways with their youth prospect, however, with the player pushing for a move away, Man United could strike up a deal that is considerably lower than that if they get desperate.

With that being said, the signing of Fati would be a major coup for Man United as under Ten Hag he could continue to develop and polish his talent and strengths to become the future of the forward line at Old Trafford.

Alastair Cook and Joe Root fell cheaply but there were half-centuries for four of the top six on England’s first day of tour action

George Dobell in Perth04-Nov-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsIt didn’t take long for any thought that England might ease their way into the Ashes tour to be dispelled. Just two balls into the first game, Alastair Cook had gone for a duck.It was Cook’s misfortune to receive the delivery of the day. Drawn into a tentative, indeterminate prod at a delivery angled across him from the impressive Nathan Coulter-Nile, Cook was undone by both the pace of the ball and that bounce for which Australian pitches – and Perth in particular – are known. It meant that Cook has been dismissed three times from his last four deliveries in games here following his first-ball second innings dismissal in the Ashes Test of 2013-14.”He just played at one he shouldn’t have,” Coulter-Nile said. “He usually smashes me so it was good to get him.”These things happen, of course. And while the average age of this Western Australian side is just 22, Coulter-Nile is a terrific bowler who, but for injuries, could well have played Test cricket. Aged 30, he may yet. He got through 16 overs, hardly bowled a poor delivery and, at times, generated sharp pace. “The body feels surprisingly good,” he said afterwards.But if England are to have any chance in this Ashes series, it is surely vital for the experienced pair of Cook and Joe Root to score heavily. So it would have been mildly disconcerting for England to lose both cheaply here.Root was probably unfortunate. Certainly he didn’t think he had edged the ball that dismissed him – replays suggested it hit his back thigh though it was unclear whether there may have been some inside edge on it first – and he has plenty of opportunities to find form before the first Test.Cook does, too. But he has an intriguing record in Ashes series. This will be his fourth in Australia and, while he averaged 127.66 in 2010-11, his numbers were 24.60 in 2013-14 and 27.60 in 2006-07. Only once in his three series in England has he averaged over 30, too.Any concerns that England could be embarrassed by this young Western Australia side were allayed by a second-wicket stand of 153 between Mark Stoneman and James Vince. Stoneman, in particular, was impressive. He looked unflustered by Coulter-Nile’s excellent opening spell and subsequently unveiled fluent strokes off front and back foot on the way to a 64-ball half-century.”Obviously it wasn’t Test-level bowling,” Stoneman said. “And there are far tougher tests ahead. But it was good to spend some time out there. It helps you settle in to a tour and make sure you can deal with any technical or mental things you may have going on.”We were clinical in the way we did things. You’d get a few down the leg-side and then one right on the money so you had to concentrate. We’re pretty happy with that as a first day.”Vince was less convincing. He was dropped three times – on 47 and 63 he edged attempted cuts only to see Coulter-Nile, at first slip, put down the chances, while on 67 he was dropped by Kyle Gardiner at midwicket off a full-bloodied pull – and eventually flicked one to midwicket. He puts away the bad ball with a style granted to few – some of his cuts and cover drives here were simply beautiful – but it is unthinkable he will be given so many chances in an Ashes Test.The England pair were treated to a fair few bad balls in that first session. Eight bowlers, three of them spinners, were called into the attack before lunch (by which time England had moved to 131 for 1) as a combination or nerves and inexperience produced a smorgasbord of long-hops and full tosses that raised questions as to the usefulness of this match as an exercise. It was like preparing for a fight with Wladimir Klitschko by playing Twister with Ronnie Corbett. As Coulter-Nile put it: “They faced a lot of bowling they won’t in Test cricket.”They tightened up markedly after lunch. Stoneman, who had survived a tough chance in the gully off Aaron Hardie on 54, pushed at a decent ball from Lance Morris and edged to slip, while Root was given few opportunities when he came to the wicket. “Hardie was probably the only one to hit a good line and length consistently,” Coulter-Nile said. “I guess they’ve found out what they need to do if they want to go to the next step in the game.”Perhaps the most impressive batting of the day came from Dawid Malan. Having drilled his first delivery – the first he had ever faced in Australia – through mid-off for four, he looked fluent on front and back foot and as tight outside off stump as anyone.With Gary Ballance, his rival for the No. 5 position, he added 104 for England’s fifth-wicket before both were retired to provide opportunities for other batsmen. But while Ballance was generally sound, withstanding something of a barrage from Coulter-Nile, he too gave a chance when edging to second slip on 36.That provided just enough time for Jonny Bairstow – who looks in fine form – to come in and make an increasingly dominant 36 not out.So, while England would have wanted Cook and Root to enjoy more time at the crease, they will have been encouraged by the fact that four less heralded members of the batting line-up made half-centuries.

Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, and they appear to have the advantage over one Premier League rival when it comes to a potential transfer.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news?

The Red Devils have been busy so far this summer with big-money moves for Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund. There could be further business before the September 1 deadline, though, however, that may depend on any Old Trafford departures.

A new midfielder could be on the cards should a number of players move on, with Sofyan Amrabat and Amadou Onana two players heavily linked with a move to Erik ten Hag’s side.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

Another player who has been of interest earlier in the year is Gravenberch, and it looks as if United could be back in for the 21-year-old.

According to Foot Mercato, Man United, alongside rivals Liverpool, ‘have reactivated the track leading to the Dutch international’. The report claims that no offer has been made so far, however, Gravenberch, should he leave Munich, would prefer a move to Old Trafford over Anfield.

Who is Ryan Gravenberch?

Gravenberch can play as a central or holding midfielder and is under contract at the Allianz Arena until 2027. The Netherlands U21 international left Ajax for Bayern Munich just last year and has made 33 appearances for the Bundesliga champions.

Prior to that, Gravenberch, on £152,000-a-week, made more than 100 appearances for Ajax so has played plenty of first team football early into his career.

He has also came in for praise from former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann, who suggested last year that Gravenberch was "better than most other footballers", saying:

“He has my complete confidence. He also knows exactly what he needs to fit our style of play perfectly. He has everything a footballer needs. He has a fantastic dribble and can play out under the pressure.

“Ryan is better than most other footballers in Europe his age. You must have patience. This is Bayern Munich. You have to be better than the other players because there is no reason for me not to field the best."

Therefore, should Man United miss out on Amrabat or Onana, then perhaps a move for Gravenberch could be one to watch and a potential shrewd transfer by Old Trafford chiefs.

You’d expect he’ll only get better with age, and he has already worked under Ten Hag in the Netherlands, with all of his Ajax appearances coming under the United manager.

The 6ft 2 midfielder has been compared to Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham over the past 12 months, as per FBref, and statistically, has also impressed.

Compared to midfielders, Gravenberch has ranked in the top 10% for tackles in midfield and attacking zones, shot-creating actions and long pass completion, showing his ability in a number of areas. He also ranks highly for carries into the final third and progressive passes received, so Ten Hag may view the midfielder as an ideal addition to challenge the likes of Casemiro, Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen, making this one to watch.