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A diretoria do Palmeiras planeja ter 31 jogadores no elenco de 2018, sendo quatro goleiros. Hoje, considerando os atletas que chegaram e do grupo que voltou de empréstimo com chance de ser aproveitado, são 36 atletas. Esse número não leva em conta jogadores como Lucas e Matheus Sales, que voltam de empréstimo, mas a princípio serão cedidos novamente.

Entre os 36, ao menos três já sabem que dificilmente serão mantidos: o lateral-direito Fabiano, o meia Hyoran e o atacante Róger Guedes. Outros ainda podem sair: Raphael Veiga, por exemplo, interessa a outros clubes. O Verdão não o liberou ao Atlético-PR e o candidato da vez é o Atlético-MG.

Até agora, o Palmeiras fez quatro contratações: Weverton, Emerson Santos, Lucas Lima e Diogo Barbosa. A diretoria ainda acha fundamental trazer um lateral-direito – Rafinha, do Bayern de Munique, é o favorito – e está de olho em duas “oportunidades de mercado” que surgiram recentemente: Gustavo Scarpa, do Fluminense, e Ricardo Goulart, doGuangzhou Evergrande. Os dois não estavam no planejamento inicial, mas passaram a interessar a partir do momento que abriram a possibilidade de deixarem seus atuais clubes.

Os atletas que retornam de empréstimo e estão nos planos são o zagueiro Thiago Martins (estava no Bahia), o lateral-direito João Pedro (estava na Chape) o lateral-esquerdo Victor Luis (estava no Botafogo), o meia Allione (também no Bahia) e o atacante Artur (Londrina). Outro acréscimo em relação ao elenco de 2016 pode ser o zagueiro Pedrão, que estoura a idade para defender o sub-20. O clube acertou com o Água Santa a compra de parte de seus direitos econômicos e, se não for utilizá-lo, terá de emprestá-lo.

Posição por posição, como está o elenco:

GOLEIROS:

Fernando Prass
Jailson
Weverton
Daniel Fuzato

Essa posição já está resolvida. O Palmeiras renovou por mais um ano com Fernando Prass, trouxe Weverton com contato de cinco temporadas e emprestou Vinicius Silvestre à Ponte Preta para que ele ganha experiência. Vagner, que estava emprestado ao Guarani, já tem novo destino: o Ituano.

ZAGUEIROS:

Antônio Carlos
Dracena
Juninho
Luan
Mina
Emerson
Pedrão
Thiago Martins

Ainda haverá mudanças. São oito atletas, sendo que o clube deseja ter seis ou sete. A imprensa espanhola tem noticiado repetidamente que o Barcelona pagará 9 milhões de euros para levar Yerry Mina em janeiro, seis meses antes da data combinada entre os clubes, mas o Palmeiras diz não ter recebido nada. Se Mina ficar, os maiores candidatos a saírem serão Pedrão e Thiago Martins, já que o contrato de Antônio Carlos, que termina em 31/12, deve ser renovado. Emerson Santos, ex-Botafogo, chega com vínculo de cinco anos.

LATERAL-DIREITA
Fabiano
João Pedro
Mayke

O clube acha primordial contratar um reforço para esta posição. Para ter Rafinha, será preciso que o Bayern de Munique o libere já em janeiro, algo que não é tão fácil de acontecer. Fabiano não deve ficar: se não for vendido para um clube alemão (há sondagens constantes), ele deve ser emprestado a uma equipe brasileira. Jean e Tchê Tchê também podem atuar no setor.

LATERAL-ESQUERDA:
Diogo Barbosa
Victor Luis
Michel Bastos

Uma das posições mais reformuladas no elenco. Egídio transferiu-se para o Cruzeiro, enquanto Zé Roberto se aposentou. Para seus lugares, o clube contratou Diogo Barbosa, ex-Cruzeiro, e resgatou Victor Luis, que estava emprestado ao Botafogo.

VOLANTES:

Bruno Henrique
Felipe Melo
Thiago Santos
Tchê Tchê
Moisés
Jean
Guerra
Raphael Veiga
Hyoran
Lucas Lima
Allione

Por enquanto, o setor perdeu apenas um jogador do elenco de 2017: Arouca, liberado para o Atlético-MG. Hyoran deve ser o próximo liberado. Raphael Veiga e Guerra despertaram interesse de outros clubes, mas o Palmeiras manifestou inicialmente que não deseja liberá-los. As chegadas, por enquanto, foram duas: Lucas Lima, que veio do Santos com um contrato de cinco anos, e Allione, que volta de empréstimo ao Bahia. Ainda há a possibilidade de mais uma chegada: Gustavo Scarpa.

ATACANTES:

Borja
Willian
Deyverson
Dudu
Keno
Róger Guedes
Artur

Já houve uma saída (Erik, emprestado ao Atlético-MG) e uma chegada (Artur, voltando de empréstimo ao Londrina). Ricardo Goulart, se conseguir a liberação do clube chinês, também pode chegar. David, do Vitória, chamou a atenção no Brasileiro, mas as conversas esfriaram. Róger Guedes não aceitou ir para o Fluminense na troca por Scarpa, mas ainda deve sair.

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New Zealand allrounder Jacob Oram is in doubt for the remainder of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series after sustaining a knee injury in the first ODI

Cricinfo staff03-Mar-2010

New Zealand allrounder Jacob Oram is in doubt for the remainder of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series after sustaining a knee injury in the first ODI. Oram sent down seven overs, taking the key wicket of Shane Watson, before he twisted his left knee in the 28th over while fielding a single off Michael Hussey. His spikes appeared to stick in the turf as he fell to the ground, writhing in pain, and he was carried off by team-mates Tim Southee and James Franklin.”His knee is painful, it’s still unclear what it is…there will be further investigation in Auckland tomorrow and we’ll assess after that,” Dave Currie, New Zealand’s manager, said. “It’s pretty painful at the moment so we’ll have to wait and see.”Currie said no replacement had yet been made but fast bowler Ian Butler was a likely call-up. If there is ligament damage, not only will Oram miss the series but his participation in the upcoming IPL with Chennai Super Kings is in doubt as well.Oram, 31, retired from Test cricket in October after injury worries, involving his back and foot, limited him to 33 appearances over a seven-year career. In the two Twenty20s against Australia before Wednesday’s game he scored 1 and 0 and conceded 67 off six overs. Even as there were calls for him to be excluded from the ODI series opener against Australia in Napier, he found support from captain Daniel Vettori.The good news, though, for New Zealand is that Vettori, who was ruled out of the match in Napier due to a neck injury, is expected to back for the second game of the five-match series on Saturday.”His neck had a kink in it yesterday but he thought he would be all right,” Currie said. “Even warming up today he thought he would be all right but he wasn’t and there was no point taking any risk on it. He is fully expected to be back next game.”Ross Taylor enjoyed immediate success as new captain as New Zealand won a tense series opener by two wickets.

Ray Price scythed through Mountaineers’ strong batting line-up, taking five wickets in less than three overs to bowl Mashonaland Eagles to a resounding 82-run win at Harare Sports Club. Chasing a target of 142, which had been built around Greg Lamb’s 40, Mountaineers surrendered for a dismal 59 all out to hand Eagles the bragging rights ahead of the tournament final tomorrow.Mountaineers were in trouble right from the start of their chase and Eagles quickly had the match in the bag. Hamilton Masakadza, after surviving a close lbw appeal, showed good form again, scoring 16 off 11 balls. But the crucial dismissal of the innings came when he tried to sweep Price, who bowled the second over, and misread an arm ball which went straight on and trapped him lbw.Prince Masvaure then produced an absolute jaffa that came back off the pitch and bowled Tatenda Taibu first ball, and after that Mountaineers showed little fight. Stuart Matsikenyeri briefly tried to rally the team, scoring 10 before driving a catch to mid-off. When he fell the match was as good as over at 41 for 5 in the seventh over.The tail certainly did themselves little credit, hitting out indiscriminately, and the side crumbled for 59 in less than 12 overs. Even allowing for the difficult pitch, it was the poorest batting display of the tournament. Price, the main beneficiary, had Natsai Mushangwe stumped to wrap up the game, and finished the remarkable figures of 5 for 12 off just 17 deliveries.There had been heavy rains overnight, and when Mountaineers won the toss they decided to field, believing the pitch would have retained enough moisture to make batting first a trial. Eagles did lose early wickets, the first being Doug Marillier for 2, skying an attempted pull. Cephas Zhuwawo and Forster Mutizwa were both out to brilliant boundary catches by Shingi Masakadza, but Masvaure and Lamb soon had the score galloping along, with the fifty coming up in the seventh over.Masvaure was stumped on 24, carelessly running down the wicket to Mushangwe, and for once Elton Chigumbura failed, making only 7 before he was out to a third brilliant catch by Masakadza, leaping high at long on to catch what had appeared to be a certain six. With his wicket Eagles were tottering at 82 for 5 in the 13th over.Lamb and Regis Chakabva put the innings back on track with a useful partnership, before Lamb went for 40 off 34 balls, slicing a drive to extra cover. Chakabva fell to a sharp run out for 24, and Trevor Garwe to another brilliant catch near the boundary. With the ball was not coming on to the bat reliably after the rain, Greg Smith picked up 5 for 27 with his medium pacers as Eagles totalled 141 for 9, which seemed a good effort under the conditions, and proved to be a match-winning one. With this result, Eagles overtake Mountaineers in the log for the first time, and the same two teams will meet in the final tomorrow – weather permitting.The chance to play Matabeleland Tuskers for third place in the tournament was at stake in the second match of the day between Desert Vipers and Mid West Rhinos. A dashing finish to the Vipers’ innings took them to 141 for 7 and gave Rhinos a target to chase. They looked likely to achieve it at the halfway stage of their innings, but then began a fatal middle-order slide, allowing Vipers to take control of the match and eventually win by 8 runs.Rhinos won the toss and took the cautious route after this morning’s match, deciding to field. Vipers, equally uncertain of the pitch, were wary at first, scoring just 4 runs in the first two overs. They were also pegged back by the loss of Raymond van Schoor, caught short by a fine throw from Vusi Sibanda. His partner, Gerrit Rudolph, soon followed in the same way. Tobias Verwey, promoted to number three, hit a valuable 21 off 17 balls, while Craig Williams played a restrained innings of 15 before holing out at deep midwicket. After 15 overs, the score was a mediocre 83 for 5.It was the rather unlikely pairing of opening bowlers Christi Viljoen and Louis Klazinga that finally did the trick for the Vipers, hammering 45 runs together in just over four overs. Both hit two sixes, Viljoen’s in successive balls off Graeme Cremer.Riki Wessels got Rhinos’ chase off to a blazing start, as 16 came off Klazinga’s opening over – with 12 of those runs from Wessels. He hammered 32 off 15 balls, with six fours, before being yorked by Viljoen with the first ball of the fourth over. He had already lost Sibanda, who hammered a catch straight to extra cover, but Darren Stevens and Brendan Taylor consolidated for a while before Stevens broke free with two driven sixes in an over off Bernard Scholtz, the first clearing the pavilion. After ten overs Rhinos were well on course for victory at 79 for 2.It all changed when first Taylor and then Stevens lofted catches to the deep in quick succession. Malcolm Waller soon followed suit for 16 and Ollie Rayner was dismissed lbw without scoring, hitting across the line. Suddenly, with five overs left, Rhinos’ last four wickets needed to score 35 to win. Hard as Friday Kasteni tried, he could not reach the boundary, and with wickets continuing to tumble, Vipers sealed a comfortable consolatory win.

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have absolutely erupted over a fresh transfer update involving Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently flying high near the top of the Premier League, well and truly in the title race alongside Manchester City and Chelsea.

Their latest win, a 4-1 derby triumph over Everton at Goodison Park, sums up the momentum gained under Klopp this season after Liverpool fell short in their title defence last time around.

The Reds had to cope with a plethora of injury issues throughout 2020/2021, bringing their strength in depth into question as the club seek to maintain their current heights at the top level. As such, fans will be eager for Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and Liverpool’s transfer chiefs to take significant steps to bolster Klopp’s options.

Bringing the latest, La Gazzetta dello Sport have shared some promising news involving Switzerland international and Reds transfer target Zakara. The 25-year-old’s current deal at Monchengladbach expires in 2022, meaning that he can leave for free at the end of this season, putting the Bundesliga giants under some pressure to sell in January.

As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, Liverpool are apparently leading the race for Zakaria, who would personally ‘love’ to work under Klopp. Also, if FSG decide to make an early move in the winter, it is believed they could secure him for as little as £7m-£8.5m.

Liverpool fans erupt…

Given his ability and the fact that he could leave for such a meagre fee, it’s little wonder so many Liverpool fans are raving as their club eye an ‘absolute bargain’ swoop. According to WhoScored, Zakaria has averaged a higher pass accuracy domestically (89.1%) this season than any Reds midfielder with more than four league starts.

The maestro has also made more interceptions in the centre of the park (1.8) than Liverpool’s entire midfield roster, supporting the theory that he would come as a solid alternative to Fabinho, especially for a maximum £8.5m fee or as a free agent next summer.

Here’s how some Liverpool fans reacted to the prospect of signing him at such a low cost:

“Ain’t no way. Edwards’ last dance”

Credit: @LFCHLEB

“wow”

Credit: @Abdriano

“Please”

Credit: @_JS98

“No brainer that!”

Credit: @LukeJones_10

“Buy him in Jan, what a bargain”

Credit: @Footbal22104495

“Would be a class backup for Fabinho, exactly the sort of depth that’s needed”

Credit: @6timesladd

“absolute pocket change, don’t really think we should wait, just splash it man”

Credit: @TobiasP88223924

“Similar to Fabinho in the way he plays but he has more pace. (Top speed of 35.07km) 7m for him is an absolute bargain, definitely would be a 25-30m player if it wasn’t for his contract.”

Credit: @umxr168

‘Sell’, ‘Another poor game’ – Many Liverpool fans slam ‘anonymous’ ace for ‘horrendous’ derby display, find out more here.

Antonio Conte has had an incredibly bumpy start to life as Tottenham manager but when are things ever easy for Spurs?

The Lilywhites have tasted defeat to lowly minnows in NS Mura and are now embroiled in a pandemic related saga.

That’s not to mention Harry Kane’s dismal form in 2021/22 either.

What’s the word?

Fortunately for Tottenham, Conte will have the opportunity to revive the club’s fortunes over the next six weeks with a hefty festive schedule being followed by the January transfer window.

It will be intriguing to see how much Daniel Levy backs the new Spurs manager and whether the Italian had assurances on transfer policy when he joined.

The north London outfit has the opportunity to make a number of statements and they could make one of their loudest yet by luring a player away from Serie A.

That happens to be Dusan Vlahovic, a player they’ve been linked with for a while now.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano delivered an update on their pursuit of the forward.

He said: “Arsenal were interested but Vlahovic at the moment is not interested in a move to Arsenal. Juventus have an interest, but January would be complicated for them. The price is around 70m Euros for Fiorentina. Tottenham are still interested, but keep an eye on potential surprises with Vlahovic.”

Fans buzzing

This is an incredibly exciting update for Spurs supporters and despite the mooted price tag, they should be delighted that the club remain interested in Vlahovic.

It’s not often we can criticise Kane but the biggest issue for Conte right now is how to get a tune out of his start man.

He has scored just one Premier League goal all season and considering we’re now In December, that’s hugely concerning.

However, step forward Vlahovic, a man whose talents could take Spurs closer to the top four, an eventuality that would leave everyone at the club buzzing.

At the age of 21, he seems to possess a level of potential associated with players like Erling Haaland and it’s easy to see why.

In 18 outings this term, the Serbian has rattled the back of the net on 17 occasions, showing a devastating touch in front of goal.

With Heung-min Son arguably not his dangerous self either, the need for Vlahovic in this Spurs team becomes even greater.

A mighty presence in offensive areas, he would be a game-changing signing from Fabio Paratici and Levy this winter.

Talk about making a statement of intent.

AND in other news, Spurs could find another Skipp in “top young talent” who’s already caught Conte’s eye…

Newcastle United reportedly now have ‘the opportunity’ to sign AS Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Newcastle’s new Gascoigne?

Back in 2019, the player’s agent Claudio Vigorelli claimed that his client ‘resembles’ former Magpies midfielder Paul Gascoigne for his ‘physical qualities’ and can be ‘devastating’ like Gazza with his ‘technique and quality’ (The Daily Mail).

The former England international was a cult hero at St James’ Park, being their Player of the Year in the 1987/88 season, and scored 20 goals in 94 games in total for them across all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Zaniolo is still only 22 years of age, and given the comparisons to Gazza, he seems to have a big future ahead of him.

The Latest: Opportunity comes around

As per Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Newcastle now have ‘the opportunity’ to sign Zaniolo for ‘significant amounts’ of money, with Tottenham Hotspur also an option for the Italy international.

However, they will not be able to sign him in the January transfer window, but a deal may be possible next summer.

The Verdict: Makes sense

With the Magpies currently in a relegation battle, it would make a lot of sense for them to wait until the summer before they can assess whether they can sign Zaniolo.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-2/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Currently rated at £36m by 16 goals and provided a further nine assists in 87 matches for Roma, showing that he has an eye for a goal and an assist.

At 22, he has so much potential, and if Newcastle can avoid relegation, he would certainly be an astute signing to target.

In other news, NUFC are in ‘advanced talks’ with this DoF candidate

An update has emerged on Rangers transfer target John Souttar with the Gers suffering a blow in their bid to bring him to Ibrox next year.

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, the Hearts centre-back wants a move to England in the January transfer window, with the likes of Blackburn, Stoke and QPR, among others, keen on his services.

The report claims the Gers and Celtic are both keen on the defender and are set to be let down by his decision to go south of the border.

Big blow

This news comes as a big blow to Rangers as it suggests that they will be unable to land the defender in the next transfer window.

He is out of contract at the end of the season and that means the English sides will be able to pin him down to a pre-contract agreement in the winter, whereas the Gers would need to wait until his deal officially expires next summer.

It will also leave fans gutted as they will have been excited at the prospect of him arriving at Ibrox. He has been in sensational form in the Scottish Premiership and could have been a major addition to the side, but now appears set for the Championship in England.

Former Hearts boss Craig Levein once heaped praise on the defender, saying: “I’ve known him since he was 12 years old and he’s just got better and better. When he came here from Dundee Utd, we just needed to give him time. He’s grown into the player that I hoped he would be and for me he’s the best centre back in Scotland.

“Just for the fact that he can do wonderful things. His passing of the ball Saturday was fantastic, but he is also now capable physically of competing with any centre forward. His pace is very, very good and he’s strong, focused and aggressive.”

Souttar has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.39 in the Premiership for Hearts. Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun, meanwhile, have averaged scores of 7.05 each, which suggests that the Jam Tarts beast could be an upgrade on what the club currently have.

The 25-year-old has made 2.7 tackles and interceptions, along with 3.8 clearances, per game. He has also won an impressive 69% of his duels on the pitch throughout the campaign to date, with all of these statistics highlighting the defensive quality he could have brought with him to Glasgow. This is why fans will be gutted to read this update and why it is a big blow to the club ahead of the upcoming window.

AND in other news, 129 appearances: Rangers secured dream deal with £0 gem who “embodies professionalism”…

Newcastle United have reportedly now made an ‘indispensable proposal’ to sign Axel Witsel in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Work behind the scenes

Newcastle World journalist Liam Kennedy recently revealed that the St. James’ Park faithful are already working to strengthen the squad ‘behind the scenes’, and Witsel is a player who has been talked about.

They are understood to be ‘weighing up a move’ for the Borussia Dortmund midfield player in the January transfer window, and he could be made available by the Bundesliga club.

The Latest: Proposal

As per Tutto Juve, the North East club have now made an ‘indispensable proposal’ to Witsel in order to try and persuade him to sign in January, despite the fact that he can leave on a free transfer in the summer.

They have offered the Belgium international a deal worth almost €10m (£8.4m) a season, much more than the €7m (£5.9m) a campaign that he currently earns, which would price Juventus out of a potential move.

The Verdict: Get it done

Given that he is 32 years of age, and seemingly unwanted by Dortmund, Witsel should not cost too much money, meaning that the Tyneside outfit could get themselves a potential bargain in January.

Lauded as a ‘top professional’ by footballing legend Fabio Cannavaro, he can lead by example both off of the pitch as well as on it, given the glittering career that he has had.

Nonetheless, he would be an upgrade to Eddie Howe’s current options in the middle of the park, averaging more interceptions, clearances and passes at a higher success rate than Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff in their respective domestic leagues so far this term (WhoScored).

Given his previous work as assistant manager at Belgium, Graeme Jones will also have a good understanding with the player, and so he can aid Howe in helping to get the best out of him on the field, providing that he signs of course.

In other news, find out which three January signings PIF are plotting here!

Many Southampton fans have slammed the performance of Jan Bednarek in their 1-0 win away to Watford in the Premier League on Saturday.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men picked up a vital three points thanks to a lovely finish from Che Adams on the 20-minute mark, but a lot of Saints supporters were still unimpressed with the Poland defender’s performance.

The 25-year-old lost out on three of his duels and failed to block any shots, while he also lost possession of the ball on 12 different occasions in the match (SofaScore). In the closing minutes, he was turned all too easily by Ashley Fletcher, whose shot was brilliantly clawed away by Alex McCarthy to preserve victory for Southampton (Sky Sports).

It has led to some fans calling for summer signing Lyanco to come into the starting line-up instead of Bednarek, as they want to see more of their new recruit.

Southampton fans on Bednarek’s display

These Saints fans on Twitter were left slamming the Pole’s performance, with one supporter even going as far as to claim that the defender was a ‘liability’ at Vicarage Road:

“Lyanco surely has to start from now on. Bednarek is becoming a liability at the back, if it wasn’t for the likes of Salisu and Tino mopping up for him.”

Credit: @EthanEvansSJ

“Bednarek is all over the place. No positioning awareness, just ball chasing”

Credit: @LH_SFC

“Bednarek’s form since that 9-0 to Manchester United has been absolutely awful.”

Credit: @andrew2021k

“Such a poor header from Bednarek”

Credit: @great_state

“Good half, Bednarek showing why Lyanco should be playing though. Switching off at vital moments! Top hit from Chele but should be 3 up!”

Credit: @Too_Jazzee

“Maya Yoshida wouldn’t have gotten away with half the errors that Jan Bednarek makes on a weekly basis.”

Credit: @_ScottWinter_

In other news, find out what Ralph Hasenhuttl comments have left these Saints unhappy

England held their nerve for the second time in three days to win another last-ball thriller at Wormsley and took a 4-0 lead against Australia

Cricinfo staff05-Jul-2009
ScorecardKatherine Brunt struck twice in her first over with a pink ball•Getty ImagesEngland held their nerve for the second time in three days to win another last-ball thriller at Wormsley and took a 4-0 lead against Australia in the five-match encounter. Laura Marsh had seen her side through to a series win during a tense finish at Stratford on Friday and she was in the middle again, holding her nerve for the victory. The groundwork for the win, though, had been laid by Charlotte Edwards and Lydia Greenway, both of whom scored half-centuries.Australia, riding on Shelly Nitschke’s fifty, had achieved a total of 226 for 8 and their bowlers had started brightly, taking three wickets for 14 runs to reduce England to 78 for 4. The chase was revived by Edwards and Greenway, who scored 65 and 50 respectively and added 113 for the fifth wicket to put the chase back on track.Just when England were securing control, though, Australia struck a quick double blow, running out Edwards before Sarah Andrews bowled Jenny Gunn first ball. The chase hit the rocks shortly afterwards when Andrews got past the defences of Greenway as well, leaving England with 24 runs to get and only three wickets in hand. That was reduced to two as Andrews picked up her fourth wicket, that of Katherine Brunt with the score on 209.Laura Marsh and Holly Colvin began their small yet invaluable stand when England needed 17 more to get. Marsh scored a run-a-ball 14 while Colvin chipped in with 8 off 7 deliveries to see England over the line off the final ball.The result overshadowed a fine innings from Nitschke, the Player of the Match, one that rescued Australia from a disastrous start. A pink ball was being used for the first time in an international match – as part of the Pink Sunday programme in support of the Breast Cancer Campaign – and Brunt struck with her second delivery to remove Leah Poulton. She dealt the Australian innings another severe blow by bowling Alex Blackwell with the very next ball. The prospect of such a close finish was a distant thought with Australia on 0 for 2 and it needed Nitschke, who scored 71 with nine boundaries, and Karen Rolton, who made 52, to steer them to a competitive target.