Birmingham City have now agreed a season-long loan move for a “fantastic” attacking player, according to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph.

Birmingham eyeing double signing from Rangers

The Blues’ Championship return is now less than a week away, with Chris Davies’ side hosting Ipswich Town on Friday evening, which promises to be a memorable occasion.

In the meantime, Birmingham are still pushing for more signings to give them the best possible chance of reaching the Premier League, with a double deal for Rangers duo Ben Davies and Kieran Dowell being eyed up.

Davies spent last season on loan at St Andrew’s, playing a big role in them winning the League One title in relentless fashion, starting 32 league matches and winning an average of 4.1 aerial duels per game. For that reason, a permanent move to the Blues makes perfect sense.

Meanwhile, Dowell also was on loan at St Andrew’s and could be a shrewd addition to Birmingham’s midfield, with the 27-year-old already racking up 123 appearances in the Championship, possessing a huge amount of experience and knowing what it takes to be a success in the competition.

Birmingham agree deal to sign "fantastic" striker

Writing on X, Joseph claimed that Birmingham have now agreed a deal with Ajax to sign striker Chuba Akpom on a season-long loan deal.

However, since this update, it has emerged that Championship rivals Middlesbrough are looking to hijack the Blues’ move for the forward, with Akpom previously starring at the Riverside.

Akpom could be a brilliant signing for Birmingham, giving Davies the extra attacking quality that is needed to be promotion contenders in 2025/26.

The 29-year-old is now an experienced striker who has played at a high level, appearing in both the Champions League and the Europa League last season, as well as being praised by Michael Carrick during their time together at Middlesbrough, having reached 20 league goals in a season.

“It’s a terrific achievement. It’s not easy to score that many goals. He’s scored all different type of goals for us since I’ve been here. I thought his performance was fantastic. “He gets credit for his goals but his performance all round was terrific.”

Akpom is also a former Golden Boot winner in the Championship, highlighting his pedigree further, so he could prove to be a real coup for Birmingham if they can get a deal over the line in the coming days.

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2

By
Charlie Smith

Jul 31, 2025

The loan nature of the move is arguably ideal, too, and if they win back-to-back promotions, an obligation to buy could be triggered, meaning Akpom may have played a big part in that potential success.

Tottenham Hotspur fans haven’t been the happiest with Daniel Levy in recent years, amid constant frustration with his lack of spending within the transfer market.

Whilst the owner has spent over £700m on new additions since the opening of the new stadium in 2020, many of which have failed to cut the grade needed in the Premier League.

The investment is one thing, but key players have also been offloaded during such a time period, including record goalscorer Harry Kane – who departed in a £82m deal to join Bayern Munich in 2023.

After the Lilywhites only ended the previous campaign in 17th place, more signings are desperately needed in the next couple of weeks, before the transfer window slams shut on September 1st.

Numerous players remain in their sights at present, with many of whom improving the options currently at Thomas Frank’s disposal as he attempts to build on their Europa League triumph.

Spurs preparing move for Premier League star

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been the biggest name mentioned with a move to join Spurs this summer, with the player himself keen on a deal to join the Lilywhites.

The two clubs have been in constant discussions over a move for the 27-year-old, who could cost a fee in the region of £60m, with Arsenal also interested in his signature.

However, he’s not the only Eagles talent currently in their sights, with centre-back Marc Guehi also a player the hierarchy are making a move for, according to TEAMtalk.

Their report claims that Frank’s side have made an offer to the player personally, which has been described as ‘very, very good’, with Liverpool also firmly in the race for his signature.

It also states that Guehi, who has one year left on his deal at Selhurst Park, could be available for a fee in the region of £45m – which may prove to be too expensive for any interested party.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be a Kudus-esque signing

Mohammed Kudus remains Spurs’ biggest addition throughout this summer, costing a staggering £55m from rivals West Ham United back in the early weeks of July.

The Ghanaian was brought into the club to provide needed quality to the attacking department, something which he’s already done as seen by his two competitive outings for the Lilywhites.

The 24-year-old started in a number nine role against PSG for the UEFA Super Cup final, before shifting to a more familiar right-sided role against newly-promoted Burnley.

He managed to register two assists for Richarlison, including his superb acrobatic effort in the second half, ending his first league outing for Frank’s side emerged as 3-0 victors over Scott Parker’s men.

It’s early days for the former Ajax star, but he’s already demonstrated his quality in North London, with a move for Guehi potentially being a similar deal this summer.

Whilst the two operate in different positions, the comparison is evident between the pair, in both joining the Lilywhites from sides, also in the Premier League.

Both have proven their quality in England’s top-flight, as seen by Kudus’ league debut, but Guehi’s underlying stats are just as impressive – enabling him to make a huge impact on the side throughout 2025/26 and beyond.

The Englishman, who’s been labelled “incredible” by creator HLTCO, completed 84% of the passes he attempted, 3.9 of which per 90 were progressive – able to provide Kudus with added chances in the final third, despite his defensive role.

Marc Guehi’s stats for Palace in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

34

Goals & assists

5

Pass accuracy

84%

Progressive passes

3.9

Tackles won

1.8

% of tackles won

66%

Blocks made

1.6

Clearances made

4.8

Key passes

0.5

Stats via FBref

Out of possession, the Palace star was just as impressive, winning 1.8 tackles per 90, at a success rate of 66%, able to add further quality to the Lilywhites’ already potent backline.

His talent without the ball is further reflected in his tally of 1.6 blocks made and 4.8 clearances made per 90 last season, able to help Frank in his quest to improve the defensive record that saw the side concede 65 times in their 38 outings in 2024/25.

Given the interest from the defending champions, it’s unclear whether Guehi will want to move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before the September 1st deadline.

However, any deal would be a phenomenal piece of business, allowing the centre-back to follow in Kudus’ footsteps and aid the club’s chances of building on their recent European triumph.

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MatériaMais Notícias

O futebol brasileiro vem traçando novos rumos em relação à arbitragem. As novidades que o presidente da Comissão de Arbitragem da CBF, Wilson Seneme, anunciou que aconteceriam a partir do Brasileirão incluíam, entre suas recomendações, um rigor maior contra reclamações (especialmente quando o árbitro for em direção ao VAR) e um número maior de acréscimos.

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As mudanças chamaram atenção desde a primeira rodada. Entre os cartões, 20 amarelos foram direcionados após reclamações. Também houve um cartão vermelho. Os demais jogos do futebol nacional têm rendido outras situações inusitadas.

Ao LANCE!, ex-árbitros apontaram os novos desafios de quem está com o apito.

QUESTÕES DISCIPLINARES

O rigor em relação a reclamações ficou mais nítido logo de cara. A prova disso foi o jogo entre Vasco e Palmeiras, na segunda rodada: no Maracanã, as duas equipes não contaram com seus respectivos treinadores, pois ambos tinham sido expulsos logo na estreia das equipes no Brasileirão.

Comentarista de arbitragem na Rádio Itatiaia, Márcio Rezende de Freitas vê aspectos positivos nesta linha. No entanto, vê caminhos para serem percorridos.

– Deu uma melhorada na parte disciplinar. Os árbitros estavam muito politicamente corretos em relação a cartões, inclusive ao aplicarem para treinadores. Só que ainda falta aprimorar algumas coisas. Quando há uma decisão ligada ao VAR, alguns jogadores não respeitam a autoridade da arbitragem. Isso tem de ser mais cobrado – disse.

Em seguida, frisou que era necessária uma conduta mais enérgica com treinadores.

– Treinadores têm de ficar restritos à área técnica! Não podem presssionar a arbitragem em hipótese nenhuma. Isso tem de ser coibido – destacou.

O ex-árbitro Carlos Eugênio Simon exaltou a mudança de comportamento dos árbitros. Porém, deixou um alerta do que vem transcorrendo em campo.

– Em relação à disciplina, sempre defendi que o árbitro precisa ter autoridade e não autoritarismo em campo. Precisa punir quando as punições vão veementes. Mas a gente está vendo nesse ano problemas em relação à marcação de faltas! – e pontuou:

– É claro que é positivo esse freio nos protestos e nas reclamações. Só que os árbitros estão deixando passar faltas claríssimas! Esse trabalho precisa ser feito com calma com os árbitros – explicou.

Quanto aos cartões distribuídos aos técnicos, Simon foi veemente.

– O papel do treinador é de orientar seus comandados. Não pode pressionar a arbitragem – destacou.

A DURAÇÃO DOS ACRÉSCIMOS

A CBF seguiu as regras da Fifa também em relação a acréscimos. Assim como aconteceu na Copa do Mundo de 2022, os acréscimos têm sido mais extensos nos dois tempos. A novidade rende controvérsias entre quem vivenciou a arbitragem.

– Nem todas as partidas necessitam de um acréscimo enorme. Não precisa dar mais oito porque o chefe dá oito. A impressão é de que há uma ordem de cima de que o mínimo é de seis (de desconto) no primeiro tempo e de dez no segundo. Mas não é e nunca foi assim. Se, conforme a regra original, um tempo pede dois minutos de acréscimos, define que são dois minutos e pronto! Cada jogo é apitado de uma forma, uns duram mais, outros duram menos – afirmou Márcio Rezende de Freitas.

Carlos Eugênio Simon também apontou o que a arbitragem tem de levar em conta o passar os minutos a serem descontados.

– O árbitro tem mecanismos para acrescentar o tempo de acordo com a regra. São substituições, paralisações, eventuais expulsões… Pelo que teho acompanhado, a impressão é que criou-se uma obrigatoriedade de que um tempo tenha pelo menos dez minutos. O árbitro tem acima de tudo apitar com bom senso! – disse.

طرح إكرامي الشحات لاعب الأهلي الأسبق، فكرة لانهاء أزمة الزمالك المادية الأخيرة، مؤكدًا ضرورة الاستعانة بجماهيرية وشعبية النادي الكبيرة.

قال إكرامي الشحات في تصريحات عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر”: “يُقال إن نادي الزمالك يمتلك 50 مليون مشجع، وكل الإخوة الزملكاوية والإعلام الزملكاوي يؤكدون أن العدد يزيد عن 50 مليونًا، لديّ رأي في هذا الأمر، ومن وجهة نظري يخرج الزمالك من أزمته المالية خلال 3 أو 4 أشهر فقط”.

وتابع: “لو كل واحد من الخمسين مليون مشجع تبرع بمبلغ 2 جنيه شهريًا، فسيصل للنادي نحو 100 مليون جنيه في الشهر، وإذا كان رجال الأعمال قد تخلّوا عن الزمالك، رغم أنهم من المفترض أن يدعمونه، وأتحدث الآن عن فكرة ليست عيبًا، وهي أن يقف جمهور الزمالك إلى جانب ناديه”.

وواصل: “إذا تبرع كل شخص بـ2 جنيه شهريًا، فسيكون المجموع 100 مليون جنيه، وفي خمسة أشهر سيصل المبلغ إلى نصف مليار جنيه، وبذلك يمكن للنادي أن يخرج من أزمته، وهذا اقتراح فكرت فيه، وأراه الحل الوحيد أمام الزمالك لأنه لا يوجد أحد يمكنه أن يمنح النادي نصف مليار جنيه دفعة واحدة”.

وأردف: “هل هناك من يستطيع أن يوفر للنادي 100 مليون جنيه شهريًا، ولو انخفض عدد الجمهور من 50 إلى 30 مليون مشجع مثلًا، فسيظل المبلغ كبيرًا، حوالي 60 مليون جنيه في الشهر، أي 300 مليون خلال خمسة أشهر”.

طالع | وزير الرياضة: استقرار الزمالك أولوية.. وننتظر نتائج تحقيقات أرض أكتوبر

وزاد: “ولو كان الأهلي في نفس الموقف، لكنت قلت الشيء نفسه، وأتذكر في فترة كورونا عندما كانت هناك أزمة مالية في النادي تبرعنا نحن كمدربين وعاملين بجزء من رواتبنا كل شهر، ولم يكن ذلك عيبًا، وليس عيبًا أن يقف جمهور الزمالك مع ناديه، ومن يقول إن ذلك (تسوّل) فهو مخطئ الأمر لا علاقة له بالتسوّل”.

وأتم: “أنا أطرح هذا الاقتراح عن قناعة تامة، وليس على سبيل السخرية، ولو كان الأهلي في نفس الموقف، لكنت قلت الأمر ذاته، بل إنني واثق أن جمهور الأهلي لن يتبرع بـ2 جنيه فقط، بل بـ10 أو 20 جنيهًا شهريًا، ولماذا لا يفعل جمهور الزمالك الشيء نفسه، أين العيب في ذلك”.

He led KKR to the title last year and Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earlier this season

Nagraj Gollapudi12-Jan-2025

India and Mumbai batter Shreyas Iyer, the second-most expensive player in the player auction, has been appointed captain by Punjab Kings for IPL 2025. The announcement was made on Sunday night on reality TV show Big Boss, where Iyer appeared as a guest alongside PBKS team-mates Yuzvendra Chahal and Shashank Singh.Related

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Ponting on Iyer: 'He'll be a great leader for our team'

“I am honoured that the team has reposed its faith in me. I am looking forward to working again with coach [Ricky] Ponting,” Iyer was quoted as saying in a release. “The team looks strong, with a great mix of potential and proven performers. I hope to repay the faith shown by the management to deliver our maiden title.””Shreyas has a great mind for the game. His proven capabilities as captain will enable the team to deliver,” PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting said. “Shreyas has a great mind for the game. His proven capabilities as captain will enable the team to deliver. I have enjoyed my time with Iyer in the past in IPL, and I look forward to working with him again. With his leadership and the talent in the squad, I am excited about the seasons ahead.”Iyer, 30, is among only eight captains to have won the IPL, a feat he accomplished by leading Kolkata Knight Riders, whom he led from 2022 to 2024, to the title last year. PBKS, who had the strongest purse at the mega auction for IPL 2025, outbid Delhi Capitals, another franchise on the lookout for a captain, to bag Iyer for INR 26.75 crore (USD 3.18 million approx). For a few minutes, Iyer was the most expensive player in IPL history. But Lucknow Super Giants picked Rishabh Pant for INR 27 crore (USD 3.21 mn approx) to make him the most expensive buy at an IPL auction.PBKS will be Iyer’s third franchise in the IPL after DC, with whom he made his debut in 2015, and KKR. Midway through IPL 2018, DC appointed Iyer as their captain and made the playoffs in each of the next three seasons including a runners-up finish in 2020. He also led Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this season, and finished fourth among the tournament’s leading run-getters with 345 runs, including a century, in nine innings at a strike rate of 188.52 and an average of over 49.

Iyer will reunite with former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who was appointed PBKS head coach for four years. The pair had a successful partnership as coach-captain for DC, which Ponting said was a key factor behind PBKS bidding so fiercely for Iyer at the auction.Ponting also dropped strong hints about appointing Iyer as captain after the mega auction. “I wanted to work with Shreyas,” Ponting told after the auction. “I’ve worked with him before and he is a great guy and a great player. He’ll be a great leader for our team if we decide to go that way, which I’m pretty sure we probably will. And obviously, he was the championship-winning captain last year. So there are lots of great things about bringing him to Punjab.”

Peter Handscomb is a strong contender to be included in Australia’s squad for their Test tour of Sri Lanka later this month with the Victoria batter joining the team in Sydney for the final match against India as a substitute fielder.Handscomb does not hold BBL contract so is free to be with the squad throughout the final Test. He will be joined by spinners Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann at various stages who are both likely to be part of the Sri Lanka trip, the squad for which is expected to be named shortly after the conclusion of the India series.Handscomb last featured for Australia on the 2023 tour of India where he played all four matches and is viewed as a subcontinent specialist given his prowess against spin. He made 145 runs in that series with a top score of 72 not out in Delhi, a Test Australia were well placed to win before a second-innings collapse against R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.Related

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However, he has previously spoken about how he does not want to be pigeon-holed as only a batter for certain conditions. “I’d like to play some home Tests,” he said before the start of the 2023-24 following his experiences in India.Previously, speaking to in 2022, Handscomb said: “If [being a good player of spin] does help me get on subcontinent tours, which it has done before, then that’s great. But also don’t forget I do like batting in Australia as well, where it is fast and bouncy and I can play a few cuts and pulls if need be.”Depending on how Australia structure their side in Sri Lanka, there could be a vacancy in the middle order with Travis Head having been earmarked to open although Sam Konstas’ move into Test side may alter the planning. Josh Inglis, also an excellent player of spin, is also understood to be another option to play as a specialist batter in Sri Lanka. He is currently recovering from the calf strain he picked up while fielding at the MCG but is expected to be fit for the tour.Overall Handscomb has played 20 Tests with an average of 37.20 having made is debut back in 2016.Handscomb was overlooked for the Australia A-India A four-day matches earlier this season, but the indication was that he was a player the selectors felt they knew enough about.He had a prolific 2024 across first-class cricket in Australia and England where he was the fifth-highest run-scorer in the world. In the first part of this Sheffield Shield season he has made 478 runs at 47.80.If Australia win the ongoing Sydney Test they will assured of a spot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa, otherwise they would need to win one of the Tests in Galle.

Gianluigi Donnarumma joked about not taking his mother to the Etihad Stadium for the Champions League opener against Napoli on Thursday. The Manchester City goalkeeper, who arrived at the end of the summer transfer window, revealed that his family members are big supporters of the current Serie A champions. However, he remains determined on helping his new team kick-off their continental campaign with a win.

• Man City to lock horns with Napoli in UCL opener

  After a rather underwhelming start to their Premier League campaign, Manchester City will turn their attention towards Thursday's Champions League opener against Serie A champions Napoli at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola's side will be eager to prove themselves after their pre-round of 16 playoff exit last season. They have responded by showcasing their financial muscle in the summer, including Champions League winner Donnarumma.

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  Donnarumma hopes his 'mother will get over' Napoli's defeat

  Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Wednesday, Donnarumma said: "I'm leaving Mum at home tomorrow night. I'm very attached to the city, I have many friends on and off the team, but I play for City and I hope to win this match. Mum will get over it."

• New goalkeeper has big shoes to fill

  The £26 million (€30m/$35m) signing has arrived on the back of a historic campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. The Italian was perhaps the best goalkeeper in the Champions League, as his heroics went a long way in helping Les Parisiens capture their maiden European title. However, he has started a new chapter at the Etihad, where he has replaced Ederson, who joined Fenerbahce. Given he is among the finest custodians in the world at the moment, he is likely to rise to the challenge. But question marks have already been raised about how he would fit in, considering his profile is completely different to what Guardiola usually prefers.

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  City confident after derby win

  Guardiola and his troops head into Thursday's clash riding high on confidence, as they registered a comfortable 3-0 victory over cross-city rivals Manchester United on Sunday. As per the manager, City are "apparently not one of the favourites" to lift the coveted European trophy this season.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to attempt a bid for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, with Lilywhites chiefs now holding an intriguing theory behind-the-scenes.

A move for the 27-year-old has been brought to the very forefront of Thomas Frank’s transfer plans, especially after the Dane lost star playmaker James Maddison.

Maddison is expected to miss a large portion of 2025/2026 after rupturing his ACL in a pre-season draw against Newcastle nearly two weeks ago, so Spurs’ glaring need for a new playmaker has now intensified.

Tottenham were already in the market for number 10 and failed with a once-very advanced move for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White last month. Daniel Levy originally planned to head into the new season with both Maddison and Gibbs-White, but Frank’s now got neither at his disposal for their opening Premier League game of the season against Burnley on Saturday.

As Levy and technical director Johan Lange attempt to end the summer transfer window on a high, they’re set to make a formal bid for Eze to solve Tottenham’s shortage of attacking options.

“Tottenham are set to make a bid for Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze,” wrote talkSPORT earlier this week.

“Spurs view the England attacker as a No.10 and their pursuit is separate to the club’s interest in Manchester City winger Savinho as a result.

“Spurs are hoping to move quickly and have been told by Eze’s camp terms will not be a problem. Eze is open to the move, and wants to both play Champions League football and ideally stay in London.”

A move for the England international, who bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, is very much alive.

Eze’s £68 million release clause is believed to expire on Friday, but it is likely irrelevant, as Tottenham want to pay a similar fee to that of Mohammed Kudus – who they signed for around £55 million earlier in the window.

Tottenham hold behind-scenes Eberechi Eze theory amid Crystal Palace talks

This is backed up by TEAMtalk, who also report that Spurs are growing in confidence when it comes to potentially completing a deal.

The outlet states that Eze is likely to have already “played his last game for Palace”, with Levy and co working on a plan to make a “quick breakthrough” in negotiations to sign the ex-QPR star.

Tottenham also theorise that they’ve put together the frameworks of a deal for Eze which will satisfy Palace and chairman Steve Parish, even if there is a £13 million gap in valuation between the clubs right now.

Even if their initial approach for him gets snubbed, Spurs will follow up in quick fashion.

By all accounts, Eze is worth this late-window effort.

The Eagles superstar was, by some distance, their standout attacking asset last term – bagging 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions – including the FA Cup-final winning strike against Man City.

His goal against City at Wembley ended Palace’s history-long wait for a major trophy, so Eze is absolutely no stranger to the big occasion.

If Levy is serious about winning the Premier League and Champions League, which he pledged was the case earlier this year, Eze is exactly the kind of primed, proven player that Tottenham need to be signing.

Visiting captain finishes off the game himself as South Africa go down heavily in second Youth Test

ECB Reporters Network06-Feb-2025

England U19s 353 (Sawant 130, Fonseka 52, Rossouw 5-74) and 25 for 0 beat South Africa U19s 224 (James 84, Hansen 63, Jack 3-42) and 153 (Rowles 71, Vaughan 6-19) by 10 wicketsYoung Lions captain Archie Vaughan put the finishing touches on a comfortable 10-wicket win over South Africa Men U19s in the second Youth Test at Cape Town.Vaughan helped tidy up the home tail on the fourth morning to return 6 for 19 before he and Ben Dawkins knocked off a victory target of 25 in just 3.1 overs.The tourists needed two wickets to end the Young Proteas’ second innings when play resumed and Vaughan, who did the damage on the third evening with five wickets, immediately made an impact bowling Sandiswa Yeni for a duck.Eddie Jack wrapped up the innings when Nqobani Mokoena hit out to Alexander Wade in the deep as the hosts were bowled out for 153.The England Men U19 openers made light work of the chase, with Vaughan lap-sweeping Mokoena for six before Dawkins crunched Nathan Rossouw to the rope to win the game.England Men U19s won the series 1-0, after falling one wicket short of victory in the first Youth Test last week. South Africa Men U19s had won the preceding Youth ODI series 2-1.

The incumbent No. 3 will be the batter under pressure ahead into the World Test Championship final in June

Andrew McGlashan13-Feb-20252:15

Marnus in or out? Finch and Clarke pick their WTC Final XIs

Aaron Finch believes Australia should drop Marnus Labuschagne for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June with his lean run having extended too far to be accommodated.Australia face some tough selection calls for the final following the recent successful debuts of Sam Konstas, Beau Webster and Josh Inglis which has led to a battle for batting spots.Related

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Australia emerge from Test season with flying colours and new options

Australia face Labuschagne call amid batting squeeze

Travis Head, who opened in Sri Lanka, said he expected Konstas to regain his position at the top of the order against South Africa while Cameron Green is in the frame to play as a specialist batter as he recovers from the back surgery that ruled him out of this season.It leaves Labuschagne, who has one century in his last 51 Test innings and an average of 31.54 since the start of the 2023, under significant pressure for his spot for the first time since establishing himself in 2019.”I’ve gone with Cameron Green or Josh Inglis. They’re at No. 3,” Finch said on ESPN’s when the panel was asked to pick their XIs for the WTC final.”And the reason is, I just think that [Labuschagne’s form] is such a concern because it’s been over four series. If it’s over two or three, I think that you can say, you know what, he’s just around the corner. But the fact that it’s been four, to me, that’s a really alarming sign.Marnus Labuschagne is the Australia batter under scrutiny•Getty Images”Josh Inglis, I think to get him into the side, he will get that opportunity. Or if Cameron Green is healthy, he just provides so much extra to that bowling line-up as well as with the batting. He’s got the ability to bat anywhere in the order.”However, Michael Clarke and Callum Ferguson retained Labuschagne in their sides for the decider although Clarke said it could be make or break.”I hope they pick him for the Test Championship [final],” Clarke said. “It’s completely different conditions against a different team. He’s played a lot of county cricket. He knows English conditions as well as anyone.”Remember, he bats in the hardest place as well. I think No. 3 is the hardest place to bat in Test cricket. You’re right, the numbers don’t tell a lie. He’s out of form. He’s due.”And to me, I reckon the Test Championship…could be his last opportunity. Going to West Indies, I would like to think that’s an opportunity to give a young player a go if Marnus makes no runs in this Test Championship. If he does, then no doubt he holds his spot because he’s been a wonderful player.”Ferguson, meanwhile, would include both Labuschagne and Green with the latter batting at No. 6 and backing for frontline bowlers.”I’m backing the four bowlers in to get the job done in a one-off hit out in a Test match,” he said. “We didn’t use Mitch Marsh a lot over the last few years. He’s been in that No. 6 position. So we’ve played effectively without that stone cold all-rounder in that position, bowling 10 overs a day. So that’s how I see it.”Stand-in captain Steven Smith backed Labuschagne to emerge for his slump, seeing similarities in how he was low on runs before making four centuries in his last five matches.”Marn’s similar to me, in a way,” Smith said. “I’ve said this a lot of times about myself, there’s a difference between being out of form and out of runs.”I don’t think he’s out of form, personally. I’ve watched him train, I’ve watched him play and a lot of the things that he’s done so well are there. He knows he’d love to score more runs, we’d love him to score more runs, but in my opinion, it’s just around the corner.”