All posts by h716a5.icu

Arsenal's transfer window: Mudryk, Felix and the players Arteta needs to sign in January

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Arsenal may be top of the Premier League but it's clear that they will need reinforcements if they are to sustain their title challenge.

Arsenal’s strength in depth has been the topic of much discussion since Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Newcastle.

Mikel Arteta looked to try change the game as it wore on but his options were very limited, so much so that his only substitution saw him bring on Takehiro Tomiyasu for Ben White at right-back.

The Arsenal manager has stated that the club is active in the transfer market and their attempts to bring in winger Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk are now common knowledge.

But just how shallow is Arsenal’s pool of players and where are reinforcements most required? 

GOAL takes a look below and ranks each area in terms of importance…

Getty ImagesFull-back

This is an area where Arsenal are very well stocked. Indeed, that there is a chance that they could even let one full-back leave.

Cedric Soares is wanted by several clubs, including Fulham, and has made just two substitute appearances in the league this season due to the number of options Arteta has available to him.

White has made the right-back spot his own since the start of the campaign, while Takehiro Tomiyasu represents an excellent alternative.

Arsenal then have Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney competing for the left-back spot, with Tomiyasu also more than capable of filling in there as well if needed – as he has already demonstrated this season.

So, full-back is not a position that needs to be prioritised right now, even if Cedric is allowed to move on.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesGoalkeeper

Arsenal also have plenty of depth here, so there is no need for the club to go looking for a goalkeeper this month.

Aaron Ramsdale is the undoubted No.1 and is enjoying a fine season, while summer signing Matt Turney has proven himself to be a more than adequate understudy, both in terms of his performances in the Europa League and during the World Cup with the United States.

Third-choice Karl Hein is an impressive young shot-stopper, while talented 21-year-old Arthur Okonkwo is out on loan at Crewe Alexandra.

GettyAttacking midfield 

Arsenal spent £34 million ($41m) on Fabio Vieira last summer, so they will not be investing in another attacking midfielder in January.

Vieira is still adapting to a new club and country, but has shown in flashes why Arsenal invested so heavily in the former Porto ace.

Captain Martin Odegaard, meanwhile, is having a superb campaign, while Granit Xhaka continues to write his own redemption story having been asked to play in a more advanced role by Mikel Arteta.

And with Emile Smith Rowe about to finally return after his long-term injury, there is no pressing need for Arsenal to bring in another attacking midfielder.

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Getty ImagesCentre-back

Arsenal have an exceptional centre-back pairing in Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.

Mikel Arteta also has Rob Holding to call upon if needed, with the former Bolton man still an integral part of the Spaniard’s squad.

And there is, of course, White, who it’s easy to forget is actually a centre-back by trade – despite his superb performances on the right side of the back four this season.

Looking to the long-term, Arteta will be hoping to add another left-sided centre-back option to his squad to provide natural cover for Gabriel, but it’s unlikely that Arsenal will try to do anything in that position before the close of the winter window.

Indeed, with those four strong centre-back options already at the club, and Tomiyasu capable of providing further cover if required, Edu will be prioritising other positions.

Chaos as MLS referees remarkably stood down for opening weekend of 2024 season after collective bargaining agreement rejected – with league forced to bring in late replacements

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

The MLS referees' labor union has turned down a new CBA offer and is now set to strike just four days before the start of the 2024 season.

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MLS to begin 2024 with replacement refsPSRA rejects latest CBA offer from PROReferees set to strikeWHAT HAPPENED?

The Professional Referees Organization (PRO) and Professional Soccer Referees Association (PRSA) have failed to agree a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) ahead of the 2024 season. Now, as a result, PRO and MLS are set to begin the 2024 season with replacement referees on every level. PRO is the organization that employs referees for the league.

Their previous CBA expired on January 15, and they have been at the negotiating table since. Over a month's time, they came to a tentative agreement last week. However, when the PSRA members voted over the offer on the table, 95.8% of voters said "NO."

Starting February 18 at 12:01 AM, PSRA officials will be locked out and PRO will begin preparations for the first week of the season without their core officiating group.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT MLS SAID

"It's extremely disappointing that the officials have voted against the tentative agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement reached by the Professional Soccer Referees Association and the Professional Referee Organization," Major League Soccer executive vice-president of sporting product & competition Nelson Rodriguez said.

"PRO worked for months and addressed all the issues that were raised by PSRA’s bargaining unit. It is also unfortunate that the PSRA rejected PRO’s offer for a mutual no strike – no lockout commitment, which would have allowed all match officials to continue working during ongoing negotiations. PRO has informed us of its contingency plan for the upcoming MLS season, which includes utilizing experienced professional match referees supported by veteran VAR officials. We are confident in the comprehensive plan they have put in place."

WHAT PRO GM MARK GEIGER SAID

PRO general manager Mark Geiger said: "Time has been of the essence to conclude a fair deal and move forward together with renewed positivity ahead of our 12th year of supporting the growth of the professional game in the United States and Canada.

"We made meaningful progress during recent bargaining, agreeing to fair pay increases, and addressing many of the PSRA's concerns with respect to non-economic items. This represented approximately a 25 percent overall increase over 2023 when comparing salary, retainers, game fees, and benefits plus the addition of business class travel for the MLS Cup Playoffs. The result of the membership vote is disappointing.

"The PSRA has rejected a no strike/no lockout proposal from PRO through the 2024 MLS Cup, which, along with their public strike authorization, has created significant risk as the 2024 season begins. We are left with no choice but to institute a lockout and use qualified non-bargaining unit officials so that games can go ahead as scheduled."

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Getty ImagesWHAT THE PSRA SAID

“We live for this game, giving it 100 percent of our dedication, experience, fitness and ability,” Peter Manikowski, president and lead negotiator for PSRA, said. “The skyrocketing growth of MLS has significantly increased demands on officials mentally and physically, and as such has increased demands on both our professional and personal time. Our members are asking not only for fair compensation at a time when the league is reporting record growth, but also for the ability to take care of themselves on the road and at home to continue officiating at the highest level that this sport demands.”

Manikowski also revealed that it is the belief of the PSRA that replacement referees do not have the qualifications to perform at the highest level of the game in North America.

“This game evolves rapidly and play happens quickly,” Manikowski said. “We think replacement officials generally do not have the current experience and level of fitness required to do our jobs. The sport and everyone involved — players, coaches and fans — deserve referees who are the best in North America at knowing the MLS game and its current rules and applications.”

'I've said it before' – Erling Haaland sends message after becoming youngest and quickest player to hit 40 Champions League goals

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Erling Haaland thanked his fans for their support after becoming the youngest and fastest player to score 40 goals in the Champions League.

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Haaland scored his 40th Champions League goalNeeded just 35 games to reach milestoneSent message of thanks to his supportersWHAT HAPPENED?

Haaland helped inspire City to a comeback win against RB Leipzig on Tuesday. The reigning European champions were 2-0 down before the Norwegian pulled one back early in the second half and both Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez struck to secure the win. The 23-year-old needed just 35 games to score his 40 goals in the competition – making him the quickest to do so as well as the youngest.

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The striker celebrated the record with a post on social media, writing in the caption: "I've said it before. I'll say it again. Nothing happens without you all. Thank you for the endless support! We keep working."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The European record is the second one Haaland has broken in a matter of days. The ex-Borussia Dortmund star opened the scoring as City drew 1-1 with Liverpool on Saturday. That was his 50th goal in the Premier League and he reached that milestone in just 48 matches.

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(C)Getty imagesWHAT NEXT FOR HAALAND?

Haaland will aim to continue his goalscoring exploits this weekend when City take on Tottenham in the Premier League. The English champions will hope to keep the pressure on league leaders Arsenal, who are a point ahead of them.

Kapil's maiden ton defies New Zealand A

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Aneesh Kapil struck his maiden first-class hundred for Surrey as the final day against New Zealand A at The Oval ended in a draw.

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Sep-2014
ScorecardAneesh Kapil’s maiden first-class century defied New Zealand A•PA PhotosAneesh Kapil struck his maiden first-class hundred for Surrey as the final day against New Zealand A at The Oval ended in a draw.It was an unexpectedly frustrating finale for New Zealand A as Kapil made an unbeaten 104 to give Surrey a lead of 254 and then Surrey took the first six wickets for 81 in the evening session before B.J. Watling held out for a draw.It was a disappointing end to a successful New Zealand A tour that was disrupted badly by the weather. Four of their 13 games were washed out and three more decided by the Duckworth Lewis system. But their record was excellent nevertheless with only one defeat – against Sri Lanka in a tri-series, also involving England Lions, that they eventually won.Surrey began the morning on their overnight 72 for 3, still 38 behind, but Surrey moved into the lead with Rory Burns and Arun Harinath still together, with Harinath greeting the introduction of Todd Astle with consecutive straight sixes into the OCS stand. When Harinath was bowled, trying to work the leg spinner Todd Astle through the leg side, the partnership was worth 97.Burns was undefeated on 94, with Kapil, 33, already batting with adventure but Burns fell immediately after the interval when he was trapped lbw by Astle. Kapil hooked Hamish Bennett for six and moved to his maiden first-class fifty for Surrey from his 66th delivery.Jade Dernbach gave Kapil invaluable support with eight wickets down and Jason Roy absent hurt. But Dernbach did not just block as Kapil neared his hundred, striking Astle for a couple of enormous sixes. Finally, Kapil pulled Scott Kuggeleiijn for four to bring up his hundred from 133 balls with Dernbach dismissed soon after.The target for the tourists was 255 from a minimum of 41 overs but Dunn quickly struck twice, including bowling Hamish Rutherford without scoring. Dernbach followed up with two wickets in two balls, Tom Latham caught by Vikram Solanki at slip for 17 and a slower ball follow-up to trap Colin de Grandhomme lbw for noug to leave New Zealand A 27 for four.When the sixth wicket fell, a surprise Surrey win was in the offing, but Watling ensured a draw with a much-needed half-century.

Ajmal pulls out of World Cup squad

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Saeed Ajmal has withdrawn himself from the Pakistan World Cup squad as his remodeled bowling action needs further remedial work before it can be officially retested

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Dec-20147:44

MacGill: Pleasing to see clampdown

Cheema replaces Moin as Pakistan manager

Naveed Cheema has been named Pakistan team manager in place of Moin Khan, who will continue to be chief selector. The PCB said that the chairman had told Moin about the governing board’s decision on doing away with dual roles and asked him to stay on as chief selector as part of the squad for the World Cup. Cheema has been Pakistan manager previously too.

Saeed Ajmal has withdrawn himself from the Pakistan World Cup squad as his remodeled bowling action needs further remedial work before it can be officially retested*.”Ajmal withdrew himself,” Shaharyar Khan, the PCB chairman, was quoted as saying by . “We didn’t want to take a risk with Ajmal’s career because latest reports suggested his elbow extension was not still within the 15 degrees allowed by the ICC despite all the remedial work on his action.”We were aware that if he took the official ICC test in a bid to make the World Cup squad and failed it he could be suspended from playing for one to two years and that would mean the end of his career.”Ajmal had been included in Pakistan’s 30-member provisional squad for the World Cup subject to him clearing his action. The final 15-man squads for the World Cup have to be announced by January 7.Ajmal will continue to work with former Pakistan offspinner Saqlain Mushtaq in Lahore, while Mohammad Hafeez will have his action unofficially tested in Chennai next week.”The PCB committee discussed the future course of action to be adopted with regard to Ajmal and Hafeez and agreed that in the case of Ajmal, further remedial work should continue in collaboration with Saqlain and a bio-mechanist in Lahore,” the PCB said. “The group was informed that significant progress had been made by Ajmal who is now working on completing his mileage with the remodelled action which shall soon be accomplished.”It was noted that Saqlain and Mushtaq Ahmed (Pakistan spin bowling coach) have both worked with Hafeez and his action should now be unofficially tested in Chennai next week.”Ajmal was banned from bowling in international cricket in September due to an illegal action. An unofficial test at the Loughborough University found Ajmal’s action for his stock delivery, the offspinner, as well his faster balls to be legal. His action for the doosra, though, was still not below the permissible 15-degree limit.Ajmal had initially been set for an official test before the ICC on December 8, but it was postponed by the PCB. The board’s illegal bowling committee was keen that Ajmal play some competitive cricket first to get used to his remodelled action. Ajmal played a couple of one-dayers this month for Pakistan A against Kenya in Lahore.Hafeez’s action was found to be illegal earlier this month. He played as a specialist batsman in the ODI series against New Zealand in the UAE.December 27, 2014 15:50 GMT: This piece was updated with the news of Saeed Ajmal’s withdrawal and Shaharyar Khan’s quotes

Finch unsure of a spot in the Australian XI

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Aaron Finch, who until January this year, was Australia’s T20I captain, has said that he isn’t sure of his place in the side when Australia take on New Zealand in their opening match of the World T20 on Friday

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Mar-20160:43

‘I’m just getting prepared to play as everyone is’ – Finch

Aaron Finch, who had been Australia’s T20 captain until January, has said that he isn’t sure of making the XI when Australia take on New Zealand in their opening match of the World T20 in Dharamsala on Friday.”I’ve got no idea, to be honest,” Finch said. “I’m just getting prepared to play as everyone is. I’m sure the selectors will make a call once they see the wicket.”Finch is vying for the second opener’s slot in the team, considering Shane Watson’s good form and all-round skills makes him a certainty as first opener. Watson struck a blistering century in the third T20I against India earlier this year and also enjoyed a decent run in the Pakistan Super League. More recently, he scored 60 in a World T20 warm-up tie against West Indies.Finch, who is the No. 1-ranked T20I batsman, faces stiff competition from Khawaja, who was the second-highest run-scorer in the 2015-16 Big Bash League. Khawaja has also done well in Indian conditions – he scored 267 runs at 66.75 in four List A matches for Australia A last year in a triangular series, also involving South Africa A.Finch, while not as consistent, has notched up a few good scores of his own, including an 18-ball 40 against South Africa in Durban. “I feel really good with my game at the moment,” he said. “I feel as though I’m hitting the ball really well, so if I get the first crack at it, I’m ready to go.”We get up there (Dharamshala) on Tuesday, train on Wednesday and Thursday, so we’ll probably have a really good chance to have a look at the wicket then and the guys (selectors) can make a decision then.”If the selectors do opt for Khawaja, it would give Australia a left-right opening combination. “It’s probably less important in the first six overs, the left hand-right hand combination,” Finch said. “From my point of view, it’s about trying to get us off to a quick start. I’m sure Shane (Watson) is thinking the same and Uzzie (Khawaja) is probably in the same boat.”If Khawaja gets his opportunity, it’s about getting us off to a flyer while the ball is new and hard and then you can afford to probably have a bit more of a look through that middle period when spin comes on and they take the pace right off the ball.”Josh Hazlewood felt similar pressure over his place in the XI despite a hat-trick against West Indies.Australia have four specialist seamers in their squad – Hazlewood, John Hastings, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Andrew Tye – and seam-bowling allrounders in James Faulkner, Mitchell Marsh and Watson. With an eye on the conditions, Hazlewood suggested that the think-tank may be happy with just one frontline fast bowler.”It could be as simple as that. Depending on the wicket, it could really be one quick and a bunch of allrounders who do play this format a lot of the time,” Hazlewood said. Australia may also want to accommodate Ashton Agar or Adam Zampa to take advantage of slow, spin-friendly pitches.A player forcing his way into the XI after missing out initially is an unlikely scenario according to Hazlewood, given the shorter duration of the World T20.”The one-day World Cup, it went a little bit longer – six weeks,” he said. “If you get that first opportunity and take it in this one, we’ve got four games in pretty quick time. So I don’t think there will be as much chopping and changing, but in saying that it depends on the conditions at each ground.”

WATCH: England captain Harry Kane denied strong penalty claim against Malta and is inexplicably booked for diving – with VAR choosing NOT to intervene

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

England captain Harry Kane was denied a penalty against Malta on Friday, and was booked for diving after a challenge from goalkeeper Henry Bonello.

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Kane brought down in the boxAppealed immediately for a penaltyBooked by official, with VAR not interveningWHAT HAPPENED?

Kane interecepted a pass from goalkeeper Bonello in the Malta penalty area and appeared to be nicked on his ankle by the shot stopper's trailing arm as he dived for the ball. The referee, though, saw it differently and booked Kane for diving, much to the bemusement of the Bayern forward. VAR opted against intervening.

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Replays showed that Bonello made contact with Kane's ankle, so there should have been a VAR review at the very least, although the decision was not deemed to be a clear and obvious error. Kane and his team-mates were particularly aghast, and manager Gareth Southgate was also seen questioning the decision with the fourth official.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

England took a 1-0 lead through an own goal from Enrico Pepe and will hope to see the victory out. Given Malta's standing in the international game, one has to think that Kane will be out to boost his own goal tally.

‘Thinking about steak bakes’ – Kylian Mbappe mocked by Greggs the bakers in ‘come in 4-1’ jibe after PSG’s Champions League disasterclass against Newcastle

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Kylian Mbappe has been mocked by Greggs after being accused of daydreaming about steak bakes, with the PSG star told he is “welcome to come 4-1”.

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World Cup winner flopped at St James' ParkSuffered humbling defeatHas become an easy target for criticsWHAT HAPPENED?

The World Cup-wining forward endured a rare off day alongside the rest of his Paris Saint-Germain colleagues as they suffered a humbling defeat to Newcastle in the Champions League. Mbappe never got going in that contest, with the 24-year-old failing to sparkle on a European stage.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Newcastle had no complaints about that, with Eddie Howe’s side claiming a notable scalp. Their supporters have been revelling in a memorable triumph, while also poking fun at continental rivals. One Magpies fan posted on social media when reflecting on Mbappe’s performance: “I was confident about a win, as I went with a predicted 2-1. The team was just showing off last night though. This fella was just thinking about Greggs steak bakes all night. Right there, he was caught licking his lips thinking of his next one.”

DID YOU KNOW?

It did not take long for bakery chain Greggs to respond to that post, with another cheeky jibe aimed in the direction of Mbappe. They said when being made aware of the steak bake claims: “He’s welcome to come 4-1 this morning…”

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Mbappe looked stunned at times as PSG collapsed in dramatic fashion at St James’ Park, with a disasterclass from Luis Enrique’s side leaving them with work to do in order to make the Champions League last-16 as they are in the so-called ‘Group of Death’ with Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.

Shantry's five hands Worcestershire vital victory

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Worcestershire made a big move in the LV= County Championship relegation struggle by completing an emphatic victory over Hampshire by an innings and 33 runs after 95 minutes on the fourth morning at New Road.

ECB/PA09-Jul-2015
ScorecardJack Shantry now has 44 Division One wickets this season•Getty ImagesWorcestershire made a big move in the LV= County Championship relegation struggle by completing an emphatic victory over Hampshire by an innings and 33 runs after 95 minutes on the fourth morning at New Road.Saeed Ajmal took two more wickets, giving him 8 for 100 in the match, Jack Shantry claimed five for 51 in the second innings as Worcestershire closed up on the three teams immediately above them. They are level with Sussex on 102 points and only one behind Nottinghamshire and six adrift of Somerset.The implications are grim for Hampshire, now cut off by 26 points at the foot of Division One, and, worse still, a team playing without conviction or confidence.Coach Dale Benkenstein came into the game bemoaning the loss of form by top batsmen but there was no sign of curing the problem with his side bowled out for 183 and then 262 after following on 295 behind.”I am massively concerned after our first innings really,” Benkenstein said at the end of the game. “There are has to be a bit of a discussion over the week. In four-day cricket we need to have a few discussions about where we are going from now. We have got six games left which is a lot of cricket, but it does just worry me that mentally whether we are good enough to play in this division. When we have been challenged we haven’t really stood up and been counted.”Joe Gatting showed what could be done by posting a half-century for the second consecutive match since his recall to the middle order. His sensible approach put the conditions into perspective and made sure it would not be a spiritless retreat to a third consecutive defeat for the first time since a relegation season in 2011.Although it is only Worcestershire’s second win of the season – they also beat Somerset by an innings – they have been competitive in most matches. They have taken first innings leads eight times out of 10 and have more bonus points, both for batting and bowling, than any side in the division.Benkenstein is not the first opposition coach to see the merits of an honest and uncomplicated team. A young and hungry group, they have a plan and stick to it but now they have added the x-factor with Ajmal proving that he can still take wickets.Having totally changed the action that made him the top-rated spinner in the world, he may not have all the variations of the past but he knows his own game and more importantly knows how to keep batsmen guessing.As Gareth Berg knows to his cost, it’s not always big turn that achieves the desired result. When the overnight batsman pushed forward to the third ball of the day, he simply missed a straight one that went on to hit middle stump.Hampshire, though, were not ready to give up quickly. Gatting and Danny Briggs settled into the second highest partnership of the innings but having comfortably reached 53 together in 14 overs, Gatting was lbw for 59, playing back to a quicker ball from Ajmal.Worcestershire had to take the new ball to break up more stubborn resistance. Shantry bowled Brad Wheal for 10 and finished off the match when Jackson Bird, also 10, top edged a pull, leaving Briggs unbeaten 42.

Johnson rides in Starc slipstream

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Mitchell Johnson has said that he is pleased with the balance of Australia’s bowling attack, and backed himself to come out firing in the knockouts following a fairly underwhelming outing in the group stages

Daniel Brettig16-Mar-2015One of the casualties of Australia’s unduly disjointed World Cup schedule was Mitchell Johnson. Save for a ball that thudded into the arm of Brendon McCullum, his afternoon at Eden Park looked like the first net session of a new summer, an all-scrambled bowling radar and batting rhythm – he also made a duck.Having effectively two weeks between game one and game two was a major obstacle for Johnson, given how he has shown himself to be unusually durable either side of a six-month hiatus from the game for foot surgery and some overdue work on his technical and mental approaches to the game in 2011-12.Three games later and he is rediscovering his rhythm, also sitting happily in the slipstream of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood as Australia’s designated first-change bowler. Johnson’s least convincing display since Auckland actually came against Sri Lanka when a dry pitch and the selection of Xavier Doherty meant he reverted to taking the new ball.”I think it’s worked perfectly, he’s got a lot of attention,” Johnson said, smiling, of his left-arm off-sider Starc. “He’s obviously bowling very well. He’s done a really good job upfront for us. His career in one-cricket has, so far, been outstanding. He’s always performed well for us in one-day cricket. It wasn’t a surprise that he was going to perform like this through the World Cup as well.”It’s very important to play my role in the team. I’ve really enjoyed being a first-change or second-change bowler throughout this tournament. I think it’s probably suited the team, me bowling at first change and Starcy using that new ball and swinging the ball around and Josh or Patty using it at the other end pushing into the breeze. It’s worked really well. The balance that we’ve got with our bowling attack is really good at the moment.”As for my bowling, I felt like it really clicked coming into the start of the real stuff now. I feel like I’m one of those bowlers that the more I bowl the better I feel with rhythm. We’ve had five [or more] days between games and we’ve been training, but I just feel like I’m starting to click now.””Starc has always performed well for us in one-day cricket. It wasn’t a surprise that he was going to perform like this through the World Cup as well”•Getty ImagesMcCullum and Tillakaratne Dilshan have inflicted the sorts of indignities Johnson had experienced before his time away from the game but very seldom faced in the past 18 months. Dilshan’s sextet of boundaries at the SCG made for memorable viewing, but Johnson has exhibited his recently-found maturity by being able to shrug it off.”I’m ready for whatever’s going to come at me, I’m not stressed about those things,” he said. “That over against Dilshan it wasn’t a horrific over. I probably just over-pitched at the start and then back of a length, and he got away with it. I probably bowled that one short ball I wasn’t happy with, to be honest. The rest were OK.”How I fought back from that was really good for me. To be able to come back and bowl late in the game and be able to bowl that way when the wicket didn’t change. We thought it was going to slow down a bit but it was a still a pretty good wicket. We held our nerve and won the game. Luckily we’d scored a lot of runs.”Nevertheless, it doesn’t sound like Johnson will be lobbying to keep the current ODI playing conditions in place should he ever find himself on the ICC cricket committee. “There’s a couple of overs here and there that have gone for runs,” he said, “But that’s what we expect in this day and age of this game and with the way players play the game now. Two new balls with four fielders out makes it a little bit predictable.”It is something I’ve expected throughout this tournament and with the way the game is. It will be interesting to see if there’s a bit more pressure on how guys play the game. Coming into a quarter-final we’ll see if guys are still prepared to play that type of cricket.”